Book Review: "A Fire in the Sky" by Sophie Jordan

“A Fire in the Sky” by Sophie Jordan follows Tamsyn, official whipping girl to the pampered princesses of Penterra. Raised as one of the royal family’s own, Tamsyn’s sole purpose is to accept the punishments for the princesses’ misdeeds. When Lord Fell Dryhten, the Beast of the Borderlands, arrives at the castle, demanding payment for his assistance to the kingdom - a princess as his only asking price - Tamsyn is dragged into a deception of the royal kind. 

Despite her only friend’s objections (Stig, captain of the guard who’s also secretly/not so secretly in love with her), Tamsyn marries Lord Dryhten and is swept away to the Borderlands. 

This book had me hooked from the first chapter! Despite being duty-sworn, Tamsyn feels this innate compulsion to protect her “sisters” - even when it comes at her own cost. When she’s thrust into an arranged marriage with a stranger, Tamsyn puts on a brave face and goes through with it so that her sisters don’t have to. Tamsyn is the quintessential romantasy leading lady - tough, compassionate, pragmatic, imperfect, resolute. 

The characters in “A Fire in the Sky” are deftly written. Tamsyn and Fell - both wrapped up in upholding their duty - passionately and unapologetically collide in this story. Their chemistry is palpable from their very first meeting, and their journey is filled with fiery passion, danger, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

With Jordan’s rich and immersive storytelling, Tamsyn and Fell’s story had me reading this book from cover to cover in one sitting! (I actually read and then re-read the book before writing this review - and it had me biting a clenched fist each time!) Jordan masterfully weaves together romance and fantasy, creating a story that's both heartwarming and thrilling.

And then there's the cliffhanger ending – a brilliant, jaw-dropping twist that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. It's a testament to Jordan's skill that I'm already counting down the days until I can dive back into this magical world. If you’re looking for a book that has it all - witches, dragons, arranged marriage, secret heritages - you’ll want to add this to your TBR list!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: “Here for the Cake” by Jennifer Millikin

“Here for the Cake” by Jennifer Millikin is a cute romantic comedy filled with witty banter, instant chemistry, and a beachy romance that ends with a happily ever after. 

Poor Paisley’s in a predicament. Her younger sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend and Paisley’s expected to show up to the wedding and serve as the maid of honor. During a night of drunken debauchery in the bride’s name, Paisley runs into her college crush and one-time snogger, Klein. Saving Paisley some unwanted embarrassment, Klein poses as Paisley’s new beau in front of the female wedding party.

Not wanting to look like a loser, Paisley enlists the help of Klein for the upcoming nuptials. What ensues is your typical fake-dating trope set against a beachy, island backdrop, complete with the dysfunctional family tomfoolery thrown in. 

I enjoyed seeing Paisley go from a Grade A people pleaser to a woman redefining her boundaries and someone no longer wanting to be “the floor,” as Paisley’s friend Paloma would say. Her complicated and complex relationships with her family members - from her distant father to her selfish sister - made Paisley very relatable. (Her sister reminded me of Tess from 27 Dresses - the narcissistic, overindulged bride-to-be. Actually, Paisley and Sienna’s relationship is very much reminiscent of Tess and Jane’s from 27 Dresses.)

Klein is the typical cinnamon roll boyfriend - even more so when Paisley and Klein admit that their fake feelings are anything but that. He encourages her to stand up for herself but is also her protector when needed. (I loved that Klein was mere seconds away from putting Paisley’s ex on his ass any time he bad-mouthed her.) They also pushed each other to be better individuals.

This book was an easy read and I was eager to see how Paisley and Klein’s story played out. The chemistry between them was palpable and the spice hit just right (the hide-and-seek scene!) It was a cute and enjoyable read and fans of 27 Dresses will be delighted with Paisley and Klein’s love story.