An Offer from a Gentleman – Julia Quinn

Will he ever find his masked girl?

Title: An Offer From a Gentleman
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #3
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball – or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Who was that extraordinary woman? Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other – except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?

Thoughts:
An Offer From a Gentleman is a some-what Cinderella retelling. We have our lead woman, Sophie – trapped in a house with a wicked “mother” and her evil (well at least one of them) daughters. Sophie is the bastard daughter of the count that lived there before, although she herself is not aware of this. Cue the drama.

Of course in a Cinderella retelling, the lead should have a Cinderella moment. This is where our lovely Benedict Bridgerton comes into the picture. You know, the second eldest brother in the Bridgerton family. Sophie and him meet at a masquerade, have a love at first sight moment together, and then Sophie disappears. Ultimately breaking Benedict’s heart… 😦

They end up being separated for a year (if I remember correctly) and during this time a lot of things have happened, at least for Sophie’s part. She’s been kicked out of her home after the lady of the house (read wicked stepmother lol) finds out that she borrowed her shoes (which she had borrowed, unknowingly to the step-witch, for the ball). So the next time we meet Sophie she’s working for another family, and this is when Benedict and her meet for the second time. Although, Benedict doesn’t realize it’s her… *crickets* u dumb? The way they meet for the second time isn’t ideal. Benedict has to save her from a tragic fate (won’t spoil why – but gawd.. can men just stop?) which leads him to whisk her away to safety. He’s very intent on taking care of her from that point on, even though he doesn’t recognize her – something Sophie does. DRAMA.

I really like how their relationship grows from there. It’s very cute. It’s very gradual as well, their growing feelings for another. I mean, yeah, Sophie’s been crushing on him for quite a while but during this time she actually gets to know Benedict for a longer period – you know for more than a couple hours lol. The problem for the two is that Benedict can’t let go of his mystery girl – Sophie, that is, but he doesn’t know that. Ahhhhh, why do things have to be so complicated? Because it’s a BOOK. Darn it.

Another thing I really liked is that Benedict took Sophie home to his family and got her a working place at Violet’s home – I really do adore the entire Bridgerton clan. They’re just so sweet! I really enjoyed meeting them all again – Eloise, Hyacinth, Penelope (I know she ain’t family really but she deffo feels like one). And it was really nice to see the way they treated their staff as well. They really took on Sophie and I found it very heart warming.

Buuuut if we’re being honest here, the romance is definitely what caught me. I do love me some love lol. But gawd if I didn’t feel frustrated over their will-they-won’t-they drama. THERE WAS JUST SO MANY THINGS PULLING THEM APART! All trivial of course, but what did I really expect from a romance novel?? Yeah, I’m always falling into the trap. Damn it Alva.

I did really love the ending though as well! It was so adventurous and angsty – aMaZING. It took a whole turn I did NOT see coming – and Quinn I just have to say thank you for that. This installment is definitely one of my favorites of the entire series!

I somehow ended up posting something Bridgerton related near Christmas time this year as well. Or you know, during Christmas, since it’s for me TODAY (the 24th) already – inSANE! In Sweden we celebrate on Christmas Eve ❤

However, if we ignore that it’s Christmas for a sec and get back to the Bridgerton world – I am insanely excited for the upcoming second season of the Bridgerton series on Netflix. Hopefully it will be out very very soon. Therefore, I found it appropriate to continue with my reviewing of the Bridgerton novels, so hopefully more people can find themselves emerged in the Bridgerton world *big smile*. Historical romance novels can never really go wrong, am I right or am I right?

I will also take this opportunity to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all that celebrate it! And to those of you who don’t I wish you a happy day, and Friday, as well!

Hugs!

The Chase – Elle Kennedy

Will her brother’s best friend ever fall for her?

Title: The Chase
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Briar U #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

Thoughts:
I definitely liked this one! Elle Kennedy has a quick and fun pace in her writing which made it very easy to read and enjoy. I love the chemistry between our two main character’s, and that we get to see the story from both of their perspective.

Summer is my favorite – I love her bubbly personality and sassiness. A girl who loves shopping and clothes, and is smart and has good values – yeah, nothing more to say about that really. I felt in some ways connected to her, and the thoughts she had about herself. She’s had a lot of problems with people dismissing her because of her positive nature, and many has seen her as stupid or/and dumb because she’s a girly girl who likes clothes. Ugh, stereotypes. Unlike Summer, I myself haven’t had quite the same prejudices against me but I’ve always had this feeling that people look and think of you differently if you’re a happy person usually and then one day arrive sad. It’s like you can’t have a bad day in this world 😦

Anywaysssss, like I mentioned quickly before I lovE the CHEMISTRY between these character’s – Summer and Colin. I deffo swooned a couple of times, and although Fitzy ain’t my favorite – because of his broodiness and prejudices honestly – I did feel through the pages (poetic I know) that he really cares about Summer and that in the end of the day he just struggles with expressing his feelings. And yet again, like I mentioned before haha, I really like that Kennedy split the novel into both Summer’s and Colin’s point of view. It made the dynamic better and more understandable. You know as they say, you can never truly understand a person if you haven’t walked in their shoes or something like that. I think it’s from the To Kill a Mockingbird novel.

Like I said before I really like that Kennedy brought up some prejudices people can have. We have both this sleazy professor – who can’t for his life stop flirting with the girls in his class (ew) and then we also have Colin’s potential future boss who can’t understand that a jock can like gaming as well. People, am I right?

A big tip for you all is that this novel, The Chase, is free on Kindle! That’s awesome. And even though this wasn’t my favorite, I have really enjoyed the other novels in this series! I mean, who doesn’t like hot hockey-playing guys and awesome heroines?

Happy Friday to you all! I hope you have a weekend full of reading and relaxing!

Hugs!

A Touch of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair

A Modern Hades and Persephone Retelling

Title: A Touch of Darkness
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Series: Hades & Persephone #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bets does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows – and it’s forbidden.

Thoughts:
I begun reading this novel because it has been raved about. Like rAVED. I noticed that a lot of people spoke about it, and this of course made me feel a need to read it. So here I am. Finished with it. Lol.

I thought it was good and I liked it, but nothing really more than that. I assume I had different expectations of the novel – perhaps I’d expected a bit more mythological vibe since I happen to love greek mythology. However, A Touch of Darkness is set in “our” time period – I’d almost say that it’s set in a lot more modern world then the one we live in. There’s phones, bars, a lot of partying, (all 3 which we have lmao) but here there’s also gods wandering around having special gardens etc. I guess I just sort of expected a more ethereal vibe, and, I’m just gonna say it, this was not the novel I thought I’d be reading haha. But I did like the dynamic between Hades and Persephone – they’ve always been one of the parings in greek mythology that has intrigued me the most. Since, like some of you probably knows, Hades is sort of Persephone’s uncle actually? Yeah, that will be the gods for you.

Anywayssss, I liked that you slowly got to know the character’s in the novel through their actions, and that they’re not really what you believe they are – especially Hades. I also really enjoyed following Persephone on her journey to connect with her powers, something that she’s had a struggle with. The dynamic between her and her mother probably inflicted on that, and reading about their relationship was very interesting. It definitely wasn’t as I expected, but that seems to be the entire novel lol. I do have a feeling though that there is more to their story than we know, and that Persephone’s mother, Demeter, isn’t telling us everything. I also really enjoyed reading about Persephone’s friendship with her best friend Lexa – a name that reminds me of Lexa in The 100 series 😦

My favorite thing about the novel was probably Hades and Persephone’s relationship. Figures I’d enjoy the romance most haha. I liked the suspense, angst and emotions between our two main character’s. A warning for sensitive reader’s are that there is some mature content.

So now to the big question, since this is a series – will I read the upcoming novels? And the answer is, yeah most likely. This didn’t end on a cliffhanger, but I still have this vague urge to see what will happen to our goddesses and gods.

I hope you will have a wonderful day!

Hugs!

Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco

The Wicked Princes are back…

Title: Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Thoughts:
This is the first novel I’ve read by Kerri Maniscalco. I’ve heard about her before, and her Stalking Jack the Ripper novels, although I have yet to get around to read those. I found the story-line of Kingdom of the Wicked interesting. It’s cool that it’s set out in Italy – a beautiful country which I’ve visited once. I’m still not sure though which time period we’re in, but I guess it’s before the era of phones lol. (I just found out it’s shelved as historical on GR so I guess that solves it haha)

I really enjoyed the adventure our main character, Emilia, goes on. It really made me sad though that she had to lose her sister in order to go on it. On contrary to what I believed before I begun the novel, we actually had the opportunity to get to know Vittoria, Emilia’s twin, a little. I really felt from those few passages that they really, really cared about one another so that that ended up to be Vittoria’s fate was heart wrenching. I can’t even believe how that would feel like. But a novel isn’t really a novel unless the heroine/hero has a goal. And Emilia’s is to find her sister’s killer.

I also really like that this novel has witches in it! I find witches extremely intriguing, so the spells etc. was very fun to read about.

I have to admit I had some trouble with the way Maniscalco writes – unfortunately it wasn’t really my cup of tea. It’s hard to explain what I dislike with it, but I just got this this-is-not-for-me-vibe. Although, I will say that the story-line of this novel made up for that! Maniscalco is definitely good at coming up with interesting and entertaining novels. I really loved the element of the Wicked Princes. I do love me some bad boys. And Wrath, our main boy – sassy and gorgeous, amazing – is definitely a bad boy. I would’ve wanted a bit more chemistry between him and Emilia though, but perhaps that’s for future companions of the series. Although, it was quite fun to read their scenes when they were looking for clues together and I deffo see the potential.

My favorite thing about this novel was the ending actually. WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK HAPPENED?!?!? I’m still not quite sure honestly, but it definitely made me want to read the sequel. I was legit shell-shocked, and it really didn’t go the way I figured it would. I am so excited to see how Emilia and Wrath’s future will turn out, and to finally, hopefully, meet the rest of the seven princes. We got to meet some in this, but there’s definitely a couple left. I just also need to mention that the turn Wrath takes in the ending… I’m not really sure what I’m feeling about it but I bet we’re in for a hellish (lol) ride.

I hope you all have a beautiful day!

Hugs!

The Truth About Heartbreak – B. Celeste

Can she and her brother’s best friend find happily ever after?

Title: The Truth About Heartbreak
Author: B. Celeste
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
I fell in love with him when I was thirteen years old. He was older, mysterious, and unattainable. The guy I could never touch. Then one night changed everything for us. But there was one huge problem. He belonged to her.

Thoughts:
Lmao, so I’m really gonna try to gather by thoughts regarding this novel. Especially since that synopsis is the shortest one I’ve ever read and seen haha.

The Truth About Heartbreak is a novel that centers around River and Everett. The book begins with a scene with the two where it’s evident they’ve slept together, and the chapter ends with River saying “This was a mistake”. The next chapter is 10 years earlier where we get to meet a 13 year old River who’s getting adopted by the James’s family. River’s been in foster care her entire life. She’s struggled a lot, and haven’t meet many people who actually care about her. So she’s very shy and timid, and doesn’t like to take up place – she’s rather quiet. The James’s are a family of 3 with the parent’s and River’s “new brother”, Oliver. Oliver is 17, and happens to have a best friend named Everett, who’s the same age as him. At first River is quite unsure of Everett, although, the more she gets to know him, the closer they grow. Thus, River’s crush evolves. So the beginning of the book we basically get to know River and Everett, since the novel is parted in both’s perspective, but, we get to know them at different ages in their life. It begins when they’re 13 and 17, then they’re 16 and 20, 18 and 22, and lastly 23 and 27. And as you can probably guess, their relationship has grown more over the years, and their chemistry and attraction is palatable.

I found this novel after watching one of Steph Bohrer’s book recommendations on Youtube. Her description of the novel gained my interest, thus me buying it a Saturday morning and finishing it on the same day at the afternoon. B. Celeste has a way with words and story-telling. I quickly found it interesting since the beginning gave a glimpse of what was to come. I really enjoyed getting to know River and Everett, they both, but especially River, had an interesting story to tell. Getting to see River opening up to the people around her really touched me, and my heart broke, and breaks, over the kids stuck in foster care getting the kind of treatment she got. It’s horrible, and my heart aches. I’m really happy that River got this new family, as well as friends, who adores and loves her.

My favorite of River’s relationships was with Everett. I did really enjoy to read how her relationship with him grew and flourished, he’s very cute and protective of her. Although, it did broke me when Everett got together with a girl named Isabel – I did not like her, like at all. She was very rude towards River, and acted very possessive over Everett every time River was in the same room. I get it, her jealousy was in the ending justified, but the way she treated Riv was not okay. Feeling threatened doesn’t mean you can be mean. During this entire sequence where Everett and Isabel dated, I just felt – EVERETT MAKE UP YOUR MIND! It was painfully obvious he had feelings for River as well, but as the vague (lol) synopsis tells there is a problem. I understand that you can feel obligated by the promises you make – but this was rIDICULOUS. I don’t want to spoil too much, but to all you people who read this, you deserve TRUE LOVE and not a person that treats you like garbage. In this case it went to both sides, and their relationship was just very toxic. And gawd, I just felt while reading the novel that everyone deserves someone who loves them wholeheartedly and treats you with respect.

Some of you may have guessed that this novel has cheating in it. And I do not condone it at all, it’s something I’m very against. So my wish would’ve been for this, River and Everett’s relationship, to be done in a different way, but I suppose this is what needed to happen for them to finally figure things out amongst themselves and their lives. B. Celeste is one heck of a writer since I could NOT put this novel down. She really succeeded in the angst, emotions, heart ache, story lines etc. I loved reading about River and Everett’s story, and I found it very “sweet” to see these two people that have similar backgrounds, both tragic, falling head over heels for each other.

This novel is a stand alone, although, B. Celeste happens to have a somewhat “sequel” which is named The Truth About Tomorrow. It seems to be connected to part two of the epilogue’s in The Truth About Heartbreak – which was very cute in its entirety, however, I do have some comments about the eNDING. I read up on the “sequel” on Goodreads, and it does seem to be like I feared lol. I’m not sure whether I will read it, but let me just tell you that B. Celeste has away of writing about topics that are taboo – which, let’s be honest, is quite interesting and entertaining. Most people seem to have enjoyed it, so perhaps I will one day pick it up – I guess we’ll see.

Anyways, the sum of the cardamom is that I definitely recommend you to read this novel. It was entertaining, and although it did take me almost the entire day to finish, it was quite a quick read. I also feel the need to mention that the novel has been shelved by some as “Dark” on Goodreads. The novel is definitely on the darker path, however it wasn’t too dark in my opinion. But I just wanted to mention this, and that this is a New Adult novel so it has some mature themes in it.

Sorry for the really long rant! I do hope though that you can add another book to your TBR, and that you have a wonderful day! Thanks for reading!

Hugs!

Read This Month, February & March 2021

Hello!

I hope you all feel well and are ready for a fantastic week! I hope that the Swedish weather will bless us with some sun, but considering it has been raining and snowing (?!?!) for the last couple of days I doubt it. However, one shall always hold on to hope lol.

Anywayssss, I realized I forgot to update you guys about the books I read in February *face palm*. Although that was probs for the best since I’d only read one book – in my defense, that month was quite busy for me and it’s a short month. So I though that what couldn’t be better than to “kill two birds with one stone” (first time I’ve ever written that saying in English – quite barbaric ain’t it).

I will present the six (6) books I’ve read in bOTH Feb and March, and for those of you who don’t know the drill I will begin with a rating, a synopsis of the novel from Goodreads and then 5 words that will some-what describe my thoughts regarding the particular book. Let’s dive in!

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Title: A Court of Silver Flames
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #4
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance – and healing – in each other’s arms.

Five words about it:
AMAZING, finally-i-got-to-read-about-nesta-and-cassian, gwyn-freaking-berdara-i-adore-you, heart-wrenching and i-simply-just-fell-in-love-with-this-book-if-it-isn’t-obvious-already.

You can read my full review of it HERE!

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Title: The Play
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Briar U #3
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
What I learned after last year’s distractions cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need a new philosophy: hockey and school now, women later. Which means that I, Hunter Davenport, am officially going celibate… no matter how hard that makes things.

But there’s nothing in the rulebook that says I can’t be friends with a woman. And I won’t lie – my new classmate Demi Davis is one cool chick. Her smart mouth is hot as hell, and so is the rest of her, but the fact that she’s got a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her.

Except three months into our friendship, Demi is single and looking for a rebound.

And she’s making a play for me.

Avoiding her is impossible. We’re paired up on a yearlong school project, but I’m confident I can resist her. We’d never work, anyway. Our backgrounds are too different, our goals aren’t aligned, and her parents hate my guts.

Hooking up is a very bad idea. Now I just have to convince my body – and my heart.

Five words about it:
Cute!, quick-read, romance-to-swoon-for, Hunter-Davenport-I-really-really-like-you and bad-ass-chicks.

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Title: Out of My League
Author: Sarah Sutton
Series: Love in Fenton County #2
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.

Sophia Wallace is convinced her life is over when her high school cuts the journalism program. Without the elective, she loses her chance to intern with the biggest newspaper company in the county, and why? All because the baseball team needs more funding.

To make matters worse, her boyfriend publicly dumps her at a party, which is mortifying. But the icing on the cake is when the captain of the baseball team and the most popular guy at Bayview High, Walsh Hunter, decides to be chivalrous. He jumps in, throws arms around Sophia, and declares his undying love for her. In front of everyone.

Suddenly, Sophia is thrown into a world of fake relationships and undercover journalism, and she realizes she’s way, way out of her league.

Good thing she’s got the team captain to teach her how to play. But faced with choosing between saving her journalism class or her newfound feelings for Walsh, will she strike out or hit a home run?

Five words about it:
Fast-paced, sweet, fake-relationship!, tough-choices and finding-yourself.

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Title: Things Fall Apart
Author: Chinua Achebe
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Okonowo is the greatest warrior alive. His fame has spread like a bushfire in West Africa and he is one of the most powerful men of his clan.

But he also has a fiery temper. Determined not to be like his father, he refuses to show weakness to anyone – even if the only way he can master his feelings is with his fists. When outsiders threaten the traditions of his clan, Okonowo takes violent action. Will the great man’s dangerous pride eventually destroy him?

Five words about it:
The-MCs-name-is-really-Okonkwo, read-for-my-english-class, this-novel-hurt-my-feminist-heart-since-the-male-lead-is-misogynistic, interesting-to-learn-more-about-african-culture and all-around-intriguing.

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Title: Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series: Kingdom of the Wicked #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost – even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Five words about it:
Love-me-some-wicked-princes, a-hellish-ride, mysterious, would’ve-wanted-a-bit-more-romance and what-the-actual-heck-was-that-ending?!? Full review will be posted on April 23rd!

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Title: A Touch of Darkness
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Series: Hades & Persephone #1
Rating: 3/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bets does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows – and it’s forbidden.

Five words about it:
Greek-mythology-for-life, steamy-romance, not-how-i-expected-it-to-turn-out, intriguing-bond-between-the-MCs and this-cover-is-so-beautiful lol. Full review will be out on April 30th!

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So these were all the 6 novels I read during the months of February and March! I’d say it was a good bunch of books! Some of which I liked, some that I really liked and one that I completely fell in love with. Hopefully you’ve found one or two books that have peaked your interest! Happy reading!

Hugs!

A Court of Silver Flames – Sarah J. Maas

Will her powers be her doom?

Title: A Court of Silver Flames
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #4
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance – and healing – in each other’s arms.

Thoughts:
Maas has created yet another intriguing and captivating story following the one and only Nesta Archeron. I loved to finally get to know Nesta, the true Nesta. She’s always been very interesting, and to finally understand the reason behind the way she acts, and her facade, was truly heart aching and beautiful.

I loved Maas’s writing in A Court of Silver Flames and it was great to reunite with Cassian, Azriel, Rhysand, Feyre, Elain, Lucien, Mor, Amren… the list goes ON. The plot was both interesting and fascinating – I really liked seeing how the Night Court along with the rest of the world had adapted since the war that occurred in A Court of Wings and Ruin. Nesta has completely changed, or rather gone back, and become even worse, since the war. Which ultimately makes Feyre to take a decision regarding her life – something that in the end will benefit Nesta immensely. As most of us are aware of Nesta’s powers are POWERFUL. Like really powerful, but we never really got to know the full extent of them after the first three books. In this, we get to know the FULL extent – and they’re… I don’t even know how to describe them. There’s one scene in particular that’s soooooo cool – you’ll know which one I mean if you’ve either read or will read it. Nesta is one bad ass b****. I adore her. Especially after reading her thoughts. I recognized a lot of the feelings she felt which made the novel even more heart aching to read. Anxiety and feelings of being in the way are emotions I believe we’ve all felt at least once unfortunately.

To continue I just have to mention the second MC of the novel – Cassian. Gawd, can I please get me one of these Illyrians?! He’s so… sweet and caring, and I just loved how you could really feel how much he cares for Nesta through the pages. I love them together, their dynamic is awesome. Note to sensitive readers is that the novel is quite steamy – but you can always skip those parts if you wish. Because the novel itself is very empowering – especially because of its new character’s.

finALLY we have come to the part where I can gush about my love for Emerie and Gwyn, especially Gwyn. The feminism in this novel!! WOW! I was so glad to see Nesta making new friends for herself and I love the bond she made with these girls – #valkyries4life ! And Gwyn, Gwyn, GWYN! I love her! I really hope that the next novel in Maas’s series will star with Gwyn as one of the MC’s – because I adore her growing friendship/romantic interest in Azriel. Some people are devastated about the hints in the novel regarding this new ship – Gwynriel. But I could NOT be happier – they would be so so so sweet together and the little snippets I’ve read about them make me so so nervous but also excited about the future books in the series.

All in all, as you can probably tell, I devoured this book. The plot with the queens, the new character’s, the romance, the Night Court – all of it was awesome. One thing I am a bit confounded about is what and who the next novel will have as its star – Azriel, Gwyn, Elain? Like I said my hopes are for Gwynriel – but one can never tell what Maas has in store. Hopefully the wait for the fifth novel won’t be too long!

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and that you can hopefully add another book to your TBR!

Hugs!

Chain of Gold – Cassandra Clare

Welcome back to the Shadowhunter world in Edwardian London…

Title: Chain of Gold
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Last Hours #1
Rating: 5/5 (!!!)

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London… and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero… and falling in love.

Thoughts:
wOw.

That’s literally all I can say. This. This. THIS. This novel is brilliant, extraordinary, wonderful – my adjectives can go on but I’m not sure they (nor I) can truly express my love for this book. Cassandra Clare has done it once again. After reading this… I’m never going to get tired of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

First of all, we get to meet the children of the character’s in The Infernal Devices trilogy – that’s amazing. Second of all, Will freaking Herondale is in it – yes, I do indeed love him. Third of all, these new character’s are awESOMe.

Yeah. That’s it. But of course, so this review actually will, you know, review something I’m going to try and gather my thoughts.

The new character’s – we have James and Lucie Herondale, Cordelia (!!!) and Alastair Carstairs, Thomas and Anna Lightwood, little Christopher, Matthew Fairchild, Jesse and Grace Blackthorn etc. (I’ve most likely forgotten someone so I apologize in advance). I love all of them – some more than others of course (like that I completely loathe Grace). If my exclamation marks didn’t make it known, my love for Cordelia Carstairs is massive. She’s so cool, kind and fierce – wOw. And I just love her and James. CAN THEY PLEASE JUST GET TOGETHER?!?

I don’t think I’ll ever understand how Clare can imagine all these adventures and character’s. It’s quite marvelous, and I do truly wish that I myself can achieve this gift in the future. The plot, the intrigues, the relationships, the roMANCE – aLL of it is just wow. We get to see Emma’s weapon Cortana once again, although this time she’s wielded by someone else, we also get to see Will and Tessa Herondale raise their children, there’s also new dangers in town and there’s some devils involved, the friendships between the Merry Thieves (James, Matthew, Thomas & Christopher) and Lucie & Cordelia are wholesome, Magnus Bane make an appearance, there’s the fantastic Anna Lightwood who is sooo incredibly cool, there’s representation, and we’re in bloody freaking LONDON. Could it get better? I think not. Well, of course there’s also chapter 15 that made me squeal with happiness.

My love for this book is surely well-known by now. I finished this novel way too fast last year, and I kid you not when I say that I’ve been pining for the second novel for a whole freaking YEAR. Because obviously books have to take that long to get their sequels… *huff* So yeah, you guys who just found out about this novel should be grateful for having not one, but tWO books to read in this trilogy this year since the second novel comes out TOMORROW!! (2nd of March). I have already planned my trip to the bookshop so I can finally read the sequel and get to know all of these new adventures!

All of you – READ THIS NOVEL AND THE REST OF CLARE’S SERIES. You will NOT regret it.

I hope you all have a beautiful Monday, and a wonderful week!

Hugs!

Swear on This Life – Renée Carlino

Can two childhood best friends overcome their past?

Title: Swear on This Life
Author: Renée Carlino
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
When a bestselling debut novel from mysterious author J. Colby becomes the literary event of the year, Emiline reads it reluctantly. As an adjunct writing instructor at UC San Diego with her own stalled literary career and a bumpy long-term relationship, Emiline isn’t thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of a young and gifted writer.

Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.

That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.

The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?

Thoughts:
I really liked Swear on This Life by Carlino. She certainly has a way with words that will definitely keep you hooked, grasping for more. Carlino has succeeded in writing a book within a book. Confusing, right? Although it’s quite easy to understand if you’ve read the synopsis. Basically we as readers also get to read the novel this J. Colby has published – which means that we get to hear about Emiline’s childhood story. A tragic and heartfelt story at that.

So I’m really trying to gather my thoughts around this book haha, but it’s kind of hard, however I’ll try my best. So I thought perhaps that the ending was a bit too fast for my liking. I sort of felt like the beginning and the middle was so well-done and really explored in an interesting and not too fast way, however the ending felt a little rushed. Another thing I thought of the novel was that it was cute that Jase wrote a book about their childhood love story, although since it’s written in hers, Emiline’s, point of view I got the feeling that he put words in her mouth and mind. Not something I’m particularly fond of. They do speak about this topic, but I’m not sure I completely understood. Although I did like Jase quite a bit – I mean who doesn’t take a liking to a hot author? However, I’m not gonna lie, he felt a little too confident in himself as an adult. He was more caring when he was younger, and now I felt like he just was a bit too sassy. I have a thing for not being completely sold on guys who knows they look good – they annoy me haha.

However I feel the need to mention that the love interest’s name is Jase… JASE. I love that name so much. It could be because it reminds me of JaCe in City of Bones written by Cassandra Clare – but nevertheless it’s a really cool (& kind of sexy lol) name. It made this book a ton better, I’m not gonna lie. Another thing I really liked about this novel was that there’s a best-friends-to-lovers trope in this novel. Or at least best-friends-to-lovers-to-strangers-to-friends-to-lovers lmao. Sounds complicated probably but the way it’s written is beautifully done.

I have rated this book as New Adult simply because that’s what most other reader’s have rated it as on Goodreads. I myself wouldn’t rate it New Adult, however, since I don’t wish to mislead anyone, I have put it under that category. I would, though, recommend it from 16+. I also just realized I forgot to mention that Em has a boyfriend in her adult life *GASP* which causes a bit of a predicament with her and Jase. However, since this is the world of books, things have a way of sorting themselves out… or do they? I guess you’ll have to find out! *shrugs and smiles*

I hope you all have a beautiful and wonderful Friday! & hopefully I’ve added a book to your to-read-list! 😀

Hugs!

Serpent & Dove – Shelby Mahurin

Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Title: Serpent & Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Series: Serpent & Dove #1
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union – holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

Thoughts:
I really, really, really liked this novel. But first things first – can we just take a moment for this ridiculously beautiful cover?!? I wasn’t sure what it portrayed at first but after looking at it for awhile I think it’s a dove and serpent lol. I mean obviously because of the name, but it didn’t hit me until today haha. I just felt like everything about it just screamed adventure and heartache. I especially love the golden serpent circling about.

Anywayyys, like I mentioned I really liked this novel – it has love, magic, badass character’s, interesting plot line, witches, witch hunters, adventure… the list just goes on! I really liked the main character’s – Lou and Reid. Lou is a very very very funny woman who has sass and radiates coolness. Definite role model material. Reid, a very handsome fellow who has his heart on the right place. Incredible. Other character’s me liked is Coco, Lou’s best friend – she was amazing and I loved to read about their bond. Then we have Ansel, sweet sweet Ansel – an absolute sweetheart.

The plot was really interesting and had me absolutely hooked. I mean a witch and a witch hunter falling in love? Can it literally get any better? Throw in a forced marriage between the two as well and of course you caught me. This book was really good. Since I was a kid I have thought that witches are very cool, and these were as well, absolutely – but they were also very very very scary individuals. The witches in Lou’s mother’s clan seemed like a cult. The religious witch hunters were also interesting to read about, and their home were where we were situation wise mostly in the novel. There were twists and turns when you went further into the novel.

Serpent & Dove also has an enemies to lovers trope – which was written brilliantly. Although if I could make one wish it’s for the romance to have been more “seen”, I just felt like it was a bit too slow in the beginning and then it became very hasty. However, the romance in the novel was very sweet to read about.

So if you’re after a fast-paced read with multiple twists, magic and unlikely romance this is definitely the book for you!

I hope you have a beautiful Monday and an incredible week!

Hugs!