Romance

Review of Hate Notes by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

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Hate Notes by [Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward]

Synopsis:
It all started with a mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.

Something blue.

I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”

Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.

The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.

He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after.

But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.

Something new.

But I have no idea how this one is going to end…

Review:
This book was full of tons of twists and turns that I never really knew what was going to happen. The characterization was well done, and while we focused predominately on Reed and Charlotte, we also had a couple of great little side characters thrown in as well. I hadn’t been sure I wanted to read something else after finishing the latest Beauty and the Beast trilogy I found myself deeply embedded in, but I am so glad I randomly picked this amongst all the books I had stowed away.

There was something humourous yet so touching and personal about this; from how people’s perspectives can change based on some heavy life events and how some people take the advice of those older and wiser and manage to continue on. Charlotte has such a wonderful happy disposition, and while she falls apart, she finds how to put herself back together and pushes for more. Reed, on the other hand, is so cynical and pessimistic that I cannot help but think that everyone has had some point where we allowed life to drag too heavily on us and needed to have that breath of fresh air to remind us that we’re truly alive. While I wasn’t sure that Reed would forgive how they met, I found that this book and the characters within reminded me of exactly how important living in the moment is, and how sweet life can be.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Devastation: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling by M. J. Haag

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Devastation: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling (A Beastly Tale Book 3) by [M.J. Haag, Ulva Eldrige]

Synopsis:
Everything has changed…

Abused and rejected, Benella strives to regain a purpose for her life that does not involve the beast.  However, when her father loses his employment, she finds herself returning to the last place she ever wanted to see.

A beast no more…

Alec, Lord of the North, is a man once more, a man Benella doesn’t know or understand.  As she struggles to reconcile the cold, distant man with the beast she once knew, she must also learn when it is right to forgive and when it is time to move on. 

Review:
This book really put so much into perspective of how Benella felt about relationships and trust between people. There were multiple times one had to stop and wonder why she kept doing the same stupid thing without thinking, but then, people are not always wary all the time. Seeing Alec as a man as he attempts to understand and work with Benella is quite nice, especially when he slips and she is reminded of their time alone. Of course I wouldn’t wish bad things on our main character, but it did seem like there was a lot of almosts that set her mind on a course that could have made a very different end. I realized as I neared the end, constantly worried that the happily ever after wouldn’t happen, that Benella was quite a believable character, with real concerns even if the reader (omnipresent as one is) knew shouldn’t have worried. There were times she misplaced care for possession, though I couldn’t truly blame her as she hadn’t been looked after for most of her life. Many things in life could be far more easily understood if we looked from both perspectives, our own and others, after all.

There were two great quotes that I will share from this final book in the Beastly tales.

“My mother once told me time changed everything. In that moment, I realized what she meant. Nothing ever stayed the same.”

“Her search for material wealth and social standing wouldn’t bring her happiness. Happiness wasn’t so easily obtained. It took kindness and some true sacrifice, neither concept truly understood by my sister.”

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Deceit: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling by M. J. Haag

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Deceit: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling (A Beastly Tale Book 2) by [M.J. Haag, Ulva Eldrige]

Synopsis:
Only Beauty can tame the Beast.

Safely hidden within the estate’s enchanted walls, Benella no longer has time to fear her tormentors. She’s too preoccupied attempting to determine what makes the beast so beastly. It might be the taxing visits from the aged enchantress who cursed him or his growing vexation at not being allowed to touch Benella.

In order to gain her freedom, she must find a way to break the curse, but first, she must help him become a better man while protecting her heart.

Review:
The world grew and it became larger and more coloured and I thought that Benella had truly touched the beast. I thought that despite her sisters and how horrible they were that she would turn out not differently in part because she was so sensible. We had so much more added to both knowledge of how Benella grew up to also the people who had been around the Beast and how he cared for them. The ending… how, how could he just do that?! I need to read the third book, immediately! One star off for the end!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Depravity: A Beauty and the Beast Novel by M. J. Haag

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Depravity: A Beauty and the Beast Novel (A Beastly Tale Book 1) by [M.J. Haag, Ulva Eldridge, Allisyn Ma]

Synopsis:
Seductively dark. Deliciously beastly.

Benella is concerned with two things–avoiding the two village boys who torment her and scrounging for food to help feed her family. Unfortunately, the best wild fruit and vegetables are near the walls of the estate, a dark misty place inhabited by an unforgiving beast.

When her tormentors lock her behind the massive gates, Benella knows her fate is sealed. Yet, the fate isn’t one she expects. Her encounter with the beast starts a bizarre cycle of bargaining for her freedom, a freedom the beast seems determined to see her lose.

Review:
I quite enjoyed this beginning of Beauty and the Beast’s tale by M. J. Haag. There wasn’t too much spice, but it set a very good scene for what Benella’s life was like, as well as how the Beast acted. Opening scene with the baker left a very lasting impression in my mind thought part of me wonders why Sara would be upset about the particular change in price since it seemed more beneficial to her. I found it very interesting that he was so kind and careful with her for so long. The duality of how she is treated depending on what she wears is not lost. I quite look forward to seeing how the story continues to unfold.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Merry Inkmas by Talia Hibbert

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Merry Inkmas by [Talia Hibbert]

Synopsis:
Cash Evans knows exactly what he wants for Christmas. Too bad he can’t have her.

The infamous tattoo artist’s been watching geeky Bailey Cooper for months, but that’s all he’ll ever do: watch. Bailey’s too sweet, too smart, too good for the likes of him, and he knows it. So Cash keeps his distance… until a Christmas miracle makes him Bailey’s boss.

Socially awkward Bailey learned long ago that men just aren’t worth the hassle. Take her new boss, Cash: he’s a brooding beast who avoids her like the plague, but he also fixes her plumbing, helps the homeless, and offers Bailey a place to stay for Christmas.

She’s never met anyone so confusing—or so impossible to resist. And the more Bailey learns about Cash and his demons, the more she thinks it’s time to stop fighting.

Warning: this 50,000-word holiday romance features an alphamellow bad boy hero, a strong, geeky heroine, a naughty office flirtation, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. There’s no cheating and no cliff-hanger. Enjoy!

Review:
This is the perfect amount of cute and sweet and complicated and just perfect in so so so many ways. There are some hot scenes in there but the relationships and depth of both characters Bailey and Cash and how they have to work together to overcome past trauma really made this book a hit. While the beginning tension did play a huge part in how awesome this book is seeing how different people react to tragedy and work to rebuild their lives, and use their talents, was great. Moving past the mental blocks put in place by what we see and experience from others in the past can be hard but oh so rewarding. The chemistry was perfect. The personalities were perfect. I loved this novel! I was left with only one question at the end… did Bailey end up with any more ink?

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Gleam by Raven Kennedy

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Gleam (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 3) by [Raven Kennedy]

Synopsis:
Book 3 of this adult fantasy series continues in this epic story inspired by the myth of King Midas, fae, fated romance, and insurmountable greed.

“I don’t choose him. Not anymore. I’m choosing me.“

King Midas made me the woman I am today. Notorious. Unattainable. His.

The thing about being confined is that you believe it’s to keep the bad out. …Until you realize it’s about keeping you in.

I’m now in a strange kingdom surrounded by liars, with no allies of my own, but I won’t sit idly by and let myself wither. No, there’s something that’s bloomed from the pit of my repression. Something dark. Something angry.

But the last thing I expected was for my anger to call out to him. King Ravinger.

He’s sinister and powerful and entirely too seductive. I’ve learned my lesson with trusting manipulative kings, so why does my chest constrict every time he’s near? I need to tread carefully, or I’m at risk of losing much more than just my freedom.

Regret and revenge war inside of me, and I need to figure out a plan fast before I get tangled up in the schemes of kings and queens.

Because I won’t be caught in a cage again. No, this time, it’ll be me setting the trap.
…I just hope my heart comes out of this unscathed.

Please note: This is an adult fantasy series with dark elements that may be triggering, including Stockholm Syndrome and emotional manipulation, as well as explicit romance scenes. Read at your own discretion.

Review:
Firstly, the trigger warning on this one is different than the others, which is interesting, but going into the story itself…

There are so many moments of finally in this novel! Unfortunately I personally found that while certain awaited scenes were nice, I was drawn out of the story because of the modern language usage that in no way fits any other part of this series. Additionally, this was the first book in the series that I found myself actively skimming parts of instead of fully reading to continue on. Auren finally looks inside and realizes all the ways that she was taken advantage of, and her resolve is quite inspiring. There were moments of sheer triumph, and there were also moments of true uncertainty and potential terror. Towards the very end there was a huge twist revealed that I never expected and wow. We end, as usual, with a big cliffhanger, though not quite so bad as some of the others- so frustrating that the next isn’t out until May!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of White Raven by Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane

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White Raven (A Demon's Guide to the Afterlife Book 2) by [Kel Carpenter, Aurelia Jane]

Synopsis:
An alpha wolf, a seductive vampire, and a dominant fae all walk into a bar. What do they have in common? Being mated to me, apparently.

My dreams of retirement crashed and burned when the rogue shifter bit me. Not only have I changed into something neither world has ever seen before, but my mission just became even more impossible. To find the answers about what I am, I enlist the help of an infamous ex-poltergeist, a shifter freak, and my least favorite pigeon.

What a team we make.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that my mate’s bloodthirsty daughter is awake and hunting my ass now? Because that’s a thing too.

Why?
I have no idea, but we have every intention of finding out.

An angel is playing games with me, but little do they know—I’ve got three alphas by my side, and this dark horse plays for keeps.

Review:
There are twists and turns in this book for days! As always, Carpenter delivers and Jane is keeping up there! This book has everything that keeps readers coming back for more- depth, passion, and introspection on what makes one happy and want to stay someplace, what home can mean, and how trauma can last long after it has stopped actively happening.

This book picked up with all the spice and connections that Carpenter has used as a draw in the past, and I quite enjoyed every bit of it. This felt perfect, well done, and like I never wanted it to end and simultaneously couldn’t put it down. The worst part was realizing I have to wait until December 1st for the last book in this trilogy!

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Promises and Pomegranates by Sav R. Miller

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Promises and Pomegranates: A Dark Contemporary Romance (Monsters & Muses Book 1) by [Sav R. Miller]

Synopsis:
Elena

To most, Kal Anderson is a villain.

Harbinger of death, keeper of souls, frequenter of nightmares.

Doctor Death. Hades incarnate.

They say he stole me.

Usurped my fiancé and filled the cracks in my heart with empty promises.

Imprinted his crimson fingerprints on my psyche and tried to set me free.

They’re not wrong, per se.

Except it was my choice to stay.

Kal

To most, Elena Ricci is an innocent.

Goddess of springtime, lover of poetry, angel of my nightmares.

Little one. Persephone personified.

They say I ruined her.

Shattered her virtue and devoured her soul like a succulent pomegranate.

Embedded my evil as deep as I could possibly get and tried to set her free.

They’re not wrong, per se.

Except it was she who ruined me.

Review:
I was worried when I started this book because I’d just finished the fourth book in a series I adored and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to fall into another world but I was instantly thrown into that world. There was definitely passion but a lot of darker kink things that I don’t personally find attractive (blood play)- but to each their own. The story itself was a good connection between Hades and Persephone and the real world; I think it made sense that they were both so damaged in order to fit together.

Hated her parents, loved her sisters, loved Elena, and quite liked Kallum.

Would recommend, but again, there is some major darkness and kink in there that if you aren’t interested in/okay with I would say steer clear.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Blood be Damned by Kel Carpenter

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Blood be Damned: Magic Wars (Demons of New Chicago Book 3) by [Kel Carpenter]

Synopsis:
When the Underworld burned, I thought that was the end. Turns out it was only the beginning.

Lucifer’s death was a shot heard around the world. The sudden loss of magic turned the tides for the first time in over two decades.

The humans are rallying. Rioting.
It feels like the stirrings of war.

As if that wasn’t enough, Bree isn’t the sister I remember—and her desire to return to Hell is creating more fires than I know how to put out.

Things are changing. Lines are drawn. Everyone must choose a side.

Even me.

Sometimes the world needs a hero. In a city that’s already gone to hell in a hand basket, it might just need a demon.

Review:
This book was awesome. Piper had to really become introspective to think about what caused the strife and heartache she had in life and how to move on. There were interesting twists and turns, and seeing her further develop both herself and her relationship with Ronan was nice. It’s always good when a heroine has flaws, ones that they recognize and try to work through. Did not see the ending, but very much looking forward to continuing the story when Forged by Fury comes out February 11th.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Fairy Godfather by Melanie Karsak

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The Fairy Godfather: A Modern Fairy Tale Romance (The Chancellor Fairy Tales Book 3) by [Melanie Karsak]

Synopsis:
What happens when a fairy godfather falls in love?

With my excellent track record as a fairy godfather, the elders sent me to Chancellor on a mission to help Alice, the quirky owner of the local bagel shop, find her Prince Charming. No one has managed to find a match for Alice. Where they failed, I will succeed.

The only trouble? My head isn’t in the game because I’m too busy falling in love with my best friend’s sister
.
I’ll need to get my feelings in check before I blow it for Alice. The upcoming Cherry Blossom Ball should give me the perfect venue to make a little magic happen. Can I pull it off before the clock strikes midnight on both our dreams?

Join Rayne in The Fairy Godfather, book 3 of The Chancellor Fairy Tales, a modern day retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale.

Review:
This book was such a sweet one. Of the three in the Chancellor fairy tales series it had the most connection with a commonly known fairytale, Cinderella. That being said I loved the fairy angel, and I loved Rayne. All the characters were believable and enjoyable to watch as they worked and grew. It was great seeing Alice go from stock-best friend to fully fleshed out character during the series. It was also neat how while there might be a fairy godfather, Dorothea is also very similar to a fairy godmother, trying to keep the Hunter line well taken care of. All in all, loved this book, but of the three, I still think The Cupcake Witch may be my favourite.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯