Month: January 2026

Review of When You Wish Upon a Star by Elizabeth Lim

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
What if the Blue Fairy wasn’t supposed to help Pinocchio? This New York Times best-selling series twists another Disney classic into a harrowing story in which the Blue Fairy defies fairy law, setting off a dramatic chain of events.

“Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight . . . ” So begins the wish that changes everything—for Geppetto, for the Blue Fairy, and for a little puppet named Pinocchio. The Blue Fairy isn’t supposed to grant wishes in the small village of Pariva, but something about this one awakens some long-buried flicker within. Perhaps it’s the hope she senses beneath the old man’s loneliness.

Or maybe it’s the fact that long ago, before she was the Blue Fairy, she was a young woman named Chiara from this very village, one with a simple wish: to help others find happiness. Her sister, Ilaria, always teased her for this, for Ilaria had big dreams to leave their sleepy village and become a world-renowned opera singer. The two were close, despite their differences. While Ilaria would have given anything to have a fairy grant her wish, Chiara didn’t believe in the lore for which their village was famous.

Forty years later, Chiara, now the Blue Fairy, defies the rules of magic to help an old friend. But she’s discovered by the Scarlet Fairy, formerly Ilaria, who, amid a decades-long grudge, holds the transgression against her sister. They decide to settle things through a good old-fashioned bet, with Pinocchio and Geppetto’s fate hanging in the balance.

Will the sisters find a way back to one another? Or is this, like many matters of the heart, a gamble that comes with strings?

Review:
This book was given to me as a gift for my 36th birthday at my crow party. Yes, you read that right, I had all of my friends get together and have a crow party for my birthday. It was greatly entertaining. I likely wouldn’t have picked it out myself as Pinocchio wasn’t a particular favourite story of mine but once I started reading, I could not set it down!

This book gives such great depth and thought to the lives of fairies, and what their lives were like before they began to help people. I really enjoyed seeing how one person could touch so many in a village; there are certainly people like that in any small town who want to help everyone get the most out of life and rise up. I really enjoyed seeing into the past of Chiara and Ilaria; it made the story more enjoyable to have an idea of why this feud was going on between them. While some elements of the story are the same, the why of so many hadn’t been explained previously so it was really neat to have the interwoven previously unknown fairy dilemma to learn of. By adding a magical fight there was a new element that gave more depth to the original fairy tale, and drew me in far more than I have been previously. In the end, it was nice to see that everyone (fairy or otherwise) can learn from their mistakes, change, and grow.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Thorn Season by Kiera Azar

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.

Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father.

Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous men: one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.

With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. . . .

Review:
This book was phenomenal. I kept seeing the special edition everywhere and I was tempted, but I have been so set on not buying paper books unless I already read them; trying to have an library of intentional picks, and not just everything that looked remotely interesting when I saw it at xyz store. I am so glad I picked this book up! It was the first thing that really pulled me back into reading after Abby passed away, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. The story is gripping and the characters all have such depth and motives that you cannot help but want (almost) all of them to succeed.

This book has everything: political intrigue, magic, romance. When it comes down to the King and the ambassador, the King definitely has the advantage of being in his home court, but there’s something just so jarring and unpleasant about him. What would life as his queen look like? Alissa doesn’t really want to find out. The magic system implemented was a unique take on energy magic and I really enjoyed seeing all the aspects of what one could do with that. While this is YA there were definitely some moments of tragedy and heartbreak, times where Alissa really had to decide who she was and what she was going to stand for. I certainly teared up at least once while reading. While learning about Alissa and so many different plots encircling the crown one cannot help but feel for almost all of the characters; they have such passion, drive, and desire to lead people to a new life/world where it shouldn’t be dangerous to have a given talent, magical or otherwise.

The ending of this book was both brilliant and the biggest stressor because for the longest time there was no news on a second book forthcoming! With a little digging I have found that it is set to release in Waterstones (UK store) for October 22, 2026, so another book is coming our way!

I highly recommend this to people who love Dark Fantasy, strong heroines, and sprinkle of romance integrally entwined throughout the plot.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

*I have the hardcover pink special edition version, and it is gorgeous.

Review of Magic Bites

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way our of her league—but she wouldn’t want it any other way…

Review:
This book really reads like an attempt for a female Harry Dresden, which is what I found myself thinking during most of this reading. A mix of Dresden Files entwined with The Southern Vampire Mysteries. While I did find it intriguing, and definitely had some jaw dropping moments, I couldn’t help but wish I had just picked the Dresden files back up. I do believe part of my disconnect was that there were a lot of magical things, powers, etc, thrown at the reader and just expected to be understood. There was way more telling than showing, and a lot of information dumps. All in all, I am glad to have finished it, but do not intend to continue on in this series.

This book has already been passed along, and I will have to see how it was received if it has already been read. I have followed up by gifting Storm Front to the friend who received this book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.

A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.

Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen’s premier guard.

A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.

A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.

When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

Review:
* While I reviewed the second book first, I assure you that I read them in the proper order and merely have gotten out of sync with paper book reviews versus kindle.

Kazi and Jase are impossible to dislike. They have very different upbringings, personalities, and expectations for themselves and their futures. I absolutely love seeing strong empowering women, and this book was full of them! There was great intrigue, and an incredible adventure. I quite loved this book, and immediately bought the second book to learn what happened next.

While I would recommend this book and the sequel, it isn’t one that is going to stay in paper form with me, but I am certain I’ll find someone else who will enjoy it.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Taking by Erin McCarthy

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
His gift is dark desire…

Nearly a century ago, Felix Leblanc made a deal with the demon of greed. Now he’s the most celebrated and powerful voodoo priest in New Orleans, able to enchant anything he wishes from wealthy, beautiful women. Until one client, beautiful and dangerous, brings his reign to a disastrous end, condemning Felix to servitude and a loveless eternity of never being wanted for himself.

In modern-day New Orleans, Heiress Regan Henry knows that passion can be an illusion, and she keeps her emotions in check, until she falls under the spell of the beguiling Felix LeBlanc. He knows that the rumors that her mansion is haunted are true, and that he’s the only one who can save her from the spirits residing there. But the only way he can do it is to sacrifice his last chance at redemption- or risk a love that could consign them both to an eternity of evil.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book. Felix was so easy to care about and want to learn more from. I absolutely adored how Regan learned to stand on her own feet and that she was willing to do whatever it took to make her own choices and not be trapped trying to be a puppet. The passion mixed in with the voodoo and past connections was truly perfection.

We have come to the continuation of paper book reviews (all previous to this posted in January were leftover kindle reviews from last year). This is a book I happened to grab from the dollar store while awaiting the call to pick someone up nearby. While I did like it, it likely isn’t one I’ll hold on to.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Lady Avely’s Guide to Guile and Peril by Rosalie Oaks

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A widow shouldn’t infiltrate a military fort… unless she is wearing a mobcap.

When the Duke of Sargen is snatched away before her eyes, Judith knows she must follow him into Pendennis Castle before he can be stripped of his Gift and his memory. After all, she hasn’t had a chance to tell the man that she loves him yet.

But when she finds him imprisoned, Dacian has already forgotten her. Worse, his captor refuses to believe Judith’s testimony and sets her a task to prove her Truth Discernment: discover who killed a soldier found dead on the Cornwall seashore.

The body washed up near Judith’s new domain: a tidal island with a rundown castle, haunted cellars, and massive butler who is most definitely hiding something. Judith must call on all her resourcefulness—and her most trusted companions—to find the truth before the week is up… before Dacian is lost to her forever.

How does one jailbreak a duke if he can’t even remember his own name? Does a killer lurk in Judith’s own castle? And does Lanyon Isle have any drinking chocolate?

The thrilling conclusion to the Matronly Misadventures, featuring an amnesiac duke, a determined widow, and a daring jailbreak. Enjoy a slow burn, low spice second-chance romance and a twisty murder mystery in a magical version of Regency England.

Review:
“As much as one would like to be without guile, sometimes deceit is necessary.” (page 22)

“Pay attention to omissions and evasions.” (Page 138)

“Patience is a virtue, until it is not.” (Page 355)

Ah, this book was perfection! There was so much time spent wondering and worrying about Dacian but Judith shines in her ability to step in and oversee a house, even if she feels overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities. I quite liked her ability to keep her wits about her and see beyond what was obvious. In the grand mystery scheme, I had only figured out part of what was going on before it was revealed. Despite the high stakes of Dacian’s life/memory mixed with Judith caring for her family and the bats, she still kept her mind on the most important tasks at hand, even/especially when she had to involve her children. Marigold is her usual wonderful self, a true part of the family. The ending was almost perfect, and knowing that all the characters shall make an appearance in Eleanor’s book, it seems time that I start The Lady Diviner series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Jingle Spells by Emily Grimoire

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Delilah hates Christmas. She’s a strong independent witch who has finally left her hometown of Oak Haven and is off forging her own path. But an emergency drags her back just in time for the holidays.

Jasper is a human who also hates Christmas. He’s attempting to avoid festivities when he stumbles into the magical world of Oak Haven – a place which definitely isn’t supposed to exist – and sees things which should be impossible.

When chaos erupts in the town, Delilah and Jasper must join forces to restore order. They should be the perfect team. Their only problem? Their growing attraction to each other might be distracting them from their work…

Review:
“The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable.” (Page 148)

“Truth isn’t a dress pattern, to be adjusted for a better fit.” (Page 111)

So many times I almost put this book down. Jasper caught my attention at first and I was very curious what he was up to, but Delilah was not always very likable. Delilah didn’t seem to have much personality or depth; she always worked at the inn after her father died, and she clearly still has unresolved trauma around her father’s passing. Many parts of this book were sad or dragged on. I actually highly disliked the ending of the book and felt there were many other ways people could have been better reconnected. It was my least favourite of the holiday reads I read in December.

There was one great quip that I did quite love, “You have ‘haunted Victorian radiator’ energy.” (Page 132)

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
It’s the most hateful time of the year…

There’s only one thing Olivia Griswold hates more than Christmas: her brother’s best friend, Aaron Marino.

The NHL’s favorite playboy has hordes of adoring fans, but to her, he’s still the cocky jerk she’s loathed since high school.

But when Aaron hears Olivia’s spending the holidays with her roommates from hell, he offers her a place to escape to.

His place, to be exact.

In return, all she has to do is be his date to his hockey team’s Christmas gala. It seems simple enough, but Olivia soon discovers that sleeping behind enemy lines is a dangerous game—especially when the enemy looks like that.

Olivia knows she’s playing with fire, but she won’t let herself get burned again.

And they do say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer…

Get ready for delicious enemies-to-lovers banter and tension with tons of festive cheer in this charming hockey rom com. Holiday Hostilities is a closed door/fade to black romance that includes mild language, innuendo, and suggestive humor.

Review:
“How, underneath all the banter and sparring, I was always kind of obsessed with the fire in her eyes.” (Page 32)

It would be so easy to see Aaron as Olivia does at the beginning, but it’s clear that Aaron has his own issues. His job comes first, and while his teammates may be his friends, sometimes fans become a bit too overzealous. I love how Aaron and Olivia have so much tension between them built up from younger years, yet still sparking banter back and forth. There were definite times when Aaron seemed like he was either acting as a protective brother or something more, which often caused Olivia to freeze or fight back. Seeing how their trust, once diminished, slowly rebuilt up was awesome. I also loved how they worked together to fight against Aaron’s fan, and how their Christmas managed to be truly magical despite an incriminating picture of the two of them finding its way online.

Enemies to lovers with hockey players and an airline stewardess, mixed with some crazy fan drama– a quick read that you don’t want to set down.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯


Review of The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.

Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they’re about to spend a lot more time together.

As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?

The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Review:
Annie is awesome. Outspoken, but also very specific. It always seemed odd the way Annie was so against Mac, always seemed to have some sort of grudge and really disliked him despite there being no clear reason why. I loved the flashbacks in this book of why Annie felt that way, but I also couldn’t help but be incredibly frustrated with her most of the time. For someone who is supposed to be so smart, and has watched so many relationships bloom around her from the least suspected places and people, why is it that she would just completely cut contact with Mac and never give him any sort of chance to explain what happened? I loved the journey we saw Mac go on from the past to present day of coming of age, trying to find his own path and where he belongs. Sure, Annie always knew what she wanted, but some people can’t be sure immediately when they’re young. The spice in this was good, and the ending was certainly satisfying. If you’re looking for a good, quick romance read, here you go.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor trying to take a break from both his life and his constant desire to fix things.

But somehow fate finds Ben trapped by a blanket of snow at Kira’s farm, and, despite her Grinchiest first impressions, with the glow of the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and the promise of a warming hot chocolate, maybe, just maybe, these two lost souls will have a Christmas they’ll remember forever…

The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed, perfect to curl up with this winter!

Review:
“That she had lived her entire life in an absurd sheltered reality, where anything broken was fixed for her.” (Page 172)

“It was nice to be around people. God, why the hell had she been living like Quasimodo in his bell tower for the last four months?” (Page 281)

Kira and Bennett are two very different people. One considers herself useless, and the other is a fixer who always wants to make everything better for those he cares about. I loved getting to see Kira and learn why she is so stand offish and wants things to be just so, and Bennett–I’ve been waiting for him to get his own happily ever after since the first book! I did read this series out of order, but I am so glad that I finally got to this book!! I absolutely loved the difference in Kira seeing animals versus people; I think many of us can relate to that! Decent spice, and they both have such different pasts they are trying to get away from. Towards the end I was so worried–I was guaranteed a happily ever after, damn it!!

The ending of this book had such an unexpected find that I couldn’t help but be pleased that Kira has her man, and will hopefully have the future of her dreams– after all, she lives in Dream Harbor.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯