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.

About the Book:

Title: Forestfall

Author: Lyndall Clipstone

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co (BYR)

Release Date: September 27, 2022

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

Some oaths can never be broken…

The curse that haunted Lakesedge Estate has been broken, but at great cost. Violeta Graceling has sacrificed herself to end the Corruption. To escape death, Leta makes a desperate bargain with the Lord Under, one that sees her living at his side in the land of the dead.

But this world of souls and mist hides many secrets. And when Leta realizes she is still connected to Rowan by a tethering spell, she will risk everything— even her soul— to try and reach him.

Torn between power and love, life and death, Leta struggles to keep hold of her humanity as she falls further and further under the spell of the world Below… and the Lord Under.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via the publisher and Netgalley for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own. This review contains spoilers for book one.*

After reading Clipstone’s debut, Lakesedge I became an instant fan! Her sophomore follow up, Forestfall did not disappoint. This story was dark, atmospheric, and wickedly beautiful from start to finish.

This story picks up right where Lakesedge left off. The curse at Lakesedge Estate has been broken, but at a huge cost. Violeta “Leta” Graceling has sacrificed herself to end the Corruption. To escape death, Leta made a bargain with the Lord Under, one that sees her living in the land of the dead.

She discovers that the World Below hides many secrets, and there are dangers she never could have anticipated. Leta soon realizes that she is still connected to Rowan through a tethering spell. She decides that she will risk everything, including her very soul to reach him.

Leta finds herself torn between the World Above and the World Below, between life and death, and between power and love. She struggles to hold onto her humanity as she gets pulled further into the World Below and the spell of the Lord Under.

I loved Leta’s growth in this story. It was interesting to see just how far she would go to be with those she loves, and she does some pretty cutthroat things. We also meet some new fascinating characters that really add to the story, and Clipstone does some amazing world building with the World Below.

If you’re looking for some spooky reads, World at the Lake’s Edge duology would make the perfect choice! I loved this duology so much, and I can’t wait to see what Clipstone writes next. Sign me up!

About the Author:

About the Book:

Title: The Make-Up Test 

Author: Jenny L. Howe 

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin 

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

ONE TO WATCH meets BEACH READ in this smart, swoony, romantic comedy, in which two college exes find themselves battling against each other—and their unresolved feelings—for a spot in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program.

Allison Avery loves to win. After acing every academic challenge she’s come up against, she’s finally been accepted into her dream Ph.D. program at Claymore University, studying medieval literature under a professor she’s admired for years. Sure, grad school isn’t easy—the classes are intense, her best friend is drifting away, and her students would rather pull all-nighters than discuss The Knight’s Tale—but she’s got this. Until she discovers her ex-boyfriend has also been accepted. Colin Benjamin might be the only person who loves winning more than Allison does, and when they’re both assigned to TA for the same professor, the game is on.

What starts as a personal battle of wits (and lit) turns into all-out war when their professor announces a career-changing research trip opportunity—with one spot to fill. Competing with Colin is as natural as breathing, and after he shattered her heart two years ago, Allison refuses to let him come out on top. But when a family emergency and a late night road trip—plus a very sexy game of Scrabble—throw them together for a weekend, she starts to wonder if they could be stronger on the same team. And if they fall for each other all over again, Allison will have to choose between a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and what could be a twice-in-a-lifetime love.

Charmingly bookish and unequivocally fat positive, The Make-Up Test embraces the truth that people can sometimes change and grow, even when you least expect it. 

Review:

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

I thought the Make-Up Test was a great debut for Jenny Howe! It’s a contemporary romcom, with two exes who find themselves pitted against each other in a prestigious literature Ph.D. program. I loved the academic setting and the fat rep! There are some difficult topics discussed in the book, and I felt that the author handled them in a positive way.

Allison Avery has a very competitive spirit. She’s always aced every academic challenge and has finally been accepted into the PhD program she’s always dreamed of at Claymore University. She’ll be studying medieval literature under a professor that she’s admired for years. Her classes seem intense, her relationship with her best friend and roommate isn’t going according to plan, and her students don’t seem to want to participate, but she feels determined. She then finds out that her ex-boyfriend Colin who is just as competitive, has been assigned to TA with her under the same professor, and for her it’s game time.

As Allison and Colin compete, they start falling for each other again. Will they be able to overcome their past and have a second chance at romance?

I really enjoyed seeing Allison’s growth and development throughout this story and how she was able to speak up for herself. I loved her passion for learning and how devoted she is to her field of study. Such a refreshing character! Colin grew on me too throughout the book, and I loved how nerdy they were together.

I definitely recommend this one for romance readers and I am excited to read more from Howe in the future!

About the Author:

Jenny L. Howe first started scribbling stories into black-and-white composition notebooks with neon pink pens when she was in junior high and never really stopped. In college, she decided to turn her love of books into a career by pursuing a Ph.D. in literature, where she spent the next few years studying bizarre and entertaining medieval romances. Now, as a professor, she teaches courses in college writing, literature, and children’s media. When she’s not writing and teaching, Jenny spends her time buried under puzzle pieces, cross-stitching her favorite characters, and taking too many pictures of her rescue dogs, Tucker and Dale. The Make-Up Test is her debut novel.

About the Book:

Title: A Wilderness of Stars 

Author: Shea Ernshaw 

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Release Date: November 29, 2022

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance, YA Dystopian

Synopsis:

In this magical romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Deep, a mysterious illness cursing the land forces a teen girl astronomer to venture across the wilderness in search of the stars’ message that will, hopefully, save them all.

If magic lives anywhere, it’s in the stars…

​Vega has lived in the valley her whole life—forbidden by her mother to leave the safety of its borders because of the unknown threats waiting for her in the wilds beyond. But after her mother dies, Vega begins to see stars falling from the sky. It’s an omen she can no longer ignore, forcing her to leave the protective boundaries of the valley. But the outside world turns out to be much more terrifying than Vega could have imagined. People are gravely sick—they lose their eyesight and their hearing, just before they lose their lives.

What Vega keeps to herself is that she is the Last Astronomer—a title carried from generation to generation—and she is the only one who carries the knowledge of the stars. Knowledge that could hold the key to the cure. And so when locals spot the tattoo on Vega’s neck in the shape of a constellation—the mark of an astronomer—chaos erupts as the threats her mother warned her about become all too real.

Fearing for her life, Vega will be rescued by a girl named Cricket who will lead her to Noah, a boy marked by his own mysterious tattoos. On the run from the men who are hunting her, Vega, Cricket, and Noah will set out across the plains in search of the cure the stars speak of. But as the lines between friend and prisoner begin to blur, Vega must decide whether she will protect the sacred knowledge of an astronomer. Or if she will risk everything to try to save them all. 

Review:

* I received an arc for review. All thoughts are my own*

A Wilderness of Stars is a compelling read from start to finish. I didn’t know too much about the story going in, but it is definitely a departure from Ernshaw’s previous YA books, and I loved that about it! It was just the escape that I needed.

Vega has never left the shelter of the valley. She has been expressly told by her mother to never leave the safety of it’s borders due to threats that await in the wilds beyond. But after her mother dies, Vega sees twin stars in the sky. She finds she can no longer ignore the omen, and must leave all she has ever known and venture outside the valley and journey to the sea. The outside world turns out to be more horrifying than she could have imagined, as the people beyond are very sick and are losing their lives.

Vega holds onto to a secret. She is the Last Astronomer, a title that has been passed down from generation to generation, and she is the only one with knowledge of the stars. This knowledge could be the key to the cure for all those who are sick. When locals spot a tattoo of a constellation on Vega’s neck, the mark of an astronomer, she finds herself in danger as all that her mother warned her about has become reality.

Fearing for her life, she meets Cricket and Noah on her travels, who vow to help her on her mission to get to the sea. Vega must decide if she will protect the sacred knowledge of the stars she possesses, or if she will risk everything to save them all.

An enticing and atmospheric tale, I found myself enjoying following Vega’s journey and learning things about the world as she did. I loved trying to guess what was going to happen next, and I loved the twists and turns along the way. I felt like the story would have worked well without the romance, but I definitely enjoyed it. I’m always a sucker for love! I highly recommend this one, I loved it, and I hope that you’ll preorder it. It’s releasing in November 2022.

About the Author:

Shea Ernshaw is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Indie Bestselling author of the YA books: THE WICKED DEEP, WINTERWOOD, A WILDERNESS OF STARS, and LONG LIVE THE PUMPKIN QUEEN. Her debut adult fiction novel, A HISTORY OF WILD PLACES, was an Indie Next Pick and a Book of the Month selection. She is also the winner of the Oregon Book Award.
She often writes late, late, late into the night, enjoys dark woods, scary stories and moonlight on lakes.

About the Book:

Title: The Girl With the Golden Eyes 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: September 27, 2021

Pages: 236

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Mystery 

Synopsis:

Hana’s life is forever changed when the Comtesse de Champagne, a wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and Hana’s existence transforms from one of poverty to one of privilege.

For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new position, but she hates how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must do all in her power to prove the comtesse’s innocence or she’ll lose everything.

She reluctantly works with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald’s grandson, to track down the true murderer, only to discover shocking secrets that will shake everything Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families. And falling in love could prove deadly.

Review:

 

* I was provided a copy for review by the author. All thoughts are my own.*

The Girl With the Golden Eyes is an enthralling mystery story set in the Victorian Era. The fact that it was inspired by some real historical figures made it all the more intriguing. There is a sweet romance as well that made me swoon! I found myself eagerly turning the pages, trying to figure out the mastermind.

Hana’s life is altered forever when the very wealthy and eccentric Englishwoman, The Comtesse de Champagne sees a painting of her. The comtesse purchases Hana from her father, and her life of poverty turns into a life of wealth and privilege. 

For years Hana enjoys the comforts of her new life, but as she gets older she begins to hate how controlling and neurotic the comtesse is. When the comtesse is accused of murdering Sir Reginald Shipley over a painting, Hana must prove the comtesse’s innocence or risk losing everything.

She reluctantly begins to work with Aaron Shipley, Sir Reginald’s grandson, to track down the true murderer. The shocking secrets they discover will churn up everything that Hana and Aaron thought they knew about themselves and their families, and falling in love could prove a deadly mistake.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick read that involves mystery, romance, and delves into Victorian life then I think you’ll enjoy this one. 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.