Book Review

Review of Dreadful by Greer Rivers

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Synopsis:
A dark, modern, romantic retelling of Sweeney Todd with a Medusa twist and a happy ever after.

Their revenge is sweet… their love is unhinged.

Fifteen years ago, a girl sacrificed her life for mine. I’ve wanted only justice ever since.

Then Talia entered the stage.

I’m the barber’s son. The Boss’ nephew. A prince without a throne and only revenge to fuel me.

She’s the bakers’ granddaughter. Sweet Tallie. Their dolce nipotina. My vipera.

My desires have always stopped at vengeance. She’s made me want more. But my vendetta will destroy everything in my path, and I won’t risk bringing her into my world.

I never suspected she’d snake her way in on her own.

I craved a bite of her sugar and spice, but my little vipera is fangs and venom.

Now all I want is to be bitten.


DREADFUL is a dark, revenge mafia retelling of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa, set in modern-day Boston and a complete STANDALONE in the Tattered Curtain Series. Guaranteed HEA. This story has triggers so please check the author’s website for trigger warnings.

Review:
I absolutely adored this book, as I have the other Tattered Curtain tales. This book is HEAVY. I highly recommend anyone interested read the trigger warnings before getting into it. I absolutely loved how well paced and set up the story is, and how it shifted between present and past. I thought that the connection between Sweeney Todd and Medusa was absolutely brilliantly done and well executed. I loved the depth of this story and how entwined the past and present were, but how age and circumstance can keep one from seeing the whole picture. The characters were relatable and well written with great depth. I loved how the characters grow and develop together. I wasn’t particularly keen on the knife play used at one particular scene, but as it was only one, it didn’t really pull me from the immersion of the novel. Do read the trigger warnings, as I definitely was close to tears at the end, but it was still just right. The only thing I am bummed about is not being able to get the bonus epilogue as the link doesn’t work. I cannot wait to see what comes out next in this series, as they are all so unique, immersive, and touching.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve found a new home and fallen in love with four cursed fae princes. But everything could be taken from me in an instant. If I’m to save the Enchanted Vale and the High Princes, this rose is going to need to grow thorns.

Being a part of the fae is wonderful. Except that the enchanted castle I live in is falling apart, one of my mates wants to give up his magic for good, the other one seems to be hiding something from me, and the two cursed fae princes I’m in love with still need to find their actual mates. Oh, and the villainous Prince of Thorns keeps trying to kiss me. And I kind of want him to.

When whispers of war spread from the Spring Realm, we find ourselves on a knife’s edge, trying to prevent a betrayal that could tear the realms—and my princes—apart. A vicious enemy from the Below will stop at nothing to kill me and claim Spring for herself. And Ezryn’s own brother has turned against him, claiming the Spring throne for himself. Allies become enemies, and enemies become allies.

Now, more than ever, I’ll need to light a way for my princes and help Ezryn, the High Prince of Spring, take back his throne. I won’t let him lose himself to the darkness… unless I lose myself first.

FORGED BY MALICE is the third book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling seven-book series set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF, MM, and MMFM content. It is intended for mature readers only

Review:
The cliffhanger ending on this is absolutely horrible! There were so many things revealed just at the last possible second and ugh!!!! I cannot wait for this series to finish up!

This book has so many layers of what it means to be a good friend, what it means to forgive yourself, and accept goodness in your life. The characterization and depth is amazing. I do have some assumptions on how redemption works in the Vale, which I will reveal whether or not they were spot on after the next book is out. There were so many twists and turns and some I had some inkling on (here’s looking at you, Wrenley) and some I hated (here’s looking at you AGAIN, Wrenley!) There was a series of expectations about Rosalina and her princes and while some may say you cannot always have your cake and eat it too that is what was advertised so I am sure many of us are left mouth gaping.

The spice was, as always, spot on and awesome, but oh how I want everyone to have a happy ending; together! With Rosalina!

P.S. The true villain is never who you think it will be…

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher

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Synopsis:
A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate—and its enigmatic owner—in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort.

Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester—who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

Review:
I had started reading this before I’d started Once Upon a Broken Heart, but it was set aside for the trilogy. Going back was like I’d never set it down at all. Fisher is an expert at making a believable world that draws you in and makes you wonder what will happen next. There were always stakes, and one was always left guessing exactly what the witch is truly against. While this book was inspired by Jane Eyre and therefore has some elements of that story, I would say that I personally got more Pride and Prejudice/Lizzy and Darcy vibes; Jane is tenacious and outspoken. Though Jane does attempt to appear demure at times, it is her fire and driving force that draws the reader in. I absolutely love the witch aspect of this novel, using different herbs to help with things as well as a hagstone, and of course a few spells. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, classic retellings, and wished Jane Eyre had less strife and was a bit more… magical.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out. . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.

Review:
Apollo. Oh Apollo. There was the chance of warm fuzzy feelings for what a good guy you were, up until the end of the second book. This book makes you see the true difference between a villain and one who may just be… morally grey. Without knowing exactly why, Evangeline is left wondering if this perfect fairytale life is what really makes her happy. In life there are so many times that you must choose a path and sometimes the unexplored or what may be considered foolhardy trail is the one you belong on, so I thought this book was a great analogy for life. I absolutely loved that Evangeline has such strong instincts in this novel, and all of the magic surrounding (and placed literally upon her) enhances that which she innately knows. There are great villains in this novel, both expected (thanks to the end of book two) and unexpected. As always, Garber expertly drew me into her novel and I find myself wishing I could continue living in that world for just a few more pages… especially to learn more about apples.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of the Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can. . . .

Review:
What an emotional whirlwind! I hadn’t thought I’d care of find a time where Jacks became a redeemable person and yet… I absolutely loved all the twists and turns of this novel. Evangeline is stuck wondering if Jacks is really her ally or if he’s truly trying to help her and it is absolutely stunning how many surprises this book has backed inside. There were so many times that Evangeline considered what love truly is and was, and that while she once thought it was there and everything was perfect forever, later she thought that it was likely more something you had to work towards and keep on top of in order to maintain it. Of course, Jacks has to remind us that ballads never have a happy ending… and I had been so content with how things were and where it appeared we would end up until that very ending! That ending was truly ballad quality and made me want to throttle one who we were supposed to love; but it was a great set up for book 3, which I of course had to start immediately after.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Review:
“If you think I’m jealous because someone else got to stab you, then you’re right.” (Page 329)

Magic and curses and the power of true love- what’s not to like? I absolutely love that this is a series set in the same world as Caraval with a few characters we know and oh so many new developments. I quite enjoy the stakes of this series, and how the truth of one’s emotions are learned through their actions. While parts of the series seemed like everything was obvious, the twists and turns left much ambiguous and to be discovered in full in future books. The depth and development of the characters is something that truly brings the world to life, just as much if not more than the magic we end up chasing. I love how everything is left to chance and there is always the possibility to change your future; much like real life.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Out of Magic by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the Arden sisters are enlisted to sprinkle some magic on Forkbridge’s annual Halloween Festival, they expect nothing scarier than costume contests and jack-o’-lanterns. But the spooktacular celebration takes a sinister turn when Ayla finds Councilman Marcus Clinton’s body chillingly posed in a decorative coffin outside City Hall.

With Forkbridge transformed into a carnival of costumes, it’s nearly impossible to separate harmless tricksters from potential killers. Between a zombie flash mob, strange noises in city hall, and a woman walking the streets dressed up like the goddess Athena, there’s too much information and too few clues.

Can Astra and her sisters peel back the layers of the killer’s disguise, unmasking them before they blend into the ordinary? Or will the elaborate festival costumes shroud the true face of evil lurking among them?

The clock is ticking, and it’s more than just a game of trick or treat!

Review:
“Your destiny still awaits, Astra of the Stars.” (Page 357, Chapter 20)

Back to holiday themed books, it was great to see the entire family together working towards a common goal; well, most of the family. I quite enjoyed the role that Apollo (and Hermes) played in this one, especially how he truly cared whenever Astra was upset. It was interesting seeing Lothian and Astra’s relationship during this particular book as in previous ones they had come across as much more of partners (in work, not just dating) than this one–good development. The mystery in this was perfect; multi-layered and convoluted enough to keep your attention and always wondering exactly who did what, why, and what you’re missing. I am looking forward to continuing the series as it continues to come out!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Of Owl the Nerve by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Emma and Eddie’s wedding preparations kick into high gear in Forkbridge, Florida, Astra Arden, Emma’s best friend and witch extraordinaire, is eager to play her part. But a deadly accident at the rehearsal dinner throws a wrench in the festivities.

As Emma’s big day approaches, Astra is caught in a whirlwind of wedding shenanigans—which she isn’t exactly thrilled about. But when an intoxicated guest dies chokes to death at the rehearsal dinner, Astra’s excitement quickly turns to suspicion.

Increasingly mistrustful of the guests and their dubious motives, annoyed that best man Lothian is there every time she turns around, and frustrated that Archie—Astra’s mischievous familiar owl—keeps helping himself to the catered snacks instead of helping her solve the case, can Astra uncover the truth behind this mysterious mishap and save the wedding from disaster?

Review:
This book was awesome. We see our usual stubborn Astra as she attempts to avoid anything to do with her feelings and anything beyond a task. While I was so enthralled with this book, it was truly because we see a completely different side of Lothian. He is always there for Astra, willing to help and trying to be the partner she needs and while it takes her a while to realize it, she has openly asked his opinions and kept him in the loop. Archie does not eat catered snacks and I was a bit disappointed in how little he appeared in this particular novel. I did like all the poolside and outdoor situations we got to see between Astra, Lothian and Emma’s guests. It is also nice to see less of Jason, given the circumstances. I greatly look forward to seeing what happens in book 14!

There were a few bits of wisdom in this book I especially liked, particularly that “Money does strange things to people.” (Page 25, Chapter 2), “But when adversity arises, and confidence runs thin, just remember: you are Astra. Impossibilities and adversity cower in your wake.”(Page 216, Chapter 13) as well as “Sometimes the hardest hearts to reach are the ones most in need of love… And sometimes love means not giving up, even when faced with anger and rejection–or even just simple attitude.” (Page 314, Chapter 19) There was also some quoted Shakespeare; and who doesn’t love that?!

While when I began this series I believed it was completed at 15 books, I have recently learned that apparently the 15th book isn’t out until February… and I’m not so sure it’ll be the last. That being said, I still love the series, am going to start book 14 once I’m done with this review, and highly recommend it to people who love Greek Mythology and cozy modern fantasy mysteries.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Berry Mysterious by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden’s plans to enjoy a leisurely summer vacation with her sisters and bestie Emma Sullivan’s new baby are derailed when a strawberry farmer is found dead in his field, a magical symbol etched in the dirt beside him.

As the prime suspect, the farmer’s daughter begs Astra for help in proving her innocence. With her talking owl sidekick, Archie, by her side, Astra delves into the secrets of the Forkbridge Farmers Market, uncovering a rivalry between strawberry farms and a decades-old mystery involving a stolen recipe for the world’s best strawberry jam.

But as Astra gets closer to the truth, she realizes the killer will stop at nothing to keep the secrets buried in the strawberry fields forever.

Full of unexpected twists, and a touch of paranormal magic, Owl Berry Mysterious is a delightful addition to The Owl Star Witch Mysteries series that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Review:
This book had it all; good mystery, great characterization, and a surrounding of occult/mysticism that one has to wonder just how magical it is. I quite enjoyed how many angles there are for the strawberry farmer and why he may have been killed. It was great seeing Emma in action, especially getting to see a bunch more of Hunter, which presents its own special brand of problems. Everything about this book was awesome. There were idyllic moments, moments where Astra had to confront her feelings, and rare moments of vulnerability both for Emma and Astra. Lothian has started to grow on me. The flower of life made an interesting and noteworthy appearance. If you like magic and mysteries this book was spot on.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Scries Like An Owl by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden has had a rough go of it lately. Between dealing with bickering gods, a spectral boyfriend who can’t seem to remember to knock, a lost job, and three sisters who have all become rebellious, Astra is barely keeping it together.

But when the mayor of Cassandra, the town known for its psychic abilities, goes missing, things go from bad to downright absurd.

The entire town of Cassandra thinks Astra murdered Mayor Lillian Thornton a very public confrontation between the women. The interim mayor—a hotheaded condo developer named Daniel Caldecott—is determined to use the disappearance to take over Cassandra and pin the blame on the Arden family as fast as he can get the ink dried on the warrant.

Can Astra find the missing mayor, clear her name, and restore peace to Cassandra before it becomes a high-end ghost town? Or will she be swallowed up in the chaos of gods, ghosts, and greedy developers?

Review:
I was definitely happy to see the threat of the last book; everyone sharing all powers etc did not seem to be in any way an issue in this book. Set a few months after the last novel, it is understandable that everyone is still on edge, especially Lillian Thornton. I quite enjoyed another trip to Cassandra and that Astra is beginning to communicate with her father. She is learning what he’s like and what things mean with him/what he would do and wouldn’t and that’s interesting to see. I quite enjoyed this novel because we still got to see Jason, we see the turmoil of Astra’s immediate family, and we got to see how Astra can try to work with people who aren’t just Emma. I had managed to figure out most of what was going on before the reveal, however it did not in any way detract from the reading experience. I look forward to continuing on with the series!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯