ARC Review - Lady of Embers by Melissa K. Roehrich

 Thank you so much Melissa K. Roehrich for this ARC!

Title: Lady of Embers

Author: Melissa K. Roehrich 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Lady of Darkness (book #4)

Pages: 769

Synopsis:

There was no preparing for her storm.

Wrath.

When they met her, she was a whirlwind of shadows and darkness. Standing among the ashes of betrayal and grief, now she is a tempest of rage and malice. Queen Scarlett Aditya will hunt them all down, one by one, and make them pay. Starting with the one who took her brightest star from her.

Acceptance.

She knows she will come for her. Her betrayal was too great. She deserves the storm of fury that will end her, but until then Queen Talwyn Semiria will protect a secret that could turn the tides in the coming war. But when the time comes to pay for her sins, will she be able to give up everything? And will it even be enough?

Hope.

A kingdom wrapped in mystery, locked away behind wards to protect its secrets. That is where the last hope of King Callan Solgard lies to get his throne back. But does he even want it any more? Will it cost him more than what he’s already lost? Or will new nightmares draw him from the light and into the darkness?

It’s time to start a fire and let it burn.

Review & thoughts:

Lady of Embers is the fourth and penultimate book in the Lady of Darkness series and it might just be my new favorite in this series! 

I was so heartbroken at the end of Lady of Ashes (Melissa really tortures us with cliffhangers in this series) that I had to dive into Lady of Embers as soon as I got this ARC and OMG I still can’t believe how incredible it was! This story starts right where the previous book ended and it sucked me in from the very first page, it was so amazing to see Scarlett and all her friends again. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I love all the new characters introduced here and how well they fit in with the rest of the gang. It’s also great we finally got Cyrus’s POV! I didn’t expect his beautiful slow burn romance with a certain character but now I can’t imagine it not existing, I love it! 

We learn so much more about this complex world Melissa created and I was screaming at some new informations and plot twists, so much happens here and I can’t wait to see how it will all conclude in the next book. And of course, this book had to end on another mind blowing cliffhanger that makes me mad about having to wait months to see what happens next but it’s also perfect! I love this incredible series and the next book can’t come soon enough! 

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Runaway Groomsman by Meghan Quinn

 Thank you so much Meghan Quinn and Montlake for sending me this gorgeous book!

Title: Runaway Groomsman

Author: Meghan Quinn 

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Series: Standalone

Pages: 464

Synopsis:

Hollywood screenwriter Sawyer Walsh knows a good love story when he sees it. But when it comes to real life romance, he’s a mess.That’s how he finds himself standing at the altar…as his ex-girlfriend ties the knot with his very famous best friend. The pressure, the resentment, the media coverage—it’s all too much—and before he knows exactly what he’s doing, he’s making a run for it, leaving a shocked congregation and flashing cameras in his wake.

Needing to lie low amid the media fallout, Sawyer lands in the charming town of Canoodle, California, where he crosses paths with Fallon Long, who runs the Canoodle Cove Cabins, a family-owned business and Sawyer’s new short-term residence. Overwhelmed with renovations and her long list of responsibilities, Fallon is struggling to make ends meet while attempting to bring the cabins back to their original glory. So when Sawyer arrives, she is grateful for the income, but immediately writes him off as just another vapid Hollywood hack, until he begins to prove her wrong at every turn.

As Fallon comes closer to saving the family business, an undeniable bond forms between her and the handsome screenwriter. But the pressures of her family obligations and Sawyer’s notoriety might prove to be too much for anyone to handle. Could Canoodle be the setting for a new romance—or is true love just a Hollywood cliché?

Review & thoughts:

Runaway Groomsman is a new standalone romantic comedy that releases in 2 weeks (October 11th). I always enjoy Meghan’s books so I guess it’s not a surprise I absolutely loved this one!

After a disastrous wedding of his ex-girlfriend and best friend, Sawyer needs a bit of peace and quiet so he decides to spend a few weeks in a charming small town Canoodle. Fallon moved to Canoodle to take care of her grandfather and help restore their family business to its former glory. These two are completely different and their first meeting doesn’t go very well, but the more time they spend together the more Fallon realizes Sawyer is more than he seems. Will the famous Hollywood screenwriter and a small town girl be able to have their happy ending? 

It is impossible not to love all the characters in this book, they are all well written and each have their distinctive personality, Meghan once again proved she can write the most amazing characters. My favorite must be Fallon, she doesn’t have an easy life but tries to be happy and is kind to everyone, I loved how strong she is. Sawyer lost his belief in love after what his ex-girlfriend and best friend did, but meeting Fallon changed him and it was amazing to see how he gradually started to believe in love and romance again. I loved their cute slow burn romance, they were perfect for each other and each of them was just what the other person needed. It took quite a long time for them to get together, but I can’t complain because it was so satisfying to see them as a couple when they finally admitted their feelings. Also, I need to mention Jaz, she was so hilarious I laughed during every scene with her! She is the kind of best friend everyone would love to have. And Sully… my heart was breaking for him, he was so sweet but sometimes grumpy and had a beautiful relationship with his granddaughter, definitely one of my favorite characters. 

I really enjoyed Runaway Groomsman, it was quite different from Meghan’s recent books (looking at you, Royally Not Ready), but is was just so good! I know I will miss those characters. Can’t wait for next books by this author!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Shattered Souls by Beck Michaels

 Thank so much Beck Michaels for this ARC!

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Beck Michaels 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Guardians of the Maiden (book #3)

Pages: 1054

Synopsis:

Survival demands more than blood. It demands souls.

Alone and afraid, the time has come for Dyna to be her own savior. She will use every skill and spell her Guardians taught her to survive. Because the damsel is dead. This time, she fights. 

Cassiel and the Guardians are desperate to find their Maiden, except they cannot do it alone. And the journey to cross Troll Bridge proves harder than ever as they race against the impending winter. When dire secrets are unveiled, Cassiel may have to sacrifice everything in order to save the one person he can’t live without. Even if it means his fate might end in exile—or a throne. 

Dyna and her Guardians will all face a trial by fire as they confront their greatest threat yet. Themselves. And when ice meets flame, will they be willing to pay the price? 

Review & thoughts:

Shattered Souls is the third book in Guardians of the Maiden series and OMG if you loved the first two books in this series you so aren’t ready for how incredible this one is!

Since this is the third book I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it begins right where book 2 ended. I had high expectations and many theories about what could happen and, as always, Beck Michaels wrote a book that totally blew my mind! There were so many plot twists and I was shocked so many times, just when I thought I finally figured something out the author proved me wrong and I loved it! I also love those characters and their relationships so much and their growth in Shattered Souls was beautiful. Dyna, Cassiel and Zev went through so much already and there were some scenes here that I was waiting for since book 1 and it was amazing to see them finally accept what they are destined for! Can’t wait to see what more is in store for them. 

According to Amazon and my iPad this book is huge (like, 1000+ pages) but it was so engaging I read it most of the night and finished it this morning, this book is just so good. It has the perfect balance of fast paced action scenes and tender moments between our main characters, I was constantly on the edge of my seat and spend most of the book smiling, laughing or crying, the author was definitely toying with our emotions in this one. 

While I loved Shattered Souls I still can’t believe that ending. Beck Michaels how could you do this to us?!? This title is perfect for how I feel after finishing this book. I was sobbing during those last few chapters and don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for book 4, I need it now. I love this series and can’t wait for the next part of this amazing story!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Symphony for a Deadly Throne by E.J. Mellow

 Thank you E.J. Mellow and Amazon for giving me this ARC via Netgalley!

Title: Symphony for a Deadly Throne

Author: E.J. Mellow 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Mousai (book #3)

Pages: 412

Synopsis:

Within the world of Aadilor sits the hidden Thief Kingdom, a land overflowing with magic and mayhem. There the Mousai, a trio of deadly sorceresses, serve the reclusive Thief King, delivering punishment and pleasure to the masses.

Arabessa Bassette is the leader of the Mousai, conducting their powerful gifts with unyielding precision. But behind her mask of control burns a desire to forge her own path—along with a tumultuous relationship with Zimri D’Enieu, her father’s right hand and the man who’s held her heart since they were children. When an unexpected invitation to vie for the Thief King’s throne pulls her into a deadly competition, Arabessa’s composure cracks as she finds herself with an impossible choice—give up her greatest love or her greatest ambition.

But sacrifices loom large in the Thief Kingdom, for the quest for power always comes at a price. With her and Zimri’s future hanging in the balance, Arabessa must decide if she’s willing to pay it.

Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where love is found between cracks and the most mesmerizing symphonies carry lethal notes. Dare to play?

Review & thoughts:

Symphony for a Deadly Throne is a third and final book in the Mousai series. It is a series about three sisters with beautiful but dangerous powers and after loving the first two books I couldn’t wait for Arabessa’s story and it definitely didn’t disappoint!

While Symphony for a Deadly Throne is the third book in a trilogy, it can be read as a standalone. Our main character is Arabessa, the oldest sister and the leader of the Mousai. She has always been the most responsible one and had many duties both to her family and the Thief Kingdom. When an opportunity presents itself for her to take part in the competition to be the next Thief King, Arabessa will need to decide what matters to her most - her duties or Zimri, the man she has always loved. 

Since the first book in this series I couldn’t wait to read Arabessa and Zimri’s story and OMG it’s so good! I really liked their childhood friends to lovers romance and hoped they would find a way to be together despite all the troubles they faced and the hard decisions they had to make. I really liked the plot with Arabessa competing for the throne, I honestly didn’t think this book would go in that direction and I’m so happy it did. This world is as always really interesting, I loved seeing the Thief Kingdom from Arabessa’s POV and Zimri’s POV made things even more interesting, we learn so many new things and I feel like there as still so many things we don’t know, I would love it if the author decided to write more books in this amazing world. 

I really enjoyed Symphony for a Deadly Throne and all books in the Mousai series. The ending was a little bitter sweet but I loved it and can’t wait for more books from E.J. Mellow!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Mad Love by Hannah McBride

 Thank you so much Hannah McBride for this ARC!

Title: Mad Love

Author: Hannah McBride 

Genre: Romance

Series: Mad World (book #3)

Pages: 528

Synopsis:

I TRIED TO BE MADELAINE.

It started with a twin switch that was supposed to be temporary. It ended with me being locked up in an asylum, hidden from Ryan Cain, the man I love more than life. Vowing to avenge my sister's murder may have resulted in my captivity, but there's one truth that still remains:

I'LL ALWAYS BE MADISON.

We underestimated what my father was capable of, and now I'm on my own. Only I can put an end to this sadistic game before it costs me everything: my friends, my future, and Ryan.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT. I'M DONE BEING MAD; IT'S TIME TO GET EVEN.

Review & thoughts:

Holy shit, this book is a real rollercoaster! If you enjoyed the first two books in Mad World series you are absolutely going to love Mad Love (and if you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for? It’s incredible!) 

Mad Love begins right where Mad as Hell ended and I don’t want to give any spoilers but if you thought what happened in the second book was the most crazy thing possible you so aren’t ready for this one. It has even more heartbreak, more crazy plot twists and shocking revelations and of course more of the beautiful romance (and spicy moments) between Maddie and Ryan. And when it comes to these two… I just love them, after all they have been through they are still so perfect for each other and it was so amazing to see them fight for each other and for their happy ending. The secondary characters are really well written too, I love all the boys and Bex, really hope they will get their own books (especially Court and Bex, I need to know what will happen to them). 

I love this series and I think Mad Love is my favorite one out of three. There is so much action and plot twists I couldn’t stop myself from finishing it in a couple of hours and now I really hope the author decides to write more books about these characters, I’m going to miss them. Really recommend this series, it’s amazing!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - A Whisper in the Night by Tina Marte, Sophie Critchley and Rebel Rowser

 Thank you so much Tina Marte and Sophie Critchley for this ARC!

Title: A Whisper in the Night

Author: Tina Marte, Sophie Critchley and Rebel Rowser 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: A Whisper in the Night (book #1)

Pages: 622

Synopsis:

An arranged marriage. A kidnapped general. A plot to murder.

Princess Fiadonessa is at the center of them all. To save her people, she's forced to accept a marriage to Prince Fynnigan, heir to the rival kingdom of Guinyx. When the king of Guinyx's beloved general is kidnapped, Fia snatches her opportunity for freedom and strikes a bargain: the general's safe return for an annulment. Her gift of hearing whispers in the wind should make the task easy, but she soon discovers there's more to the kidnapping than meets the eye. The whispers warn the Bringer of Death, Mikaiel, is after her. Everything about him is lethal, but what scares Fia most of all isn't losing her life— it's losing her heart.

TW: Please be aware that this book features mature content not meant for readers under the age of eighteen due to themes of murder, death, and a bit of heat.

Review & thoughts:

A Whisper in the Night is the first book in a NA Fantasy Romance series with arranged marriage and enemies to lovers romance that I really enjoyed!

Princess Fia isn’t happy when she is forced to marry a prince of an enemy kingdom and neither is her new husband, Fynn. When Fynn’s sister, Zascha, is kidnapped at the wedding, Fia quickly takes advantage of the situation to make a bargain: she will use her powers to help find the general in exchange for an annulment of the marriage. But when it turns out there is a handsome assassin chasing Fia and Zascha doesn’t exactly need rescuing, will they all be able to return to their kingdoms before their enemies, both old and new, catch them?

I really liked all the characters in this book, Fia, Fynn, Mikaiel, Zascha, Juvien and Nika were simply amazing and I loved reading about their adventures and all the trouble they constantly got themselves into. In the beginning, I found Fia and Fynn a bit immature with their behavior during and after the wedding, but they were just so hilarious, I laughed so many times at their antics in those first few chapters. I’m not usually a fan of multiple POVs in a book, but this one is so well written I loved seeing the events through eyes of all those characters and honestly can’t choose who is my favorite, I adore them all. Also, the romances are so amazing, Zascha and Juvien are really adorable and I loved the tension (and the spice) between Fia and Mikaiel, can’t wait to get more of them in the next book. 

A Whisper in the Night is a really great Fantasy Romance, I’ve been waiting for some time to read it and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It is fast paced and I wasn’t bored for a single moment and that ending had me so shocked! I can’t wait for the sequel!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Spellbound Lies by Catherine Downen

   Thank you so much Catherine Downen for sending me this ARC via Netgalley!

Title: Spellbound Lies

Author: Catherine Downen

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Spellbound Lies (book #1)

Pages: 650

Synopsis:

The prince has been in a constant battle with the beast lurking beneath his skin. Not a creature to be slayed, but a man crafted from the darkest evils. The two shift between the body they share, threatening to unleash a destruction that would change their realm forever.

When Jessamyn Elisdream sneaks into the palace in search of a lost family heirloom, she uncovers more than she bargained for. To keep Prince Nikolaus’s curse a secret, she is imprisoned in the palace until the witch’s spell can be broken. 

Trapped inside the palace with the prince’s two changing forms, Jessamyn is caught in a war of good versus evil.

The prince versus his beast.

And a heart that betrays her.

A twisted retelling where Jekyll & Hyde meets Beauty & the Beast.

Review & thoughts:

Spellbound Lies is YA Beauty and the Beast retelling with some Jekyll & Hyde vibes and it had so many unique twists I was hooked since the first chapter!

Jessamyn is a baker and she is over the moon when she gets chosen to be a caterer for an event at the castle. But when she loses her ring and returns to the castle in the middle of the night, the prince who finds her feels like a totally different person than the charming prince she met a few hours earlier. Unable to leave after stumbling upon a big secret, Jessamyn must help the prince break the curse if she ever wants to return to her family. 

I really liked the idea of there being two totally different personalities of the prince, it felt like a really refreshing take on Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed it a lot (and quickly had my favorite of the two!). I liked Jessamyn, she was a bit naive and not that interesting at the beginning but she grew a lot and I liked seeing her stand up for herself more and fight for what she wanted. I really enjoyed the romance, I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it was slow burn and I couldn’t wait for their scenes together, they were so cute! And despite this book being a retelling, there were so many twists and I was surprised so many times because just when I thought I knew what was going to happen everything changed and I love that in books!

Spellbound Lies is a really great book and retelling, it is quite long but I read it in one sitting because I just had to know what happened next! Can’t wait for the sequel.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Review - Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn

 

Title: Royally Not Ready 

Author: Meghan Quinn

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Series: Standalone

Pages: 438

Synopsis:

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him. 

Review & thoughts:

It’s no secret I always enjoy Meghan Quinn’s books but I wasn’t prepared for Royally Not Ready, it is, hands down, my new favorite of hers (sorry Huxley and JP) and one of the best romcoms I’ve ever read!

Lilly is living her best life in Miami when some men she doesn’t know tell her she is a last heir to a kingdom and she needs to learn how to be a proper princess or said kingdom will be taken over by another country and cease to exist. After they prove to her it is not some elaborate prank, she decides to give this princess thing a try, mainly so she get to know the grandparents she didn’t know existed and who are the last of her family. But since her first meeting with Keller, the man responsible for training her as a princess, there is an unmistakable attraction growing between them and when Lilly’s protected identity is at risk, will she stay in her beautiful kingdom with the man she’s starting to fall for or will she return to her comfortable life in the USA?

Lilly is the absolute star of this book, she made me crack up so many times with her very un-princess-like behavior and language and I loved how she pushed Keller’s buttons, I laughed out loud so many times because of their bickering. Keller is the best kind of book boyfriend, little grumpy but so protective and when they both finally give in to their attraction… let me just say this is not only Meghan’s best book but also the spiciest! 

I had such high expectations for this book and it definitely did not disappoint. And just when I thought it couldn’t be better, it turns out there is a second book coming in a few months and I can’t wait for it! Really recommend this book, it is amazing!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review - The Assassin Thief by Madeline Te Whiu

  Thank you so much Madeline Te Whiu and New Dawn Publishing for this ARC!

Title: The Assassin Thief

Author: Madeline Te Whiu

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Assassin Thief (book #1)

Pages: 432

Synopsis:

BETRAYED BY HER QUEEN. 
HAUNTED BY HER GIFTS. 
FORGOTTEN BY HER PEOPLE.

Telium was once the most feared assassin in all Alkoria. Now she lives out her days in exile as she fights for dominance over her dark gifts.

But all that changes when an errant Fae warrior enters her domain. Drawn by rumours of a powerful being said to be borne from the shadow of the dark goddess Tenebris.

With their kingdoms on the brink of chaos, he calls for her aid in his mission to defeat the Mad Fae King and prevent an all-out war.

But the road to the Fae capital of Meannthe is a long one, and haunted by memories of her past, Telium must decide if she can risk losing dominance over the darkness in her soul.

In this gripping story, debut author Madeline Te Whiu creates an unforgettable world rife with grave secrets and suspenseful romance.

Review & thoughts:

The Assassin Thief is a debut novel by Madeline Te Whiu and I honestly can’t believe it’s the author’s first book, it’s so good! It is a Dark Fantasy with incredible characters, slow burn romance and plot twists that will leave you speechless!

Once, Telium was the Siren Queen’s most trusted assassin and confidante… until the queen tossed her into prison and sentenced her to death. Barely escaping with her live, Telium made a forest her home where she could nurse her broken heart and try to control her new dark powers. When many years later a Fae comes into her forest and asks for her help, Telium realizes it’s a chance for her to have her revenge and thus begins her fascinating journey. 

I absolutely love our FMC Telium, she is morally grey and a former assassin, but despite being very powerful, we see her struggling with control over her powers and despite being arrogant, she is aware of her flaws and does not always make good decisions and that makes her a well written and realistic character. She went through so much during her life and I was cheering for her to finally get her revenge.

The romance was really slow burn but I liked the tension between Telium and Mallux and it was satisfying when they finally gave in to their attraction. And with how this book ended (more about the ending later) I hope to see more romance in the next book. 

I really enjoyed this book, it has amazing world building, is fast paced (I couldn’t stop reading, had to find out what happens next!) and has incredible characters. And now I need to say I LOVED that ending. These plot twists at the end had me screaming and OMG I was so not expecting all of this to happen. I think it fits this book perfectly and I can’t wait to know what happens next (with how it ended there MUST be a next book, I refuse to believe it is the end). Now I need to reread because I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - A Taste of Poison by Tessonja Odette

 Thank you Tessonja Odette for this ARC!

Title: A Taste of Poison

Author: Tessonja Odette

Genre: Fantasy Romance, Retelling

Series: Entangled with Fat (book #4), can be read as a standalone

Pages: 468

Synopsis:

A runaway princess wanted for murder.
A deadly huntsman who’s after her heart…

Half-fae Astrid Snow is used to being disliked. With magic that makes her mirror back one’s worst qualities, she has more enemies than friends. And when she’s accused of poisoning her father, her stepmother—the formidable Spring Queen—becomes her greatest enemy yet. Forced into hiding, she finds solace at the Seven Sins Hotel. It provides the perfect subterfuge she needs. For who could ever find an outlaw in a hotel famed for sin? 

Bear shifter Torben Davenport lost everything to the gambling halls. To pay off his debts, he serves the fae royals as their personal Huntsman, locating hard-to-find fugitives with his scent-based magic. When the Spring Queen offers him a bargain that will erase his debts for good, he’s willing to do what it takes—even if it means finding the queen’s runaway stepdaughter and cutting out her heart.

Astrid won’t go down without a fight, even if her assailant is a strikingly handsome Huntsman. If she can evade the bear-shifter’s claws, maybe she can make him an ally. It’s easier said than done, especially after she accidentally gets herself handcuffed to her infuriating captor.

Can Astrid cut through Torben’s icy demeanor and convince him to help her find the real killer? Or will she lose her heart in more ways than one?

Review & thoughts:

A Taste of Poison is the fourth book in a series of standalone fairytale retellings called Entangled with Fae and this time it’s Snow White’s turn to get her story told anew. 

After being accused of murdering her father, Astrid Snow escapes the palace and starts living in a brothel (she is also a drug addict which, let’s be honest, doesn’t sound exactly like the Snow White we all know). Torben, our Huntsman, lost everything to his gambling addiction and his only chance to gain his freedom is to bring the queen Astrid’s heart. Only, when he finally finds her, he finds himself incapable of killing her and after a few adventures including ogre attack, illegal fighting and sweet kittens, they decide to work together to find the real killer and prove Astrid’s innocence. 

I always love how well Tessonja entwines the original tale’s elements with new ideas and this book was no different. Snow White has never been my favorite fairytale but this was such a refreshing take on that classic tale I couldn’t help myself but love Astrid and Torben and finish their story in one sitting, it was really interesting and kept me hooked since the first page all the way to the last. Astrid and Torben have such a beautiful enemies to lovers romance with grumpy/sunshine dynamics I was rooting for them the whole time, it is my favorite kind of romance.

I’m so happy I got to read A Taste of Poison, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for more books in this series!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Blog Tour & ARC Review - A Curse of Shadows and Ice by C.A Maura

  

Welcome to my stop for blog tour of A Curse of Shadows and Ice by C.A Maura!

A Curse of Shadows and Ice, an all-new steamy and magical fantasy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Catharina Maura writing as C.A. Maura is available now!

 

From USA Today Bestselling Author Catharina Maura comes a Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring a cursed emperor, a princess who possesses forbidden magic, and a marriage that could save them all.

 

Princess Arabella of Althea is left no choice when Felix Osiris, the Shadow Emperor, threatens to overthrow her country unless she agrees to marry him.

 

When she learns his empire is cursed and she’s destined to set them free, they come to an agreement: help him minimize the curse’s effect on his people, and he’ll let her go.

 

As Felix teaches Arabella how to control her forbidden and volatile magic, her feelings for him turn from hatred to passion… and she realizes that she must break the curse, or she’ll lose him forever.

 

Review

A Curse of Shadows and Ice is a standalone Beauty and the Beast retelling by C.A. Maura. It features a cursed emperor, a princess with forbidden magic and an enchanted palace that is more than it seems. 

When emperor sets his eyes on Arabella’s small kingdom it is quickly decided that to stop him from from conquering it Arabella, the Crown Princess, must marry the Shadow Emperor. Despite initial reluctance, when Arabella learns of the curse plaguing her new home they come to an agreement: she will help lessen the curse’s effects and when he is satisfied with her efforts, she will be able to return home. But when it turns out Felix is not the monster everybody believes and he and Arabella get closer to each other, will they be able to break the curse and enjoy their new relationship before the curse destroys them all?

A Curse of Shadows and Ice is a quick read, it is less than 300 pages long and fast-paced, I read it in one sitting and it left me wanting more. Despite their rocky beginning (definitely enemies to lovers story), Arabella and Felix have a great relationship and I liked how she stood up to him and didn’t let him make decisions for her, she might not seem like that in the beginning but she is a strong FMC. Felix lost all hope for ever breaking the curse and it was beautiful to see how he slowly regained it with every day Arabella stayed in the palace. I loved how great they suited each other and really liked how their story ended. 

I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast retelling, I think it might have been a little longer since I feel the ending was a bit rushed, but overall it is a really good story. Can’t wait for Elaine and Raphael’s story which was teased to come next!

Fall in love today!

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Excerpt

 

“Help me undress,” I tell her, turning to face her. I might have told her that I won’t exercise my rights, but I have every intention of tempting her into touching me.

She glares at me, but her cheeks are crimson and her eyes are roaming over my exposed chest and abs. She takes a step closer, her hands trembling as she grabs the lapels of my uniform and pushes it down my shoulder. 

I watch her closely, wondering what she’s thinking. Does she find my body repulsive? Most people do, yet somehow I find myself wishing she’s different. My jacket falls to the floor and she moves her hand lower, placing it on the waistband of my trousers. Fates. Her touch is affecting me more than I expected. I’d only intended to antagonize her a bit, but it looks like it’s me that’s suffering now.

“Go check the bath’s temperature,” I tell her instead. She pulls her hands away and I let my eyes fall closed, praying for composure. Would this have been easier if she wasn’t so beautiful? If that chemise wasn’t sheer in the candlelight?

“The temperature is fine,” she tells me as I finish undressing, unable to hide my desire from her. Her eyes widen as she watches me step into the tub, and I sigh in relief once I’m hidden from her. Is that what the priests refer to as karma? Is this instant punishment for trying to entice my wife?

“Come here,” I tell her, not willing to admit defeat. 

She kneels beside me, her breathing uneven and her face a deep crimson. It only makes her more beautiful. It makes me wonder what she’ll look like underneath me.

I hand her the bar of soap, and she takes it with shaking hands. I expected her to refuse and walk out, but there’s more curiosity in her eyes than anything else. If I’m not mistaken, there’s a hint of desire too. It’s faint, but it’s there. For me.

I thought she’d run the bar of soap over my skin, but instead she lathers it in her hands before putting it down. I’m tense as she places her hands on my shoulders, taking her time to massage in the soap.

“You’ve done this before?” The mere thought of her touching another man has me seeing red.

“Not for anyone but you, but I’m quite familiar with the concept of bathing.”

I bite back a smile, hiding the fact that I tremendously enjoy her wit. I doubt she realizes that no one would ever dare joke around with me. I thought I’d find being married a nuisance, but it fills a void I didn’t realize existed.

“Join me,” I murmur.

Her hands pause their movement, and I turn toward her, wrapping my hands around her waist and lifting her in before she has a chance to decline. She gasps when her body is submerged in the water, her white chemise rapidly becoming see-through.

“Felix!” she shouts, and I force myself not to smile at the outrage on her face.

“It’s easier for you to clean me when you’re in here with me,” I tell her, keeping my face carefully blank. She stares at me, as though she’s trying to ascertain if I’m being truthful, and I feel bad instantly. This is new to her. It’s not just me, and marriage, but this entire environment. She takes away the loneliness I’ve always felt, but in return I’m only giving her misery and discomfort.

“I apologize,” I tell her. “You needn’t do this.”

She rises to her knees between my legs and shakes her head. “You’re my husband,” she whispers. “I want to be the one who does this for you. I don’t believe you’re quite the monster you think you are, despite the viciousness that continues to leave your lips.”

Her words disarm me, and I lean back to watch her. She places her hands on my chest, palms flat, her wet chemise sticking to her body and outlining her magnificent body. I can’t remember the last time I desired a woman as much as I do my wife.

I wrap my hands around her wrists, keeping them in place. “I…” I’m not sure what         I’m even trying to say.

I’m not like most men, Arabella. 

I’ll hurt you. 

Run, while you still can. 

Don’t let me in.

I let my eyes roam over her face, her body. She’s perfect. I didn’t realize it when I first saw her in the Mirror of Pythia, but she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Her long dark hair and those honeycomb eyes. Those lips that I want another taste of.             She’s beautiful, but it isn’t just her looks. It’s the energy she exudes. I’ve never met anyone quite so pure. It makes me want to corrupt her. Own her. Defile her. 

I lean in, and her eyes fall closed, her breathing a little more rapid. Her chest rises and falls, her hard nipples on display for me. 

I had no intention of trying to break this curse through love. It sounds ridiculous to me — it always has. But with Arabella, I find myself hoping for the impossible.

 

 

About Catharina/C.A. Maura

USA Today Bestselling Author Catharina Maura writes Paranormal Romance and Fantasy as C.A. Maura, and Contemporary Romance as Catharina Maura.

 

She has a weakness for fated mates, true love, fairytale retellings, and happily ever afters. Cat currently lives in Hong Kong, and you can find all her latest updates here: https://hi.catharinamaura.com/bio

 

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