Book Reviews

For the past few years I have kept a journal, which then turned into a notebook file on my computer, of all the books I’ve read, including the date and time I started them and the date and time I finished them. Now I’ve decided to modernize my original notebook idea, and write a review of each of the stories I read.

Review of Uprooted by Naomi Novik

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Synopsis:
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

Review:
“Try not to borrow more folly than you already possess.” (Page 172)

“I didn’t go gleaning in the forest to find something in particular; I went to find whatever there was to find, and to let the ideas come to me: if I found a heap of mushrooms, we’d have mushroom soup the next day, and if I found flt stones the hole in the road near our house would get mended.” (Page 270)

I was worried when I started this book, having read Damsel by Elana K. Arnold, that this was going to go a very different way. I was so very happy with the unexpected that was found within this novel. The Dragon is formidable and while he seems so other when he visits the village (which he rarely does), he doesn’t expect perfection from Agnieszka. While he has certainly had many guests before, it is clear that what Agnieszka is, is very different than the usual meek and timid maidens that likely have served him.

The synopsis for this novel doesn’t even begin to describe all the intricacies of the book, so I will attempt to without giving things away. This book is excellent for those who excel in nature, find themselves a bit different than others, and love a good strong female protagonist that doesn’t need to be saved, and can be a savior herself, thank you very much.

I’m not sure my sentence synopsis really helps in understanding any more than the one the book has already. There’s magic, mystery, and a lot of gumption needed by a fledgling who finds herself knowing that she can do more than sit around and hope everything will work out. I highly recommend this book to any who love fairy tales, fairy tale retellings, magic, mages, political intrigue, nature, and the forest.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Holding the Reins by Paisley Hope

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Synopsis:
In this steamy cowboy romance, a woman returns to her family’s ranch after a broken engagement and finds herself falling for her brother’s best friend—the first novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.

Take a deep breath and let go of the reins.

Cecilia “CeCe” Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life. She’s returning to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, and to her family’s equestrian ranch, unsure of what the future holds. 

Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars, is Laurel Creek’s hometown hero, local business owner, and notorious bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fourth sibling in the Ashby clan. It’s been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers Wade and Cole. So, when CeCe needs a job, he feels drawn to help her.

Nash can’t seem to take his eyes off of his best friend’s sister, and it seems she’s been staring right back, not without animosity left over from his childish teasing back in the day. Despite their initial reluctance, the fire between them ignites and it isn’t long before they jump into the flames.

Review:
“Your future is yours and you can direct that horse any way you choose.” (Page 175)

This was more a hockey romance than a cowboy romance, which is apparently more of a genre than I ever would have considered before the books I read this past year (2025). The brief mentions of horses or related thereof didn’t read as authentic, some lingo being incorrect (hoof nipper when picking feet, should be hoof pick). Sayings and such of riding by CeCe’s father certainly range true; hence the name of the book. The mention of clothing was fairly authentic, though even in horrible heat most horse people still wear full jeans because you never know what you may end up doing/against.

The tension between Nash and CeCe was palpable, and their shared past and connections made their time together interesting. A lot of introspection had to happen before either could truly understand why, or what, exactly was going on between them. This book was heavy; the family is going through loss and it echoes throughout the lives of all the Ashby’s, by blood or unofficial connection and it wasn’t something I was prepared for. Hope did very well in her depictions of grief and how the simplest of things can remind one of something small that they always took for granted.

There was some spice, a hint of enemies-to-lovers, touch her and you’ll die, all while making sure careers are on track and no one is giving up everything for the other. I really liked how well CeCe’s past integrated with the present, and how Nash’s misgivings on relationships and futures had to be worked through. Things were not instantly perfect, and while communication was spotty, why they held back and didn’t speak sooner was important to opening up and willing themselves to truly connect. I thought perhaps there was too much smut, and I wasn’t expecting as much as there was in this novel. I certainly skimmed a bunch of it.

This is the first book in a series, and while I don’t intend to continue reading it, perhaps it’s exactly your cup of tea.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

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Synopsis:
Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. She will face an impossible challenge and, along with two unlikely allies, uncover a secret that threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike.

Review:
“But the world I wanted wasn’t the world I lived in, and if I would do nothing until I could repair every terrible thing at once, I would do nothing forever.” (Page 404)

This book was more than I ever could have asked or expected. While clearly a take, in some regard, to Rumpelstiltskin, this book turns the tale on its head. I absolutely loved how the Jewish religion played into this book. As someone who is not of the religion featured, I found it really interesting how in depth the book was, especially regarding the prejudices that many would have from practicing another religion. I loved how everyone was willing to take when they didn’t think there would be any repayments; and that Miryem was done with that. In fact, most of the women featured were done with the glass boxes they were placed within and were ready to do whatever it took to forge something new and worthwhile.

I absolutely loved the Staryk; fey/fae creatures that clearly do not have much care for humans at all. The Staryk king very much suffers from what most do, or so it appears–those who have the power think that they should be able to wield it however they see fit. While there are still stores to be filled with gold, and magic abound, what makes this retelling stand apart is the soul of it all; everyone is doing what they believe is best to serve and save those they love. All of the characters have great depth and history, allowing a deeper understanding of motives and desires.

I wasn’t sure how I would find another book to fall into after this because it really had me. I read and reread Paul O. Zelinsky’s Rumpelstiltskin more times than I could count growing up. I took it out of the school library endlessly, and every week my Grampa read it to me again and again. This book gave me the same feeling of being deeply embroiled in a story that you could truly get lost in. I cannot recommend this novel enough. The ending is truly what makes it a masterpiece. Very well done by Novik!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

*The cover of this book has changed for kindle, and as I prefer the one still listed as the Paperback and Hardcover, that is the picture I have included.

How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo

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Synopsis:
In this hilarious sequel to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, Theodosia’s already survived being the evil stepsister in one fairy tale, but surviving fae bargains, fairy rings, and being turned into a hedgehog will be a whole new challenge.
 
Theodosia Balfour is in a panic—she has no clue how to handle her new life as a fairy’s familiar. She just can’t seem to find her place in Cecily’s land of decadence, doublespeak, and whimsy.
 
Moreover, Theo can’t stop thinking about Kasra, Cecily’s last familiar who is now living a cozy human life without any memories of his time in a fairy’s service. All she wants is to tell Kaz how she feels about him, but that’s impossible now. Then suddenly, the regent of the fairy kingdom reveals a secret that shocks Theo to her core and thrusts her into the role of detective to solve a thousand-year-old royal assassination attempt.
 
With time running out to catch the would-be assassin, Theo can rely on only her own wits and unique charm to discover what’s really going on.

Review:
This book had the ultimate mystery entwined within, while mixing with the melancholy of a missed connection/lost love. I absolutely loved how Theo’s days changed, and how despite once always worrying about what life would bring, now stuck in monotony. I absolutely loved seeing her make friends and the adventure she and her musical group end up in together, with Cecily! Seeing Cecily’s depth change from being eccentric and slightly held off boss to one willing to share all of herself and her life, not just the good/flashy/party parts was absolutely magical. I also figured out the main instigator before the end, which I was pretty proud of myself for. Despite having an inkling, it in no way changes the enjoyment of the story or the grand reveal.

I loved this book so much, and think anyone who loves comedy, a hint of romance, and fairy tales turned upside down will find this absolutely delightful.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter

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Synopsis:
The world’s most enchanting and timeless love story—reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY ON THE RUN

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating Gothic voice.

*Beauty of the Beast is the first standalone installment in a series of reimagined fairy tales.

Disclaimer: This is a dark historical romance retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Due to graphic subject matter and mature themes, including onscreen SA, death, and profanity, reader discretion is advised. Your mental health matters.

Review:
This book seemed more a combination of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, though Adam’s musicality is likely meant to have a Phantom flare. There was definite poverty, and Isabelle was certainly being forced towards whatever it took to make her family alright. While I did read this book completely, it was dark but not in a way I found appealing. Absolutely hated all interactions with her Raphael. Honestly, this is one retelling I could have done without. There were times it was hard to feel positive about any of the characters, or engaged in the storyline.

Star rating: ✯✯

Review of Flirting with Disaster by Hailey Shore

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Synopsis:
There are two things you need to know about me:

First, I am not cool. No, no, don’t let my tuxedo shirt and anklet socks fool you. I’m 26-year-old virgin not cool. I’m carry my cat around in a special backpack not cool.

Second, I’m cursed. Every Piedmont woman is. We are doomed to fall in love with men who will break our hearts. So, I’m never going to fall in love.

But I wouldn’t mind a little flirting. To do it, I need someone to teach me how.

Levi O’Rourke lives above my bookstore. He’s sexy, mysterious stranger with a dangerous past cool. He has mostly been a thorn in my side all year, but he is also a world-class flirt. Which makes him perfect for my plan.

Normally, a guy like him wouldn’t look twice at a woman like me, but he’s surprisingly enthusiastic when I ask him for flirting lessons.

Except after one fake date the flirting lessons turn into kissing lessons which turn into…well, you get the idea.

The chemistry between us is dangerous. I might be catching feelings. Real feelings for Levi, that I don’t think are going away. The kind of feelings that can get a cursed woman’s heart broken.

Am I flirting with disaster?

Author’s Note: This is a fake dating, flirting lessons, steamy standalone romance. There’s a quirky cat, a heroine desperate to lose her v-card and a gin-drinking grandmother who can’t keep her hands to herself.

Review:
Annie has an interesting life–in some ways, she has everything she’s wanted career wise, and yet, she’s uncertain about the ways of love since she’s never really managed anything in that regard. Enter her starlit sister, a movie, and the desire to get closer to one of her sister’s co-stars. While Levi may be frustrated at first, with how his lease is going and all of the repairs that need doing, and that he is “grounded”, it’s great to see him become part of the community. I loved getting to know Levi and his past, as well as see why Annie seems so stuck where she is–regardless of her own desires to move forward. Levi was great; sarcastic, dark, mysterious, and far more capable of feeling and help than anyone might have thought.

There were some definite moments where even without having been in a relationship it seemed so clear that Annie just needed to talk to Levi which were so frustrating! Everything turned out well in the end, and I quite enjoyed this book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher

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Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes Hemlock & Silver, a dark reimagining of “Snow White” steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind

Healer Anja regularly drinks poison.

Not to die, but to save— seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on.

But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her.

Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick.

Or it might be the thing that kills them all.

Review:
“The human body is a strange combination of incredibly fragile and unspeakably tough.” (Page 46)

I absolutely love Anja, and I think many may not be sure that they like Snow. Anja is stuck in a peculiar situation; if she cannot yield results more than just her own reputation and life may suffer because while the king may not hold it against her, the rest of his subjects certainly would hold that against her family. I absolutely loved how the magic world worked, and of course our wonderful feline guide. I quite enjoyed the rapport between Anja and her guard, as well as how Anja would speak to the King when able. She is a very enjoyable protagonist to follow, and I was rooting for her all the time.

There were so many amazing quips and one liners in this book that it becomes almost impossible to pick one to encompass the feel of the entire story. While I am certain I will have picked one for the beginning of this review, I will share this one that I feel a special kinship with here. “Then I slept badly–I always do, the night before I know I have to be somewhere early–” (Page 55)

This book was such a unique and fun take on Snow White, and I greatly enjoyed it. If you love fairy tale retellings, magic, strong independent women that aren’t necessarily the slimmest, cats, and guards who are good at their jobs (even when it takes them to places they never could have dreamt of) this book is definitely for you!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of My Feral Romance by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A painter in need of a model.
A matchmaker seeking a subject.
An arrangement that will tangle their hearts.

Fae shifter Daphne has landed the opportunity of a lifetime: illustrating her favorite author’s steamy romance novels. If only she could master male physiques…and other essential anatomy. What she needs is a model. Yet how does the socially awkward fae with a tendency to bite find a man she can comfortably paint in the nude?

Self-proclaimed matchmaker Monty Phillips is a hopeless romantic…but only when it comes to others. Meddling in the love lives of strangers via his popular advice column keeps romance a safe distance away. Yet when he’s tasked with demonstrating his tips on modern courtship, he’ll need to step out from behind the pen and into someone’s love life.

And he knows just the perfect plaything.

The last time Daphne saw Monty, he broke her heart and discarded their friendship. Now he wants to drag her into one of his idiotic matchmaking games—where she’s the subject! But when he promises to pose as her model in exchange, she can’t refuse. At least it’s only temporary. If he’s the expert he claims to be, she can replace him with a lover in no time.

Painting sessions and flirting lessons commence, rekindling their friendship. But when instructional seduction turns their platonic spark into burning desire, will either have the courage to fan the flames?

Bridgerton meets My Fair Lady and He’s Just Not That Into You in My Feral Romance, a spicy standalone fantasy romcom in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series. Every book in this interconnected series is a complete story and ends with a HEA. If you like fae bargains, friends-to-lovers romance, and cozy fantasy worlds, you’ll love this sizzling tale.

Review:
“… you don’t have to pretend to be anyone you’re not. You deserve to be loved for exactly who you are.” (Chapter 33)

I have loved all of Tessonja Odette’s books, and this is no exception. I did prefer the first book in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series. I really liked that we saw Daphne and Monty thrown together and how their dynamic changed and yet stayed the same from when she was working as his assistant. I liked getting to know more of both of their pasts, and it was really interesting to see how Daphne grew up, and how that type of life might have shaped someone. There was so much more angst and turmoil in Monty’s past than could possibly be guessed (and I really hadn’t remembered him from the first book I had seen him in when I started this series). The romance was decent, and the way they had to work around fae bargains was *chef’s kiss*.

Another stellar book by Tessonja Odette. If you’re looking for something fairy tale esque, magical, with some spice, this will be a great fit for you!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

P. S. I don’t like Monty’s dad, and you likely won’t either!

Review of Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson

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Synopsis:
Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them—the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor’s Watch will be a kingdom, and Kazi and Jase will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and they soon find themselves captured in a tangled web of deceit woven by their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies, a place where betrayals run deeper and more deadly than either had thought possible, and where timeless ambitions threaten to destroy them both.

Review:
Most of this book was anticipation, hoping that when separated, they’d be able to keep to their plans and accomplish great things. So much time was spent being so worried about poor Kazi! Many had to work through serious misgivings, and trust was the main thing this book centered around. While there were definite moments of great distress and worry, the ending was more perfect than I could have dreamt.

This is a great end to Jase and Kazi’s story, though I will say that months later it wasn’t as memorable or gripping as the first book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

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Synopsis:
Vying for the hand of one brother.

Falling in love with the other.

A new Victorian-inspired romantasy, perfect for fans of Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince.

“If you’re looking for the next YA sensation, here it is.” —Adalyn Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

London, 1848—For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire.

As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family’s social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy’s marriage prospects are nonexistent. So when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram’s hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. What a bargain can’t fix, a crown certainly could.

Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner—with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram’s brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother’s heart…for a price. But as the season sweeps Ivy away, with glittering balls veiling the queen’s increasingly vicious trials, Ivy realizes there’s more at stake than just a wedding. Because all faerie bargains come with a cost, and Ivy may have discovered hers too late.

Review:
“Parents warned children to stay away from tall strangers in the woods and to never follow music that seemingly came from nowhere. They did not heed the warnings, and they paid the price.” (Page 365)

This book is AMAZING. It’s got the Victorian society mixed with fairies and magic and love. One of the best parts of this novel is that the faerie aspect is done very well; there is magic, there are bargains, but they all come with a price. While the bargains may be done to make the Faerie Queen seem sympathetic to humans, the duplicity of having to give something away that you often wouldn’t have considered the significance of should have made most realize that the fae don’t consider futures, morals, values, people in the same way that humans do. Yet one by one people send their daughters to ask for a bargain to try to make them more attractive, to elevate their family’s standing and lives, without considering what one may be giving away in return. This book also entwines familial relationships and what one would be willing to do for a sibling that they love more than anything.

This book is gripping, thought provoking, and leaves you wishing for the next book immediately before you’ve even set this one down.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯