Bring Me Your Midnight: Review

About the Book:

Title: Bring Me Your Midnight

Author: Rachel Griffin

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches and Wild is the Witch comes a lush romantic fantasy about forbidden love, the choices we make, and the pull between duty and desire.62688758

Tana Fairchild’s fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat.

Tana’s coven has appeased those who fear their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe.

Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana’s power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive.

As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.

Review:

5

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

I’ve read all of Rachel’s books now, and I have to say that her writing has improved with each book that she has written. This was definitely five teacups (equivalent to five stars) from me, as I am obsessed! I was completely drawn into this beautiful ethereal world of forbidden magic, forbidden romance, a gorgeous island setting and oh, so much angst!

Mortana Fairchild’s life has been planned out since she was born. She has to marry Landon, the governor’s son, and form an alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see the existence of the witches as a threat.

Tana’s coven has always allayed the mainlanders fears by releasing their magic into the ocean during the full moon. Tana misses the moonlight ritual or the “rush”, which is a death sentence to witches, and she searches desperately for help. She finds Wolfe Hawthorne.

Wolfe is from a coven that practices dark magic, and he is the only one who can help her. He shows Tana another way to use her magic, and this magic makes her feel more alive than she has ever felt before.

Things on the island are becoming progressively difficult as the sea has become much more violent with stronger than usual currents. If these currents are left unchecked by the coven, this could jeopardize the alliance between the witches and the mainlanders. Tana will have to face some hard decisions in order to secure peace for her people.

I think if you enjoyed Rachel’s other books, if you enjoy YA fantasy and romance, this book is for you. Out today, be sure to add this one to your TBR!

About the Author:

Rachel Griffin writes young adult novels inspired by the magic of the world around her. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of WitchesWild is the Witch, and the forthcoming Bring Me Your Midnight, releasing from Sourcebooks Fire in summer 2023. 19902805._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Rachel has a deep love of nature, from the mountains to the ocean and all the towering evergreens in between. She adores moody skies and thunderstorms, and hopes more vampires settle down in her beloved state of Washington.

On her path to writing novels, Rachel graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Science in diagnostic ultrasound. She worked in healthcare for five years and taught ultrasound at her alma mater before making the switch to a small startup. She now writes full-time from her home in the Seattle area.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her wandering the PNW, reading by the fire, or drinking copious amounts of coffee and tea. She lives with her husband, small dog, and growing collection of houseplants.

Rachel is represented by Pete Knapp of Park & Fine Literary and Media. You can find her on Instagram @TimesNewRachel.

House of Roots and Ruin (Sisters of the Salt #2): Review

About the Book:

Title: House of Roots and Ruin

Author: Erin A. Craig 

Publisher: Delacorte Press 

Release Date: July 25, 2023

Pages: 544
Genre: YA Fantasy 

Synopsis:

A modern masterpiece, this is a classic Gothic thriller-fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig, about doomed love, menacing ambition, and the ghosts that haunt us forever.62649010


In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed.


Despite dreams of adventures far beyond the Salann shores, seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has remained at her family’s estate, Highmoor, with her older sister Camille, while their sisters have scattered across Arcannia.

When their sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem—wife of a celebrated botanist—is interested in having Verity paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille won’t allow it. Forced to reveal the secret she’s kept for years, Camille tells Verity the truth one day: Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn’t know it.

Stunned, Verity flees Highmoor that night and—with nowhere else to turn—makes her way to Bloem. At first, she is captivated by the lush, luxurious landscape and is quickly drawn to charming, witty, and impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. And soon, to her surprise, a romance . . . blossoms.

But it’s not long before Verity is plagued with nightmares, and the darker side of Bloem begins to show through its sickly-sweet façade. . . .

 

Review:

5

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

Sensational! Erin Craig absolutely outdid herself with the sequel to House of Salt and Sorrows. House of Roots and Ruin completely consumed me and had me wrapped up in this hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric story. 

Verity Thaumas is no longer a child, but a seventeen-year-old girl who dreams of adventure in far off places, far away from the shores of Salann. She has remained at the Highmoor Estate, with her older sister Camille, while their other sisters have scattered across Arcannia.

Verity’s sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem, also the wife of a well-known botanist, would love for Verity to paint her son Alexander’s portrait. Verity speaks to Camille of the opportunity, but Camille forbids it. She is forced to tell Verity after keeping the secret for years, that Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn’t realize it. 

Shocked, Verity flees from Highmoor that night and journeys to Bloem. At first, she is completely captivated by her surroundings and is quickly drawn to the charming Alexander. But things soon become darker and more complex as Verity is plagued with nightmares and begins to discover that things aren’t as perfect as they seem. 

There are so many layers and so much depth to this story, and it will keep you turning the page! I highly recommend. This beauty releases on July 25, 2023. I may have already preordered a copy or two! 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories.17892078._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_

After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.

An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.

She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Not If I Date You First: Review

About the Book:

Title: Not If I Date You First 

Author: Krysti Meyer 

Publisher:  Self Published 

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Pages: 353

Genre: YA Romance 

Synopsis:

She’s a paparazzo. He’s a celebrity. And when they get together, cameras will flash and sparks will fly.138359314

Eighteen-year-old Ada Datchery just landed her dream internship, working as a celebrity photographer. Ada’s determined to do whatever it takes to turn her internship into a permanent career. But after she gets into an altercation with Liam Anders, Hollywood’s hottest young celebrity, Ada becomes the center of a tabloid scandal. When rumors about an unlikely romance between Ada and Liam fly, giving an unexpected boost to both their careers, they decide there’s no harm in faking a relationship for the cameras.

But as the line between what’s real and what’s pretend begins to blur, Ada finds herself under constant media scrutiny. And when her new boss pressures her to expose Liam’s biggest secret, Ada realizes that making her dreams come true could cost her everything, including her heart.

Not If I Date You First is an upper YA, closed-door romantic comedy with dreamy kissing scenes, fabulous friend groups, and a hate-to-love romance that will keep you laughing and swooning until the end.

Review:

5

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

I absolutely adored this book! I started out doing a buddy read and had to confess to my friend that I was finishing early. I could not put this down! If you love romcoms, swoonworthy romance, enemies to lovers, fake dating and meet cutes, this one if for you!

Ada Datchery has just landed her dream internship photographing celebrities, and she’s hoping that she can turn this internship into something more permanent. But after getting into an altercation with Liam Anders, one of Hollywood’s hottest young celebs, she’s thrust into the middle of a tabloid scandal. Rumors begin to fly about an unlikely romance between Ada and Liam, which unexpectedly boosts their careers, and they decide there isn’t any harm in fake dating for the cameras.

Although it seemed like a great idea at first, lines begin to blur between what’s real and what’s pretend, and Ada finds herself under constant media scrutiny. Her new boss threatens to expose Liam’s secrets, and Ada realizes that she may land her dream job, but at the cost of her heart.

I’m completely obsessed with Ada and Liam! They’re one of my new favorite fictional couples. Pick up this amazing book that is out now for free on Kindle Unlimited and also available as a paperback. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

About the Author:

I’m Krysti, a Watty Award winning indie author and host of Get Cozy Podcast! I learned how to read when I was two, and I’ve never stopped. I’m a coffee enthusiast, and I’m always trying (and usually failing) to create latte art. In my downtime, you can probably find me outside in my pumpkin patch or scouring the stacks of my local independent bookstore. I’m so excited to have you here! 35q7p3v5eep11geb34gc2v6t8q._SY600_

Business or Pleasure: Blog Tour and Review

About the Book:

Title: Business or Pleasure 

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon 

Publisher: Berkley 

Release Date: July 4, 2023

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance 

Synopsis:

Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in “ghostwriter” until she attends a signing for a book she wrote—and the author doesn’t even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten.62710608

Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandler’s determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn’t as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he’s distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they’re not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure—or if there’s a way for them to have both.

Review:

5

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

Content warnings from Rachel Lynn Solomon on Goodreads:
– explicit sex, including some light kink
– abortion (past)
– parental abandonment and emotional abuse (past)
– on-page panic attack

I just loved this standalone from one of my favorites, Rachel Lynn Solomon! This was my second adult romance I’ve read from her, and it didn’t disappoint. If you enjoy romcoms, I think you’ll really enjoy this one! 

Chandler Cohen is a ghostwriter. She attends the book signing of the latest book that she wrote, and the author doesn’t even recognize her! Things take an interesting turn when she decides to go to the bar and she meets a really cute guy that she instantly connects with. They have a one-night stand that turns awkward, as it’s the worst sex she’s ever had and she decides that this night is best to be forgotten.

The most inconceivable thing happens, when Chandler goes to her next interview for a new ghostwriting project. Her next project is writing a memoir for Finn Walsh, and actor from a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. Finn winds up being the guy from her one-night stand! He still hires her on to write his memoir.

Chandler wants to keep things as professional as possible between her and Finn. However, she winds up admitting to him that their night together wasn’t exactly mind-blowing, and Finn is distraught. They strike up an unusual bargain. When they’re not working on the book, Chandler will teach him about sex and pleasing a woman. Things become complicated as they become closer both in and out of the bedroom. 

I adored Chandler and Finn! I loved that in this story Finn, although he’s an actor and gorgeous, he lacks in the bedroom and Chandler is the one to teach him the ropes about being a good lover. He starts out as this completely embarrassed individual, but he’s willing to learn from a woman, and that was so refreshing. I wish these things would be normalized, as not everyone is perfect, and we can always learn. I loved that Chandler took the job with Finn, even after having an awful encounter with him, and that she was so willing to help him learn. 

I loved that this book has good anxiety and OCD rep! As someone who has anxiety, it’s great to read books that have good rep. 

I hope that you’ll check out Business or Pleasure and add it to your summer TBR! It’s the perfect romcom for the beach or vacation. 

 

 

About the Author:

Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex TalkToday Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. 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.15298200 (1)
 
 

The Cash Countess: Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

About the Book:

Title: The Cash Countess

Author: Samanta Hastings

Publisher: Scribbling Pens

Release Date: July 1, 2023

Pages: 289

Genre: Historical Romance, Mystery

Street Team Sign-up! (1) (1)

Synopsis:

Rapunzel meets “Downton Abbey” in this sweet Gilded Age romance! 156346931

Miss Cordelia Jones is an American Princess, but her story is no fairytale.

Eighteen-year-old Cordelia Jones is locked in her tower until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordelia doesn’t want to leave her American home or Stuyvesant Bradley, whom she has loved since childhood. But Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and Cordelia is pressured by her overbearing mother to marry a stranger.

Coerced into a loveless marriage, Cordelia finds herself an alien in a decaying English country house where customs and manners are so different from home. Worst yet, accidents seem to befall her at every corner. The more she begins to care for her husband, the more perilous her life becomes. Is she unlucky, or is someone trying to kill the newest cash countess?

Review:

5

*I received an e-arc of this book from the author for review. Thank you to the author and publisher. All thoughts are my own*

I was hooked on this book from page one and could not put it down! I LOVED this one, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read and review. Samanta Hastings stories get better and better! If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, Rapunzel, Historical Romance and a HEA, this one is for you!

Eighteen-year-old Miss Cordelia Jones is an extremely wealthy American heiress. She lives the life of a princess, but her story is no fairytale. Her mother locks her in her room until she promises to marry Lord Thomas Ashby, the eighth Earl of Farnham. Cordy doesn’t want to leave her home or her love since childhood, Stuyvesant Bradley. When Stuyvesant leaves on a trip and hasn’t returned, she feels pressure from her overbearing mother to marry a complete stranger.

After being coerced into marrying Thomas, they head to his home in England. He lives in a decaying English country house and the customs and manners are so different from home. Unusual accidents begin to befall Cordy around every corner. As she begins to fall for her husband, things become even more dangerous. She begins to wonder if she’s just unlucky, or is someone actually trying to kill her?

It was fascinating to read about the history of society during this time period. I felt like I learned something new about the American cash countesses. With all of the riches and prestige that these people had, they actually were prisoners of societal expectations. I thought this book was well researched, and I appreciated the author’s note at the end.

I loved Cordelia and the journey she went through from being a spoiled rich girl to someone who dove into her new role and embraced her new life as best as she could.

I really hope that you’ll give this one a try and add it to your TBR!

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_

 

 

 

*Win one of 3 paperback copies! Visit each stop to enter.

Enter for your chance here :

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3109171a4/

July 2: Review www.ashleighsbookshelf.com

July 3: Review www.instagram.com/tellmeagreatstoryblog  

July 5: Review https://instagram.com/work_kids_n_books

July 6: Review + Excerpt www.singinglibrarianbooks.com  

July 7: Review https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com

July 8: Review https://instagram.com/hiding.in.the.pages

July 9: Review http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com

July 10: Review https://hollysbookcorner.home.blog

#TheCashCountess #SamanthaHastings

 

Unholy Terrors: Review

About the Book:

Title: Unholy Terrors 

Author: Lyndall Clipstone 

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Release Date: October 17, 2023

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Romance, YA Paranormal 

Synopsis:

A bloodstained tale of a girl torn between her vows and her heart, where falling in love may be the deepest sin of all…63068410

Everline Blackthorn has devoted her life to the wardens—a sect of holy warriors who guard against monsters known as the vespertine.

When a series of strange omens occur, Everline disobeys orders to investigate, and uncovers a startling truth in the form of Ravel Severin: a rogue vespertine who reveals the monsters have secrets of their own.

Ravel promises the help she needs— for a price. Vespertine magic requires blood, and if Everline wants Ravel to guide across the dangerous moorland, she will have to allow him to feed from her.

It’s a sin for a warden to feed a vespertine— let alone love one— and as Everline and Ravel travel further across the moorland, she realizes the question isn’t whether she will survive the journey, but if she will return unchanged. Or if she wants to.

Review:

5

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

I absolutely adored the Lakesedge duology by Lyndall Clipstone, so I knew I NEEDED to read this book. She continues to impress and has become an auto buy author for me. I loved Unholy Terrors! Lyndall has such beautiful writing, that just pulls you into the story. The world and the characters are so vivid, they leap off the pages. If you enjoy gothic fantasy, dark romance, and monster boys then I think this one is for you! 

Everline Blackthorn has devoted her whole life to the wardens. They are holy warriors who guard against monsters known as the vespertine. Everline isn’t quite like the other wardens and has always felt like she doesn’t quite fit in. She has her best friend and a strained relationship with her father and half-sister.

Some unusual things occur outside of their wards, and Everline disobeys her father’s orders to investigate. Beyond the wards she discovers Ravel Severin, a vespertine, that reveals that the monsters carry secrets of their own.

Ravel promises the help that Everline needs to answer some questions of her own about her past and the Thousandfold.  The price Everline must pay is in blood, as vespertine magic requires it. If she wishes Ravel to take her across the dangerous moorlands, she will need to let Ravel feed from her. It’s a sin for a warden to feed a vespertine, let alone let one live.  They are enemies, but there are lines that become crossed. As Everline and Ravel travel together, she begins to wonder not about whether or not she’ll survive, but if she will return to the wardens unchanged, and if that is what she truly wants.

This gorgeous story will be out in the world on October 17, 2023! It will be the perfect fall read, so please add it to your TBR! I can’t wait to get a physical copy of this beauty! 

 

About the Author:

Lyndall Clipstone writes about monsters and the girls who like to kiss them. A former youth librarian who grew up running wild in the Barossa Ranges of South Australia, she currently lives in Adelaide, where she tends her own indoor secret garden.

Processed with VSCO with dog3 preset

An Improbable Season (Unexpected Seasons #1): Review

About the Book:

Title: An Improbable Season

Author: Rosalyn Eves

Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Release Date: April 25, 2023

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical Fiction, YA, Romance

Synopsis:

When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they know exactly what they want. Thalia 59749399 means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry. Her sister, Kalli, aims to take high society by storm, with parties and gowns galore and a proper husband at the end of it all. Their cousin Charis hopes to earn her place among the (nearly exclusively male) scientific elite. But it doesn’t take long for things to fall apart. Kalli finds herself embroiled in scandal and reliant upon an arranged marriage to redeem her reputation, Thalia’s dreams of becoming a great poet are threatened by her attraction to a charming rake, and Charis finds herself an unexpected social hit—and the source of a scientific dilemma that her heart might not survive. Can these young women find their happily ever afters in this turbulent London Season?

Review:

4

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories is still one of her favorite things to do. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.13525505._UX200_CR0,37,200,200_

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

A Novel Disguise: A Lady Librarian Mystery #1: Review

About the Book:

Title: A Novel Disguise

Author: Samantha Larsen/Hastings

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Release Date: May 16, 2023

Pages: 320

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult

Synopsis:

When Miss Tiffany Woodall assumes the identity of her half-brother after his63049233 death, she realizes she isn’t the only one with a secret to hide in this historical series debut, perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Sherry Thomas.

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

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

Review:

5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I highly recommend this one!

About the Author:

This author also writes as Samantha Hastings 6927274._UX200_CR0,35,200,200_

Elfie Season 1: Review

About the Book:

Title: Elfie Season 1 

Author: Gabrielle Dubois

Translator: Marybeth Timmerman

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: August 21, 2022

Pages: 153

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Synopsis:

It’s Paris, and the year is 1865. Two strangers from completely different worlds cross paths. Angus King is making a way for himself in the bohemian world of artists; Elfie Montesquiou is only fifteen and has just run away from her conventional middle-class family. What is this man’s true nature and what is his terrible secret? What sordid event caused this young woman to flee her home? As they struggle to live their lives to the fullest in a world where Angus is forbidden to love Lord Wanton and where Elfie is forced to marry for money, they decide to strike a mysterious deal, turning Elfie into an alibi and allowing them both to continue their quests for love and freedom, for better or for worse. This fascinating novel with engaging characters, and meticulously researched for historical accuracy, speaks of freedom for men, for homosexuals, and above all for women. And as a special treat, ink drawings accompany each chapter, in the style of historical 19th century novels.  62079115

Review:

4

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

About the Author:

The binge worthy book series ELFIE about a young woman’s fight for her freedom, her quest for love, and how she becomes the alibi for a famous gay author is released! 7829497._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_
This fascinating book series ELFIE by Gabrielle Dubois and Marybeth Timmermann , with engaging characters, and meticulously researched for historical accuracy, speaks of freedom for men, for homosexuals, and above all for women. And as a special treat, ink drawings accompany each chapter, in the style of historical 19th century novels.
Gabrielle Dubois is an author specialized in 19th century historical novels. Readers can identify with her emotionally rich, endearing heroines who try to find their happiness, their path, and love in a society made by men. She is also Founding General Partner of THE 51 FUND, an American fund producing films written and directed by women.

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

The Prince & the Apocalypse: Review

About the Book:

Title: The Prince & the Apocalypse 

Author: Kara McDowell 

Publisher: Wednesday Books 

Release Date: July 11, 2023 

Pages: 320

Genre: YA Contemporary, YA Dystopia 

Synopsis:

An American teen stranded in London is forced to team up with the British crown prince if she wants to make it back home before the end of the world in this delightfully rompy high-stakes rom-com.61884988

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

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

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

 

Review:

5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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. 17678976._UY200_CR33,0,200,200_