ARC Review - The Curse of Ophelia by Nicole Platania

 Thank you so much Nicole Platania for this ARC!

Title: The Curse of Ophelia

Author: Nicole Platania 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Curse of Ophelia (book #1) 

Pages: 368

Synopsis:

The war is over.
The curse is lifted.
Malakai is gone.

It’s been two years since Ophelia has seen the boy she loves. When a treaty was signed ending the war and lifting the curse on Mystique Warriors, Malakai left to attempt the sacred ritual known as the Undertaking. 

He never returned, and the Undertaking was forbidden. Ophelia’s world crumbled around her.

Since then, she has pursued a fruitless search for answers. When the deadly curse resurfaces only on her, Ophelia finds solace in the idea that when she dies, she may finally be reunited with her lost love. Then, a messenger appears, telling her that she alone may be the one to save her people. 

With her closest friends by her side, Ophelia embarks on a race against death—one that will not only challenge her physically, but make her question the Mystique leaders, the Angels, and her belief in love. 

Can she win the fight against fate before the curse takes her life, or will the betrayals exposed along the way kill her first?

Review & thoughts:

The Curse of Ophelia is the first book in a new NA Fantasy Romance series and I can’t believe it is the author’s debut novel, this book is so good!

Ophelia spent her whole life training to become the Mystique Warrior but when the war ended, the Undertaking was forbidden and the love of her life disappeared, she thought her whole life lost its sense. Now, 2 years later, Ophelia is barely existing, but an unexpected visit and a reappearance of the Curse will send her on a journey that will make her question everything she thought she knew and change her life forever. 

I really liked the world building in this book, it was so fascinating and unique, I hope we will get to know even more about it in the sequel. The plot was medium paced but it was perfect for this story, there were many things we needed to learn at the beginning to fully understand what happened later and once it picked up I couldn’t stop reading, there were some shocking plot twists that had me gasping out loud and I love books that can surprise me!

The great world and plot twists aside, I really loved all the characters. Ophelia was so strong and badass, my favorite kind of FMC, and I loved her journey and how she grew throughout it. There is a really well written found family trope, I love Tol, Cyph, Rina and Jezzie and can’t wait to see them again in the next book. When it comes to romance, we see Ophelia and Malakai mostly through their memories from a few years ago, but they have such a sweet childhood friends to lovers romance I adored them as a couple and hope we will get to see more of their relationship in the sequel. 

The Curse of Ophelia is a great start to a new Fantasy Romance series and I definitely recommend it to everyone who loves this genre. I’m so happy I got to read this ARC and already can’t wait to read the second part of Ophelia’s story!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Beauty and the Blade by S. C. Grayson

 Thank you so much S.C. Grayson for this ARC!

Title: Beauty and the Blade

Author: S. C. Grayson 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Talented (book #1)

Pages: 297

Synopsis:

Most London socialites dream of marrying for love or status, but Contessa’s wedding is about justice—and revenge. 

Nathanial Woodrow is known on the streets of London as the Beast, leader of the fearsome Lion gang who mark their victims with three slashes on their face. Since her mother was found dead with the signature slashes years ago, Contessa has wanted nothing more than to see her murderer brought to justice. However, the Beast has been impeccable at maintaining his façade as the high society Mr. Nathanial Woodrow, and nobody has been able to gather enough evidence to convict him. When the Beast unexpectedly asks Contessa’s father, the Chief of the Royal Police, for her hand in marriage, Contessa and her father hatch a plan to bring him down from the inside.

As Contessa enters the lion’s den in search of evidence to convict the Beast, she finds that not everything is as she once thought. Her father’s work, hunting down Talented that use their magic to rule the criminal underworld, is thrown into question with each glimpse of the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of a hardened gang leader. As Contessa navigates her search for justice, she finds herself questioning what side she’s really on, and why she finds herself drawn to a man she’s supposed to hate.

Review & thoughts:

Beauty and the Blade is the first book in S.C. Grayson’s new series, The Talented, and I really enjoyed this Beauty and the Beast retelling, can’t wait for the sequel! 

When Contessa’s mother was killed, she and her father came up with a plan to avenge her… and that’s why Contessa is now marrying her mother’s murderer with an intent to expose his illegal activities and kill him. But it quickly becomes clear that the man most know as the Beast is more than he seems and Contessa will have to question everything she knows about her family and her new husband before more people lose their lives. 

I love books with slow burn enemies to lovers romance, arranged marriage and lovable, misunderstood hero and Beauty and the Blade has all these tropes and even more of my favorites. Reading this book has been so much fun, I loved our main characters, Contessa and Nathanial/Beast, and I was rooting for them to get together but I also enjoyed their sweet moments when they were getting to know each other (loved all the chess playing), they had such a beautiful and sweet romance I would love to read more about them. All the supporting characters were great written too (Kristoff, Gregor, Julia and Rhosyn were amazing) and the plot was really interesting, I couldn’t wait to find out more about the Talented people and the orphans, I ended up finishing the book in one sitting. 

I honestly can’t find a single thing I didn’t like about this book, it was just what I like and what I wanted to read. I really recommend Beauty and the Blade and can’t wait to read more from this author.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - Golden by Shannon Mayer

 Thank you so much Shannon Mayer for this ARC!

Title: Golden

Author: Shannon Mayer 

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series: The Golden Wolf (book #1) 

Pages: 283

Synopsis:

The Little Mermaid meets Loki in this dark, twisted retelling that’s anything but a Fairy Tale. In this world, foes look like friends, the heroes are deliciously wicked, and you’ll never see the end coming.

Ten years ago, I ‘died’, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

I should have known it wouldn't last.

Once my family thought I was dead I was finally free to live.

Until the day my brother walks into my tiny bookshop.

No one leaves the Grayling pack and gets away with it.

They drag me back, but not for the reason I believe.

My mother has made an enemy of a powerful witch

and I am to take the punishment meant for her.

Death would have been kinder.

This curse? What I am now?

It's so much worse than I could have imagined.

She didn't just cut me off from my wolf, or even simply kill me. She made me a golden retriever and sent me to a shelter.

I'm ready to die in truth now, I'm hoping for it even.

And then my mate walks in...but how am I supposed to convince him I'm the strong partner he needs to help him stop the end of the world when I can’t stop wagging my freaking tail?

Review & thoughts:

Golden is the first book in a new Paranormal Romance series with shifters, slow burn enemies to lovers romance and hilarious characters that will leave you wanting more!

Just when Cin thinks she finally escaped her awful family, she is dragged back to them and cursed to became a golden retriever. With the help of Bebe, a woman cursed into the form of a cat, she leaves the animal shelter with a handsome new owner, but it quickly turns out her troubles are just beginning and Cin will need to deal with all the craziness you can imagine before the deadline on her curse expires. 

Let me begin by saying I love the characters in Golden and Cin and Bebe are my favorite! These two are hilarious, I was laughing out loud so many times at their antics. This book is very fast-paced, there is so much action, plot twists and betrayals I read it in one sitting and often had to gasp out loud because wow, the author really outdid herself with these shocking revelations. Just when I thought I knew what was going on she took the plot into entirely different direction and I love how unpredictable this book is and with THAT cliffhanger I’m dying to get the next book in my hands. 

When it comes to romance, it is extremely slow burn, but there is a great set up for the sequel and I already can’t wait for it! I don’t want to spoil anything, but I love enemies to lovers trope and Shannon Mayer definitely didn’t disappoint here. With so much happening, I think there was the perfect amount of romance and now with the storyline established, I’m so excited to see more of this couple, these two are definitely going to be interesting together! 

Golden is a really great paranormal romance with unpredictable plot and interesting characters that I absolutely loved! If you like fast-paced books with shifters, slow burn enemies to lovers romance and laugh-out-loud moments, you’re going to love this book!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Review - A Light in the Flame by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: A Light in the Flame

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Flesh and Fire (book #2) 

Pages: 652

Synopsis:

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion he’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.

Review & thoughts:

A Light in the Flame is the second book in Flesh and Fire series and the sixth book in the whole Blood and Ash world. While I really love Poppy and Cas, I must admit it’s Sera and Nyktos who stole my heart with this book and now ALITF is definitely one of my all-time favorite books. 

ALITF begins right where ASITE ended and if you thought the ending of the previous book was mind-blowing, just wait to see what happens here. We learn so many new things and it all finally starts to make sense, I am in awe of the author how she basically told us about Nyktos and Sera in Blood and Ash series, but still manages to make their story here so surprising and enthralling, I was shocked so many times and the plot twists left me speechless. 

I loved Nyktos and Sera in ASITE and ALITF made me love them even more, they are my favorite kind of main characters and I enjoyed all their scenes together, the banter, the arguments, the swoon worthy moments, the spice and of course their beautiful romance and how they let themselves be vulnerable with each other. I start crying every time I think about them, their relationship is just perfect and I can’t wait to read more about them next year but at the same time I don’t want their story to end, I just love them so much. 

This book is all about characters, their growth and relationships, but there is also so much action, some things we waited for since book one finally happen here and the plot is insane but in such a good way, I read the whole book in one sitting because I always had to know what happens next and that ending left me with my jaw on the floor! 

I love ALITF so much and can’t wait to read the next book, A Fire in the Flesh, next year! Nyktos and Sera’s story is simply incredible and if you liked ASITE you’re going to love ALITF!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - A Kingdom of Frost and Fear by Whitney Dean

 Thank you so much Whitney Dean for sending me this ARC!

Title: A Kingdom of Frost and Fear

Author: Whitney Dean 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Four Kingdoms (book #2) 

Pages: 834

Synopsis:

After years of wondering where she came from and what her story was, Raven received the answers she had been craving: she has a family and is the true heir to the throne of Seolia. But the answers she so hopelessly sought only bred more questions. As she digs deeper into her past, she wonders if maybe she should have stayed hidden in the shadows, safe from the pain and agony of knowing her happily ever after may not be so happy after all.

Zeke had been right all along: she hates him for what he'd hidden from her. Now, with Raven desperate to learn who she is, he's desperate to win her back. But while still holding secrets of his own, doing so will come at a price he may not be able to pay.

And all the while, magic is slowly reawakening in the realm of The Four Kingdoms and not a soul is prepared for the new black magic Raven is now in possession of.

This is book two of an epic dark fantasy adventure series and contains scenes of graphic and mature content. Reader discretion is advised.

Review & thoughts:

A Kingdom of Frost and Fear is the second book in The Four Kingdoms series and must be one of the best Adult Dark Fantasy Romance books I’ve ever read!

In this book we continue Raven’s story as she learns more about her kingdom, her powers and her family and if you think you know everything about this amazing story after book 1 I guarantee you, you know nothing! There were so many mind-blowing revelations here, I finished this book a few days ago and only now I’m able to write this review because I’m still thinking about everything that happened, the author really outdid herself. But shocking plot twists aside, my favorite part of the book is Raven and Zeke’s relationship. We saw their love for each other in the first book but here it really grows and I loved their moments together so much, their romance is just beautiful and they would do everything for each other. I honestly can’t wait to read more about them. 

I also must mention how well the author wrote all the characters. Raven and Zeke came a long way from who they were at the beginning of book 1 and I love how believable their transformation was, you can really see the characters grow throughout the series. And the secondary characters were also amazing, my favorite must be Jeaniene!

I really enjoyed A Kingdom of Frost and Fear, it has amazing characters, beautiful romance and a plot that kept me turning pages so fast and screaming when I realized it’s the end. And I still can’t believe the author ended the book like that, the cliffhanger is brutal! I can’t wait for the third book!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

ARC Review - The Lingering Dark by Jade Church

 Thank you so much Jade Church for sending me a copy of your book!

Title: The Lingering Dark

Author: Jade Church 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Kingdom of Stars (book #1) 

Pages: 322

Synopsis:

Saiph must kill the mortal queen.

Sent to the mortal plane by her mother, Saiph finds herself caught in a bargain with one of the people she has been told to destroy - Auren, the rebel queen's guard.

After a string of magick users disappear, Saiph is forced to work with Auren to uncover the culprit. But when new evidence comes to light, Saiph must re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about the Kingdom of Stars.

Plagued by her growing feelings for the woman she's supposed to hate, Saiph is left torn between duty and love. With time running out to complete her task, Saiph must fulfil her bargain with Auren and choose her side in the upcoming battle, before it's too late.

Review & thoughts:

The Lingering Dark is the first book in Kingdom of Stars duology. It is a sapphic fantasy romance with amazing world building and great characters that I really enjoyed!

Saiph is a star and the heir of Kingdom of Stars. When her mother, the queen, sends her to the mortal plane to kill a human claiming to be the true queen of the kingdom, Saiph expects a quick and easy job. What she doesn’t expect is Auren, the false queen’s guard and a woman to whom she feels an immediate connection. When everything Saiph thought she knew is called into question, she needs to decide who she can trust and pick a side in the upcoming war. 

I really like the world the author created, the
idea of stars and humans is described in such a unique way I couldn’t put the book down, everything is so fascinating. I love the main characters, Saiph and Auren are both so strong and stubborn it was so much fun to read about their growing enemies to lovers relationship, and the second couple, Orien and Valentina were so cute, I just love them all! While I guessed some of the plot twists, the author still shocked me a few times, this book is full of action, banter and astounding revelations that guarantee you won’t be bored and that made me finish it in one sitting, I couldn’t stop reading and had to know what is going to happen next!

I really enjoyed The Lingering Dark and already can’t wait for the second book because that ending had me screaming! I’m dying to know what happens next.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Review - Flowers for the Devil by V. Kahany

 Thank you so much V. Kahany for sending me a copy of your book!

Title: Flowers for the Devil

Author: V. Kahany 

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Standalone

Pages: 450

Synopsis:

Love can be a devil and a saint.

Two men. One woman.
Two lies. One truth.
A happening that left London speechless.
A witness—the entire city.

On December 19th, 1851, a crime took place in the center of London. One of the few who knows what truly happened is Countess Alina Bronskaya.
But she will never speak of it.
The crime is her curse and her salvation.
Her culprits are the men who gave her their hearts.
One is a gentleman-devil.
The other is the Duke of Ravenaugh.
This is a story of redemption.
And in the center of it all—love. Passionate. Overpowering. Changing the course of history.
The sort of love that can ruin a man. The one that can save him...

Review & thoughts:

Flowers for the Devil is a dark historical romance and OMG guys I can’t believe how good this book is! I rarely read this genre but I was really intrigued when I read the blurb and it definitely didn’t disappoint, I loved this story!

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and the way this book was written is really unique, we get chapters from Alina’s POV but also chapters written as the MMC’s confession to the priest which really suited this amazing story and made it even more enthralling. 

I love how complex the characters in this book are. Alina is a countess from Russia, but she is more interested in medicine and helping people than the newest fashion and at parties she would prefer to converse with the men than have small talk with women. She is really strong and not afraid to voice her own opinions which is my favorite kind of FMC. When it comes to our hero I think everyone should meet him for themselves, he is so fascinating and I found his backstory heartbreaking, I really enjoyed his character and his POV was my favorite to read. 

Beside the amazing characters, I think the romance was my favorite part of the book, I just love these two so much, they went through a lot but still can love each other and their relationship was beautiful. I also really liked the setting, the author’s colourfull descriptions of Victorian London made me feel as if I was there with these characters, strolling London streets and having meetings in the dark. And of course, I can’t not mention the secondary characters! They were all really fleshed out and had their own fascinating stories, I especially liked Rumi, Martha and Yegor (I was laughing out loud at Martha and Yegor’s antics!). 

Flowers for the Devil is an incredible story with fascinating characters and beautiful romance that I recommend to everyone. It has many of my favorite tropes like hidden identity, forbidden romance, villain as the main character and so many more and I just loved it so much! Can’t wait to read more books by this author. 

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5