Category: Romance

Queen of Roses

Blood of a Fae #1

By Briar Boleyn, Pub date 4/15/23

5*s. Best enjoyed when you need an adventure with some enemies to lovers slow burn.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war…
A cast-off princess…

Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.

A dangerous temptation…

As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.

A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…

Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined.”

Review:

I need to preface this review by revealing that this is a darker take on Arthurian legends, and I am NOT usually a fan of the tales that spring from the mythical Camelot. I usually find them excessively boring and unoriginal. I really struggle with them. However, Queen of Roses was an absolute DELIGHT. There are quite a few trigger warnings for it and some dark material here, so you need to be prepared for that, but it really sets the tone of this darker version of Arthur and his kingdom.

Often, Morgan (Morganna in some instances), Arthur’s half sister, is painted in a negative light by authors or put in a position where she is the villain. This story flips that on its head.

Morgan watched her father kill her fae-blooded mother. And then had to live with that fact. Now, Morgan lives in a very human kingdom where anyone with fae blood is heavily persecuted and sometimes killed. The only thing that really saves Morgan is that she is King Arthur’s sister. As a child and because she is part fae, she was passed up for the throne. She is to be sent to the temple when she turns 21 to study under the High Priestess Merlin, a fate she’s not exactly thrilled with, but one she must accept. After all, it would get her away from Lord Florian, the son of Arthur’s most trusted advisor, who terrorizes her at every turn.

However, it also becomes a matter of survival. Any resistance on her part could mean trouble for those she cares about most like her friends Galahad and Lancelet, and Kaye, her youngest brother, who means everything to her and is the one person in her life that loves her for exactly who she is.

What she’s not expecting is for Arthur to come to her with an important task, one that could save the kingdom. She is threatened with dire consequences should she resist or fail, and is sent with the bare minimum in the way of supplies and protection. One of her protectors is the handsome but infuriating and always grumpy new head of the Royal Guard, Kairos Draven, whose rumored past is one of terror and violence.

As their journey progresses, Draven and Morgan find themselves relying on one another more and more, and Morgan begins to suspect that there is more to Draven then what she was told. But before she can find her way into the cracks she finds in his armor and into the spaces that reveal a far kinder heart, the two are joined by a third party, one that makes Morgan question if her heart and body really belong locked away in a temple, and one that Draven is suspect of, not because he’s competition, but because his motives are suspect, and he may be posing more of a danger to Morgan than just heartbreak.

The major vibes throughout this one were: enemies to lovers, a little love triangle, duty bound, deep secrets revealed, betrayal, interesting magic, and surviving/escaping abuse.

I truly loved this story and I’ve already preordered the next installment!

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for an advanced copy in exchange for this honest review. Opinions herein are my own.

Fantasy Mystery Romance Uncategorized

Belladonna

by Adalyn Grace. Pub Date August 23, 2022

5*s. Best Enjoyed when you need an eerie, well-written story of a girl and death.

Synopsis:

Ever since her mother died when she was only an infant, Signa Farrow has been passed from guardian to guardian, each progressively worse and only interested in her eventual fortune. Death has been a frequent companion in her life and somewhat of a rival. After all, what kind of cruel force would continue to eliminate her guardians and leave her alone again and again? Yet, she has her own secret and strange relationship with it as she has approached it many times but has never succumbed. Not only can Signa see spirits, but she’s broken her neck falling down the stairs, has ingested the poisonous fruits from the belladonna plant, and has had accidents she should not have come back from, but she remains alive, healing quickly each time. To Death, Signa herself is intriguing, especially when she begins to exhibit powers that only he shares.

Signa doesn’t want these strange abilities, however. Her only goal is to be the socialite her mother was with hopes for good marriage prospects that would allow her a husband she loved and a life of parties and companionship.

At the death of her latest guardian, Signa is sent to live with her wealthy relatives, the Hawthornes. When Signa arrives to Thorn Grove manor, she finds grief and chaos running rampant. Her mother’s cousin, Lillian, recently died of a mysterious illness, leaving behind a deeply grieving husband, a solemn son, and her daughter, Blythe, who is now suffering the same illness that killed her mother. However, Signa knows these symptoms and also the taste of the ‘medicine’ that is in her cousin’s tea. This is not a regular illness. Someone slowly and methodically poisoned Lillian to death and she can only assume that the same person is responsible for Blythe’s current condition.

When Death approaches her cousin, Signa begs him to spare Blythe for a time while she tries to find the killer. As she races against the clock to find who did this, Signa enlists the help of the handsome and brooding stable boy, Sylas Thorley, her cousin Percy, and even Death himself. As they race against the clock to find the person responsible, she finds herself wanting things she never knew she desired. Then again, Death has an incredible ability to change your perception on what you crave most in life, and Signa finds herself learning that lesson all too well.

Review:

Carey Mansion
https://www.discovernewport.org/blog/post/haunted-spots/

Belladonna is one of those books that has an absolutely incredible cover and you just hope the book inside is just as beautiful. Spoiler alert? It is. I loved Thorn Grove and its inhabitants, and the plot was actually two interwoven, one a mystery and the other a romance. The romance I was somewhat expecting and, if I’m honest, hoping for. The murder plot? Never. Not in the way it was presented.

The book was dark, but not as dark as I had expected at first. I also LOVE Signa. And Death. And Sylas. And Blythe’s fiery and independent spirit. I even enjoyed Elijah, the husband lost in grief. The spirits that featured were also very interesting and the concepts for life beyond were something I’d never really thought about, and I think about death a lot (I’m delightfully morbid).

There are a lot of books coming out with the same concept of death or Hades as an option for romance, but Grace’s Belladonna stands out. I am very excited for Foxglove to come out next year as the twist ending in the Epilogue left me practically salivating. Please add this to your “To Read” pile if you love historical paranormal mystery/fantasy/romance stories. This one is going to be worth the wait, and I cannot wait to fangirl with you all!

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown books for the advanced copy in exchange for this fair and honest review!

Historical Fiction Romance

How To Be a Wallflower

By Eloisa James. Pub Date 03/29/2022.

5 stars. Best enjoyed when you want some romance and hilarity with a tough business woman who bucks tradition and a male love interest that is rough around the edges in all the right ways.

Jacob Astor Addison is in England mainly for business. He wishes to obtain some new people and assets for his growing theatre operation in the states, and London seems to be the prime spot to find such assets given its rich theatrical history. His next venture lies in costuming, specifically obtaining Quimby’s Costume Emporium and its extremely talented proprietor, Martha Quimby. However, his efforts are soundly thwarted when Quimby decides that she would rather sell to another than to move her entire operation and its dedicated employees all the way across the Atlantic.

When Cleopatra Lewis–whose fanciful name does not match the shrewd business woman who goes by it—realizes that the proprietor of the very establishment in which she stands is at a dire crossroads between closing shop and moving it far from its intended home, she feels she must do something to save it. She purchases the business right out from under the American for more than his original offer. After all, she needs Quimby’s costuming to help her escape the marriage mart so she can continue to run Lewis Commodes as she has since her father died and left it to her when she was 19. Who better to help her dress as a wallflower than the prominent costumier?

When Jacob, or Jake to his friends, finds out that Ms. Lewis has upturned his deal with Ms. Quimby, he is both furious and intrigued by the lady who stands in the middle of the shop. Her sharp gaze and lovely façade is hardly what he would expect to find in a business rival. As they enter a tango of wills, they find that their mutual interest in the Emporium is not the only thing that they have in common. As rivalry gives way to revelry and hearts begin to get involved, will this business deal lead to something far more lasting?

One aspect I found entirely different from many other historical romance works set in England was the hero. It was very refreshing to have a less than polished American being the love interest and I felt a lot more connection to Cleopatra Lewis having come from a business background. The H reminded me of my own H and I really saw myself in this story, which made it all the more intriguing and real. I loved how she had her own mind and they both had their own traumas that shaped their shared principles and moral code. It was new and refreshing.

And the carriage scenes? Delightful!

Eloisa James is a very popular name on the HR scene and for very good reason. Her settings are lush, her descriptions are excellent without being overly flowery, and her characters are well thought out and even the smallest ones add to the story. This was another excellent example of her work and you’d be remiss not to pick this one up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon + Harper for the advanced copy in exchange for this fair and honest review.

Fantasy Romance

Edgewood

By Kristen Ciccarelli. Pub Date 03/01/2022

3.5 stars. Best enjoyed when you want a contemporary fae love story laced with a little heartbreak.

TW: amnesia/dementia/Alzheimers

Emeline Lark’s passion lies in her music, even as her voice seems to summon echos of vines and roots from folklore-laden woods where she grew up. Her biggest dream is to see her name in marquee lights. However, when the perfect opportunity shows itself and she gets the chance to tour with her favorite band, she is learns that her grandfather, the man you raised her, has disappeared from his assisted living home. When she goes to investigate, she learns that he has tithed himself to the Wood King, an ancient being that is said to keep the wood and its villagers alive.

Emeline travels to the kingdom at the center of the dangerous wood in order to find her grandfather with the help of Hawthorne, the King’s tithe collector. She trades herself as the King’s new singer in exchange for her Pa. The King accepts Emeline’s trade…with a stipulation. She must find and perform all of his former Song Mage’s songs or forfeit her life. As Emeline sets out on this dangerous path, she learns not only the source of the corruption that has been slowly taking the woods around the kingdom, but also stumbles across the secrets of her own past and her connection to the very wood that would rather eat her alive than let her save it.

Edgewood was a great story once I got into it. However, I do need to admit that for me personally it exploited some very real fears and traumas I have related to amnesia, forgetting, and Alzheimer’s. As long as you are prepared for that, this emotional journey will take you places. There were definite twists and turns that I never saw coming, a magnetic pull between our two MCs, and well kept secrets I would have never expected even half way through the book. The story was largely about love, loss, and determination.

*Spoiler* The ending was very sad to me and broke my heart thoroughly. It was by far the most traumatic ending to a book I have experienced lately. That said, the book was still worth it and I did enjoy the journey.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Kristen Ciccarelli for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.

Romance

The Marquess Makes His Move

Post author By Lady Nightwolf
Post date November 17, 2021
No Comments on The Marquess Makes His Move

by Diana Quincy. Pub Date 03/29/2022.

5 stars. Best enjoyed when you want a story full of intrigue and passion.

The Marquess of Brandon, Alex Whittaker, is out for revenge after a certain mapmaker conspired with his neighbor to cheat him out of his and his tenants’ water rights at his country estate and properties. The ton has looked down him and his mixed race heritage his entire life, but no one will not get away with cheating him. Especially not Roger Fleming, the mapmaker himself.

Unbeknownst to Brandon, Rose Fleming is the actual artist and mastermind behind the R Fleming signature. Having grown up under the tutelage of her uncle, Rose learned all the tips and tricks of a master mapmaker. After the death of her uncle, she married Roger Fleming, his apprentice, as a way to keep the business going and to also have the ability to continue to charge fair prices for her masterful maps. What Rose was not expecting was how she would not only be thrust into the shadows, but that Roger would also lay waste to her hopes and dreams of a family.

When Brandon poses as a footman for the Flemings, Rose is taken with him and he with her. They quickly become friends and feelings begin to develop between them. Alex sees how sweet and smart Rose is and it infuriates him how little regard her cheat of a husband has for her. Rose sees Alex as more than just a footman; she sees him as the companion she so requires. However, when their secrets come to the surface, will need for vengeance outweigh the heavy longing in their hearts?

This book was absolutely lovely! It is a little slow at first, but it drastically picks up pace. Honestly, this is one of those rare HRs where the plot and the content overshadow the sexy parts and you just want to get through them to see where Rose and Alex end up! The characters throughout the book are excellently thought out, with Alex’s hot, broody nature on full display and Rose’s own emotional turmoil is pulpable. The charactersthat are written to be abysmal truly meet the mark as well. I had a lot of fun reading this one. It was an easy and adventurous novel full of action, romance, intrigue, and a few laugh out loud moments.

I can only assume that the rest of the Clandestine Affairs trilogy is as good as this one was. Keep an eye out on the AlwaysLostInWords.blog for more!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for this fair and honest review.

You can preorder this novel here: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository

Romance

All The Feels

4.5 Stars. Best enjoyed when you want a sweet romance with some super hot adult time.

Olivia Dade. Pub Date Nov 16, 2021

I absolutely LOVED “All the Feels” by Olivia Dade!

Lauren, an ER therapist that recently left her career to recover from a bout of burnout, is on vacation when she gets a call from her pain in the ass producer cousin, Ron, offering her a job as a minder for one of the stars on his show Gods of the Gates. As much as she would like to pass on it just to spite him, he offers her pay she can’t refuse. Plus, her ‘charge’, Alexander Woodroe, is not too bad to look at if she were honest with herself.

Alexander Woodroe has had a difficult time lately with his temper. After getting into a bar fight in Spain, he finds himself stuck with a glorified babysitter for the next eight months until the airing of the Gods of the Gates finale. A short, round, woman with birdlike features that reminds him of an adorable little songbird. A little songbird with absolutely no sense of fun.

As Lauren and Alex find themselves together at all hours, they begin to learn things about one another. For instance, Alexander, who has a mouth that never stops running, a sense of humor that has rightfully dubbed him as a “delightful Asshole” by his costars, and ADHD that doesn’t let him rest. He is one of the most generous people Lauren has ever met–and also one of the most protective. Alex realizes that behind her mostly quiet, professional exterior, Lauren as a person who is very giving and forgiving, and allows people to run over her like a doormat, something he refuses to let happen to her even if it means he will ruin his own career in her defense.

As their friendship blooms, Alex and Lauren begin to grow very fond of one another. When Alex goes a step too far in the wrong direction for his producers’ taste, Alex must find a way to keep his little Wren in his life or risk breaking both of their hearts.

I don’t know why I had this on my to read shelf for so long. This book was absolutely fantastic. There are plenty of fanfic references, an H with a huge heart and major sense of justice, delightful banter, and some seriously amazing x-rated scenes that may cause you to want to keep this one in your nightstand for future reference.

The only complaint I had was that the playful name calling on the part of the H was a little much for my taste at some points, but it really only happens before the romance starts and Lauren holds her own.

I highly recommend this read. Seriously. Read it. If you’re still reading this thank you, but you really can’t buy the book or read it if you’re still reading this, so GO!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for this review. It was delightful and you can bet I went back and purchased the first book in the series, Spoiler Alert.

Get It Here:

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Romance

Escaping the Duke

The Secret Crusaders Book 1

By Melanie Rose Clarke. Pub Date 6/17/2021

5*. Best Enjoyed when you want a funny HR romp.

Priscilla Livingston is a daughter of a duke and is also, secretly, a crusader for social justice, working behind the scenes and within her means to find the secrets of the nobility who are less than amenable to vote for causes that would better the less fortunate in society in the House of Lords. She then poses as Lord P and writes letters to the Duke of Bradenton to share the secrets she finds, which he uses to further their mutual causes. Unfortunately, her father has put a stumbling block in the way of her progress: He wants her to find a husband by the end of the season.

Edward Hawkins, the Duke of Bradenton, is also a crusader for the people. However, when he expects that his somewhat anonymous confidant, Lord P, may be putting himself at great risk, he becomes determined to sus out his companion’s identity so he can offer protection. While trying to catch Lord P in the act at a ball hosted by a dangerous member of the nobility, he instead stumbles across Priscilla. As Edward gets to know her, he finds a feisty, compassionate and secretive woman that stirs feelings in him like no other woman has.

Unfortunately for Edward, he is not on Priscilla’s list of eligible husbands. She feels that if she were to wed him, he would want to own her and she cannot allow anything to get in the way of her social justice causes. Even as she develops feelings for him, she knows that she cannot give in to them.

However, as Edward begins to close in on her secret identity, things start to get a little dicey, and soon it’s not just her causes at stake, but also both of their hearts.

Oh my word. So funny. Clarke is an amazing author and the way she writes the internal dialogue of her characters is absolutely fantastic. I honestly loved this book and found myself laughing out loud at times.

Edward is my favorite kind of curmudgeon HR love interest. I pictured him with the large build of Luke Evan’s Gaston and the brooding sexiness of Mr. Darcy. Priscilla is funny, strong, and all heart. Their banter was fantastic and the various settings in which they interacted only helped the plot and pace. I will definitely be picking up the next books in The Secret Crusaders series. I highly recommend this book if you need a pick-me-up!

Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for this honest review!

Romance

Pleasures of the Night

Book 16 in the Distinguished Rogues Series

By Heather Boyd. Pub Date 7/6/2021

4.75*. Best enjoyed in a private setting…unless you’re into that voyeuristic sort of thing.

He’s an heir to a dukedom. She’s a spinster with a secret.

Thaddeus ‘Teddy’ Berringer is one of many men who have a long wait until they inherit their birthright, but Teddy isn’t wanting it anytime soon. However, that doesn’t stop the Duke of Exeter from encouraging Teddy to find a bride and settle down, something that Teddy also is not in a hurry to do.

Eugenia Hillcrest is in her mid-twenties, which makes her a spinster and wallflower in the eyes of society. Eugenia has no real care of what society thinks. Beneath the heavy mantle of social convention lies a sensual wildflower who is not afraid to ask for what she wants.

When Teddy finally speaks to Eugenia at a ball thrown by her younger sister and marquess-to-be, Sophia, he becomes intrigued with the eldest Hillcrest. That only grows as Eugenia puts forth an indecent proposal that Teddy is all too willing to accept.

As the lovers grow more fond of one another, Eugenia knows that she will eventually have to let Teddy go. She has no desire to bed and wed him, even as she begins to give him pieces of her heart without realizing it. What she doesn’t expect is to almost lose him to a husband of her own! As secrets are brought to light, Eugenia and Teddy must come to terms with the worst case scenario, which also may mean losing what they didn’t even know they wanted most.

This was a good one. It was very sensual with well-described love scenes that would make even the most seasoned of HR readers a little hot under the collar. There were definitely a few things I would have liked to see more of, like when Teddy bought Eugenia a particular gift that would have added the perfect kink to round out the erotic aspects of this book. I’m not sure why she stopped before that part, but it was still great with a lot of hot scenes and heart-bursting romance. That’s what we all ask for in a good HR, right?

Overall, the plot was very strong, the auxiliary characters were well fleshed out, and the story was the perfect wallflower and scandal trope. I absolutely loved the characters and I am so excited for the next book in this series because they all deserve a story of their own! I may even go back and read the first 15 books of the Distinguished Rogues series!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this review.

Fantasy Horror Romance

LAKE’S EDGE

BY LYNDALL CLIPSTONE. PUB DATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

3.5*, Best enjoyed on a dark and windy fall day.

Violetta has protected her brother, Aerin, since the death of their parents during a plague when she was only six. Since that point, Aerin has experienced night terrors which manifest a dark shadowy power, and Violetta has stood in defense of him against their abusive adoptive mother. That is until the day of Tithe, when Aerin’s powers reveal themselves in front of the Lord of the land, Rowan Sylvanan. Rowan—known by the locals as the Monster—shows up at their small cottage later that night and threatens Violetta and Aerin into coming with him to his estate, Lake’s Edge. He needs Aerin’s power to help break a curse brought upon him by the Lord Under. However, Rowan doesn’t explain what started the curse nor what this will entail. However, the threats are enough and Aerin agrees, as long as Violetta is allowed to accompany them.

Unbeknownst to all around her, Violetta is familiar with the cruel Lord Under in ways she is reluctant to reveal.

When they arrive at Lake’s Edge, the estate—and Rowan—are not as the rumors have told. As Aerin works to help end the curse with the instruction of Clover, an Alchemist, Violetta and Rowan grow closer. Rowan has been afflicted by the Corruption that threatens the land and each day more and more of this Corruption begins to take him. Will Aerin and Clover be able to stop the Corruption from taking all they have grown to love, including their new-found family? Or will Violetta have to make another deal with a dark entity that held her hand so long ago?

The book was pretty good, although I would have liked more description. At times it felt very vague, like I wasn’t getting a good picture of what was going on and I’d have to re-read parts to understand what I was reading. I think it could have used another edit and some fleshing out, but I was still pleased by the story itself. Hopefully this will be done before the book is released in November.

This also ends on a decent cliff hanger that really makes me wonder where this is heading. It is slated to be a series and I’m very curious as to what the next book will reveal about all of the characters and what will happen to Violetta—spoiler, mayhaps? Although it was a little lacking, the story really is good enough that I want to hear what happens next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an impartial and honest review.

Fantasy Romance

SMALL FAVORS

BY ERIN CRAIG, PUB DATE JULY 27, 2021

5*****. Best Enjoyed when you need a slow burn mystery-thriller!

There are things in the woods that mean the people of Amity Falls harm. At least, that’s the superstition. The edges of the forest are lined with bells and are meant to ward off these beings from town. However, it has been many years since their small village has seen any sign of the creatures that exist in the dark beyond the pines, and the stories have been slowly edging toward superstition. That is until the winter supply run goes terribly awry and the only thing left of the group is a terrified horse in the town square sporting large, claw-like gouges from a huge, unknown animal.

Ellerie Downing, the beekeeper’s daughter, questions what could possibly have made this happen and the town is divided. Is it really just large, ferocious wolves that peer out of the woods at night with silver eyes? Or is it the creatures? And who is this mysterious boy that showed up one day and refuses to give her his name? Why are people suddenly beginning to show up in their isolated village?

However, The most pressing question on everyone’s minds is how are they going to survive the winter when every attempt at survival seems to be thwarted?

Suspicions soar as something sinister overtakes the town. Are basic instinct and long held grudges causing the townspeople to sabotage their neighbors or is something more sinister occurring? And can Ellerie convince the town to start taking the old tales seriously before it’s too late?

Craig is an amazing author. This book is the kind I love. Is something supernatural going on or is there a logical explanation as to what is happening? Plus the small town suspicions, mystery, and survival aspects are everything I want in a book. The only thing I had a tough time with was the ending, but it’s because it feels very abrupt. Otherwise, everything else is fantastic and I absolutely swallowed up every last honey-sweet bite.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!