Tessonja Odette

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!

End of Year Tidings. 2024 Recap/Recommendations

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The ratings/numbers of which book read each month may be a bit eschew because I had such huge breaks in between when I did reviews during the year. I endeavour to keep up with book reviews this year, to keep track for myself if nothing else, and to give some ideas to all of you who might want a good book to read.

January  8
Feb 10
March 9
April 1
May 5
June 2
July 11
August 8?
September 6?
October 5?
November 7?
December 6?

I read so many good books this year, some of which were much longer than I’ve previously read, but I wanted to read books that I really thought I’d enjoy and the quality of books I read this year was overall quite stellar (though there were a few I could go without, as usual). I read 78 books this year, which while it may seem lower than years past, I don’t mind at all since I read quite a bit more epic fantasy, and a lot of high quality and truly wonderful books. Here’s a list of the best books of 2024, divided by whether they are a series or standalone.

In the series category we have:
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Think gaslamp fantasy with a snarky female main character who doesn’t care about men, especially not flirtatious ones, who is set to finish her largest project yet; an encyclopedia of the various fae. She isn’t good with people, which makes the overly attentive Wendell Bambleby all the more annoying to her. This is a great series, of which I’ve read both books (one after the other) and highly recommend it to those who love fantasy, fae, strong female characters, and seeing growth of both main characters throughout the story.

The Burning Witch by Delemhach
Take a prince who has fallen into very bad habits, and a witch who is brash, loud, and somehow knows just how to get under everyone’s skin and have them travel together to a country where everyone is very subdued and proper. Kat very much follows in her father and mother’s footsteps in various ways throughout this series, and I live for it. This series does a great job of showing how hard it can be to push forward in a role/position dominated by the opposite sex, while still maintaining your identity.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Manipulating people can be easy if you have the right motivation, and what better motivation than knowing you’ll never have any control over your life otherwise? In The Shadows Between Us Alessandra is cunning and daring, and while she may not always make the best choices, she does try to make life better for not just herself, but others around her. In The Darkness Within Us Chyrsantha has gone about trying to fix her life in a very different way, but with an equal amount of cunning. Both books showcase what it’s like to do whatever you have to in order to have a life that you might enjoy, from two very different perspectives.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
“A blank page was nothing but potential, pointless until it was used.” -Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
Magic coming from the earth, bestowed upon those worthy. Following a plethora of complex lives, Sanderson gives depth to all the characters met in the series (I’ve read up to the third one). There is an intricate magic system, politics, and story that a mere mortal could hardly sum up in a little burb to tell you that if you like epic fantasies and haven’t gotten into this, you’re truly missing out!

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
The Phantom of the Opera meets Caravel in this amazing adventure featuring interesting magical concepts, creatures beyond mortal comprehension, a competition for something you wish for, and a ghostly cat who acts befitting to a cat. It takes a little bit to get into the story, but once you’re there you are hooked and need to know what happens next. Fair warning that there is a lot of spice in this book. The second book in this series is due out April 8th, featuring Ophelia’s younger sister, Genevieve, and a new mystery.

What Moves the Dead by T Kingfisher
A perfect gothic retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher with the best gloomy oppressive atmosphere and little hints that will leave you guessing until the big reveal of what is actually going on. This retelling had me hooked with the historical references, and characters that really enthralled me. If you like gothic stories, I highly recommend this one! It is the first in a series and while I have bought the second, I have yet to read it. I will, of course, put up a review when I do.

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
Two writers with very different asperations and writing styles have to duke it out to see who will gain a full writing contract while fighting over which of them is the better love expert, but in the faerie tale world of Odette’s Fair Isle with magic and fae bargains and what could possibly go wrong? I was worried I wouldn’t love this book because Odette doesn’t usually write pure romances but it was spot on, and I absolutely recommend it for people who love fairy tales, fantasy, and romance mixed with characters with lots of hidden secrets and stakes to not winning the competition.

Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater
A maid with a bit of an anger issues finds herself enamoured with the younger man of the house and accidentally in the midst of a fae bargain with a stranger before she realizes it. Hijinks, magic, and great growth of characters await the reader in this delightful Cinderella retelling that I highly recommend.

Hex and Hexability by Kate Johnson
Victorian times meets witches and people who struggle with wanting to be more than what their station determines they should be in public, and a chance meeting between two who both find themselves trapped in the world of the ton that they have no desire to be a part of. This book is technically part of a series of witch stories by Johnson, but they all stand alone and are not related to each other. This book was a perfect standalone, and I highly recommend it for great characterization, world building, and character depth; everyone had an interesting backstory that could explain how they became how they were.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater
A not-really-a-governess appears to take charge of a very frustrating child who no one seems to notice is stolen by faeries finds herself having to fight to get him back and solve the mystery of the house they live in. Great Victorian fantasy, filled with mystery, great characters, and an unforgettable story of what power does to some people.


And for stand along books I’d recommend:
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
Doing what’s right is rarely what’s easy, and Marra doesn’t care about what’s supposed to be when she knows she can save her sister from an abusive prince. Marra finds a witch and has to complete three impossible tasks in order to gain the help she needs, and she might just find some friends along the way. Highly recommend this book for its unique settings, magic system, and great characters.

Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup
Rosalind is a widow who has a family to protect, but the author of her story has other ideas for what should happen. Follow along with Caroline as she fights with her book protagonists to make the story the fantasy she think lives needs to be, and while she learns a bit more of protecting and taking care of herself, as well as risk taking, in the process. If you follow Bearup on TikTok you likely already have this book. This book was everything the TikTok series would lead you to think it could be, but then even better! Bearup did an absolutely stellar, stand up job on this novel! If you’ve seen the videos, you’ll also totally hear it in her voice as you read as well.

Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti
Two pen pals since elementary school have been sending scathing letters to each other for years… but what happens when they end up in the same town and meet up? This is the only modern romance to make the list, and honestly I found it was refreshing and I loved how everything pulled together in the end–though I think the misunderstanding between them went on for far too long with neither ever correcting or thinking to ask each other the most basic of questions you’d ask a new neighbor.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
An absolutely brilliant gothic mystery featuring a secluded estate, rude and creepy distant in laws, and the bond of cousins that knows no bounds. Pulled to the out in the middle of nowhere estate, Noemí wants to see how her cousin is being treated, if she is well, and make it back in time to get in on the next semester of college. Since she’s more used to being a socialite than a detective, she has to use the wiles she has from working parties, and the wits she often doesn’t let the public see, to piece together exactly what is going on at High Place. Great atmosphere, horrible in laws, and awesome story.

What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown
This book was described as Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle and that is exactly the feeling. Hester was a completely likeable and understandable protagonist who has real aspirations and whose life goes terribly astray after coming into contact with the princes of the kingdom. She’s practical, rarely gives in to whimsy, and never wants to be in debt. The choice to go to a ball, for the food, of course, leads her into a series of wonderful and sometimes horrid experiences, and is a remarkable tale that any fairy tale/fantasy lover would enjoy.

Review of A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
Two rival writers.
One prestigious publishing contract.
A bargain of hearts and desire.

They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands. Now she’s trapped in a magic-fueled bet she barely remembers with a man she’d be happier to forget. The terms? Whoever can bed the most lovers during their month-long dueling book tour wins a coveted publishing contract.

The win should be easy for Edwina. She’s known for penning scintillating tales of whirlwind romance. There’s just one problem: her imagination vastly exceeds her bedroom experience. But when failure means plummeting her career back into obscurity, losing isn’t an option.

Her handsome fae rival, William Haywood, poses an even greater challenge. Not only are his looks as aggravatingly perfect as his track record behind closed doors, but he has his own reasons for playing to win, and he won’t go down without a fight. Unless, of course, it’s a different kind of going down. In that case, he’s fair game.

Edwina and William clash in a rivalry of romance. But what happens when their objects of desire…turn out to be each other?

Review:
I was uncertain what to think of this novel and put it off for quite a time because I love Tessonja Odette and didn’t want to become sour of her if this book didn’t live up to the expectations I had from loving all of her other novels. That was a silly notion, because Odette did an amazing job putting a book tour through all of our favourite fairy tale haunts. I loved how there were plenty of bits of fairy tale magic without it being a direct retelling of any of the fairy tales. I absolutely adored the banter and connection between Edwina and William; no part of this book felt forced or out of place. This book certainly had me rooting for everyone, uncertain but hoping that somehow everyone gets exactly what they wish, want, and need. One of the things I adored about this book is that everyone is considered amazing just as they are; there is no desire or attempt to change things that might be considered unruly by human standards.

If it had been out at the time of finishing, I would have immediately started the second book in the series. This book is a no brainer for people who love romance and fairy tales and reading late into the night waiting to see if there’s a happy ever after on the horizon.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Happy New Year! 2023 Recap/Book Recommendations

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In 2023 I read 93 books, which is 20 more books than last year! Oh my! I went through to break down my reading on a month to month basis which looked like this:
Jan 11
Feb 6
Mar 4
Apr 8
May 8
Jun 9
Jul 7
Aug 10
Sep 4
Oct 7
Nov 12
Dec 7

Most of these books were rather lengthy, but as always, we end the year/begin the new year with the stand outs that I would highly recommend.

Books:


The House Witch by Delemhach
This book is an amazing find about an ornery magic user who doesn’t want people thinking he is more than a humble cook. The world building is amazing, and from the first page I found myself completely immersed in the world, invested in what happened next. This book is cozy and wholesome; a story where people realize they are more than just what they appear to be on the outside and that everyone has the potential to greatness. This is the start of a trilogy, with a spin off stand alone book, and another trilogy after that.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
It’s no surprise that I love Vespertine since I’ve loved Rogerson’s other books, An Enchantment of Ravens and Sorcery of Thorns. This book happened to be the right book at the right time for me and really helped me when dealing with the loss of a close family member. While perhaps a book about dealing with the dead and keeping them from rising again might not be useful to others in such a time, it transported me to another world and allowed me to deeply care for the flawed characters within that had a lot of trauma and issues to work through on their own. This is another book that leaves you with the thought that not everything is black and white, and that there are often mixing shades of grey interwoven in life.

Spellbreaker (Spellmaker) by Charlie N. Holmberg
This book duology was unique in its magic system as well as the connection between the two main characters. Elsie is easy to care for and to want to see thrive, especially given that she is an unlicensed magic user fighting against the injustice of the aristocracy. When Braccus Kelsey discovers her using her forbidden magic, she strikes a deal to help him remove curses around his estate but as a rogue spellcaster, Elsie has to keep a low profile or find a way to make her presence not be suspicious.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
I was never a real Jane Eyre fan, but this book takes that original story, adds magic, true connections, and interesting dilemmas faced by the debtera (exorcist) Andromeda as she tries to help Magnus face his horrors and be able to move on to a new age, even if that means letting go of what he once had. While perhaps inspired by Jane Eyre, if that wasn’t revealed the book does entirely stand on its own in shining gothic glory.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
This story was immersive from beginning to end, starting with Dora losing/being separated from half of her soul and becoming a very intriguing child that doesn’t quite know/think through all she does. The banter between her and the quite well known to be of bad temper Lord Sorcier is amusing and leaves one to wonder if there is more to both than meets the eye. It’s a true fairy tale in the sense that the fae make bargains, take what they want, and do not consider humanity. I personally in my own review have compared this to have a similar feel to Alice in Wonderland and The Little Princess, others have said it is a mixture of Bridgerton and Howl’s Moving Castle, even some mentioning Pride and Prejudice. That being said, it’s an amazing story that stands on its own and very much is about accepting yourself as you are, harnessing your strengths and working through/on your weaknesses, and never giving up on those who need your help.

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
This book was interesting on multiple levels, from the story itself of a scientist looking to find the occult and be able to speak to one who has passed on to solve a murder, to the relationships of those who passed and those left living (both hidden and in the open), as well as the mention both in book and additional at the end of what secret societies, religion and mourning styles were like. Though I personally was not a fan of some parts of the romantic side of this novel, overall I loved the twists and turns of illusion versus truth, and what people are willing to do both for those they love and what they have worked for.

Salt and Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Shockingly another Jane Eyre retelling made it on the list, and another involving magic (which is likely less shocking). This book was gripping from the very beginning, where we wonder if our Jane is about to get in deep trouble. There is quite a lot of Lizzy/Darcy of Pride and Prejudice tension between our Jane and Mr. Rochester, with Jane’s tenacity and fiery spirit drawing us in and making us root for her more. There were always stakes, and one was always left wondering what, exactly, Jane and Mr. Rochester were up against. I absolutely loved the witchy aspects of this novel, and both highly recommend this book and have already gifted a copy to a friend.

The Book of G by Lily Archer
The only book on this list that is smut/romance, a Beauty and the Beast retelling about our favourite villain. Before reading this book I never would have considered ever finding Gaston redeemable in any way ever, but throughout the novel G grows and learns and fights and is left both wondering who he is, and what he’s worth. The banter through this book is absolute perfection. This book features morally grey, enemies to lovers, Beauty and the Beast retellings and a whole lot of spice- five whole peppers worth.


Authors:


Delemhach
Amazon Page
While known predominantly for The House Witch series, this author writes in a way that is gripping, funny, immersive and hard to put down. If you love infuriating characters and fantasy, The House Witch and other series of Delemhach are for you. In the words of Fin, “What can I say; being infuriating is part of my charm.”

Tessonja Odette
Amazon Page
Excellent worldbuilding, from The Fair Isle Trilogy to the Entangled with Fae series, to Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae, I’ve yet to find a book/series by her that I truly haven’t enjoyed and devoured. None of her stories are exactly the same as ones you think you already know, and there are always some interesting twists and turns worked throughout.

K. M. Shea
Amazon Page
What can I say; another author that I absolutely cannot get enough of. Her books are immersive, amusing, and highly entertaining. There has yet to be a book out of hers that I haven’t loved, and she seamlessly switches between writing fantasy and modern fantasy. My only problem is with so many amazing modern fantasy connected books in Magiford, being able to pick my favourite of the trilogies has become completely impossible.

T. A. Lawrence
Amazon Page
Lawrence is the author of a series called The Severed Realms, a series of fairy tale retellings that are never quite what you expect them to be. I have quite loved all of the series I’ve read so far, and highly recommend this series to any who love fairy tale retellings and fantasy.

Greer Rivers
Amazon Page
The only fully romance/smut series on here; The Tattered Curtain series may be a bit unhinged at times, but is absolutely amazing. Though there are bits of some of the books that didn’t resonate with me, usually those bits fly by so quickly that you forget they exist. Sometimes the characters can be slightly caricature, but they are dark gothic romances and I very much enjoyed them.

Stephanie Garber
Amazon Page
I had Caraval on my list for so long, and once I finally fell into it I couldn’t imagine setting it down. The world is immersive, interactive, and never quite what it seemed. While I thought that was going to be one of my favourites for a while and impossible to compare to, I feel so much stronger for the spin off series Once Upon a Broken Heart. I cannot recommend Garber enough for people who love fairy tales, fantasy, and magic never quite working out how it was meant/originally intended to.

Review of A Fate of Flame by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
An ancient prophecy.
A destiny of flame.
A war to end two worlds…

A dark prophecy binds Cora’s fate to the fae realm—a world that would have been her doom if she hadn’t escaped with her life. Now she’s determined to put destiny behind her and focus on her world, her kingdom, and her much-anticipated wedding.

But when dragons emerge from the veil between worlds, threatening her land with deadly flame, she must return to the fae and make allies of those who had once condemned her to die.

Yet dragons and fae are the least of her foes. Her greatest enemy marches on her kingdom, and he won’t stop until he controls fae magic. Fate and fire collide, but Cora isn’t alone. She, Teryn, Mareleau, and Larylis each have a role to play in protecting two realms from an ancient king who can walk between worlds.

When the dust clears and the ashes settle, will the embers of hope remain?

A Fate of Flame is the final book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Air Awakens, and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and slow burn romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Fate of Flame is an upper YA/NA fantasy that contains some violence and gore, moderately steamy romance, and adult situations such as pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, and marriage.

NOTE: A Fate of Flame is based on an older version of the book, Shades of Prophecy. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes some plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
I absolutely devoured the first two in this series but found this to be a little harder to fall into. That may be because when I did let myself fall into it I couldn’t get out and just wanted to read just one more chapter repeatedly. It was great to see Teryn and Cora continue to build and grow their relationship, and Valorre was as adorable and perfect as ever. I quite enjoyed seeing how Teryn and Cora constantly had to put their kingdom’s first and their relationship second. I enjoyed seeing Mareleau develop further and show that while she may be able to pretend she is always fine, sometimes she is not, and that is okay. Cora has to work hard to prove to herself that she is compassionate and a good friend. All in all, there was a lot of growth from Mareleau, Larylis, Teryn, Cora and Valorre. The ending was absolutely bittersweet, but Cora, Teryn, and Valorre will always have a little bit of my heart.

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

Review of A Dream So Wicked by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A vicious rivalry.
A forbidden desire.
A curse only her enemy can break.

After twenty years stuck in a fae convent with no word from whoever abandoned her there, Briony Rose is all out of hope. But when her parents suddenly claim her and reveal she’s a lost fae princess, she’s burdened with the weight of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. To secure her family’s precarious position, she must marry a wealthy human stranger. She would have done her duty with pride…if it weren’t for Thorne Blackwood.

Thorne Blackwood harbors three things: a secret name, a love for baked goods, and a long-standing plan for revenge on the family that destroyed his own. Briony Rose—a woman born to be his nemesis—provides the solution. With a single touch, he controls her. And through that control, he tricks her into triggering a curse that sends her family into one hundred years of enchanted sleep.

But Briony isn’t the soft princess he expected her to be. She’s just as sharp and cunning as he is, and when she traps him in a bargain to reverse her family’s curse, he has no choice but to join a tense alliance. He too stands to gain from her plans, for if they break the sleeping spell, his own family will return from their forced slumber.

To accomplish their goal, they must cooperate on one task: pair Briony with a husband who will make her parents proud. It should be easy. Thorne has connections while Briony has wit and beauty. What neither of them expects is the forbidden desire that burns in their darkest hearts…

ACOTAR meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this standalone fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. If you like enemies-to-lovers romance where the villain gets the girl, you’ll love this swoon-worthy story in the Entangled with Fae series.

*NOTE this book is new adult featuring mature situations and some adult language. The romance is slow burn but leads to moderate steam.

A Dream So Wicked is a complete stand-alone novel set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy. Journey back to Faerwyvae or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Entangled with Fae series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!

Review:
This book had me from the very beginning. We already knew Briony Rose from a few of the other Fair Isle Trilogy books, but it was oh so amusing and interesting getting to see her on her own. There are so many points that really resonate and grip; wanting family to care about you, worrying that your heart/you don’t really know what you want or need, worry that choosing yourself is wrong when you could choose family instead. This book had an amazing and wonderful way of explaining the types of magic that Briony’s parents are, and I quite enjoyed the explanation of how they could have electricity but still be a fantasy town.

A few particular quotes really got me personally:
“Do you like stories, Miss Rose?”
“Sometimes.”
“Only sometimes? Then what do you like more than stories?”
“Dancing.” (Chapter 6, page 60)

“Until I’ve had my morning tea and a plate of sweets, I’m better left alone.”
(Chapter 29, Page 286)

And of course, the most important one:
“You’re already perfect as you are.”
(Chapter 5, Page 48)

I LOVE Odette’s works and cannot wait to read more! If you like some spice and plenty of sass between your MCs, and love fairy tale retellings, Odette’s Entangled With Fae series is a must read!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Cage of Crystal by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A mysterious crystal.
A legacy of shadows.
The prophecy unfolds…

Cora never dreamed of returning to her old life, but with her kingdom at stake and her brother’s life on the line, she has no choice but to reclaim her former title. Yet with new changes come new dangers, this time in the form of scheming royals with cruel politics. If she can play their games, she just might keep her crown. But can she say the same for her heart?

Prince Teryn has already betrayed Cora’s trust, first with a lie, then with a kiss. Now all he wants is her forgiveness. If he’s lucky, maybe he’ll win her affection too. But just when he manages to convey his deepest feelings, he makes a fatal mistake that unleashes an old threat in a terrifying new way.

Thrust into a web of lies, deadly magic, and hidden memories, Cora and Teryn must uncover secrets of the past to secure the future of their kingdoms. If they fail, darkness will return in a way no one will see coming.

And it will be wearing the face of the one Cora loves most.

A Cage of Crystal is the second book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Cage of Crystal is an upper YA fantasy that contains moderate violence and gore, mildly steamy fade-to-black romance, and adult situations such as pregnancy and marriage.

NOTE: A Cage of Crystal is based on an older edition of the book, Veil of Mist. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
This book was amazing. There was tension, there were battles for love, and for power, and goodness versus evil. Watching Cora battle herself and what she knows as right especially regarding magic for the sake of her brother and the kingdom she was born into showed true growth from the 12 year old who had originally been run off into the forest for six years. Watching how Teryn and Cora are willing to twine their fates to try to have everything they desire while being able to be truly themselves, and allowing the others they love to do the same, is an exhilarating experience. I absolutely love the layers upon layers that Odette weaves between the different kingdoms and the thoughts, feelings, desires and faults of the different characters. Valorre still remains a valiant and trustworthy friend, and I cannot wait to see where he and the others end up as they continue to battle the darkness that accidentally swept between the worlds. Hope to see more of Lex in the next book!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Throne of Shadows by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A feisty outlaw.
A conniving prince.
A war of magic and shadows.

Wanted by the crown for a murder she didn’t commit, Cora dreams of getting revenge on the mage who framed her. In the meantime, she hides in the forest and hones her witch magic. But when she discovers her enemy’s violent hunt for faerie creatures, she forms a plan for vengeance.

Prince Teryn, heir to a bankrupt throne, will do anything to keep his country from sinking into ruin. When he meets an outlawed witch wanted by a neighboring kingdom, he gets his chance. The woman has an impressive bounty on her head, one that could pay off his kingdom’s debts.

If Teryn can help Cora save a few magical creatures, he can gain her trust, hand her over to her king, and collect the bounty. But Cora has plans of her own, and none of them include being betrayed by her handsome new traveling companion.

The closer Cora and Teryn get to their desires, the harder their tasks become. And it isn’t just their budding attraction that’s the problem. A secret war is coming, one stemming from ancient feuds and forgotten fae magic. They must work together to stop it, or else both their kingdoms will crumble to ash.

A Throne of Shadows is the first book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Air Awakens, and Shadow and Bone. If you like elemental magic, fierce witches, and slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Throne of Shadows is an upper YA fantasy that contains moderate violence, gore, and adult situations. Later books in the series will lead to mild/moderate steam.

NOTE: A Throne of Shadows is based on an older edition of the book, Shadows of Lela. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
This book was amazing! You’re drawn in immediately but there are so many intricate layers that you’re never quite sure what’s going on until further in. I love the unique way Tessonja has magic work in this novel. I will say, having read Odette’s other book series originally I shipped a different couple, but in the end quite love the one we end up with. While normally I would say I tend to dislike the trope of “if they’d only just talked they could have sorted things out” I definitely think it made good sense in this circumstance. I love the growth and depth you see in both Cora and Teryn, as well as our boy Lex, and even Valorre. I cannot wait until the next book it out, and I am counting down the days until I can start reading it! (three, three days!)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Married by Scandal by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
She’ll marry a prince if she must.
But fall in love?
Never.

The first time Amelie Fairfield fell in love, she started a war. Now, the part-human, part-fae fashion designer has sworn off romance to focus on her career. But when her name makes headlines in the worst possible way, there’s only one thing she can do to escape scandal—marry a human prince and make everyone forget about the career-killing rumors.

To solidify peace between the humans and fae, Prince Albert must take a fae bride. As sister to the fae queen, Amelie is the perfect candidate. If only she could say the same for the rakish prince she’ll have to marry. At least his devilish charm and good looks keep society fixated on him and not her.

But scandal becomes the least of Amelie’s worries when she embarks upon an engagement tour. She’ll need to convince the aristocracy that her arranged marriage is a true love match…without falling in love. Just when she thinks she has it all under control, the prince reveals a secret that suggests he might not be the man she thought. In fact, he might not be a prince at all…

Can Amelie juggle a world of fashion, unexpected espionage, and dating her not-so-fake fiancé? Or will her closed-off heart prove to be her biggest hurdle yet?

Married by Scandal is the third book in the Arranged Marriages of the Fae series, a multi-author collaboration of romantic fantasy stand-alone novellas, designed to be read independently. Together, they feature arranged marriages in fae fantasy and offer complete romances while also allowing the reader to enjoy a variety of tones and approaches. Perfect for romantic fantasy readers with busy lives who love swoony romance.

Married by Scandal is set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy and the Entangled with Fae series. Journey back to Faerwyvae or start your adventure here for the first time!

Review:
The tension! The heat! This is certainly my favourite Amelie book! I wasn’t sure I’d like it as she isn’t my favourite character in The Fair Isle Trilogy by far but this surprised me. We got a deeper look at her and she got more than she had bargained for. This book… oh my goodness. Having Amelie face her trauma and learn to move past it, trust herself, let herself feel… it was just perfect. Loved how Amelie continued to be more than a pretty face, and it was refreshing to understand WHY she wanted to be accepted so badly by humans, and of course… her not-so-fake fiance- definitely made this a must read! I absolutely love all of the fancy events that Amelie attends to show off her outfits, and how obviously based on human things they are, especially the conversation between she and her “prince” at the races! Absolutely adored this one!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of To Spark a Fae War by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
No one dreams of starting a war.
But without a fight there can be no revolution…

I used to protect lives. Now I’ve ended more than I’ve saved. But after being betrayed by the humans I trusted, I have no choice but to fight.

And the battle has begun.

With the truth of my fae heritage exposed, the line between friend and foe is blurred. The human and fae councils are out for blood and will stop at nothing until I, my mate, and my rebel allies are defeated.

If we lose the war, everything I’m fighting for—love, freedom, the fae I’ve sworn to protect—will be destroyed. At least there’s one thing my enemies have underestimated…

Me.

To Spark a Fae War is a romantic fantasy perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, ACOTAR, and Kingdom of the Wicked. If you like snarky fae, brooding royals, sizzling romance, and fierce heroines, you’ll love this thrilling tale.

*NOTE: This series is Upper YA/NA and contains sexual situations, moderate steam, and some violence and gore.

To Spark a Fae War is the final book in The Fair Isle Trilogy. Start with book one, To Carve a Fae Heart, and continue with book two, To Wear a Fae Crown. The Fair Isle Trilogy is set in the same world as the Entangled with Fae series and takes place twenty years earlier.

Review:
This book tied up all the loose ends! There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect, but it lacked the spark that the first one had. I find I much preferred the Entangled with Fae series by the same author, but that may be why I was unable to fully focus on this series as I tried to remember things from future books(The Entangled with Fae series) and who it might relate to that I was seeing in this series.

It WAS good to have Evelyn finally remember her head and to use her mind instead of allowing herself to become easily overwhelmed with “this is all my fault”. I do like that Odette’s characters do not merely forget or forgive what’s happened instantly, however there are some cases where the need for revenge seemed to outsource anything remotely sensible. The amount of times that Evelyn decides to go off on her own without cluing in Aspen make it hard to trust they have the type of amazing bond that makes them such a special couple. That being said, they do work to have all their limited time together count. The ending was sweet and not quite what I expected. All in all, the first book was the standout of the three, and I much prefer the one book retellings of Entangled with Fae she released later.

Edit: January, 11, 2023- Forgot to mention; anyone surprised that someone named Evelyn with the nickname Evie turned into a fox? I sure wasn’t!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯