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