Dungeons and Drama (Dungeons and Drama, #1): Review

December 29, 20242 Comments

About the Book:

Title: Dungeons and Drama

Author: Kristy Boyce

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: January 9, 2024

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

When it comes to romance, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to play games. A fun YA romcom full of fake dating hijinks! 160047094

Musical lover Riley has big aspirations to become a director on Broadway. Crucial to this plan is to bring back her high school’s spring musical, but when Riley takes her mom’s car without permission, she’s grounded and stuck with the worst punishment: spending her after-school hours working at her dad’s game shop.

Riley can’t waste her time working when she has a musical to save, so she convinces Nathan—a nerdy teen employee—to cover her shifts and, in exchange, she’ll flirt with him to make his gamer-girl crush jealous.

But Riley didn’t realize that meant joining Nathan’s Dungeons & Dragons game…or that role playing would be so fun. Soon, Riley starts to think that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require as much acting as she would’ve thought…

Review:

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

Kristy Boyce has become one of my auto-buy authors. This was so cute and such a fun read. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and I loved learning more about DND!

Riley has dreams about becoming a director on Broadway. That’s why she needs to bring back the school’s spring musical. When she gets caught driving her mom’s car without permission, she dreads her punishment. She must work at her dad’s game shop during her after-school hours. Her parents are divorced, and she and her dad aren’t really close.

Riley kind of panics, because she can’t spend her time working at the shop when she needs to save the musical. She convinces Nathan, a nerdy employee at the shop, to cover her shifts. She agrees to make the gamer-girl he has a crush on jealous in exchange.

Riley didn’t realize she’d have to join Nathan’s Dungeons and Dragons game that’s held at the shop. She actually begins to find the role-playing fun. She also starts to realize that flirting with Nathan doesn’t require a lot of her acting skills. She begins to understand her father more, the more time she spends at the shop.

I really enjoyed this one and I definitely recommend! I loved seeing Riley’s growth and character development. If you enjoy contemporary romance pick this one up!

About the Author:

Kristy Boyce lives in Columbus, OH and teaches psychology as a senior lecturer at The Ohio State University. 19976731._UX200_CR0,28,200,200_

When she’s not spending time with her husband and son, she’s usually writing, reading, putting together fairy gardens, or watching happy reality TV (The Great British Bake-Off and So You Think You Can Dance are perennial favorites).

Kristy is the social media coordinator for Central and Southern Ohio SCB.

Heir, Apparently (The Prince and the Apocalypse, #2): Review

December 29, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Heir, Apparently

Author: Kara McDowell

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: July 9, 2024

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

An American teen learns she may have accidentally married the King of England, only to end up stranded on a tropical island with him in this highly-anticipated sequel to The Prince & The Apocalypse.

Freshman year is stressful enough without accidentally being married to the King of England. Of course, Wren Wheeler can’t tell her Northwestern classmates about that; after surviving a narrowly-averted apocalypse over the summer, everyone’s had enough excitement for one lifetime. Wren knows she needs to move on from Theo, but she can’t forget the look in his eyes when he left her on that island in Greece—and also, he took her dog.

When an ill-fated attempt to rescue Comet the Apocalypse Dog turns into a chemistry-fueled reunion with Theo that’s caught by the paparazzi, Wren finds herself under the royal spotlight. Suddenly, she’s a problem for “the firm” to solve, and in order to be protected from the rabid press, she’ll have to fly back to London with Theo. Along for the ride are Naomi and Brooke, as well as Theo’s siblings, including Henry, the brother he’s spent his life being compared to. But because the universe can’t let these two maybe-newlyweds have one conversation in peace, their plane goes down over the Atlantic, crashing on a tropical island in the middle of nowhere.

Stranded with no sign of rescue, the group will have to band together against poisonous animals, catastrophic injuries, a brotherly rivalry, and an ill-timed volcano if they’re going to make it out alive. And, scariest of all, Wren and Theo will have to face their feelings for one another and decide what they want their futures to look like—and if that future will be heartbreak, or happily ever after.

Review:

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

After reading The Prince & The Apocalypse, I needed to get my hands on this one. I had to know what happened to Wren and Theo after that ending! Kara McDowell definitely came through for me.

After the events of the first book, Wren goes on a rescue mission to get her dog Comet back. Of course, Wren and Theo get caught by the paparazzi. She suddenly becomes a problem for the firm to solve and must fly to London with Theo. As Theo and Wren can’t seem to catch a break, their plane crashes into the Atlantic and they’re stranded on an island. This time friends and family are involved, and it adds a whole lot more to the story in my opinion.

I loved the angst and the will they or won’t they be together! I highly recommend to those that enjoyed The Prince & The Apocalypse.

About the Author:

Kara McDowell is the author of the the upcoming The Prince & The Apocalypse (Wednesday Books), One Way or Another, This Might Get Awkward, and Just for Clicks. She lives with her husband and a trio of rowdy boys in Mesa, Arizona, where she divides her time between writing, baking, and wishing for rain.

Love, Naturally (Rock Bottom Love, #1): Review

December 29, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Love, Naturally

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: Griffin

Release Date: January 16, 2024

Pages: 320

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself. 127281652

When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear she’s made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip?―but he’s got other things on his mind. A crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred―so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. But neither Beckett or Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.

But you know what they say about opposites.

A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.

Review:

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

I really enjoy Sophie Sullivan’s books, and this was a new one to add to the list! If you like opposites attract, found family and forced proximity tropes, I think you’ll enjoy this one as well.

Presley Ayers works for a hotel as an accomplished concierge. She’s used to helping others plan their trips and knows where to get the best of the best. Planning camping trips is not her usual forte, as she doesn’t like the outdoors, but she decides to surprise her boyfriend of eight months with a trip to Get Lost Lodge. He decides to dump her instead. Presley chooses to take the plunge and takes the trip by herself.

On the boat ride to the lodge, she meets Beckett Keller. He works at the lodge with his sister, niece and brother. The lodge is taking up a lot of his time and it needs a lot of work. Beck has also had to put his own dreams on hold to help his family. When he meets Presley, he thinks she made a mistake. She doesn’t like fishing, hiking or anything about the outdoors. Still, he and Presley feel an instant pull towards each other that they can’t explain.

Beck helps Presley to realize that trying new things and going out of your comfort zone once in a while can actually be fun.

As they spend time together, things heat up more between them. Will Presley have a happily ever after this time?

I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance!

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. 20344328._UX200_CR0,69,200,200_

Murder In Highbury: Review

October 26, 2024October 25, 2024Leave a comment

Murder in Highbury Book Tour Graphic V3

About the Book:

Title: Murder In Highbury

Author: Vanessa Kelly

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: October 22, 2024

Pages: 400

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance

Synopsis:

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

Review:

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book for review from Austenprose/Kensington Books/Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Fans of Jane Austen’s Emma, rejoice! Vanessa Kelly’s Murder in Highbury is the start of a new murder mystery series featuring Emma Woodhouse (now Knightly).

Emma has been married to George Knightly the town magistrate not even a year, when she and her dear friend Harriet Martin stumble upon the body of Mrs. Augusta Elton inside Highbury’s church. The town is in a complete uproar as they grapple with the fact that a murder has taken place, and they have no idea who could have murdered poor Mrs. Elton. Emma decides to trade her match making skills for detective skills to assist George and the bumbling town constables.

I absolutely adored this cozy, Regency mystery! It was so well written; it felt like a continuation of Emma. It was wonderful to spend more time with Emma and George Knightly and the whole cast of characters. I appreciated the wit and humor throughout the story and found myself chuckling often. Although I had some suspicions about who the murderer could be, I enjoyed every minute of this story from beginning to end.

I do hope this series will continue as I need more detective Emma Knightly in my life! Sign me up!

Bottom line, I highly recommend for fans of Austen, mysteries and historical fiction.

About the Author:

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband. Vanessa Kely headshot 2024

Advance Praise:

“Brimming with all the wit and charm one can expect from a visit to Jane Austen’s world, Murder in Highbury presents Austen’s beloved and interfering character Emma with a murder. When Emma puts her clever wits to use to discover the murderer who hides among them, danger and humor mingle to provide us with mystery, delight, and a clever new sleuth. Author Vanessa Kelly writes with an experienced touch and clear fondness for her well-beloved characters, giving us the sequel we formerly could merely long for and imagine.”— Christina Dodd, New York Times bestselling author

The Calculation of You and Me: Review

August 26, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: The Calculation of You and Me

Author: Serena Kaylor

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Release Date: June 18, 2024

Pages: 304

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A calculus nerd enlists her surly classmate’s help to win back her ex-boyfriend, but when sparks start to fly, she realizes there’s no algorithm for falling in love.

Marlowe Thompson understands a lot of things. She understands that calculus isn’t overwhelmingly beautiful to everyone, and that it typically kills the mood when you try to talk Python coding over beer pong. She understands people were surprised when golden boy Josh asked her out and she went from weird, math-obsessed Marlowe to half of their school’s couple goals. Unfortunately, Marlowe was surprised when Josh dumped her because he’d prefer a girlfriend who was more romantic. One with emotional depth.

But Marlowe has never failed anything in her life, and she isn’t about to start now. When she’s paired with Ashton Hayes for an English project, his black clothing and moody eyeliner cause a bit of a systems overload, and the dissonant sounds of his rock band make her brain itch. But when she discovers Ash’s hidden stash of love songs, Marlowe makes a desperate deal to unleash her inner romantic heroine: if Ash will agree to help her write some love letters, she’ll calculate the perfect data analytics formula to make Ash’s band go viral.

As the semester heats up with yearning love notes and late nights spent with a boy who escapes any box her brain tries to put him in, Marlowe starts to question if there’s really a set solution to love. Could a girl who has never met a problem she couldn’t solve have gotten the math so massively wrong?

Review:

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

I read and loved Serena’s debut, so I knew that I had to read this one! This was such a cute story! The person I buddy read this one with and I both thought it had “10 Things I Hate About You” vibes.

Marlowe and Ash really complement each other well. Love them together! I also really loved reading about a neurodivergent main character and how she navigated a romantic breakup, and then forged a new relationship. The side characters were all really funny and brought a lot to the story as well. I also really love Marlowe’s family and how supportive they are of her.

Highly recommend! Serena Kaylor has quickly become a must-read author for me.

About the Author:

Thirty-something-year-old with a love of all things sparkly, over-dramatic, and pizza-related. Serena writes books about awkward teens, the chaotic world of theater, found families, Shakespeare himself, and a sprinkle of kisses.

Past Present Future (Rowan & Neil #2): Review

August 26, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Past Present Future

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: June 4, 2024

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

They fell for each other in just twenty-four hours. Now Rowan and Neil embark on a long-distance relationship during their first year of college in this romantic, dual points of view sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow . 199310463

When longtime rivals Rowan Roth and Neil McNair confessed their feelings on the last day of senior year, they knew they’d only have a couple months together before they left for college. Now summer is over, and they’re determined to make their relationship work as they begin school in different states.

In Boston, Rowan is eager to be among other aspiring novelists, learning from a creative writing professor she adores. She’s just not sure why she suddenly can’t seem to find her voice.

In New York, Neil embraces the chaos of the city, clicking with a new friend group more easily than he anticipated. But when his past refuses to leave him alone, he doesn’t know how to handle his rapidly changing mental health—or how to talk about it with the girl he loves.

Over a year of late-night phone calls, weekend visits, and East Coast adventures, Rowan and Neil fall for each other again and again as they grapple with the uncertainty of their new lives. They’ve spent so many years at odds with each other—now that they’re finally on the same team, what does the future hold for them?

Review:

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

I was so excited when this book was announced as I loved Today Tonight Tomorrow so much! This sequel did not disappoint, and it was just as good as the first. This story follows Rowan and Neil as they navigate the first year of their relationship, at the same time that they’re both attending their first year of college while in different cities. They’re both going through some major life changes while figuring out exactly what they mean to each other.

I really loved seeing things from both Rowan and Neil’s viewpoints and the growth in their characters throughout the story. It brought me back to my college days. I love Rowan and Neil so much and I’m so happy that I got to spend more time with them.

I highly recommend to those that enjoyed the first book and for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon.

About the Author:

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been translated into more than fifteen languages and optioned for film. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life with her husband in Amsterdam, where she can often be found exploring the city, collecting stationery, and working up the courage to knit her first sweater. Connect with her on Instagram @rlynn_solomon.

Lady Ivy and the Irishman: A Regency Romance Novel (Clairvoir Castle #5): Review

August 26, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Lady Ivy and the Irishman

Author: Sally Britton

Publisher: Pink Citrus Books LLC

Release Date: May 27, 2024

Pages: 250

Genre: Regency Romance

Synopsis:

Bound by her family’s expectations, Lady Ivy never though freedom would come in the form of a charming Irish baron with a penchant for flirtation.

Lady Ivy Amberton, weighed down by her family’s expectations, has often struggled to navigate the complexities of high society—until the arrival of Lord Dunmore, a dashing Irish baron whose open charm and spirited view of life turn her world upside down. As Ivy grapples with the unfamiliar thrill of attraction, she is compelled to reconsider her understanding of what it means to truly be herself.

Teague Frost, whose tenure in Parliament has cemented his views on the rigidity of the English, finds himself unexpectedly captivated by Ivy’s intelligence and grace. Her sincerity challenges his prejudices and sparks an affection he had not anticipated. Together, they explore the surprising depths of their connection, each learning to appreciate new truths about themselves and the world.

As their relationship deepens, Ivy and Teague are confronted with the profound implications of their attraction. Can Ivy embrace her true desires and the possibility of a love that defies her family’s plans? Will Teague allow his unexpected love to transform him, fighting for a future that honors both his heritage and his heart?

Set against the elegant backdrop of Regency England, “Lady Ivy and the Irishman” is a tale of self-discovery and unexpected love.

Review:

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

I read this book without having read any of the previous books in the series, and I’m so glad that I did! I’m happy that I discovered this author on Instagram and decided to give her books a chance. Sally did not disappoint, and I would definitely love to continue reading the series (and start from the beginning if possible) and other books that she writes.

I found this story to be refreshing and just what I needed when I read it. It’s a sweet romance that had me smiling when I finished. I recommend to those who like regency romances and a happily ever after.

About the Author:

Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back. 17666239._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_

Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

Of Snow and Sapphire (The Weather Court Gem Series): Review

June 18, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Of Snow and Sapphire

Author: K.C. Silver

Publisher: Truly Yours

Release Date: May 23, 2024

Pages: 140

Genre: Fantasy, Novella

Synopsis:

The power of the Snow Court hangs in the balance; will love or duty prevail in the Undertaking?

Ludelle, the newly crowned Queen of the Snow Court, is preparing for her first Undertaking—a yearly test from the Weather Gods. If she fails, her court’s magic will not replenish and their frigid world will melt into a flood zone of starvation and death.

Zimyn, Ludelle’s Captain of the Guard, lives with the knowledge Ludelle needs to place her people and her Court first. Though now he wonders if his presence is hurting or helping his Queen.

So while Ludelle’s Undertaking looms, and her royal advisor pressures her to pick a husband of noble status, Zimyn considers resigning his lifelong post at his Queen’s side in an effort to make the decision easier on them both. And with the entire Snow Court at stake, Ludelle struggles to decide between her responsibility to her people and a promise kept within her heart.

Of Snow and Sapphire is the first novella in the Weather Court Gem series. Each follows a different couple in their respective court (Snow, Thunder, Lightning, Rain, & Sun), each faced with the challenge of following their heart as the fate of their court’s power rests in their hands.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author and truly yours pr. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

Of Snow and Sapphire is a quick and easy fantasy novella that packed a lot of punch! This story definitely hooked me with its memorable characters, world building, and royal intrigue. I love the friends to lover’s trope, so this was perfect for me as well!

Ludelle and Zimyn are so cute! Ludelle as the newly crowned Queen is torn between her responsibilities to her people and her love. Zimyn is protective of Ludelle, but he respects her and lets her make her own decisions. With the fate of the Snow Court in her hands, Ludelle has some hard choices to make. I wish we had a little more time with the characters, that’s my only complaint. Hopefully we see them again in the next novella.

I am so grateful I got to read this, and I am excited to read about the other courts in this series! I recommend!

About the Author:

KC Silver is a born and raised Chicagoan, spending her days exploring the city, one train stop at a time. She currently works as a media planner at a large media agency where she daydreams of the day when a Slack notification no longer makes her heart jump in fear. 48961969._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_

KC enjoys character driven stories where the main character is on a journey of discovering themselves and learning to let go of the expectations weighing on them, while falling in love.

Of Snow and Sapphire is her first novel under her pen name. She can be found on all socials at @bysilverstories

By Any Other Name: Review

June 18, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: By Any Other Name

Author: Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: May 13, 2024

Pages: 289

Genre: Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

Synopsis:

When Peter Hathorn proposes to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny Monroe, the outcome is far from the happy ending he envisioned. Before she can give him an answer, Jenny falls desperately ill. He does all in his power to ensure her recovery, but something between them has changed. Determined to win Jenny’s hand, he proposes each time he sees her, never realizing that the woman he loves harbors a secret that makes it impossible for her to accept. 205317176

After surviving the illness that claimed the lives of her parents, Jenny’s own life is changed in ways she never imagined possible. When her parentage is called into question, Jenny must delve into the truth of her identity—and what she discovers turns her entire world upside down. Although she learns to embrace an inner worth that defies social status, she knows it’s unrealistic to expect Peter to do the same. It’s time for them to leave behind their childish dreams of happily ever after.

Review:

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

By Any Other Name is a delightful Regency Era romance from author Samantha Hastings. I absolutely adored this story! This book had great characters, an engaging plot, lots of surprises, and a beautiful message woven throughout. Hastings does not shy away from some of the hard topics that people faced during that time period, and I am grateful for that. I love that there are nods to both Jane Austen and Shakespeare in this as well.

Jenny and Peter are absolutely adorable! I love how Peter is so determined to win Jenny’s hand and that he doesn’t give up. Jenny went through so much, and he’s such a great comfort to her even when she’s not so sure about things.

If you enjoy a swoon worthy romance, historical fiction, and nods to literature, I think you will enjoy this one! Highly 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. 6927274._UX200_CR0,35,200,200_

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods (Gods Beyond the Skies #1): Review

June 18, 2024Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods

Author: Molly X. Chang

Publisher: Del Rey

Release Date: April 16, 2024

Pages: 368

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis:

She has power over death. He has power over her. When two enemies strike a dangerous bargain, will they end a war . . . or ignite one? 186872482

Heroes die, cowards live. Daughter of a conquered world, Ruying hates the invaders who descended from the heavens long before she was born and defeated the magic of her people with technologies unlike anything her world had ever seen.

Blessed by Death, born with the ability to pull the life right out of mortal bodies, Ruying shouldn’t have to fear these foreign invaders, but she does. Especially because she wants to keep herself and her family safe.

When Ruying’s Gift is discovered by an enemy prince, he offers her an impossible deal: If she becomes his private assassin and eliminates his political rivals—whose deaths he swears would be for the good of both their worlds and would protect her people from further brutalization—her family will never starve or suffer harm again. But to accept this bargain, she must use the powers she has always feared, powers that will shave years off her own existence.

Can Ruying trust this prince, whose promises of a better world make her heart ache and whose smiles make her pulse beat faster? Are the evils of this agreement really in the service of a much greater good? Or will she betray her entire nation by protecting those she loves the most?

Review:

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

I thought this was a solid debut from Molly X. Chang! I truly appreciated her author’s note which made me aware of what she was trying to do with this book before going in. Definitely read it before reading the book. Trigger warnings: drug addiction, grief after loss, executions, and experimentation

“Heroes die, cowards live”. Ruying will do ANYTHING to keep herself and her family safe. I’m making this brief, as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I enjoyed watching Ruying grow from start to finish. I am excited for the next book in the series and anxious to see what happens next!

About the Author:

Molly X. Chang is the #1 International and USA Today bestselling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods and forthcoming Immortal the Blood 23053455._UX200_CR0,50,200,200_