About the Book:

Title: An Improbable Season

Author: Rosalyn Eves

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA, Romance

Synopsis:

When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they know exactly what they want. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry. Her sister, Kalli, aims to take high society by storm, with parties and gowns galore and a proper husband at the end of it all. Their cousin Charis hopes to earn her place among the (nearly exclusively male) scientific elite. But it doesn’t take long for things to fall apart. Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia’s dreams of becoming a great poet are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit—and the source of a scientific dilemma that her heart might not survive. Can these young women find their happily ever afters in this turbulent London Season?

Review:

If you enjoy Regency Romance, then I think you’ll enjoy an Improbable Season! Full of witty banter, young love, family, gowns, parties, and carriage rides. This was my first book by Rosalyn Eves, and I am excited to read more from her.

This story features three young women, Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis who set off to Regency London for their first season, knowing exactly what they want. Thalia dreams of publishing poetry and making her mark amongst the intelligentsia. Her sister, Kalli, dreams of balls and gowns and parties, and meeting her future husband. Their cousin Charis aims to take her place amongst the scientific elite, which is almost exclusively male. Things go awry, and the girls wonder if they will get their happily ever after’s?

I really fancied these three stories of three incredibly different girls. It was really neat knowing how each girl ticked, and how they all have something that makes them standout. I loved how although each story was a romance, the story was also about their relationships with each other. There was definitely growth with all three of the girls on this journey and it was lovely to behold. The story also talked some about women’s rights and of the racial inequalities that existed during this time period. Charis’ story was my favorite, as I love enemies to lovers and her character was just so fun!

I recommend this for historical fiction and regency romance lovers! I am excited to read the next book in the series, An Unlikely Proposition.

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review, thank you! All thoughts are my own*

About the Author:

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories is still one of her favorite things to do. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.

She is the author of the BLOOD ROSE REBELLION trilogy, BEYOND THE MAPPED STARS, and AN IMPROBABLE SEASON

About the Book:

Title: A Novel Disguise

Author: Samantha Larsen/Hastings

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult

Synopsis:

When Miss Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after his death, she realizes she isn’t the only one with a secret to hide in this historical series debut, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Sherry Thomas.

1784 London. Miss Tiffany Woodall didn’t murder her half-brother, but she did bury him in the back garden so that she could keep her cottage. Now, the confirmed spinster has to pretend to be Uriah and fulfill his duties as the Duke of Beaufort’s librarian while searching Astwell Palace for Uriah’s missing diamond pin, the only thing of value they own. Her ruse is almost up when she is discovered by Mr. Samir Lathrop, the local bookseller, who tries to save her from drowning while she’s actually just washing up in a lake after burying her brother.

Her plan is going by the book, until the rector proposes marriage, and she starts to develop feelings for Mr. Lathrop. But when her childhood friend, Tess, comes to visit, Tiffany quickly realizes her secret isn’t the only one hidden within these walls. The body of a servant is found, along with a collection of stolen items, and someone else grows mysteriously ill. Can Tiffany solve these mysteries without her own disguise being discovered? If not, she’ll lose her cottage and possibly her life.

Review:

*Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and the author for this copy in exchange for review. All thoughts are my own*

I absolutely loved this! It was so great to read a mystery after not having read one for a while. Samanta Larsen/Hastings continues to impress me, and I can’t wait to read more books from her.

In this historical series debut taking place in 1784 England, Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after discovering him dead in bed and takes her life into her own hands.

Tiffany Woodall did not murder her half-brother, who she shares a likeness with, but she did bury him in the backyard so that she could keep her cottage. The 40-year-old spinster plans to masquerade as Uriah and take over his duties as the Duke of Beufort’s librarian. While working as Uriah in Astwell Palace, she wants to search for Uriah’s missing diamond pin, which is the only thing of value she has left. Her cover is almost blown when Mr. Samir Lathrop, the local bookseller, tries to save her from drowning when she’s actually only bathing in the lake after burying her brother.

After starting work at the palace everything seems to be going according to plan, until the local rector proposes marriage, and she develops feelings for Mr. Lathrop. When her childhood friend Tess comes to visit the palace, she discovers that her secret isn’t the only one hidden in its walls. The body of a servant is found, along with several stolen items, and another person becomes ill quite suddenly. Can Tiffany solve the mysteries without blowing her cover? If not, she may lose her cottage and her own life.

Tiffany was such an amazing character! She had so many responsibilities, like managing her household with the cooking and the cleaning, while also working in the library as Uriah, and keeping her disguise. I often felt myself worrying about Tiffany when she had to switch between roles that someone would figure out her ruse. I think I held my breath a few times! There were also some funny, lighthearted moments that made me laugh out loud.

It was interesting to see the differences in social status between the characters, and how that all played out. This book also touched on other important topics such as women’s rights and racism. The author did some great research for the time period and included that information and some historically accurate events at the back of the book.

I highly recommend this one!

About the Author:

This author also writes as Samantha Hastings

About the Book:

Title: Elfie Season 1 

Author: Gabrielle Dubois

Translator: Marybeth Timmerman

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: August 21, 2022

Pages: 153

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Synopsis:

It’s Paris, and the year is 1865. Two strangers from completely different worlds cross paths. Angus King is making a way for himself in the bohemian world of artists; Elfie Montesquiou is only fifteen and has just run away from her conventional middle-class family. What is this man’s true nature and what is his terrible secret? What sordid event caused this young woman to flee her home? As they struggle to live their lives to the fullest in a world where Angus is forbidden to love Lord Wanton and where Elfie is forced to marry for money, they decide to strike a mysterious deal, turning Elfie into an alibi and allowing them both to continue their quests for love and freedom, for better or for worse. This fascinating novel with engaging characters, and meticulously researched for historical accuracy, speaks of freedom for men, for homosexuals, and above all for women. And as a special treat, ink drawings accompany each chapter, in the style of historical 19th century novels. 

Review:

*I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. Thank you! All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoyed this trip to 19th century Paris! Perfect for fans of historical fiction, Paris in general, and beautiful historically accurate illustrations. Dubois gave this book a more modern feel, as she covered topics such as the treatment of women and homosexuals. 

Two strangers from different worlds cross paths one night and their lives are forever changed. Angus King is making his way in the world of artists, and Elfie Montesquiou is only fifteen and has run away from her controlling middle-class family. They both are such intriguing characters, and we learn that they are just yearning to live their lives as they see fit.  Angus is not allowed to love Lord Wanton and Elfie is being forced to marry for money, and so they strike an unusual bargain. They will become companions and alibis, and continue their quests for love and freedom, come what may. 

I loved the banter between Elfie and Mr. King. They are both very intelligent people, and I liked seeing their friendship develop.  Elfie didn’t put up with Angus’ malarky and I appreciated that. I liked how she saw her chance for freedom, she seized it, and helped Angus on her way. I liked how Angus gave Elfie the opportunity to escape her fate, as women basically had no rights during this time period. 

This was a quick, fast paced read that I definitely recommend. There is a bit of a cliff hanger, and I am curious to find out what happens as their journey continues in Season 2. 

 

 

About the Author:

The binge worthy book series ELFIE about a young woman’s fight for her freedom, her quest for love, and how she becomes the alibi for a famous gay author is released!
This fascinating book series ELFIE by Gabrielle Dubois and Marybeth Timmermann , with engaging characters, and meticulously researched for historical accuracy, speaks of freedom for men, for homosexuals, and above all for women. And as a special treat, ink drawings accompany each chapter, in the style of historical 19th century novels.
Gabrielle Dubois is an author specialized in 19th century historical novels. Readers can identify with her emotionally rich, endearing heroines who try to find their happiness, their path, and love in a society made by men. She is also Founding General Partner of THE 51 FUND, an American fund producing films written and directed by women.

Instagram @gabrielleduboisauthor
English website gabrielledubois.net
Site français gabrielle-dubois.com

About the Book:

Title: The Prince & the Apocalypse 

Author: Kara McDowell 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: July 11, 2023 

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Contemporary, YA Dystopia 

Synopsis:

An American teen stranded in London is forced to team up with the British crown prince if she wants to make it back home before the end of the world in this delightfully rompy high-stakes rom-com.

Wren Wheeler has flown five thousand miles across the ocean to discover she’s the worst kind of traveler: the kind who just wants to go home. Her senior-year trip to London was supposed to be life-changing, but by the last day, Wren’s perfectly planned itinerary is in tatters. There’s only one item left to check off: breakfast at The World’s End restaurant. The one thing she can still get right.

The restaurant is closed for renovations—of course—but there’s a boy there, too. A very cute boy with a posh British accent who looks remarkably like the errant Prince Theo, on the run from the palace and his controlling mother. When Wren helps him escape a pack of tourists, the Prince scribbles down his number and offers her one favor in return. She doesn’t plan to take him up on it—until she gets to the airport and sees cancelled flights and chaos. A comet is approaching Earth, and the world is ending in eight days. Suddenly, that favor could be her only chance to get home to her family before the end of the world.

Wren strikes a bargain with the runaway prince: if she’ll be his bodyguard from London to his family’s compound in Santorini, he can charter her a private jet home in time to say goodbye. Traveling through Europe by boat, train, and accidentally stolen automobile, Wren finds herself drawn to the dryly sarcastic, surprisingly vulnerable Theo. But the Prince has his own agenda, one that could derail both their plans. When life as they know it will be over in days, is it possible to find a happy ending?

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Wednesday Books for review, thank you! All thoughts are my own*

This is my third Kara McDowell book, and she hasn’t disappointed me yet. This book was FANTASTIC and gave me all the feels! A swoon worthy, end of the world, feel good romance that I highly recommend! There is also good mental health rep in this book, that I appreciated. Fans of the Princess Diaries and Hallmark royal love stories, this is for you!

Eighteen-year-old Wren Wheeler is on a senior year trip to London with her BFF that is supposed to be life changing, but all she really wants to do is go home. Her perfectly laid plans and itineraries have been ruined so far. She just has one more item she wants to check off her list before she goes home. She wants to eat breakfast at The World’s End restaurant where her overachieving sister went on her trip to London.

It turns out that, just her luck, the restaurant is closed for renovations. She winds up meeting a cute and mysterious boy there, who looks like Prince Theodore, on the run from the palace and his controlling mother. When Wren helps him escape some tourists and the paparazzi, the prince gives her his phone number and promises one favor in return for her help. Wren doesn’t plan on taking him up on his offer, until she gets to the airport and learns that her flight home has been canceled. The world is about to end in eight days due to an approaching comet! Wren realizes that the prince may be her only way to get back home to her family.

Wren makes a deal with the prince. She’ll be his bodyguard from London to his family’s compound in Santorini if the prince gets her a private jet home so she can say goodbye. Traveling across Europe with the prince, she finds herself drawn to Theo. But the prince has his own agenda, that could derail both of their plans. Is it possible to find a happy ending, when the world as they know it will be over in days?

I adored Wren and Theo! I felt that considering the circumstances, their romance was believable. I didn’t feel that it was rushed, even though it took place over a matter of days. The chemistry between them was *chefs kiss* and I loved the witty banter they shared.

Warning, there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and I am extremely hopeful for a sequel! Highly recommend!

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: Hidden 

Author: Shalini Boland 

Publisher: Bookouture

Release Date: March 21, 2023 (originally published March 15, 2011)

Pages: 480

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Paranormal Romance 

Synopsis:

A paranormal romance that spans the centuries from modern England to 19th century Paris and ancient Cappadocia.

Madison Greene is in foster care until one day she inherits a fortune, she inherits a house, she inherits a cellar full of danger.

Alexandre Chevalier lives in 19th century Paris. On an archaeological expedition, he discovers a lost underground city where his life changes forever.

Their lives entwine, but this is only the beginning… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you. All thoughts are my own.*

I went into Hidden not knowing much, other than it’s a vampire romance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! It’s perfect for fans of Twilight, Vampire Academy or The Vampire Diaries. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I need to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next. I enjoyed reading the two different POVs and timelines, just felt that the pace was slow at certain points.

Seventeen-year-old Madison Greene and her twelve-year-old brother Ben have been in and out of foster homes ever since their mother passed away. One day her fortunes change, when a solicitor tracks her down and explains that they have inherited a mansion and a fortune from one of her mother’s long deceased relatives. Maddie soon finds out that the house holds a secret, that has long been buried.

Alexandre Chevalier is a young, handsome man living in 19th century Paris. He sets out on an archeological adventure with his parents and siblings and some close family friends. They go on a dig in ancient Cappadocia and discover an underground city that changes their lives forever.

Madison and Alexandre find each other and fall in love in the present day, but things are more complicated than the two of them could ever imagine.

I definitely recommend this one to anyone that’s a YA fan, likes vampires, and a sassy protagonist! I plan on picking up book two asap!

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: When Lightning Strikes 

Author: Chani Lynn Feener 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: March 29, 2023

Pages: 454

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

In a land ruled by Yaoguai and overrun with demons, a girl must put her heart aside to discover her true destiny.

Caixia, better known as the Prince’s Red Rabbit, is a fierce assassin. Sent out by the prince under the cover of night, she’s known for delivering swift justice just as much as she’s known for the single eyepatch she always wears. No one knows what lies beneath the strap of cloth, no one aside from Caixia herself and the royal family.

Or so they believe.

Gods Gold, reincarnated gods thrown out of the heavenly realm and sent to the mortal plane to atone, have ruled over Middlemist for centuries, but they’re a dying breed. Each year less and less of them are reborn as they complete their punishments and return to the Jade Emperor. Now that it’s time for Prince Yida to marry, there doesn’t seem to be any viable candidates left for the role. But just when Caixia and the prince begin to hope this could be the opportunity for them to be together, a girl is found. With two golden eyes.

Lei, the newly appointed Guardian of the West, helps ease some of Caixia’s sadness, filling a hole she didn’t realize she had as the two of them grow closer. But Lei has secrets of his own that he’s keeping, ones that could unravel not only their kingdom, but the entire world as they know it.

In the end, will Caixia choose to stand by the prince she’s always loved, or will she decide to put her faith in the man who helped her see she’s much more than simply the Red Rabbit? As demons plague the city and tragedy strikes, these three will have to unravel the threads of fate and decide who, and what, they really are.

One wrong choice, and the whole world suffers.

Review:

*I received an e-arc copy for review from the author. All thoughts are my own*

This is my third book by Chani Lynn Feener, and she has not disappointed me yet! She has quickly become one of my favorite indie authors. When Lightning Strikes is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy full of court intrigue, epic fight scenes, yaoguai, gods gold, demons, a strong female protagonist and forbidden love.

Caixia, better known as the Prince’s Red Rabbit, is a fierce assassin. Raised by the royal family, she is sent out under the cover of darkness by the prince, and is known for quickly delivering swift justice, as well as the eye patch she always wears. No one knows what lies beneath the eye patch, except for herself and the royal family, or so they believe.

Gods Gold or reincarnated gods thrown down from the heavenly realm to atone, have ruled over Middlemist for centuries, but they’re a dying breed. Each year, less and less of them are being reborn as they complete their punishments and return to the Jade Emperor. Now that it’s time for Prince Yida to marry, there don’t seem to be any candidates for the role of Princess. Just when Caixia and the Prince think this may be a chance for them to finally be together, a girl is found with two golden eyes.

Lei is the newly appointed Guardian of the West, and he helps to ease some of Caixia’s sadness. He fills a hole that she didn’t even know that she had as they grow closer. But Lei has secrets of his own that he’s keeping, secrets that could change the world as they know it.

In the end, as demons plague the city, will she choose the Prince she’s always loved, the man that’s helped her realize she’s more than the Red Rabbit, or will she choose herself?

I highly recommend this YA fantasy full of plot twists, adventure, and heartbreak! I can’t wait for book two of what will be a trilogy. Available now on Kindle Unlimited and Amazon! Also, Team Yida! 😉

About the Author:

Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.

Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a…

Find her on Instagram @TempestChani 

About the Book:

Title: Play the Fool 

Author: Lina Chern 

Publisher: Bantam 

Release Date: March 28, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Mystery, YA Thriller, YA Contemporary 

Synopsis:

A cynical tarot card reader seeks to uncover the truth about her friend’s mysterious death in this delightfully clever whodunit.



For Katie True, a keen gut and quick wit are just tools of the trade. After a failed attempt at adulting in Chicago, she’s back in the suburbs living a bit too close to her overbearing parents, jumping from one dead-end job to the next, and flipping through her tarot deck for guidance. Then along comes Marley.



Mysterious, worldly, and comfortable in her own skin, Marley takes a job at the mall where Katie peddles Russian tchotchkes. The two just get each other. Marley doesn’t try to fix Katie’s life or pretend to be someone she’s not, and Katie thinks that with Marley’s friendship she just might make it through this rough patch after all. So one day, having been encouraged by Marley to practice soothsaying, Katie reads tarot for someone who stumbles into her shop. But when she sneaks a glance at his phone, she finds more than just clairvoyant intel. She finds a photo. Of Marley. With a gunshot wound to the head.



The bottom falls out of Katie’s world. Her best friend is dead? Who killed her? She quickly realizes there are some things her tarot cards can’t foresee, and she must put her razor-sharp instincts to the ultimate test. But the truth has deadly consequences, and Katie’s recklessness lands her in the crossfire of a threat she never saw coming. Now Katie must use her street smarts and her inner Strength card to solve Marley’s murder–or risk losing everything.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own.*

I really enjoyed this mystery by debut author, Lina Chern! I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it after reading the first page or two, but I’m glad I kept going, as it kept me wanting to read more from there on out!

Katie True is a middle child who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with rather overbearing parents. Her older sister is quite successful doing real estate, and her brother is a neurodivergent college student. She has been floating from job to job, ever since she quit college. Her most recent job is working in a Russian knick-knack shop in the mall, where she plays with her tarot cards when the shop is quiet. Tarot has always been a passion of hers. Katie doesn’t really make friends, and so she is happy when she connects with Marley who works at another shop in the mall. They seem to get each other, and Katie feels like she can be herself with Marley.

One day, after being encouraged by Marley to read tarot as that’s her passion, she reads the cards of a man who comes into the shop battered and bloodied. When he leaves the room briefly, Katie snoops on his phone and sees a picture of her friend Marley, with a bullet in her head!

Katie’s world is completely rocked, and she can’t believe that her friend is dead. She realizes that there are some things the cards can’t foresee. She winds up going to the police, but they don’t seem too concerned, as there is nothing left at the crime scene, but a necklace that Katie found. Katie decides that she must find out what happened to Marley, regardless of the possible danger.

I really loved the relationship between Katie and her brother Owen, and how that was explored in the story. They just really understood each other, and I thought that was beautiful! I also enjoyed the connection that she makes with Jamie at the police station, the only one who seems to believe her story.

I recommend this standalone for fans of a good YA mystery! I enjoyed following the clues that led to a great ending!

About the Author:

Lina Chern has been published in Mystery Weekly, The Marlboro Review, the Bellingham Review, Rhino, The Collagist, Black Fox Literary Magazine, and The Coil. She lives in the Chicago area with her family. Play the Fool is her debut novel.

About the Book:

Title: Divine Rivals 

Author: Rebecca Ross 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: April 4, 2023

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Historical 

Synopsis:

NO GOD
NO CREATURE
NO WAR
CAN COME BETWEEN THEM

The latest from the number one SUNDAY TIMES bestseller Rebecca Ross
When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, their fate depends on their facing the depths of hell … together. 

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again …

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced
to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Wednesday Books for review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you for the opportunity! *

I absolutely LOVED this book, and it has quickly become one of my favorites that I have read so far this year! I jumped on the opportunity to read this one, as I absolutely adore Rebecca Ross and all of her books. This book kept me totally enthralled from start to finish. There was magic, great worldbuilding, action, adventure, a truly epic love story, and characters that I grew very attached to. This story totally gave me WWI vibes and I was here for it! So heartbreakingly beautiful! 

Iris Winnow is trying desperately to keep her family together. Her brother is on the frontline of a war where he is forced to fight on behalf of the gods, and he is now missing in action. He hasn’t answered any of her letters. Her mother is drowning herself in her sorrows. Iris feels that her best bet to help her family is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands, that of her handsome but cold competitor at the paper, Roman Kitt. However, an unlikely magical connection forms between them.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters traveling along with them, can their bond withstand the fate of mankind, and more importantly, love?

I thought the competition between Iris and Kitt was wonderful! It was so fun to read the banter between them. Iris comes from a rather modest background, and the position at the paper could be life changing for her. Kitt on the other hand comes from a wealthy family, but he has a rather controlling father who so desperately wants to fit in with high society, that he doesn’t let his son make any decisions for himself. Kitt is trying to get the position at the paper more because of familial expectations, rather than his own desires.  Kitt feels like he’s completely trapped, and he also mourns the death of his sister. 

When Iris and Kitt find themselves in the middle of the war effort, things really take an interesting turn! 

Just an FYI, the author posted some content/trigger warnings for this book:

Loss of a parent
Loss of a sibling
A parent struggling with alcoholism
Profanity: mild
Depictions of PTSD
Violence: moderate to severe
Mature Scenes: present on the page, but not explicit

The ending of this one killed me, and I can’t wait for book two! Can I have it now, please? 😉 Available April 4, 2023, I hope that you will consider reading this one. Highly recommend! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:

Rebecca Ross writes fantasy novels for teens and adults. She lives in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia with her husband, their lively Australian Shepherd, and an endless pile of books. THE QUEEN’S RISING, THE QUEEN’S RESISTANCE, SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG, and DREAMS LIE BENEATH are her titles for young adult readers. A RIVER ENCHANTED is her adult fantasy debut, publishing February 15, 2022 with a sequel to follow. When not writing, she can be found reading or in her garden, where she grows wildflowers and story ideas. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.

Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

About the Book:

Title: From These Raging Seas

Author: Brittany Czarnecki

Publisher: Self-published

Release Date: Coming Spring 2023

Pages: 290

Genre: New Adult Fantasy, LGBTQA+

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Caspian comes from one of the wealthiest families in the Sunken City, but being one of five identical brothers, he’s always felt invisible. After his mother dies and a devastating falling-out with his father and brothers, Caspian decides to take his life into his own hands. And when the famous Captain Keelhaul Jack comes to town, Caspian sees the opportunity of a lifetime.
After stowing away on the famous pirate’s ship, Caspian eventually earns a place amongst the crew of the Chained Maiden. But soon finds himself falling- not just for the sea and the freedom- but for the sharpshooter named Hraefn. After a deadly ambush, Jack reveals a plan he’s kept from his crew. Find the ship of legends; the one which controls the sea, the one that Jack promised to someone from his past. But first, they need to hunt down the missing pieces of the map, and they aren’t the only ones looking.
Battling sirens, raging seas, and a growing love for Hraefn, Caspian finds himself in the fight of his life with his newfound family. But not every story has a happy ending, and not all pirates get their treasure.
A queer romance, adventure story with a heartbreaking ending you’ll never see coming.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author for review. Thank you!  All thoughts are my own*

This was my first book by local author, Brittany Czarnecki. I came across her first series in Barnes & Noble and quickly connected with her on social media.  I was surprised by how much I loved this book! If you like fantasy, pirates, adventures on the high seas, romance, and the found family trope, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. It’s told from multiple perspectives, as well as including flashbacks, and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.

Caspian is an eighteen-year-old from one of the wealthiest families in the Sunken City. He’s always lived in the shadow of his five brothers and always felt like he didn’t fit in. After the death of his mother, he has a falling out with his father and brothers, and decides he needs a change in his life.  After the infamous Captain Keelhaul Jack comes to town, Caspian sees his opportunity. He stows away on Captain Jack’s ship, The Chained Maiden.

After Caspian is discovered as a stowaway, he works hard and eventually earns a place amongst the crew. He finds himself enjoying the freedom and life at sea and soon begins falling for the ship’s sharpshooter Hraefn (Ray-fin). After the ship is involved in a deadly ambush, Captain Jack reveals that he is in search of a ship of legends, a secret he had previously kept from the crew. The ship of legends controls the sea, and it also has something to do with a promise Jack made in the past.  In order to find the mysterious ship, they need to hunt down the pieces of the map, and they aren’t the only ones searching.

Caspian finds himself in a fight for his life, while battling pirates, sirens and the raging seas. Who will survive, and will they find the treasure?

This book has an amazing cast of characters, and I can see why other readers are comparing it to Six of Crows, Fable, and even Pirates of the Caribbean. I quickly fell for each and every one of them as they are an amazing squad. I think that Caspian, Hraefn, Jack and Tsu are my absolute favorites though! Just be prepared to have your heart ripped out and put back together while reading this gem, as Brittany doesn’t exactly go easy on us.

From These Raging Seas will have a cover reveal soon and it is set to publish this spring of 2023. I hope that you’ll check it out, as I highly recommend it! I am certainly excited to continue this series as well as read other works from this author.

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: Hot Dutch Daydream 

Author: Kristy Boyce 

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: April 18, 2023

Pages: 304 

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

Romance is not on the itinerary—or is it? Rom-com fans who love books by Elise Bryant and Jenna Evans Welch will adore this paperback original companion to Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce.

No one has ever accused Sage Cunningham of being easily distracted. She has a plan, and she won’t be swayed. She’ll spend the summer interning in her mentor’s lab in Amsterdam, and then she’ll be ready to start her freshman year of college. All she needs to do to pay for the summer abroad is agree to serve as the au pair for Dr. Reese’s three-year-old.

Sage has it all down to a science, but she doesn’t anticipate the surprise arrival of Dr. Reese’s teenage son. Ryland is spontaneous, flirty, and impulsive—everything Sage isn’t. He’s an artist, and he’s not half bad, but he’s desperately in need of someone to keep him focused. And as nannying proves harder than Sage had expected, it turns out she might need help too.

The two strike a deal. Sage will stop Ryland from going out with a different girl every day, and Ryland will pitch in with his little brother. Spending the whole summer stuck together is the perfect way to keep distractions to a minimum. Right?

Reluctant romance lovers will devour this next summer read from Hot British Boyfriend author Kristy Boyce.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and the publisher HarperTeen for review. Thank you! All thoughts are my own*

Hot Dutch Daydream was a fantastic follow up to Boyce’s debut of Hot British Boyfriend! Although this one can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading HBB before reading this one. I found that I didn’t want to put this one down, and it’s the perfect summer read. I totally wanted to travel somewhere while reading!  For fans of smart girls, artistic boys, interesting family dynamics, travel and a slow burn romance, I highly recommend this one! 

Sage Cunnigham has always been super focused.  Her summer plans include interning in Dr. Reese’s lab in Amsterdam before starting her freshman year of college. Sage agrees to nanny for her mentor’s three-year-old son Diedrick in order to pay for the trip, which includes an important conference in Berlin. 

Shortly after her arrival in Amsterdam, Sage is surprised by the unexpected addition of Dr. Reese’s teenage son Ryland. His personality is the exact opposite of hers, he’s flirtatious, spontaneous, and impulsive. He’s an artist who really needs someone to help keep him focused. Nannying is harder than Sage expected it to be, and she feels as though she needs help too. 

The pair strikes a deal. Sage will keep Ryland from going out with friends all the time and Ryland will help out with his little brother. They figure that working together will keep distractions away and they’ll both be able to focus. Or will they? 

Sage and Ryland are such great characters! I love how Sage is so driven towards her goals, and she doesn’t let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Ryland is such a sweet and supportive character. He really encouraged Sage and got her to open up and also do some fun things while being away from home. They balanced each other out so well! There are some interesting family dynamics that are explored for both characters as well.  I also love how we get updates from Sage’s best friends Ellie, Dev, and Huan from HBB and what they’ve been up to.

I think if you loved HBB and/or you’re a romance fan, you would love Hot Dutch Daydream. It’s releasing on April 18, 2023, and I hope you’ll give a try. 

 

 

 

About the Author: