Fiction

Review of Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey

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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 Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey

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Synopsis:
‘Tis the season to get even…

When Maddie Grainger’s longtime boyfriend dumps her on TV for the entire world to see, she thinks she’s hit rock bottom.

Until her parents announce that they’re spending the holidays with her ex’s family… And he’ll be bringing the woman he left her for.

All Maddie wants for Christmas is to stick it to her cheating ex. But how?

Enter Sebastian Slater, the NHL’s most infamous player.

On a drunken night out in Vegas, Maddie asks the superstar athlete to pose as her new boyfriend. She’s kidding, mostly. But Seb shocks her by making a counter offer: he doesn’t want to date Maddie for the holidays… he wants to marry her.

Show up at her ex’s cabin alone, or with a surprise new hockey-playing husband? Maddie opts for the ultimate level up.

Because maybe, just maybe, revenge is a dish best served betrothed.

Sparks fly and Christmas cheer is abundant in this festive marriage of convenience rom com. Season’s Schemings is a closed door/fade to black romance that includes mild language, innuendo, and tons of sizzle without the spice.

Review:
“You deserve to be celebrated, Maddie. Deserve to be praised. Deserve to have all of those people look at you and talk to you with way more respect. And I’m pulling double duty as your husband to help you get everything you deserve.” (Page 159)

I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a hockey romance but Katie Bailey scored a goal with this one. Poor Maddie; all she wants is to both work on her career, and not have to deal with her ex who broke up with her on national television. I absolutely loved the tension and camaraderie between Maddie and Seb, despite their very unique first meeting. Both seem set on their careers and making this their best year yet, so when they decide to work together who can help but hope that this becomes more than just a short convenience thing?

Seeing the two go through all they did in Aspen to Seb’s huge surprise at the end, this book gave me all the feels. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a book they can’t put down, and characters that make you want to be sure that they get their happily ever after.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

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 The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.

When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. Kit is determined to change that.

At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.

One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.

Review:
“There was goodwill and second chances00and there was being taken a fool. Sometimes there was a fine line between the two.” (Page 50)

Helen Harper is an author that I have absolutely loved for years. Her writing and stories get better and more nuanced with each new series, and this is by far one of my favourites of hers. This book had so many unexpected discoveries, but among my favourite was how Kit and MacTire worked together. There was a set up for a mess, or something unexpectedly just piecing together, and I was glad my instincts were straight on. Seeing Thane get closer to cats, given his particularity, was quite amusing but also relatable as someone who didn’t have cats until they were an adult.

While most of these stories are magical and fully of witty banter and snark between characters, truly profane things can often be noticed, such as Kit stating, “Nobody actually wears black for the dead, they wear it for the living. It’s a way of saying that a life might be over but that life still mattered.” (Page 73)

All in all, Kit and her cats, with Thane’s help, were quite the team, and I will be excited to continue on in the series in the near future! The first book in another related series about Mallory, Squib, released today. You can look at that book by clicking here.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

* I don’t let myself change out my kindle unlimited books until I have written the reviews, so the continuation of reading this series is in the very near future!

Review of Owl of Your Dreams by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When a mystical star card directs witch Astra Arden to help Mrs. Finch—Forkbridge’s most vocal anti-witch crusader—she can hardly believe it. But when the elderly woman herself appears at Astra’s door, terrified by supernatural occurrences in her home, Astra knows she can’t ignore divine guidance.

Something strange is happening with Mrs. Finch’s extensive cat figurine collection, and Astra’s investigation uncovers disturbing connections to Eleanor Reynolds, a teacher who vanished three years ago. A hidden journal reveals hints of a secret society operating in Forkbridge, using ancient binding magic for sinister purposes.

As Astra digs deeper into Forkbridge’s mysteries, she faces resistance from Mrs. Finch herself, who remains stubbornly skeptical despite mounting evidence. Meanwhile, Astra’s familiar Archie struggles with his own commitment issues when his partner demands a formal bonding ceremony.

As the clock ticks down and sinister secrets lurk in the shadows, can Astra uncover the truth? Is Mrs. Finch an innocent victim—or has Astra been helping the very villain she’s hunting?

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
“The fear of loss, of pain, of change–it was universal, transcending species.” (Page 24)
“Part of life is knowing that you will care about people, and someday, you will lose them–or they you.” (Page 154)

As always, the Owl Star Witch Mystery books read quickly– they are gripping with interesting mysteries while still maintaining the “cozy” aspect Leanne Leeds exceeds at with, as she states, no gore, intimate scenes, or swearing. This book allowed us to see further into the life of one of the most anti-witch residents and shows that while you may have differences of opinion or merely not get on with someone, there is more to someone than what you see on the outside. While perhaps this book didn’t make Mrs. Finch and the Arden family allies, it helped bridge the gap between them, knowing that no one truly has ill will/hopes towards the others. Most of this book was spent with Astra trapped, which is why this is four stars for me; she’s my favourite!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Royal Wedding: A Princess Diaries Novel by Meg Cabot

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Synopsis:
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia’s gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn’t need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother’s leaked “fake” wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia’s father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she’s not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

Review:
This book was in many ways vastly different from the original series, mostly because of all of the twists and turns, and most notably that it is NOT a Young Adult novel. Throughout the later books in the series Cabot contended with their being movies made of Mia’s life that were “inaccurate” so it was an interesting twist to bring in oh so many paparazzi for this one. There were some very interesting developments in this book, and I loved how true to herself and her ideals Mia stayed, no matter what the circumstance was.

All in all, this book was alright, and was more of a set up for future books. I was glad there was a happy ending, but there was plenty that left me wanting more/something different.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of The Rumpelstiltskin Problem by Vivian Vande Velde

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Synopsis:
Have you ever wondered just what was going on when that odd little man with the long name stepped up and volunteered to spin straw into gold for the miller’s daughter? If you stop and think about it, there are some very peculiar and rather hard-to-explain components to the story.

Vivian Vande Velde has wondered too, and she’s come up with these six alternative versions of the old legend. A bevy of miller’s daughters confront their perilous situation in very different ways — sometimes comic, sometimes scary. Most of the time, it’s the daughter who gets off safely, but sometimes, amazingly, Rumpelstiltskin himself wins the day. And in one tale, it is the king who cleverly escapes a quite unexpected fate.

Review:
A Fairy Tale in Bad Taste
This was a unique take on who Rumpelstiltskin was and why he wanted a baby. It did give a bit more depth on who Rumpelstiltskin was, and some more backstory than the original tale. The ending was a bit surprising but also fair considering.

Straw Into Gold
I quite enjoyed this take on the classic tale, where Rumpelstiltskin helps multiple times. I absolutely loved the ending, and only wish such a short tale had been longer.

The Domovoi
This was a great take on WHY Rumpelstiltskin appeared and wanted to help spin straw into gold for no reward. I also quite liked the moral of the ending– “Some people… just aren’t happy unless they aren’t happy..” (Page 59)

Papa Rumpelstiltskin
This was one of the better tales in who/what Rumpelstiltskin is and why he wanted so desperately to help the miller’s daughter. Cute!

Ms. Rumpelstiltskin
This was another short story that did a great job of fleshing out the character of Rumpelstiltskin to showcase why someone may have wanted the miller’s daughter’s baby in the first place. The ending was also quite enjoyable.

As Good As Gold
This one I quite loved- one in which the King isn’t the big instigator of such drama. The ending was perfection.

I would recommend this little book for anyone who loves retold fairy tales and quick little reads.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

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Synopsis:
Welcome to Enchantra. There’s only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.

When Genevieve Grimm’s mother is killed, Genevieve wants answers nobody can give… until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace filled with temptations and illusions.

Arrogant and dangerously handsome, Rowin Silver meets her at the door and refuses to let her inside. But Genevieve finds her own way in… And soon realizes her mistake.

Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of marble and thorns, where Rowin’s family are trapped forever in a deadly game. Now, Genevieve must win or die.

Rowin offers her a deal. They can compete together… if they convince everyone watching that they’re desperately in love.

Genevieve knows she can’t trust Rowin, but she’ll do whatever it takes to survive. As they hunt and hide together, Genevieve tries to ignore the desire burning between them. She absolutely cannot fall for this man. Cannot forget that she’s only pretending to be in love.

After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra’s first rule… Never, ever trust your heart.

Review:
“…you have to choose to live for yourself. You are the most real thing you’ll ever be able to experience.” (Page 332)

Oh my goodness, Kaylie Smith knocked another right out of the park. I wasn’t sure that a story about Genevieve would hit as hard and well as Ophelia’s but this book totally stands on its own and is awesome. I loved all the background bits of Genevieve that were alluded to in Phantasma but not seen, and Rowin with Genevieve is just perfection. I think Enchantra’s games were an excellent change from those of Phantasma, and the way Rowin and Genevieve’s relationship bloomed was mere perfection. The enemies to lovers arc was prevalent, and it was great to see that even when Rowin was upset or exasperated with Genevieve he never once got upset with her for being herself. Neither character was expected to make a sudden shift in personality, which was quite nice as most novels hinge on that need for change that just happens.

This book did deal with some very real issues that people face; being put on the backburner by parents, not feeling adequate/good enough for partners, not feeling a sense of belonging. While Genevieve might have gone to the extreme to try to find someone who could understand, these are feelings that many know all too well. Even Rowin experiences the lack of understanding between siblings that so many have constant struggles with. No family is perfect, even those who do have a united front, and this was displayed very admirably in how conscious one has to be in order to have/give the support needed in life.

This book featured great atmosphere with well drawn out, well described landscapes, as well as interpersonal connections and stories that are impossible not to want to know more of and get lost inside. The spice level was just the right amount and well done. I highly recommend this book for any Dark Fantasy/Romantasy readers, as I eagerly await book 3 in the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of Best Wishes by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Saffron Sawyer is on her own. She’s no longer part of the Office of Faery Godmothers – in fact, she’s no longer part of anything, even if her magic is stronger now than she could have ever dreamed possible. Thwarted at every turn and stalked by monsters in the streets, her life feels like it’s falling apart.

But Saffron isn’t going to give up hope. She’s sworn revenge on the Director and she can’t forget about Jasper and the way he makes her feel. And when some familiar faces come knocking at her door, she might just have found the answers she’s been looking for.

Review:
I loved everything about this book. How spunky Saffron is, how she recognizes that if she had to make it without magic, she can find a way to manage and still bring joy to people while doing so. I love how much Saffron wants to help people, even when she isn’t an official faery godmother. I also absolutely love the comradery and relationships built that help Saffron move on and fight a completely new battle for something that isn’t quite what she’d always wanted. The message that sometimes what you have wanted your whole life isn’t exactly what you need, or exactly what you’d thought it would be, is something that can resonate with many people. There are oftentimes when you think life is going one way and you find yourself doing maybe even the same thing, but in an adjacent to how you thought it would be capacity.

Saffron’s ability to read people, deal with people, and remain her sparky self continue to dazzle in this book, and I am so glad for how things turned out for her with Vincent, and Pumpkin, and of course her friends and Jasper. This was a perfect ending to the series, even if I wished it could have been a bit more/longer. Highly recommend this book, as well as everything else of Harper’s I’ve read thus far. She’s an incredible gem when it comes to modern fantasy–great characters, great plots, smooth reading.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Matched by Ally Condie

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Synopsis:
In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander’s face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham’s face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it’s a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she’s destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can’t stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society’s infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Review:
This book was alright for what it was. Though originally heavily marketed as “the next Hunger Games”, the only true similarities are that they are book dystopian fiction. It was quite interesting how the people were sectioned off as either good, abominations or abnormals, and how one could end up with such a tag. It was an intriguing way of looking at life; everyone is scientifically tested to find their optimal match, and everything else is scientific tracked and done for optimal results as well. It seemed very much a simpler version of Brave New World, and if you are looking for a similar story, I would highly recommend that. I did quite enjoy how lifespans were explained and dealt with, for it made both life more predictable, and more frustrating. All in all, the story itself was rather predictable, but that didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

Thus continues the two paper books a month trend I will continue to this year as I attempt to not hold on to books to merely ferment if I haven’t read them. All in all, this book was alright, but not gripping enough that I intend to buy the next book or keep the physical book (original bought for my classroom library, what feels like a lifetime ago) on the shelf.

Star rating: ✯✯✯