About the Book:

Title: Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame 

Author: Meg Long 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: January 17, 2023

Pages: 416

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

A girl hellbent on finding the friend she lost. A planet on the brink of total destruction. Only one way to find answers amidst the chaos: team up with a traitor to stage a revolution, in Meg Long’s Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame.

After a mission gone awry two years ago, Remy Castell has been desperately searching across worlds to find the friend she failed to save—the friend who changed her life by helping her overcome the brainwashing she was subjected to as a genetically engineered corporate agent.

Since then, she’s been chasing the only lead she has: fellow genopath Kiran Lore, the same secretive ex-squadmate who left her for dead when she compromised that mission. She nearly caught up to him on Tundar before joining the infamous sled race alongside outcast Sena and her wolf companion Iska. Now, all three of them have tracked Kiran back to Maraas, the jungle planet where Remy lost everything. But nothing on Maraas is how it was two years ago. Syndicates and scavvers alike are now trying to overthrow a megalomaniac corpo director, which Remy wants nothing to do with; fighting against corpos is as useless as trying to stay dry in the middle of the giant hellstorm that encircles the planet. But the storm—and the rebellion—are growing stronger by the minute.

When Remy finds Kiran, he doesn’t run away like she expects. Instead, he offers her a deal: help with the revolution and he’ll reunite her with her friend. But can she really trust the boy who betrayed her once before? With the entire planet on the edge of all-out war, Remy will have to decide just how far she’s willing to go to save one girl before the impending storm drowns them all.

Review:

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

Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame is the sophomore follow up to Meg Long’s Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves. It is set in the same world, but on an entirely different planet. This one can be read on its own, but I highly recommend reading the first book so that you can understand the adventures that Remy has been through as this book takes place immediately afterwards. You also learn more about some of the side characters by reading the first book. I really enjoyed the world building and the fast pace of this one!

Remy Castell has been searching for her friend Alora after a mission went awry two years ago. This friend helped Remy to overcome the brainwashing she was subjected to as a genetically engineered corporate agent. 

Since then, she has been following her only lead, Kiran Lore, who also happens to be her ex-partner who left her for dead when she compromised that mission. She nearly caught up to him on the planet Tundar, where she wound up meeting Sena and her wolf friend Iska. The three of them have tracked Kiran back to Maraas, the jungle planet where Remy lost everything. Nothing on Maraas is the same as it was two years ago, and Remy finds herself being asked to join a revolution. How far will she go to save her friend?

This was a roller coaster adventure that Remy takes us on! I really enjoyed learning about her past, and the planet that she once called home. I was very glad to see Sena and Iska again and have them be a part of this adventure as well. I found myself trying to figure out pieces of the plot, and actually found myself being right! I felt like I had a lot of questions still at the end of this one, and I really hope that there will be a book three.

If you read and enjoyed Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves or you like fantasy and sci-fi I recommend picking this book up! 

 

About the Author:

Meg originally wanted to be a spy. Instead she somehow found herself teaching overseas in China and Malaysia before ending up in Colorado, where it snows entirely too much.

She taught middle and high school for eight years before jumping into the tech industry as a content designer. Her debut novel, COLD THE NIGHT, FAST THE WOLVES, will be released in 2022 from Wednesday Books. She was a Pitch Wars mentee in 2018 and a mentor in 2020-21.

When not reading or writing, she’s kicking things at her Muay Thai gym with her boyfriend, playing video games, or obsessing over Sailor Moon fanart.

Fun Facts: Meg likes Oxford commas, bossing her Roomba around, and people-watching at airports.

About the Book:

Title: The Fate of Eleonor

Author: E.B. Borbón

Publisher: Asturian House Press Ltd.

Release Date: November 8, 2022

Pages: 255

Genre: Adult Paranormal, Adult Romance 

Synopsis:

On a calm night in the Spanish countryside, Eleonor’s life turned upside down when her own Coven betrays her, and everything she knew has been burned. She was forced to watch as humans murdered the love of her life, Max.

Eleonor has walked the earth for over three centuries without her love, and the time has weathered her heart to stone. Without Max, she is broken. Just a shell of the human she once was. New York City is nothing like the Spanish countryside she once knew and loved, but it is a steady hunting ground for her to feed. And it’s where she meets Julian.

There’s something familiar about him that she can’t quite place. Something unspoken. The more time she spends with him, and the more he helps her with her pursuit of revenge upon those who killed Max, the closer she gets to discovering secrets long lost to vampire kind. There is more than just one soul in his human body. Together, they dive deeper and return to the place where it all began. The place where the real threats still linger.

Will Eleonor find the answers she’s looking for, or will she find more than she ever bargained for?

 

Review:

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

A friend convinced me to read The Fate of Eleonor, so I went in not knowing exactly what to expect, other than vampires and some romance. I felt that it was much more than that, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot, as I absolutely loved it! I haven’t read a vampire book in some time, and it made me realize just how much I miss them! I can’t believe that this is the author’s debut, as it was that incredible to me. I was drawn into the story from the first page, and I didn’t want to put it down. If you like a paranormal romance, that’s steamy and mysterious, this one is for you!

Eleonor’s life is completely torn apart one quiet night in the Spanish countryside. Her own Coven betrays her, and everything she knew has been burned. She is forced to watch as humans murder the love of her life, Max.

Fast forward, and Eleonor, or “Ellie” has now walked the earth for three centuries without her love. Without Max, she feels completely broken and just the shell of who she was once was. She has been seeking anything over the years to end her suffering. New York City is nothing compared to the beautiful Spanish countryside she once adored, but it is a good place for her to feed. It’s also where she meets Julian, with whom she feels a connection.

As Ellie spends more time with Julian, he begins to help her with her plans for revenge against her former Coven. Will she get more than she bargained for?

I loved spending time with these characters, and I am excited to read more by this author. This was a story about love and loss, and the power of hope, and I highly, highly recommend. The prequel The Coven Guard will be releasing next month, and I can’t wait!

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: Unseelie 

Author: Ivelisse Housman

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Release Date: January 3, 2023

Pages: 432

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Twin sisters, both on the run, but different as day and night. One, a professional rogue, searches for a fabled treasure; the other, a changeling, searches for the truth behind her origins, trying to find a place to fit in with the realm of fae who made her and the humans who shun her.

Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove looks just like her twin, Isolde… but as an autistic changeling trying to navigate her unpredictable magic, Seelie finds it more difficult to fit in with the humans around her. When Seelie and Isolde are caught up in a heist gone wrong and make some unexpected allies, they find themselves unraveling a larger mystery that has its roots in the history of humans and fae alike.

 Both sisters soon discover that the secrets of the faeries may be more valuable than any pile of gold and jewels. But can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister, and herself?

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

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

I thought this was a solid debut from author Ivelisse Housman! If you like stories about sisters, fantasy, fae, and good autism rep, I think this one is for you. I really appreciated the author’s note regarding how they’re neurodivergent, and how they wanted to include this by having an autistic main character. They wanted to write a book that they wish they’d had as a teen. It was amazing to read about a character who has meltdowns and sensory issues in a good light. I am not neurodivergent, but as a mom of two neurodivergent teens, I was very impressed.

Iselia “Seelie” Graygrove looks just like her twin sister, Isolde, but they couldn’t be any more different. Seelie is an autistic changeling trying to navigate her very unpredictable magic, and Isolde is more of an adventurer looking for the opportunity for treasure. Seelie has been finding it harder and harder to fit in with the humans around her. The two girls wind up becoming involved in a heist gone wrong and make some unexpected and unwanted allies, Raze and Olani. As their journey progresses, they find themselves unraveling a mystery that has roots in both humans and faes alike.

They soon discover that the secrets of the fairies may be more valuable then jewels or gold. The question is, can Seelie harness her magic in time to protect her sister and herself?

I really enjoyed Seelie and Isolde’s adventures and the relationships they develop with their unexpected allies. I loved watching them get chased through faerie realms and I loved Birch the Brownie, he was an unexpected treat! I felt that the pacing was kind of slow in the beginning and then it really picked up towards the end, and then it just ends. We were left with a bit of a cliffhanger, and I didn’t know until recently that this is a duology, so just be prepared for that. I had gone in thinking this was a standalone, and clearly it is not.

I recommend this book, out now! I will definitely read the sequel, as I need to see how this all plays out.

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: A Guide to Being Just Friends 

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin 

Release Date: January 17, 2023

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

A playful and emotional romantic comedy from the author of Ten Rules for Faking It

Hailey Sharp has a one-track mind. Get By the Cup salad shop off the ground. Do literally everything possible to make it a success. Repeat. With a head full of entrepreneurial ideas and a bad ex in her rearview, her one and only focus is living life the way she wants to. No distractions.

Wes Jansen never did understand the fuss about relationships. With a string of lackluster first dates and the pain from his parents’ angry divorce following him around, he’d much rather find someone who he likes, but won’t love. Companionship, not passion, is the name of the game.

When Hailey and Wes find each other in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, they embarrassingly go their separate ways. But when Wes finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, they strike a friendship. Because that’s all this can be. Hailey doesn’t want any distractions. Wes doesn’t want to fall in love.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

Review:

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

This was such a cute book! I enjoyed reading How to Love Your Neighbor last year, and I’m so glad that I got to read and review another Sophie Sullivan book. I now have to go back and read book one for sure! These can be read as standalones, but each book is about one of three brothers. I definitely recommend this one if you enjoy contemporary romance, friends to lovers, and a slow burn!

Hailey Sharp has been on her own for a while. Her parents are never around for her, and she and her boyfriend broke up a while ago. She moved to be closer to her cousin Piper, her husband Nick, and their kids who are her closest family. She has opened her own business called “By the Cup” where her specialty is salads, and she’s doing everything she can to get it off the ground and make it a success. With her head full of ideas about her business, and her ex now in her rearview mirror, she is living life the way she wants to. She wants no distractions.

Wes Jansen never understood all the hubbub with relationships. He’s had a string of first dates that never went anywhere, and he still deals with the pain of his parent’s angry divorce. He’d like to find someone that he likes and gets along with, but not anymore than that. He’d just like some companionship really.

Hailey and Wes find themselves in a disastrous meet cute that wasn’t even intended for them, and embarrassed they go their separate ways. Wes later finds Hailey to apologize for his behavior, and they wind up striking up a friendship. Of course, that’s all that it can be, as neither of them wants a relationship beyond platonic. What could possibly go wrong?

I loved how Hailey was such a determined, hardworking character. She was so invested in her restaurant. It was fun to see her relationship with Piper and her family. She also makes some other friends along the way, including not only Wes, but the funny Fiona. It was nice to see her find her family, her people.

I liked watching Hailey and Wes’ relationship develop. They both enter the friendship with some of their own baggage, and I liked that they are flawed characters. The banter between them was great!

This book was just the kind of lighthearted story that I needed! Excited to read more from this author.

About the Author:

SOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast who loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She writes around her day job as a teacher and spends her spare time with her sweet family watching reruns of Friends. Ten Rules For Faking It is her romcom debut novel, but she’s had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford.

 

About the Book:

Title: Bearer of Masks 

Author: Lauren Jade Case 

Publisher: Self- published 

Release Date: November 29, 2022

Pages: 288

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Synopsis:

Many years ago, people suffered. A rampant virus mutated genes in less than one percent of the population, leaving them with abnormalities. The unaffected shunned them. They shamed the people they didn’t know their lives would come to rely upon.

CHANDLER wants to run away. She craves freedom from her past and her mother. So when an opportunity arises that might take her away, she flees.

ZIVA wants something to be hers. Her whole life she’s had to share everything with her siblings. So when someone hands her an application that could mean standing out, she signs.

QUINTON wants adventure. He finally got it when he took a chance and now he’s made a whole new position for himself. So when things go to change again, he’s intrigued.

When Chandler and Ziva arrive for their first day at their new jobs, it’s not what they expect. And soon, it gets both better and worse.

They’re sent out on a mission, along with Quinton, to retrieve a lost artefact that could change the face of any wearer. But if they don’t recover it within the parameters set, and someone else finds it first, the fate of the world could be in danger.

– – –

Perfect for fans of Ally Carter’s Heist Society, Kirsten Krueger’s Affinities Novels, and James Bond but for a more rounded audience.

Review:

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

This was my second book by Lauren Jade Case and it won’t be my last! She has quickly become one of my favorite indie authors. I really enjoyed Bearer of Masks and I can’t wait to read the sequel. If you enjoy fantasy and sci-fi with a dash of mystery, I think you’d really enjoy this book.

This book takes place in the year 2406. Many years ago, a rampant virus mutated the genes of people in less than one percent of the population, leaving them with abnormalities. Those unaffected shunned them, not knowing that they would come to rely upon them.

Chandler has always wanted to escape. She craves her freedom and wants to get away from her mother with whom she doesn’t have a good relationship. When a new employment opportunity arises, she decides to go for it.

Ziva wants something that’s hers and hers alone. Her whole life she’s had to share everything with her eight siblings. When someone gives her the opportunity to stand out, she signs on.

Quinton longs for adventure. He finally got it when he took a chance and made a whole new life for himself. When another opportunity for change presents itself, he’s intrigued.

When Chandler and Ziva arrive for their first day at their new jobs, it’s not what they were expecting. Soon, it gets both better and worse.

The girls are sent out on a mission with Quinton to retrieve a lost artifact that could change the face of anyone that wears it. But there’s a catch, if they don’t recover the artifact within the parameters set, the fate of the whole world could be in danger.

I quickly fell for this amazing cast of characters! They’re thrown together for a job and come to forge an amazing friendship. The friendship between them is what I loved most about the story. I also thought that the abnormalities were an interesting aspect and I loved learning more about them as the story progressed. Everything wrapped up fairly nicely at the end, but there were some things that were left open ended, and I can’t wait to read more.

This book is available now, so I hope you’ll check it out. I definitely recommend!

I was pleasantly surprised to see myself mentioned in the acknowledgments. It actually brought tears to my eyes and I’m so thankful.

About the Author:

Lauren Jade is a writer from a seaside town in England. She loves writing and reading fantasy, but also sci-fi, dystopia, and occasionally crime/mystery. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading or talking on facetime with her best friend about trips to Scotland or future creative projects.

Starlight is her debut novel and the first in a trilogy, with Starfall coming as the second book. Bearer of Masks is a completely new book set in an entirely new universe. 

About the Book:

Title: A Consuming Fire 

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date: November 22, 2022

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

Uprooted meets The Grace Year in this dark young adult fantasy of love and vengeance following a girl who vows to kill a god after her sister is unjustly slain by his hand.

Weatherell girls aren’t supposed to die.

Once every eighteen years, the isolated forest village of Weatherell is asked to send one girl to the god of the mountain to give a sacrifice before returning home. Twins Anya and Ilva Astraea are raised with this destiny in mind, and when their time comes, spirited Ilva volunteers to go. Her devoted sister Anya is left at home to pray for Ilva’s safe return. But Anya’s prayers are denied.

With her sister dead, Anya volunteers to make a journey of her own to visit the god of the mountain. But unlike her sister, sacrifice is the furthest thing from Anya’s mind. Anya has no intention of giving anything more to the god, or of letting any other girl do so ever again. Anya Astraea has not set out to placate a god. She’s set out to kill one.

 

Review:

*I received an arc from the publisher and the author for review. All thoughts are my own*

This book came out right before the holidays, so I apologize for my tardy review.

I love Laura Weymouth’s books, and I have read every single one. She continues to pull me in every time, break me and put me back together again. This book was wonderful and everything I could have wanted and more! With amazing world building, sisterly bonds, romance and magic, I highly recommend this to fantasy lovers.

Anya Astraea comes from the isolated forest village of Weatherell, where once every eighteen years they are asked to send one girl to the god of the mountain to give a sacrifice before returning home. Twins Anya and Ilva are raised with this destiny in their minds, and when their time comes, the outgoing and spirited Ilva volunteers to go. Her devoted sister Anya is left behind, and she prays for her sister’s safe return. Her prayers go unanswered.

With her sister dead, Anya decides that she will go to the mountain and pay a visit to the god who resides there. But unlike Ilva, Anya is not thinking about giving a sacrifice. Anya does not want to give any more to the god than he’s already taken, and she does not want any other girl to give anything more either. She has not set out to please the god, she’s set out to kill him.

As Anya sets out on her journey, her sheltered life has not prepared her for the outside world. She has never really left the confines of her village, so the fact that she leaves is huge. The Elect are supposed to be there to guide her along, but she finds herself having to keep things from them. She meets a young thief who is about to be unjustly punished, and her heart won’t let her see him suffer. Her feelings for him begin to change as time passes, but he is keeping things from her as well.

An inspiring story you won’t want to miss! Available now.

About the Author:

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, and an ever-expanding menagerie of animal friends. She is represented by the inimitable Lauren Spieller of TriadaUS.

About the Book:

Title: Secret of the Sonnets 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: January 2, 2023

Pages: 293

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance 

Synopsis:

Miranda Hatch is a scholar, and at the advanced age of twenty-six, she is undoubtedly a spinster. Her single-minded ambition leads her not to seek a husband but to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. So when she discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, she pens a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic triumph.

Lord Robert Hamilton is drowning in debt and must turn things around or risk losing his ancestral home. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, he has little time to bother with a letter from an M. Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers―until he realizes there may be some financial merit in granting the request. To his great surprise, M. Hatch turns out to be none other than the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon embarks on the trail of a centuries-old mystery, drawn together not only by their shared goal but by their growing attraction. However, someone else is seeking the priceless papers, and they will not hesitate to remove anyone in the way of glory.

 

 

 

 

 

Review:

 

*Thank you to Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and the author for the opportunity to review an e-arc. All thoughts are my own*

Secret of the Sonnets was an absolute delight! This was the second Samantha Hastings book I’ve read, and I would love to read more from her. Her books are lighthearted and fun, and this one often brought a smile to my face and had me trying to solve the mystery!

Miranda Hatch is a scholar and as she is 26, she is considered to be a spinster. She intends to find the lost works of William Shakespeare, rather than a husband. She discovers a connection between the Bard and the local dashing marquess, and so she sends a letter requesting access to papers that might secure her academic success. She is quite a charming character, and she and her father often work together. He encourages her to pursue her academic dreams.

Lord Robert Hamilton finds himself in dire straits as he risks losing his ancestral home which he has come to inherit after his father’s passing. His father unfortunately made some very poor decisions, and his mother has frivolous spending habits, and Robert must wade through it all. With the weight of everything laying upon him, he could care less when he receives a letter from an M Hatch requesting access to ancestral papers. After thinking things through though, he realizes that there may be some financial benefit to the request. To his surprise, M Hatch turns out to be the lovely Miss Miranda. The pair soon find themselves drawn into a centuries-old mystery. They are not only drawn together by their common goal, but also by a growing attraction. Unfortunately, there is someone else seeking the papers and they will stop at nothing to get what they want.

I love Miranda! She is so smart and funny, and I love the relationship she has with her parents, especially her father. He is so encouraging, and I love how he and Miranda would quote Shakespeare to each other. I love how she put the pursuit of academics and her love of learning above societies expectations. I also loved watching the friendship with Robert blossom.

Robert was also a very likeable character. I loved that he was so honorable and trying to make everything right after his father’s misdeeds. I enjoyed his partnership with Miranda, and watching their relationship develop. There was great banter between them and it was so fun watching him join her on her quest.

I loved the combination of a mystery and a sweet historical romance. I definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.

 

Tour Schedule and Giveaway:

–January 2: Reading with Emily >> Interview
–January 3: Thindbooks Blog >> Interview
–January 4: Books and Everyday Life >> Review
–January 5: From the Heart of a Bibliophile Lair >> Review + Interview
–January 6: My Book a Day >> Review
–January 7: Why Not? Because I Said So >> Review + Interview
–January 8: Older & Smarter? >> Review
–January 9: @LoulasJoys >> Review
–January 10: Holly’s Book Corner >> Review
–January 11: Heidi Reads >> Review
–January 12: Singing Librarian Books >> Review
–January 13: Ashleigh’s Bookshelf >> Review
–January 14: The Clever Reader >> Review

About the Book:

Title: A Fire Endless 

Author: Rebecca Ross 

Publisher: Harper Voyager 

Release Date: December 6, 2022

Pages: 512

Genre: Adult Fantasy 

Synopsis:

East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines. The Isle of Cadence has always held itself and its residents in a tenuous balance. But now Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, has pushed everyone and everything in his path off-kilter in a bid to claim dominion over all.

In the West, Adaira struggles to adjust to the more brutal, bitter ways of life among the Breccans. Striving to find her place in the clan, she swiftly realizes that it just might be the last role she desires to hold. And while magic blooms effortlessly for the Breccans in the west, the spirits continue to suffer beneath Bane’s harsh power, felt in every gust of wind.

In the East, Jack is adrift without Adaira until he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, acquiring a dangerous mission he never expected. One that is destined to lead him westward. Likewise, Torin and Sidra are consumed by a new mystery as sickness spreads first amongst the crops, and then to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. While Sidra desperately searches for a cure, Torin dares to strike a bargain with the spirits—a precarious folly anytime, but especially now as the days grow darker.

With the island falling further out of balance, humans and spirits alike will need to join together to face Bane, and Jack’s gift with the harp will be called upon once more. Yet no one can challenge the North Wind without paying a terrible price, and the sacrifice required this time may be more than Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra can bear to pay.

In the stunning conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology, A Fire Endless finds the delicate balance between the human and faerie realm threatened by Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, whose defeat can only come through fire, song, and heart-rending sacrifice.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher. All thoughts are my own*

*This review contains spoilers for book one*

An epic conclusion to an amazing duology! This book wove a spell around my heart, and it captured my soul. The writing in this book is just breathtaking, and I can’t recommend it enough.

A Fire Endless takes place right after the events in A River Enchanted. Ross seamlessly wove the two stories together. Bane, the spirit of the North Wind has pushed everyone and everything in his path off kilter, both East and West, in his claim for dominion over all. 

Adaira is in the West, struggling to adjust to the ways of life of the Breccans. She is trying to find her place in the clan, and not sure if this is the role that she wants. The Breccans have magic, but the people are suffering in other ways.

Jack feels lost in the East without Adaira. When he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, he finds himself on a dangerous quest that he never could have imagined. This quest will lead him westward. Torin and Sidra are entrenched in a mystery as a sickness spreads from the crops to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. Sidra searches for a cure, while Torin strikes a bargain with the spirits. 

The island falls further out of balance, and humans and spirits must come together to face Bane. Will Jack, Adaira, Torin and Sidra be able to pay the sacrifice, or will it be more than they can bear?

I adored these characters so much, and I enjoyed experiencing their journeys and their growth, and watching how Ross brought everything together. Any questions that were unanswered in A River Enchanted were answered in this one. I can’t wait for my physical copies of the book to come, as this story will stay with me forever. 

If you enjoyed A River Enchanted, you will definitely want to pick this one up! It releases December 6, 2022. 

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: Built to Last 

Author: Erin Hahn 

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin 

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Pages: 328

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

Shelby Springfield has spent the last ten years trying to overcome her past, sanding it away like she does the rough spots on the vintage furniture finds she makes over. But as a former child star, it’s hard to forget a mediocre pop career, a meltdown widely documented by the paparazzi, and a huge public break with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. It’s also hard to forget her other co-star and childhood sweetheart, Cameron Riggs — the one who got away.

Anytime Shelby has called, Cameron has come running… And then he runs right off again to chase stories around the world by making documentaries, too scared to admit what he really wants. But when Lyle stirs the pot, getting the two back in the spotlight with a home renovation show, Cameron can’t help but come on board.

There’s something in it for everyone — almost. Cameron wants to come home and set down some roots. Shelby wants to prove to the world she’s not the messy party girl anymore. And Lyle wants to twist the screws on his two childhood friends who had more chemistry than he could dream of with anyone. Sparks and sawdust fly as Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for “Homemade” and battle Lyle’s shenanigans at every turn.

Erin Hahn’s sparkling rom com debut, Built to Last, is a second chance romance sure to have readers falling in love fast.

Two childhood sweethearts find a second chance at love in this adult romance debut from a critically acclaimed young adult author.

Review:

 

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for review. All thoughts are my own.*

This was my first book by Erin Hahn, and I really enjoyed it! I think this was a great adult debut, and second chance romance is a trope I really love.

Shelby Springfield has spent years trying to overcome her past. She was a former child star who had an average pop career, a public meltdown captured by paparazzi, and a big public breakup with her former co-star Lyle Jessup. She also can’t seem to forget Cameron Riggs, her other co-star and childhood sweetheart. 

Whenever Shelby called, Cameron would come. Then Cameron would take off, traveling around the world making documentaries, unable to confess what he really wants. Lyle winds up shaking things up and calling both Shelby and Cameron in to do a home renovation show, putting them both back in the spotlight.

Cameron wants to come home and put down some roots, Shelby wants to prove she’s not the party girl anymore, and Lyle wants to mess with them both. As Shelby and Cameron film the pilot for “Homemade”, will they rekindle the flame?

I loved the chemistry between Shelby and Cameron! They have such a sweet relationship, and we got to see some flashbacks into their past that really added to the story. They begin to grow as individuals and face their mistakes.  I found myself cheering for them along the way and hoping for a successful show. I believe that the secondary characters in this book may get their own stories, so I am excited about that as well. I really found them to be enjoyable! 

If you fancy romance and home renovation, I think you would really like this book! 

 

About the Author:

Erin Hahn is an author of YA romances, including “You’d Be Mine”, “More Than Maybe” and “Never Saw You Coming”. Up next, she will be venturing into adult romance with her 2022 debut, “Built to Last”. She married her own YA love interest whom she met on her first day of college and has two kids who are much, much cooler than she ever was at their age. She lives in Michigan, aka the greenest place on earth and has a cat, Gus, who plays fetch and a dog, June, who doesn’t.

About the Book:

Title: Engaging the Office Enemy 

Author: Kristin Canary 

Publisher: Dreaming of You Press 

Release Date: September 26, 2022

Pages: 211

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

I hate fakers—and Dax Nyhart is as fake as they come.

I also hate to lose.

My nemesis has been stealing all the best clients for the last year at the marketing firm where we both work—and not because he’s better than me. Because 1) his uncle is the boss and 2) he kisses up to people.

And I’m sick of it.

So when he asks me to fake an engagement so he can land another job—far away from me—I agree. It’s only one dinner, right?

Yeah, sure. One dinner turns into an entire Caribbean cruise. But I’ll do anything to get rid of this pain in my backside. Even pretend to like Dax. Or love him, as it were.

Even hold his hand, laugh with him … kiss him. Discover that maybe there’s more to Dax Nyhart than meets the eye.

The problem? I have no idea what’s fake and what’s real anymore. I’m afraid this game we’re playing might leave me losing more than just clients to Dax.

And this loss might be the most painful of all.

Fans of Jenny Proctor and Emma St. Clair will love this closed-door, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy with lots of sizzle and spice, but no on-page explicit content.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author/publisher and all thoughts and opinions are my own*

This is my first book from this author, other than one other novella, and this won’t be my last! I was quickly sucked into this fun, contemporary romance. This is book five in the California Dreamin’ Series by Kristin Canary, and it can be read as a standalone or as a part of the series. I plan on reading the others I haven’t read as soon as I can. If you like enemies to lovers, fake dating, and one bed tropes, you won’t want to miss this one! 

Alexis is a graphic artist and her arch nemesis at work, Dax Nyhart, seems to be taking all of the best clients that she needs so that she can afford to pay off her mortgage. He’s not getting the work because he is better than Alexis, but because he’s the nephew of the boss and kisses up to everyone. Alexis is so sick and tired of it all. 

Dax comes to Alexis with a request for help. If she would go out to dinner with him and pretend to be his fiancée, he may be able to land a new job, one that would be far away from her. She agrees to the dinner, and that winds up turning into an entire Caribbean cruise. Alexis decides it will be worth it to get him out of her hair, so she’ll pretend to like him, or even love him if she has to.

Throughout the cruise, they hold hands, laugh, and even kiss. Alexis begins to see that there’s more to Dax than she thought. The lines begin to blur around what’s real and what’s not, and Alexis may have more to lose than just clients to Dax.

The witty banter and the chemistry between the two characters is an absolute delight! If you like romance, I highly recommend this one. 

About the Author:

Kristin is a thirty-something wife and boy mom who functions best on peach tea and cookie dough ice cream. She writes closed-door romantic comedies with lots of sizzle and spice but no explicit on-page content. A desert dweller, she always has her eye on the next trip to a beach somewhere–and if she can’t travel there in person, then you’d better believe she’s going to write about it. Kristin is never fully satisfied with a movie, TV show, or book without a hefty dose of romance in it, and she’s grateful to be living a true-life love story with her own crazy little family. Connect with her at KristinCanary.com.