Book Review: "North Queen" by Nicola Tyche (SPOILER ALERT!)

To say that I liked this book would be an understatement; Nicola Tyche’s debut novel in the Crowns Trilogy was brilliantly written and executed. It was everything I didn’t know I wanted but most definitely needed in this fantasy romance.

The novel follows Nora as she awakens in snowy woods, with absolutely no recollection of how she got there. After having a run-in with some less than savory fellows (who just happen to meet their demise via the magical woods, aka the Wild), she happens across the young gentleman, Alexander, who claims that she’s the Northern Princess and who seems familiar to her. She reluctantly goes with him back to her kingdom, after having learned from Alexander that she’s been gone/missing for three years.

Upon her arrival back to court, Nora is reintroduced to her grandmother, Queen Regent. Her reintroduction into court life is hastily thrown upon her, as Grandma Catherine schemes to get Nora crowned before the privy council finds out about her memory loss. Amongst trying to keep her amnesia under wraps, Nora is thrust into a world of court politics, where second cousins are vying for her throne, a decades-long war continues to rage, kingdom provisions are diving precariously low, and an arranged marriage to save them all is on the horizon. Catherine attempts to convince Nora that a marriage to their ally, King Phillip, would stave off hunger in the kingdom and bring a valuable army to their side to defeat the otherworldly Shadow King - the assumed villain in the raging war between kingdoms.

En route to King Phillip for her arranged marriage (of which she wants no part of, other than to save her countrymen), Nora and her company of soldiers are attacked by the Shadow King and his forces. Nora is kidnapped by the Shadow King, Mikael, as her armed forces captain barely makes it away with his life.

As the enemy forces make their way across the kingdom, Nora sees first-hand the devastations of the decades-long war, the alliances that have been forged between the Shadow King and other kingdom leaders, and begins to see Mikael for who he truly is (and it’s not the heartless king Nora’s been lead to believe he was!)

In an effort to stave off the coming war, Nora and Mikael propose a marriage that would unite their two kingdoms and harbor in an era of peace. Although not totally keen to the idea of an arranged marriage for political purposes, Nora slowly warms to the idea and the fact that she has a choice in the matter (unlike her former proposal to King Phillip).

In Mikael’s kingdom of Kharav, Nora struggles with finding her place as the newly minted salara, or Shadow Queen. Nora finds herself falling in love with her new husband, despite his violent tendencies, which she aims to pacify. But peace doesn’t last long when Mikael and Nora learn the North council is scheming, with raging Alexander in tow.

The end of the book left me in suspense and I’m excited to see what happens in Book 2. Will Nora get her memory back? Will destiny be fulfilled? Will Nora and Mikael get peace and their HEA? Will Alexander ruin it all? I want to see more of Nora and Mikael’s relationship and if Alexander manages to wedge himself between them (Team Mikael all the way!)

Bravo, Ms. Tyche for writing a book I couldn’t put down and that has me in anticipation of the sequel come August!

Book Review: "House of Arsceneaux" by Caterina Novelliere

“House of Arsceneaux” is a fast-paced paranormal romance, steeped with ancient history, Celtic mythology, and intertwined with Creole/Cajun culture. The novel follows Caitlin DeDanann, an overworked acquisitions attorney as she gets pulled into a new work project just as she’s about to jet off to New Orleans for a week of vacay. Caitlin gets more than she bargained for when she learns that the elusive CEO she’s been flown in to investigate is none other than vamp Evariste Gage Arsceneaux - a familiar figure who she’s drawn to immediately. While Evariste comes to terms with the fact that Caitlin is his 300-year-old wife incarnate (unbeknownst to her!), dark forces come to play in the bayou of New Orleans, trying to force the pair apart again.

With the help of some friends (aka spiritual guides and a grandmother who’s actually a goddess), Caitlin begins remembering parts of her past and her life with Evariste. She also begins to come into her own powers - just in time for an epic battle between the lovers, their evil vamp enemies and the amassed army, determined to pull the two apart. (Don’t worry - Caitlin’s got some help from her Fae friends, along with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse…what could go wrong?)

I appreciated the amount of research that went into weaving past with present. The flashbacks and changes of names could have been more confusing but it was done with finesse and provided some important context to the history between the protagonists and antagonists in the story. With as many paranormal entities as this book had (vampires, witches, Celtic goddesses, Horsemen, Fae, etc.), it was done in a way that made sense, surprisingly.

This book was chock full of tropes: Second chance at love, fated mates, workplace romance, star-crossed lovers, time travel, touch her and die. I was there for it all! It also had just enough spice to convey the more intimate nature of Caitlin and Evariste’s relationship - and make the reader realize how their love and connection could survive a 300 year recess. The energy was palpable!

More than just “another vampire romance,” Novelliere’s novel has all the workings of a page-turning paranormal romance that spins modern and past NOLA culture, food, and happy endings into a gripping tale of long-lost love found, rekindled, and never to be messed with again.

Book Review: "The Good Part" by Sophie Cousens

In this contemporary romance by author Sophie Cousens, readers are introduced to Lucy Young, a twenty-six-year old junior researcher, working tirelessly in a role where she’s constantly under appreciated and undervalued and living in a flat outside of London with three roommates, broke and contemplating her life choices after poor dating app encounters.

After one such swipe and meet-up, Lucy finds herself stranded at a convenience store with an elderly Scottish lady who encourages her to “make a wish” on an old-time arcade game machine.

Reminiscent of 13 Going On 30, Lucy wakes up 16 years into the future, with a house, husband, and two young children in tow. Now working as a co-founder to a new independent production company, Lucy grapples with her new reality as she strives to make sense of what happened - did she time travel to the “good part” of her life? Or has she experienced a bout of amnesia that has her forgetting an entire chunk of her adult life?

Having no memories of the last sixteen years, Lucy struggles to find her place in her life as a forty-two year old career woman. Thrown into motherhood and marriage, Lucy discovers the joys and heartbreak in both as she begins to assume her role in this new reality. In scenes that reminded me of The Vow, Lucy begins to fall in love with her husband again and had me clutching my heart strings. Lucy’s interactions with her children were endearing and made me cheer for her, as she both struggled and succeeded in the feats of motherhood (something my mom heart could totally relate to). (The scene where she helps a fellow mom in need had me in tears because as a mother, I’ve been there - motherhood is HARD.)

In the end, Lucy has a choice - remain in the present and remember or get sent back to the past (to her 26-year-old self) and forget. Her choice is everything!

If you enjoyed movies like 13 Going On 30 or The Vow, you will definitely appreciate Sophie Cousens’ latest.

[Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of The Good Part by Sophie Cousens in exchange for my honest review.]

Book Review: "More Thank Shipmates" by Philippa Young

Philippa Young's debut novel "More Than Shipmates" is a tension-filled romantic comedy that had me cheering on the main character, Brit Eliza, as she throws herself into a new job, working aboard a cruise ship as part of their entertainment division. 

Eliza, a theater nerd and super performer at heart, convinces herself that this opportunity is her only option, after having to quit a series of jobs at home and getting rejected from theater school (multiple times). I enjoyed seeing Eliza's character development throughout the book - initially a closed-off skeptic who's past hurts have caused her to be cautious in both her personal and professional life, Eliza slowly but surely begins to open up and come into herself while working her cruise ship contract thanks in part to new friendships and several romantic interests along the way. Tom, the American boy with as much emotional baggage as Eliza, and Oscar, Eliza's new mentor and fellow Brit, provide a delicious love triangle that had me guessing until the end who she would end up with.

Eliza's path to self-discovery is a rough one, and readers can't help but sympathize as they learn how Eliza ended up as 20-something, riddled with so much self-doubt that it's heartbreaking. But with Tom and Oscar, both vying for her affection, and all of the swoon-worthy declarations of love they make along the way, the choice on who to pick becomes a tough one as Eliza begins to find herself again.

This was a solid rom-com read with multiple tropes including: Love Triangle/Multiple Love Interests; Forced Proximity; Workplace; Cruise Ship. And some nice kinks thrown in for good measure (Eliza's got a praise kink and likes to be choked - who knew!)

Despite being fairly lengthy for a romance read (at almost 500 pages), if you're looking for a light-hearted, feel-good romance read that will have you wanting to sign up as Carnival Cruise's next entertainment crew member, "More Than Shipmates" is just the pick!

Book Review: "A Kingdom of Venom and Vows" by Holly Renee

Holly Renee masterfully continues her enthralling fantasy series with "A Kingdom of Venom and Vows." This spellbinding threequel is a rollercoaster of emotions, as Adara and Evren face their ultimate tests, battling not only external forces but also their own inner demons.

In this third chapter, the stakes have never been higher for Adara and Evren. Adara, a formidable and resilient protagonist, finds herself navigating a treacherous world where trust is scarce and danger lurks at every turn, as queens of the kingdom battle for power and Adara becomes their pawn. As the kingdom teeters on the brink of chaos, she must make difficult choices that will define not only her own destiny but also the fate of those she holds dear. Evren, Adara’s fated mate, will stop at nothing to raze the kingdom until Adara is by his side once more.

The relationship between Adara and Evren evolves with intensity and passion. Their connection, once marked by tension and conflicted loyalties, deepens into a powerful love that defies all odds - culminating with Adara giving up her power to save Evren’s kingdom. Renee navigates their complex dynamic with finesse, portraying the depth of their emotions and the challenges they face. The romance scenes are copious, but artfully balance sensuality and emotional vulnerability among the two lovers. (And besides, one can never have too much spice in a Fae fantasy romance!)

"A Kingdom of Venom and Vows" delivers a gripping plot that keeps readers enthralled from start to finish. Renee masterfully weaves a complex web of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and shocking revelations. As Adara and Evren confront their enemies and unravel the mysteries of their former kingdom and court, the story takes unexpected twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is just right, balancing moments of heart-stopping action with introspective character development.

"A Kingdom of Venom and Vows" is a breathtaking finale that exceeds all expectations. Holly Renee's ability to craft intricate plot lines, deeply layered characters, and a passionate romance makes this book a true gem in the fantasy genre. This series will leave an indelible mark on readers, reminding them of the power of love, redemption, and the strength found within.

Book Review: "In the Gray" by B.B. Reid

"In the Gray" by B.B. Reid is an enthralling dark romance that captivates audiences from the very first chapter. The novel is a deft blend of romance (of the dark kind), morally gray characters, and intrigue, with a narrative that is both refreshing and raw.

The story is well-constructed, and Reid's prowess as a storyteller shines through in her careful and intricate plotting, in a story full of romance, danger, and plot twists you won’t see coming! The characters are thoughtfully developed, each with their unique personalities, strengths, and flaws that make them compelling to follow. The book's female main character, Atlas, is complex and relatable, providing a potent emotional core to the narrative. Atlas, despite having been dealt the short end of the stick in her (brief) adult life, remains strong, stubborn, and a total bad-ass. Her counterpart, Owen (aka Rowdy), is a toxic, possessive male lead that gives major psycho-vibes…in the most delicious way possible. I enjoyed seeing Owen's progression throughout the story and the ways in which he took care of his girl.

Told from a dual point-of-view, "In the Gray" is the perfect amount of romance, sexual tension, spice, and storyline. Atlas wears her heart on her sleeve and is not apologetic over the fact that she’s looking for more than a quick lay (truly introspective for a girl of only 19!) And her girl Ruen - I need more of that storyline!

"In the Gray" by B.B. Reid is a riveting read that I would recommend.The pacing was just right (I flew through this book in a little less than 24 hours) and I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out who “Unrequited” was! I would love to see additional books that explore Roc & Demi’s relationship and see more of Ruen and her boy band crew!

Book Review: "Losing Neverland" by Evelyn Montgomery

"Losing Neverland," by Evelyn Montgomery, is an enchanting reimagination of the classic Peter Pan tale that adds layers of complexity and depth to well-loved characters - breathing new life into the magical world of Neverland. Told from varying perspectives between Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinkerbell, this book brilliantly explores the themes of believing in magic, growing up, and second chances, all woven into a captivating narrative.

Montgomery presents a novel twist to the traditional Peter Pan story, this time placing our forever young hero, Peter, in the throes of a midlife magical crisis. Tensions within Neverland have never been higher, as Peter and Wendy reunite 17 years later in Neverland, at a time where Peter’s inner demons threaten to take over and his enemies draw ever closer. This unique premise is executed flawlessly, creating a compelling narrative arc that keeps you engrossed from start to finish.

Montgomery's novel was surprisingly well-written; although I was a little hesitant after seeing the cover art (but that teaches me to never judge a book by its cover!) Her writing is replete with vivid descriptions, making the fantastical realm of Neverland feel palpably real. The effortless blend of whimsy and melancholy in her storytelling serves to highlight the stark contrast between the carefree innocence of youth and the harsh realities of adulthood. While the book touts some very steamy scenes between the two protagonists (told in a series of flashbacks and scenes from the present), it doesn’t detract from the telling of the love story between Peter and Wendy but rather enhances the dynamic between them. 

The characterization in "Losing Neverland" is nothing short of brilliant. Montgomery takes familiar characters and adds layers of depth and complexity to them. Peter Pan is depicted as a multidimensional character grappling with his loss of his long-time love, while Wendy comes across as grown and pragmatic. I would have liked to see more character development in the antagonists (mainly, Tinkerbell and Tiger Lily) - but this lack of development didn’t take away from the overall flow of the story.

The book's emotional depth is its most compelling attribute. "Losing Neverland" is not just an adventure story but a profound exploration of falling in love, losing that love, and the attempt to regain it later in life. Montgomery’s retelling of Neverland explores the depths of the Peter-Wendy dynamic and introduces some heartbreaking twists that will draw readers in. (The end of this book had me absolutely reeling!) 

In conclusion, "Losing Neverland" is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that combines the nostalgia of a beloved children's tale with the complexities of adulthood. Montgomery successfully transforms the classic narrative into a modern-day retelling about the trials of growing up and navigating love. "Losing Neverland" is indeed a remarkable book that is likely to resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. (I STILL cannot believe the ending!)

"Losing Neverland" gets a well-deserved five out of five stars and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fresh spin on classic tales and those who appreciate darker, steamier retellings!

Book Review: "A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal" by Holly Renee

Holly Renee delivers a masterful follow-up to her enchanting fantasy series with book two in the “Stars and Shadows” series, "A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal." This gripping sequel takes readers on an epic journey filled with political machinations, heart-wrenching betrayals, and characters that leap off the page. Prepare to be captivated as Adara and Evren face their greatest challenges yet, navigating a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

The story picks up where the previous installment left off, plunging us back into the intricate web of political intrigue within the kingdom. Adara, a fiercely determined and resilient protagonist, finds herself caught in the midst of a dangerous power struggle. As she uncovers shocking truths about her heritage, she becomes entangled in a battle for her own survival and the fate of the kingdom itself.

Evren, the enigmatic and morally conflicted antagonist, undergoes a profound transformation. Tormented by his past and the weight of his decisions, he finds himself torn between loyalty and a growing desire for redemption. Renee deftly explores Evren's internal struggles, allowing readers to witness his journey from darkness to the possibility of redemption.

The relationship between Adara and Evren is a central focus of this narrative, and it evolves in unexpected and emotionally charged ways. Their interactions are marked by tension, conflicted loyalties, and a mutual understanding that transcends the boundaries of their roles. Renee skillfully portrays their complex dynamic, showcasing the layers of their connection and the impact it has on the unfolding events.

The plot is a thrilling tapestry of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, culminating with a cliffhanger! Renee expertly crafts a story filled with unexpected betrayals, shifting alliances, and breathtaking revelations. The political landscape is intricately woven, providing a rich backdrop for the characters' struggles and setting the stage for an epic climax. The pacing is impeccable, propelling the narrative forward while allowing moments of introspection and character development.

Holly Renee's ability to craft compelling characters and intricate plotlines shines in this enthralling sequel. Fans of epic fantasy will be enthralled by the political intrigue, unexpected twists, and emotionally charged journey of Adara and Evren. This book is a testament to Renee's skill as a storyteller and will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating series.