Romantic Fantasy

Review of Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

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Synopsis:
Halla has unexpectedly inherited the estate of the wealthy distant uncle she’s been caring for for the past decade. Unfortunately, she is also saddled with money-hungry relatives full of devious plans for how to wrest the inheritance away from her.

While hiding in her bedroom to escape her family, Halla inspects the ancient sword that’s been collecting dust on the wall since before she moved in. On a whim, she pulls it down and unsheaths it—and suddenly a man appears in her bedroom. His name is Sarkis, he tells her, and he is an immortal warrior trapped in a prison of enchanted steel.

Sarkis is sworn to protect whoever wields the sword, and for Halla—a most unusual wielder—he finds himself not fending off grand armies and deadly assassins but instead everything from kindly-seeming bandits to roving inquisitors to her own in-laws. But as Halla and Sarkis become closer, they overlook the biggest threat of all—the sword itself.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book and it was impossible to put down. Sarkis is dark, mysterious, sarcastic, and the type of protect-her-or-die asshole we all wish we had. I really enjoyed getting to know Halla, who is not only a very capable woman, but one who isn’t aware of just how precious she is. It was enjoyable having an older protagonist who knows she isn’t seen as the town’s version of beauty, but is still very strong and nice and capable. One thing that Kingfisher has been doing consistently is making sure that body types don’t determine capability–something true in life as well. I came to care far more for a priest than I thought I would in such a novel.

The ending of this book was so perfect when there were so many times that it seemed that not everyone could possibly have a happy ending. I cannot wait to continue reading about everyone’s adventures in future books to come.

I highly recommend this book to those that love strong women, magic, and those who have worked hard getting what they actually deserve (and were willed).

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 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 A Game of Love and Betrayal By Elayna R. Gallea

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Synopsis:
He requires a wife. She needs to kill him. All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.

What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife?

Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course.

Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is simple: date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.”

Unfortunately, it won’t be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women are competing in the Choosing, each searching for their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have made their choice.

Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love.

A Game of Love and Betrayal is the first book in The Choosing Chronicles, a captivating enemies-to-lovers, new adult urban high fantasy romance.

Review:
I did truly like this book, but I’m not sure that the synopsis really explains it that well. Ryker is honestly looking for a wife and Brynleigh, well, she’s looking for something different entirely. It took me a bit to get into this book because it starts with Brynleigh in a very unique situation. From the very beginning, in the first chapter, we are told how hard it is for vampires to break away from their Maker, so it makes sense that Brynleigh does her best to appease hers. It becomes clear very early on that Brynleigh and Ryker are two very different people. The televised/blind aspect of this competition made it quite unique.

Both Brynleigh and Ryker both have trauma from their past that effects them more than one usually sees in a fae/vampire romance. If you’re looking for a morally grey female, this is it. As for this being enemies-to-lovers… somewhat from one side.

*This book ends on an ABSOLUTEY HORRIBLE cliffhanger, so be prepared to get book 2 immediately

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Romance Rules for Werewolves by Linsey Hall

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Synopsis:
Autumn is a time of snuggly sweaters, crisp breezes, and…. sexy, broody werewolves?

When I inherit a magical house in the beautiful seaside village of Charming Cove, it’s just what I need to turn my dismal life around. Fresh off a bad breakup and with magic that I’ve ignored for a decade, I’m ready to rekindle my inner witch.

The catch? The house is inhabitable until I renovate it, and the only place to live is with a brooding, rugged boat-builder who definitely doesn’t want me in his space. Though there’s no denying the electric spark between us, neither of us is willing to act on it.

To make things more complicated, I have to renovate the house in thirty days or I’ll lose it. But the house hates anyone who enters it and attacks with loose floorboards and horrific odors. I can’t get a single contractor in Charming Cove to help me out.

That leaves only one option—convince my new roommate to help me until I can untangle the mystery of why my new home is so moody. It’ll mean spending every day with the sexy, infuriating werewolf, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make my dreams a reality.

Review:
The book starts out with Isobel in a pretty crappy situation, and within a couple of chapters she’s suddenly gotten an entirely new lease on life and become an entirely different person. While I’m all for change, especially after removal from a toxic situation, the way in which the change was instant was a bit much. Rafe, our werewolf, is far more steady in his demeanor and desires. That being said, watching as Isobel makes a new life for herself and slowly becomes close to Rafe was absolutely worth the time spent. I quite liked how Isobel and Rafe’s relationship grew as they spent more time together and learned more about each other. While I loved seeing the Charming Cove ladies of books past, it seemed very odd that everyone was offering Isobel free help and instant friendship- though it is nice to welcome new magic users into a small town! There was a continuity issue in this novel with Emma’s future grandmother-in-law being named Vivienne when in the previous book her name was Vivian which I wish had gotten caught in editing.

This book is sweet but with a lot of depth to the main characters and their relationship, this is a quick and easy cozy romantasy I’d recommend you give a read to.

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

Review of The Modern Girl’s Guide to Magic: A magical romantic comedy by Linsey Hall

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Synopsis:
So here’s the deal—I’m a magical disaster. A witch from a family of witches, and the only one whose magic blows up in her face. Which is why I came up with my rules…

1. Never get involved with magic

2. If you must get involved, do not enter a competition to win the biggest magical fortune in England

3. And definitely don’t fall for Callan Hawthorne, the sexy billionaire mage who you’ve hated for years

So how the heck do I end up in a situation that promises to break all those rules? It’s the only way to save Seaside Spells, my family’s magical potion shop.

But it’s cool. When I go back home to Charming Cove—a village of ancient pubs and foul-mouthed familiars—I will totally ignore Witch Weekly’s Sexiest Man of the Year. I’ll win the competition, and if I’m lucky, I won’t turn myself into a toad in the process.

This’ll be fine. It’ll all be fine.

Riiiight.

Review:
Aria is quite an intriguing character as is Boris, and while Callan might seem standoffish, he becomes quite understood as time goes by. While this book seems to be a bit of split perspective from Aria and Callan, it is predominantly about Aria reclaiming her life and figuring out that just because you’re different doesn’t make you bad. I loved the past connection and bits of flash backs from Callan and Aria’s past. Callan does nothing but endear as he continuously does all he can to help Aria become her best self, and I am all for that. I picked up one saying that I hadn’t heard before this novel that I quite liked and think everyone would do well to consider in life: “There was no need to borrow trouble.” This is a quirky quick cozy light fantasy romance read that while not holding much depth, does leave the reader with warm fuzzy feelings afterwards.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Bound by Honey by Jamie Dalton

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Synopsis:
A magical library, an incurable curse, and a woman who loves her coffee.

Sage thought working in a magical library was already the stuff of fairytales. When a gargoyle named Freddy is your coworker, you know your job is anything but ordinary. But even Sage couldn’t have predicted the chaos that ensues when The Charming Four come knocking.
With their leader, Prince Finn, cursed and Sage in need of a place to stay, she can’t help but get involved in his quest for a cure.
When his brother, the Crown Prince, is up to no good and secrets are being kept, will Sage step up to the challenge or keep her cozy life cozy?

This enemies to lovers low-risk, high-stakes cozy fantasy romance is packed with sass, charm, and plenty of magic. If you enjoy the heavy male cast (but she only ends up with one person) in things such as Meteor Garden, the cozy fantasy vibes of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, but need that sprinkle of Beauty and the Beast this book is for you!

Review:
I wanted to love this. A librarian who gets swept away into a Beauty and the Beast style story? It sounds too good to be true. That would be correct. This book is being marketed as a cozy read, and that it is, however, there are a lot of plot holes and general lack of adversity within the pages. Sage seems like a nice enough girl, but despite being clumsy and hurting herself multiple times, she never seems to be injured enough to be weighed down/actually maimed; something always saves her. There were also huge story gaps where we go from no one knowing of Sage doing anything for the Charming Four, to her former human friends just cozily having a picnic and acting as if it was no big deal. Everyone seems instantly drawn to her and she always happens to find just the right answer and people to talk to. Several times I thought, and this is where something REALLY bad get to her, but no; very little actual conflict and no stakes at all for her. Her parents, once gone, seem like a memory- they don’t write or come back into the picture at all.

All in all, I loved the play with honey, and I like that the author did tend to make things using ingredients how they are intended (such as lavender and chamomile for calm), but I never really felt drawn to or cared about Sage because everything was always working out perfectly for her and there was no real tension. The romance within was middling at best, with her outright asking if someone likes her–completely takes away from any sort of connection that may have been established. That being said, if you’re looking for something to read quickly for a bit of entertainment, it isn’t bad, bearing in mind that you never really feel that there’s a true objective, or anything at risk.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

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Synopsis:
It’s difficult to find a husband in Regency England when you’re a young lady with only half a soul.

Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassment—an unfortunate condition that leaves her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Season—but when Elias Wilder, the strange, handsome, and utterly ill-mannered Lord Sorcier, discovers her condition, she is instead drawn into peculiar and dangerous faerie affairs.
If her reputation can survive both her curse and her sudden connection with the least-liked man in all high society, then she and her family may yet reclaim their normal place in the world. But the longer Dora spends with Elias, the more she begins to suspect that one may indeed fall in love even with only half a soul. 

Review:
This book was endearing, enchanting, witty, and altogether brilliant. I had apparently bought this book back in August of 2021 and like so many well meaning people with libraries allowed it to sit. The moment I had started it I found it enticing, in the same way books such as A Little Princess are. There were some definite inspiration points taken from other novels, with Chapter One featuring two references that seem very relatable to Alice in Wonderland. The further in we go, the more lessons we learn-about how hard it is to allow yourself to be more than angry at the world, about what makes someone virtuous and why you may think highly of someone. While this story was fantastical and definitely had some Alice and A Little Princess vibes, it stands on it’s own and I think it’s a very neat book about accepting yourself as you are, learning to harness your strengths and work on your weaknesses, and never give up on those who need your help.

I quite love the banter and peculiar way in which Dora views the world. Many have compared it to Howl’s Moving Castle and Bridgerton, some to Pride and Prejudice. It is very much a historical fantasy with a mystery and some romance; if that sounds good to you, you’ll likely love this book. I do intend to continue this series at some point as the writing pulls you in and you just want to know more, especially about one particular Lord Sorcier who seems bent on making everyone hate him…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The House Witch 3 by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
House witch Finlay Ashowan is pulled out of the kitchen—and into the fire—as war, family, and love collide in the third book of this fantasy romance series.

Having somehow convinced Lady Annika Jenoure to marry him, all Finlay Ashowan wants to do is settle down, cook some good meals, and enjoy a quiet life in Daxaria. But fate has different plans.

Fin’s father, Aidan Helmer, fire witch and servant of King Matthias of Troivack, has arrived in the kingdom with devastating news: Annika’s brother Charles has been taken prisoner, and the only way his life will be spared is if Annika or Fin goes to plead his case. Given that an attack from Troivack is imminent, there’s no way some trickery isn’t involved in this plot.

Now it’s up to Fin, with the help of his family, friends, and wily kitten familiar, Kraken, to attempt a daring mission of rescue and espionage. But he’ll need to move quickly—because if he can’t find a way to fend off his father and keep Daxaria safe, all his dreams might go up in flames.

With twists and turns around every corner, The House Witch 3 brilliantly concludes this irresistible trilogy, replete with romance, magic, courtly intrigue, mystery, and humor.

Review:
Despite some sad parts, I would say that this book was an absolutely phenomenal end of Finlay’s adventures. Kraken shows that, just like Annika and Finlay, opposites can attract. His tenacity and ingenuity always leave one laughing and amused, though also thoroughly impressed. I absolutely adored seeing everyone come into themselves and realize that you don’t have to compromise yourself or your morals to be the best you can be. I also 100% love seeing Annika through this book, and the reminder that she is a very capable person, but that sometimes even hyper capable people end up being softened.

I love this series so much, and I cannot wait for the next two series, Princess of Potential and The Burning Witch. You can even join Delemhach’s Discord server.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The House Witch 2 by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
House witch Finlay Ashowan must contend with matters of the heart, hearth, family, and kingdom in the second book of a whimsical and winning fantasy series.

As a wielder of domestic magic, Finlay Ashowan likes to keep his affairs as neat and orderly as his kitchen. But between his work for the King and Queen of Daxaria and a new (secret) relationship with Lady Annika Jenoure, his life is anything but tidy.

For one thing, if Annika and Fin are to continue their romance, they’ll need to sort out the pesky issue of Fin’s being a commoner—before Annika is forced into a political marriage that interferes with her own carefully laid plans.

For another, pressure is mounting as the war with Troivack draws ever closer. When Fin requests time away from the castle to rest, the King agrees but under a very particular condition: Fin must brave the streets of Austice as a spy, sleuthing out the plans of the Troivackian troops allegedly hidden there.

Further complicating things, Fin’s estranged father is on his way to Daxaria, an unexpected and unappreciated arrival that’s bound to wreak even more havoc in his son’s life.

As Fin forges new friendships and alliances—magical and non-magical alike—he becomes even more enmeshed in courtly intrigues, old feuds, and very personal problems. And the more he tries to clean up the various messes in his life, the more apparent it becomes that his troubles are only just beginning . . .

Review:
This book was absolutely everything I didn’t know I wanted and needed in a continuation of Fin’s story. Fin seems to get himself into quite a lot of trouble while managing to also work his way into good graces and freedom in most cases. The story is quite intriguing, and Fin just feels a bit like home. I believe most people can relate to him and would love this portion of his story because the journey was very much about what he can do and believe himself capable of outside of merely being a witch and having magical powers. Everyone goes through imposter syndrome at some point in life, and it’s good to see that when you learn to trust in yourself, things may work out better than you had dreamt.

A few quotes I absolutely adored regarding home and Fin are, “You found your own reason and strength to go after your fate. You didn’t let others push it upon you, or let it be taken away.” (Chapter 6, page 48) As well as Fin’s own thought that, “A true home gives people hope.” (Chapter 17, page 133) Of course, we cannot forget his quip that “Anything a mage can do, a witch can do better.”

At the time of posting this review I had already finished this book as well as the conclusion of the trilogy. I cannot wait to get both reviews out so I can get the next book by Delemhach, The Princess of Potential, but unfortunately it isn’t out until June 27th!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯