Steel & Spellfire: Review

August 21, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Steel & Spellfire

Author: Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

A devastatingly gifted mage with clandestine romantic connections to a Royal Guard joins the court social season in an attempt to undo past wrongs, only to fall under suspicion when a creature with powers shockingly like her own begins slaughtering her fellow debutantes.

Pandora Small has two ruling objectives: first, to keep the prodigious extent of her power secret, in a world where mages are feared and governed by suffocating laws. Second, to find her wealthy and noble-born patron, a shadowy figure bound to Pandora by magic, who stole her childhood and grew her power until she became a weapon rather than a girl. To that end, she’s posing as an Ingenue, a privileged and petted young woman of strictly limited abilities, who is allowed access to the royal court’s social season in order to find a husband and patron to control her magic.

But on Pandora’s arrival at court, Kit Beacon, one of the most promising members of the Royal Guard, inadvertently learns the true scope of her power. Privately sympathetic towards mages and the difficulties they face, Beacon decides to keep Pandora’s secret. But when someone or something with powers terribly like Pandora’s own begins slaughtering her fellow Ingenues, Beacon’s resolve to keep what he knows about her private is put to the test.

Tasked with protecting all the girls in the palace, not just one, Beacon will have to decide whether Pandora is a suspect or an ally, while to win his trust, Pandora will have to let him know more of her still—the worst of who she is and what she’s done. Because only unity between them during the social whirlwind to come will enable Pan to find her patron and Beacon the killer and ensure they both see justice meted out.

Review:

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

I have been reading Laura E. Weymouth’s books since her debut The Light Between Worlds, and she has not disappointed me yet! She has become an auto buy author for me, and I will continue to read whatever she writes. Steel & Spellfire has a unique magic system, murder, mystery, court intrigue and romance all in a Regency Esque setting. It totally gave off Bridgerton vibes and I was here for it!

Pandora Small has two objectives. First, she wants to keep the extent of her power secret, where mages are both feared and persecuted. Second, she wants to find her patron who stole her childhood from her and turned her power into a weapon. To meet her objectives, she is posing as an Ingenue to gain access to the royal court’s social season, where the girls are groomed to find a husband and patron to control their magic.

When Pandora arrives at court, Kit Beacon, a member of the royal guard, quickly discovers the magnitude of her powers. Beacon has sympathy for mages and the difficulties they face, so he decides to keep her power a secret. However, as someone begins murdering Ingenues, with a power that’s quite similar to Pandora’s, his trust is put to the test.

Beacon’s duty as a royal guard is to protect all the girls at the palace, so he will have to decide if Pandora is a suspect or an ally. To gain Beacon’s trust, Pandora must share more about herself, who she truly is and what she has done. The pair soon discover that they must work together to find Pan’s patron and Beacon’s murder suspect to ensure justice.

Pandora and Beacon were both very likable characters that I enjoyed getting to know. I found myself rooting for them as they raced to solve the mystery and find justice in a society that was oppressive to people with magic. I really enjoyed the magic system and the world in which these characters lived. The story was fast paced, and it wrapped up well for a standalone.

I definitely recommend to fans of Laura’s and to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy!

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.

Dream by the Shadows (The Shadow Weavers Duology #1): Review

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Dream by the Shadows

Author: Logan Karlie

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy, Gothic

Synopsis:

Beauty and the Beast meets Labyrinth in this YA romantic fantasy about a deadly dream world and the shadow-cursed girl who must venture its depths to save her family, all while she falls in love with the prince of darkness.

The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong.

Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too.

Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

Lush and vividly imagined, this seductive gothic fantasy is filled with magic, secrets, and dreamy shadow-haunted romance.

Review:

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

Dream by the Shadows is an absolutely exhilarating gothic romantasy, in a haunting dream world, with compelling world building and characters. This vividly imagined and atmospheric story was a dream that I didn’t want to wake from! Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast, Labyrinth, or Once Upon a Time.

The Kingdom of Noctis has been plagued by Corruption, a curse which is spread through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm and has been stealing people’s souls. The people of Noctis take an elixir every night before bed to prevent themselves from dreaming, while they slumber. For some however, the pull of the Dream Realm is too enticing.

Esmer Havenfall wants nothing more than to escape her small village. Her sister was sadly lost to Corruption, and she is haunted by the memories. When her parents, who supply her village with elixir are accused of a horrible crime, her life begins to fall apart. She knows she must persevere and protect her little brother Elliot. Esmer then dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his magic may be a part of her as well.

Esmer feels compelled to end her kingdom’s curse and avenge her family, so she follows the Shadow Bringer deeper into the Dream Realm. She soon learns that the prince of darkness has a haunted past, that could change the fate of both her kingdom and her heart.

I loved Esmer and the Shadow Bringer! Esmer is strong, brave, and compassionate. The Shadow Bringer is broody, witty, and dreamy (pun intended). The Dream Realm is also such a fantastic setting that I loved exploring.

Dream by the Shadows releases on August 26, 2025. Be sure to preorder or request from your local library. I can’t wait for book two!

Bottom line: Obsessed!

About the Author:

Logan Karlie writes books brimming with gothic themes, atmospheric worlds, and characters who fight to overcome the shadows that haunt them.

Logan holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Arkansas. She currently lives in Illinois, with her family, where she also taught high school English.

Connect with Logan Karlie on social media!

• Instagram: @authorlogankarlie
• TikTok: @authorlogankarlie

While The Dark Remains (The Winter Dark #1): Review

August 19, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: While The Dark Remains

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Publisher: 47 North

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Pages: 459

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult

Synopsis:

In an icebound palace of magic and menace, a young woman plots to outwit a cruel king in a bracing fantasy about love, found family, and immeasurable revenge.

Brynja spent her childhood as a captive performer in Tenebris, the imposing mountain palace of King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the king’s entertainment until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, helped her escape. Now twenty, Brynja has never forgotten the brutal king. Or forgiven him. Under the cloak of a three-month-long Winter Dark, Brynja is returning to Tenebris for revenge.

Accompanied by a rival court, including the alluring Prince Vil, Brynja poses as diplomatic royalty to barter peace between nations. No one is better equipped to infiltrate the palace than Brynja―she remembers every hidden passage like a bad dream. But her quest to destroy Kallias is complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she isn’t sure she can still trust. And Kallias’s own quest to mine a catastrophic weapon of war buried in the mountain’s heart will threaten them all, and force Brynja to face the darkest parts of herself.

The lives of everyone she loves depend on the choices she must make. So, too, does the fate of the world.

Review:

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

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I adore Joanna Ruth Meyer and have been a fan since her debut Beneath the Haunting Sea. Where the Dark Remains is her adult fantasy debut, and it was fantastic! It’s a bit of a departure from her previous works, but no less mesmerizing. There’s amazing world building, political intrigue and beloved characters.

Brynja has spent most of her childhood as a captive performer in the collection of the evil King Kallias. Every night she risked death for the King’s entertainment, until his rebellious son, Prince Ballast, aided in her escape. Now at twenty years old, Brynja has never forgotten or forgiven the cruel King. Under the cover of a three-month long winter dark, Brynja is returning to the palace for revenge.

Brynja, accompanied by a rival court, including Prince Vil, poses as royalty to barter peace. She is the best choice for infiltrating the castle as she knows every nook and cranny and every hidden passage. Her quest for revenge becomes complicated by her feelings for Prince Ballast, whom she doesn’t know if she can trust. King Kallias is also searching for a weapon of war that could destroy them all. Bryna must face the darkest parts of herself as her choices will impact those she loves and the world itself.

There is a lot of beauty in this story, but there is a lot of pain and suffering as well. I felt SO many emotions reading this one, and that is one of the things that I loved most about it. I actually was screaming in the last third of the book and almost threw it across the room. It was THAT good!

Highly recommend! I can’t wait for book two!

About the Author:

Joanna Ruth Meyer is the author of five YA fantasies, including the critically acclaimed ECHO NORTH. She lives in Mesa, AZ, with her husband, son, two orange cats, and a giant grand piano named Prince Imrahil. She loves forests and rainstorms and stories that make her feel things, and in all likelihood, she’s drinking tea right now.

Six Weeks by the Sea: Review

August 19, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Six Weeks by the Sea

Author: Paula Byrne

Publisher: Pegasus Books

Release Date: August 5. 2025

Pages: 256

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Regency

Synopsis:

A vivid historical novel about Jane Austen that explores a question that has fascinated Janeites for years—Austen wrote some of the greatest love stories in existence, but did she ever fall in love?

When Jane Austen hears the news that her family is to leave their beloved country home for the city of Bath, she faints with surprise and horror. But there is one the promise of a six-week holiday by the sea while their new lodgings are being prepared. She relishes the bracing air and beautiful surroundings, takes pleasure in sea bathing, and shares laughter with her sister Cassandra and best friend Martha Lloyd.

To her joy, brother Frank arrives, fresh from naval exploits in the war against Napoleon. His friend Captain Parker seems to be making a play for Jane’s affections, but her sharp emotional intelligence tells her that something is not quite right. Meanwhile, she assists the eccentric Reverend Swete in finding a home for his bi-racial granddaughter who has arrived from the West Indies.

Jane initially takes against another visitor to the seaside resort of Sidmouth, the lawyer Samuel Rose, but as she gets to know him, a wholly different feeling begins to blossom. . . .

Written with a same wit and style that echos Austen herself, Paula Byrne expertly interweaves her deep knowledge of Austen and her world to imagine and give voice to the most romantic summer of the beloved author’s short life.

Review:

*I received an arc via the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

Six Weeks by the Sea was the first book I’ve read by Paula Byrne, and it didn’t disappoint! As a huge fan of Jane Austen and her works, I love reading books like this one. Six Weeks by the Sea is a fictional account of Jane Austen and her family’s time in Sidmouth, which was well researched and seemed authentic to the time period. Paula Byrne helps us to explore the answer to the age-old question of whether or not Jane Austen ever had a love interest after all of the beautiful love stories she wrote?

When Jane Austen finds out that her family is to leave their beloved country home for the city of Bath, she literally faints in surprise and horror. She is excited however that they will take a six-week holiday by the sea while the family’s new lodgings are being readied. She loves being by the sea with the fresh air, the sea bathing, and the time she can spend with her sister Cassandra and her best friend Martha.

She is soon also visited by her brother Frank (who is on a leave from the navy), much to her delight. His friend Captain Parker seems to be trying to gain Jane’s affections, but she feels that something isn’t quite right. She is also helping Reverend Swete in finding a home for his bi-racial granddaughter who has arrived from the West Indies. Jane at first does not seem to care for another visitor to the seaside, a lawyer, Samuel Rose. As she spends more time with Samuel, and gets to know him better, different feelings begin to blossom altogether.

This story was quite beautiful. I loved seeing Jane’s relationships with her family members and her best friend, the friendships she made while visiting the sea, and how Jane tackled some of the societal issues she faced. I felt like the love story was quite believable and that Samuel Rose would have been a great match for Jane.

I definitely recommend for fans of Jane Austen and fans of Regency Romance!

About the Author:

Paula was born in Birkenhead in 1967, the third daughter in a large working-class Catholic family. She studied at the University of Liverpool and now lives in Oxford with her husband, the Shakespeare scholar Sir Jonathan Bate, and their three children (Tom, Ellie and Harry). She is founder and Chief Executive of ReLit, the charity for literature and mental health. Paula is represented by The Wylie Agency.

Her most recent book is a biography of Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy’s favourite sister, who married the heir to Chatsworth House before her early, tragic death. Before this, Paula wrote the tie-in book to the award-winning movie, Belle, in which she told the true story of the black slave girl who was brought up by the Lord Chief Justice of England in the years leading up to the abolition of the slave trade.

In January 2013, to coincide with the bicentenary of the first publication of Pride and Prejudice, she published an innovative biography called The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things. It was a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller and a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week. Her previous book, Mad World: Evelyn Waugh and the Secrets of Brideshead, told the story of Evelyn Waugh’s friendship with the extraordinary aristocratic family who inspired Brideshead Revisited. It was also a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and in the USA it was serialized in Vanity Fair.

Paula’s first top ten bestseller was Perdita: The Life of Mary Robinson. A selection for the 2005 Richard and Judy Book Club and a British Book Awards ‘Best Read’ nomination, it was also long-listed for the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize. The book tells the extraordinary story of the eighteenth-century actress, poet, novelist, feminist, celebrity and royal mistress Mary ‘Perdita’ Robinson (1757-1800). Paula’s first book, shortlisted for the Theatre Book Prize, was Jane Austen and the Theatre, published in 2002 and reissued in paperback by Bloomsbury. Paul Johnson of The Spectator chose it as his best-ever book on Jane Austen and the Times Literary Supplement described it as a ‘definitive and pioneering study of a wholly neglected aspect of Austen’s art.’

Paula has also edited a Routledge Literary Sourcebook on Jane Austen’s Emma and is a regular reviewer for the Saturday Times. (Source: Amazon)

Becoming His Bluestocking Countess: Review

August 18, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Author: Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 272

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Synopsis:

Get lost in the lively world of The Scandalous Stringhams in this light-hearted Regency romance

How to woo a countess

In fifty questions…

Lady Rebecca Stringham is stunned when a beautiful man falls from his horse and practically into her lap! The notorious Earl’s reputation precedes him, so their instant bond must remain secret from her overprotective family.

Phineas has never danced to anyone else’s tune before, yet he’s entranced by Becca’s intelligence and wit—not to mention her curves! Could fifty courtship questions be enough to unravel her inner world? With each answer Becca gives, his feelings for her only deepen, but can he trust her with his secrets—and ask her the most important question of all?

From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.

The Scandalous Stringhams

Book 1: Becoming His Bluestocking Countess

Review:

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

I just loved this one! I have very much enjoyed following the Stringham family along on all their adventures. Becoming His Bluestocking Countess is about the youngest Stringham, Becca, and she’s an absolute delight! She’s been there since the beginning of the series, and I’ve loved her journey. I’m really hoping the series continues and that the oldest Stringham, Mantheria, may have her own story perhaps? I’m just not ready to say goodbye to the Stringhams yet.

Lady Rebecca Stringham is surprised at the park when an absolutely gorgeous man falls from his horse and almost into her lap! Lord Norwich’s reputation as a rake precedes him, and so their instant bond must be kept a secret from her very protective family.

Phineas has never met anyone like Rebecca before. He’s smitten with her intelligence and wit, and her beautiful curves. Could fifty courtship questions be enough to enter her inner world? With each answer that Becca gives, his feelings for her grow. Can Phineas trust her with his secrets and ask her the most important question of all?

I really loved seeing Becca’s relationships with her different family members explored. We were able to see the challenges she faced with her older sister, Mantheria. We also saw how deeply she cared for the Duke of Glastonbury and his partner even though they had caused her family pain. I loved that the rest of her siblings made appearances, as well as her parents. Becca has become an aunt to so many beautiful babies!

It was really cool to see Phineas’ journey throughout this story as well. We finally begin to understand him and his past.

Highly recommend to fans of this series, and to regency romance fans!

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.

A Poetic Pox (A Lady Librarian Mystery #3): Review/Audiobook Review

August 14, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: A Poetic Pox

Author: Samantha Larsen

Narrator: Marni Penning

Publisher: Dreamscape First

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Pages: 8 hours and 47 minutes

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

1786, England

It is the twelve days of Christmas, and Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is happily juggling her duties as a new mother and a librarian to Catharine, the Duchess of Beaufort. Her employer receives a mysterious letter from an old paramour, the Marquess of Harwood, who is the biological father of Catharine’s son. He promises to leave his estate and fortune to Beau if he can see the boy before he dies.

Her elder son, Thomas Montague, has a terrible cold, so Catharine asks Tiffany to accompany her and Beau. When they arrive at the dilapidated abbey, they discover a dead body—only it isn’t the marquess, but his valet! Lord Harwood is alive, but unconscious with suspicious-looking pox marks on his hands. Tiffany wonders if the marquess is really dying, or if it is all poetic revenge? Especially when she discovers the secrets that haunt Rosedean Abbey.

Between breastfeeding and dirty diapers, Tiffany must discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the marquess before anyone else dies.

Review:

* I received an e-arc/audiobook via the author, Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

So excited to dive back into this series after loving the previous two books! This time around I was able to listen to the audiobook while reading along, and it enhanced my reading experience. The narrator was a great choice! A Poetic Pox is an entertaining mystery, filled with twists and turns. If you enjoyed the previous books, or you enjoy historical mysteries, I think you’ll love this one too!

Mrs. Tiffany Lathrop is balancing her responsibilities as a new mother and also as the librarian to Catherine, The Duchess of Beaufort. During the 12 Days of Christmas, Catherine receives a letter from her son Beau’s biological father, The Marquess of Harwood. In this mysterious letter, the Marquess requests that his son come to visit at once and he will bequeath him his estate before he dies.

Catherine’s older son, Thomas Montague, has a bad cold, so Catherine asks Tiffany and her daughter to accompany her and Beau to the estate. When they arrive at the abbey they are shocked to see the deplorable condition of the home, and not only that, they come across a dead body! The body is not that of the Marquess, but his valet. Lord Harwood is still alive, but barely and he is unconscious with strange pox marks on his hands.

While breast feeding and changing diapers, Tiffany races against time to discover who killed the valet and attempted to murder the Marquess before anything else happens.

It was wonderful seeing Tiffany as a mother in this one and I appreciated the nursing mother representation. As a mother who nursed my babies, this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed getting to see Tiffany’s relationship with Catherine blossoming, as well as the sweet romance she shares with her husband. It was also interesting to learn more about small pox, and I always appreciate Samantha’s research.

Fans of historical mysteries don’t want to miss out on this wonderful series! I hope that the author will write more in this world.

About the Author:

Samantha writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen and historical romances under Samantha Hastings. 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 four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, and University of Reading (UK). She’s the author of: The Last Word, The Invention of Sophie Carter, A Royal Christmas Quandary, The Girl with the Golden Eyes, Jane Austen Trivia, The Duchess Contract, Secret of the Sonnets, The Marquess and the Runaway Lady, and A Novel Disguise. Learn more at: http://www.SamanthaHastings.com

A Hopeful Proposal: Review

August 14, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: A Hopeful Proposal

Author: Samantha Hastings

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Pages: 208

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency

Synopsis:

Since her mother’s disappearance seven years ago, Lady Sarah Denham has remained resolutely at Manderfield Hall. She is certain her mother will someday return home, so when the estate is sold, Sarah can’t bear to let go of the house or the hope it symbolizes. There’s only one solution that will allow her to she must marry the new owner. But her impulsive proposal does not go as planned.

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, the last thing he anticipates is an offer of marriage from the previous tenant. However, as a businessman, he can see one considerable benefit to the Sarah’s high rank in Society will secure advantageous marriages for the two younger sisters left in his care. A bargain is struck, and wedding bells soon chime for the virtual strangers, but for Christopher, the pain of the past is inescapable. How can a proper lady ever come to love a scarred and rough-mannered man like himself?

Review:

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

I adored A Hopeful Proposal! If you are a fan of Samantha Hastings, Regency romance, a slow-burn, found family and marriage of convenience, I think you will love it too!

Lady Sarah Denham’s mother disappeared seven years ago, and she has been waiting for her to return home ever since. When the estate is sold due to her father’s neglect, Sarah can not bear to let it go and the hope that it symbolizes. She hatches up a plan to marry the new owner of the estate so that she doesn’t have to leave. Sarah herself proposes, and things don’t go according to plan.

When Christopher Moulton takes over Manderfield Hall, he is not expecting a proposal of marriage from the previous tenant. As a business man, Christopher can see the benefit of marrying someone with a high rank in society that can help him secure marriages for the two younger sisters in his care. He agrees to the proposal and they are quickly wed. However, the pain of Christopher’s past comes to haunt him. How can a proper lady ever come to love him, scars and all?

Lady Sarah and Christopher were such fun characters, and I enjoyed the banter between them. I am glad that they were able to help each other to heal from the past. There were also great supporting characters in the story, which really added to the charm.

Highly recommend! I really hope that the author continues the story with Christopher’s sisters, Margaret and Deborah!

About the Author:

Den of Liars (The Devious #1): Review

August 14, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: Den of Liars

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Pages: 400

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance by acclaimed author Jessica S. Olson.

Lola St. James is the world’s best kept secret. When her father’s loss in the Liar’s Dice Tournament–a high-stakes competition where players are forced to gamble with their deepest secrets–made her a target, she was rescued by the Thief, the notorious leader of the Tentacles. But the Thief’s kindness came with a Lola’s heart. In the years that followed, she and the Thief formed a bond like no other, able to feel each other’s emotions because of their shared heart.

Now, living under the pseudonym Astra, she is determined to prove herself and become a full-fledged Tentacle. But when a critical heist goes sideways, the only way forward is for Lola to compete in the Liar’s Dice Tournament herself. Lola is confident in her ability to pull off any heist, but the Thief’s mysterious brother, the Liar, runs the game and he turns out to be more than she bargained for. As her attraction for him grows and illusions run wild, she will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers’ shared history, and the lies she tells herself.

Review:

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

I have loved Jessica S. Olson since I read her debut Sing Me Forgotten, and her sophomore novel, A Forgery of Roses. I was ecstatic to read Den of Liars! I’m happy to say it did not disappoint, and I absolutely loved it. If you like unique magic systems, slow-burn romance, morally grey characters and high stakes competitions, I think you will love this one too!

Lola St. James has a target on her back since her father lost the Liar’s Dice Tournament. She is rescued by the Thief, the head of The Tentacles gang and has been living in secret. The price she paid for her rescue, is to share her heart with the Thief. Lola and the Thief forge a bond and are able to feel each other’s emotions through their shared heart.

Now living under the alias Astra, Lola wants to officially become one of The Tentacles. When a heist goes wrong, she finds herself having to enter the Liar’s tournament herself. The Thief warns her that the Liar is not to be trusted. She is confident in her abilities to pull off heists, but the Liar, the Thief’s own brother, turns out to be more than she could have imagined. Despite the Thief’s warnings, Lola finds herself attracted to the Liar. She will soon be forced to confront her past and the truth of the brothers history.

I really enjoyed Lola’s journey throughout this story. She started out as very naive and trusting of everyone, and grew into a character that started asking questions and trying to find out things on her own.

I can’t wait for book two, and will be eagerly awaiting it’s release. Highly recommend!

About the Author:

Jessica S. Olson claims New Hampshire as her home, but has somehow found herself in Texas, where she spends most of her time singing praises to the inventor of the air conditioner. When she’s not hiding from the heat, she’s corralling her four wild—but adorable—children, dreaming up stories about kissing and murder and magic, and eating peanut butter by the spoonful straight from the jar. She earned a bachelor’s in English with minors in editing and French. She is the author of Sing Me Forgotten and A Forgery of Roses.

Jessica is represented by Christa Heschke of McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, and can be found @jessicaolson123 on Twitter and Instagram.

The Floating World (The Floating World, #1): Review

July 2, 2025June 30, 2025Leave a comment

About the Book:

Title: The Floating World

Author: Axie Oh

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by, until he comes across the score of a lifetime—a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light.

Meanwhile, far to the east, Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when the village is attacked by a horrific humanlike demon. In a moment of fear and rage, Ren releases a blast of silver light—a power she has kept hidden since childhood—and kills the monster. But her efforts are not in time to prevent her adoptive family from suffering a devastating loss, or to save her beloved uncle from being grievously wounded.

Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off over the mountains, where the creature came from—and from where Ren herself fled ten years ago. Her path sets her on a collision course with Sunho, but he doesn’t realize she’s the girl that he—and a hundred other swords-for-hire—is looking for. As the two grow closer through their travels, they come to realize that their pasts—and destinies—are far more entwined than either of them could have imagined…

Review:

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

I have been a fan of Axie Oh since her debut Rebel Seoul, and she has not disappointed me yet! The Floating World is her triumphant return to fantasy! I really enjoyed this one, and I love how it’s a reimagining of the Korean legend of the Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden. The world building is amazing with The Floating World and the Underworld, and I am excited to explore that more in the sequel. The writing was whimsical, the romance was sweet, and the cast of characters were unforgettable.

This has been comped to Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone. I think if you’re a fan of either of those, or fantasy in general, you will find this up your alley.

I definitely recommend and I can’t wait for the sequel coming this fall!

About the Author:

Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO and ASAP, and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, she studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California San Diego and holds an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs, Toro and Leila.

What Happens in Amsterdam: Review

July 1, 20251 Comment

About the Book:

Title: What Happens in Amsterdam

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Falling in love with your husband is anything but convenient in this steamy romance from the New York Times bestselling author of Business or Pleasure.

Dani Dorfman has somehow made it to her thirties without knowing what she wants to do with her life. So when an office romance ends poorly and gets her fired, she applies for a job in Amsterdam, idly dreaming of escaping the mess she’s created, but never imagining she’ll actually get it.

Except she does. By the end of her first week in Amsterdam, she’s never felt more adrift or alone. Then she crashes her bike into her high school ex-boyfriend—and suddenly life is blooming with new opportunities.

Wouter van Leeuwen was a Dutch exchange student Dani’s family hosted, a forbidden love that ended in a painful breakup. Years later, there’s still sizzling chemistry between them, and okay, maybe a little animosity. More importantly, Wouter needs to be married to inherit a gorgeous family home on a canal—and when Dani’s job falls apart, she needs a visa. As the marriage of convenience pushes them together in unexpected ways, Dani must decide whether her new life is yet another mistake—or if it’s worth taking a risk on a second chance.

Review:

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

What Happens in Amsterdam has so many tropes I love all in one adorable book: second chance romance, forced proximity and a marriage of convenience! This story was so fun, and just what I needed when I read it. The characters are very likable, and I appreciated their vulnerability with each other. I absolutely delighted in the setting of Amsterdam, and it totally made me want to visit!

If you enjoy romance, sizzling chemistry and beautiful settings, then pick up this book now! I highly recommend. Also, if you’ve read and loved Rachel’s previous works, I hope you love this as much as I did!

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.