Review: Circle of Guilt by Dorothy Daniels

Circle of Guilt by Dorothy Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eve Bennett, a talented singer, marries the charismatic Barney Anders against her sister Judith's concerns. However, Eve's letters reveal her growing unhappiness until she shocks Judith with the news that she is imprisoned for her husband's murder. Determined to clear her sister's name, Judith travels to San Francisco where she encounters a vibrant yet treacherous world. Amidst this unfamiliar environment, she discovers an unexpected romance and realizes that she has become the target of a desperate killer who will stop at nothing to silence her.

I absolutely love gothic romances with all of the mystery and the strong female characters. Dorothy Daniels is an amazing author who incorporates an unforgettable story with amazing characters.

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Review: The Cold King by Amber Jaeger

The Cold King by Amber Jaeger
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Calia Thorn has lived her entire life in a small town sheltered by the Cold King’s mountain. Working day and night to care for her younger siblings, complete her unending chores and please her selfish, lazy mother has left her with few dreams for her own future. But then even those meager hopes are taken from her when the Cold King comes down from his mountain to demand a new servant. Ungraceful, unladylike, undesired and unwanted by even her own family, Calia is chosen to be sent to the palace. The Cold King has lived for three hundred years under a curse imposed by his own father. With no hope of ever breaking it, he settles for keeping his heart frozen against any pain— or hope.
When his new servant arrives, she challenges him in ways no one ever has and sparks fly. But not every Beast is a prince charming at heart and not every beauty is a maiden just waiting for love.

The storyline was okay for a quick read. The characters were not overly developed and the reader did not really get much out of them or their backstories. I would recommend it for a quick beach read but I have read a lot better adaptations of the Beauty and the Beast trope.

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Review: Amber House by Kelly Moore

Amber House by Kelly Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Sarah Parsons inherits Amber House, her family's ancestral estate in Maryland, upon her grandmother's passing. Intrigued by the legends surrounding the house and the hidden diamonds within its walls, Sarah embarks on a quest with her friend Jackson to uncover its mysteries. To her surprise, the house comes alive, granting her visions of its past and the people who have inhabited it.

As Sarah delves deeper into the history of Amber House, she forms connections with both Jackson and Richard Hathaway, a young man whose family shares a tangled history with her own. However, as her supernatural visions intensify, they begin to pose a threat to someone she deeply cares about. Determined to protect her loved ones, Sarah must unravel the secrets of Amber House and alter the course of history before it becomes irrevocable.

This book was a mixed bag for me. While I didn't despise it, I also didn't fall head over heels in love with it. One aspect that bothered me was the inclusion of a love triangle, which seemed to divert attention from the main plot. The ending, however, was decent. I appreciated the fact that the characters were able to alter their circumstances and create a different life for themselves. It provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.

Overall, this book had its ups and downs. Although it didn't completely win me over, I found some aspects enjoyable, particularly the positive changes the characters experienced in the end.

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Review: Courtesans: Money, Sex and Fame in the Nineteenth Century by Katie Hickman

Courtesans: Money, Sex and Fame in the Nineteenth Century by Katie Hickman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the nineteenth century, a remarkable group of women transcended their impoverished backgrounds to attain extraordinary power, independence, and wealth. These women, known as courtesans, defied societal norms and wielded significant influence, shaping their own lives and the lives of others.

With exceptional talents, extensive education, and remarkable literacy, courtesans held positions of authority in society. Although they were not accepted in the royal court, they established their own distinct world known as the demimonde. Within this realm, they governed their own hierarchies, adhered to unique etiquette and protocol, and enjoyed tremendous influence.

Courtesans excelled in various fields, including fashion, language, music, political intrigue, and, notably, their captivating erotic abilities. Simply being seen in public with a renowned courtesan was a highly coveted achievement, symbolizing social status and admiration.

I found this book to be a valuable resource for my college senior thesis. It provided me with informative content presented in an accessible and straightforward manner.

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Review: A Bride for Keeps (Unexpected Brides, #1) by Melissa Jagears

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Everett has always had bad luck with mail-order brides, that is until Julia comes to visit. However, her past has made her scared of having a relationship so they have to try and work together to work out both of their problems

The story itself dragged on a bit. I was not too enthralled with the characters either, they fell flat on the pages.

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ARC Review: The Last One by Will Dean

The Last One by Will Dean
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Simon & Schuster via Edelweiss+.

Caz embarks on a dream vacation with her new love, Pete, aboard the luxurious cruise liner RMS Atlantica. However, their blissful journey takes a chilling turn when Caz wakes up to find Pete missing and the ship eerily deserted. With no passengers or crew in sight, she realizes she is entirely alone as the ship sails through the mid-Atlantic. Caz is now caught in a gripping and suspenseful mystery that unfolds onboard the empty vessel.

The book began with an intense and captivating suspense, drawing me in from the start. However, halfway through, the plot started to lose its grip on me. It became overwhelming and required a significant suspension of disbelief, which affected my overall enjoyment.

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Review: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set in Italy during World War II, this novel follows the story of Yossarian, a bombardier who is frustrated by the fact that his own army poses a greater threat to him than the enemy. As the number of missions they must fly keeps increasing, Yossarian finds himself caught in a paradoxical dilemma called Catch-22. According to this bureaucratic rule, if he tries to avoid the dangerous missions, he will be considered insane, but if he requests to be relieved, he will be deemed sane and ineligible for exemption. With a blend of humor and darkness, this book explores the absurdity and challenges of war through Yossarian's experiences.

One of my junior year high school war section books. I found this one I liked the best out of all of the others we had to read that year. Even though this book expresses the hardships of war and the relationships between the soldiers it does it in an almost comical way that was very entertaining for high school reading material.

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Review: The Contessa's Vendetta by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer

The Contessa's Vendetta by Mirella Sichirollo Patzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I won this book from LibraryThing member giveaways.

As a deadly plague is ravishing the streets of seventeenth-century Vicenza Italy Contessa Mancini is struggling to keep her family and servants safe from danger. Despite her struggles, she is the one the ends up contracting the deadly disease and as her body is thrown into the coffin she awakens from death. Trying to return to her original life the Contessa learns her life had been filled with deceit and lies far more significant than she could ever imagine.

I liked the author’s detailed descriptions of the settings, especially considering this was a historical novel. Contrary, the personal reflections of the Contessa dragged on. Carlotta Mancini was a charismatic and diverse character bringing the story to life around her and succeeded as a woman in her time. She is strong and is able to overcome the many perils and discoveries she makes about her family along the way.

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Review: Cornerstone (Souls of the Stones, #1) by Kelly Walker

Cornerstone by Kelly Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are always prices to be paid in a bargain. For Emariya it is marrying Torian Ahlen, the prince of a rival land, in exchange for rescuing her father. When secrets are further revealed about just who Emariya chose to put her trust in everyone’s lives might be in danger.

The storyline of this book is great. The fantasy and world-building take the reader on a journey that is easy to follow.

Even though Emariya was a little naïve I loved her courage and fortitude for wanting to be able to change the things around her and that she fought so hard for what she believed in. Those are all great characteristics for a main heroine to have. Torian was an okay character for me; I didn’t really get a sense of who he was.

Overall it was an interesting book that I would recommend for young adult fantasy lovers.

Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Morrow Little faces challenging decisions as she grapples with the haunting memories of her family's tragic past. With her father's health declining, she must navigate the advances of various suitors, each offering a different future. Amidst this turmoil, Morrow finds herself drawn to a forbidden love that both frightens and captivates her. Torn between honoring her lost loved ones and pursuing her heart's desire, she must confront the consequences of her choices and decide whether to sacrifice her happiness for societal expectations.

This book was just too slow-paced for me. I got tired of reading it and it seemed to go on forever.

I didn't like the character of Morrow, she didn't seem to be strong enough for the love of red shirt. Even with having prejudices her conflicting manner made her weaker and she was seriously lacking in her decision-making skills.

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ARC Review: A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan

A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via NetGalley.

Sometimes greatness had to be born of the ashes

Set in two different time periods, the book follows the stories of two resilient women as they navigate challenges, loss, and the pursuit of love in the ever-changing city of Paris.

In 1870, Lisette Vigneau, a headstrong young woman from a wealthy family, finds her life upended by the Prussian invasion of Paris. Drawn to the cause of the people, she abandons her privileged existence to join the fight for a better Paris. Through her determination, she opens a bakery to provide much-needed support to the impoverished community. As famine and rebellion grip the city, Lisette's resolve is tested, and she must confront the sacrifices she's made.

In 1946, nineteen-year-old Micheline Chartier grapples with the loss of her father and the absence of her mother. Left to care for her younger sisters, Micheline feels trapped and ill-equipped for the responsibility. When she enrolls in a prestigious baking academy, her life takes an unexpected turn. Alongside her classmate Laurent Tanet, Micheline searches for her missing mother while discovering her own path forward.

Both women encounter profound sorrow, but they find solace in the transformative power of love and make courageous decisions. They believe that through the act of baking, which combines simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and sugar with a touch of love, they can ignite personal revolutions. The strength and resilience displayed by both women are truly remarkable and go beyond what can be easily understood.

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Review: Breathtaker by Harper Alexander

Breathtaker by Harper Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breya was on the run from taking life but after 100 years she couldn't help it. When the urge took her she sucked the breath out of men extending her life, she was known as a breathtaker. Living all her life alone she has finally found a family that understands what she is going through.

This was a surprisingly refreshing read, I loved how the story progressed and the end! Just need to say wow about the end, it was awesome but I'm not sure how I actually felt about it. Caleko was not all-time favorite character of this story, he was charming and exactly what Breya needed in a lifetime devote of love. I will definitely be checking out the sequel to this book, I'm really excited to see what happens.

Note: I received this book off of amazon for free, all opinions have been honest.

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Review: Forest Of The Night by Evelyn Vaughn

Forest Of The Night by Evelyn Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this captivating story, Cypress Bernard is drawn to the enigmatic warlock Drake Benedict, despite his arrogance and mysterious allure. As their hometown faces imminent peril, Cypress must depend on Drake's formidable powers to save the day. Initially considering Cypress naive, Drake gradually discovers the true extent of the threat they must confront together. Their journey is filled with danger, intrigue, and a blossoming connection between them.

In the final installment of the Circle Series, Cypress emerges as a beloved character, capturing readers' hearts. What makes this story particularly engaging is the dynamic between the love interests, as their initial dislike for each other sparks lively banter and adds depth to their relationship. The journey of their evolving connection is a delightful aspect of the book, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to see how their story unfolds.

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Review: Beneath the Surface by Evelyn Vaughn

Beneath the Surface by Evelyn Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this captivating story, Guy Poitiers and Mary Devereaux are haunted by a tragic event from their past. Bound by guilt and shared history, they embark on a journey into the mysterious Louisiana swamp to confront the darkness that threatens their chance at happiness. With the aid of Mary's white magic and a symbolic gold coin, they must face the root of evil and find redemption before it's too late.

I found the dynamic tension between the characters in this book to be highly engaging and enjoyable. The way they were thrust into an adventure together added an extra layer of excitement to the story. It kept me captivated throughout my reading experience.

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Review: Burning Times by Evelyn Vaughn

Burning Times by Evelyn Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In this gripping tale, an ancient evil force emerges, driven by a deep desire to take on human form and eliminate its eternal foe. Brie and Steven Peabody become unwitting targets of this malevolent entity. With uncanny knowledge of Brie's secrets, including those concealed from her husband, it manipulates Steven's mind, instilling a hatred for witchcraft and using him as a pawn in its sinister plans. As the couple's idyllic marriage hangs in the balance, the stakes are raised, and the outcome holds the potential for their ultimate destruction.

This captivating book gripped me from beginning to end, keeping me engrossed in its pages until the very last. The fate of the characters, particularly their troubled marriage, held me in suspense. I wanted to know how their story would unfold and whether they would find resolution amidst the challenges they faced.

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Review: Waiting for the Wolf Moon by Evelyn Vaughn

Waiting for the Wolf Moon by Evelyn Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sylvie Peabody, a powerful witch, embarks on an investigation of the strange and unsettling occurrences that unfold in the quiet town of Stagwater during the full moon. Along her journey, she encounters Rand Garner, a man whose irresistible charm and allure deeply resonate with her. As their paths intertwine, Sylvie's soul is stirred by his magnetism and sensuality, propelling her further into the enigmatic mysteries of their shared destiny.

I found this book to be highly enjoyable. It revolves around a close-knit group of four female friends, and I appreciated how their friendship played a central role in the plot. The incorporation of supernatural elements added an intriguing layer, and the eventual explanation for these phenomena was satisfying. The story kept me engaged as I tried to unravel the mystery of the werewolf's identity and its connection to Sylvie's love interest. The book skillfully weaves in sexual tension, adding another layer of excitement to the narrative.

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Review: The Romance Writer's Handbook by Rebecca Vinyard

The Romance Writer's Handbook by Rebecca Vinyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Romance Writer's Handbook" by author Rebecca Vinyard offers aspiring romance writers friendly guidance and folksy wisdom to help them break into the popular genre of romance fiction. With over 2,000 new titles released each year, romance novels dominate the mass-market book industry. Unlike other genres, romance welcomes new writers, with editors actively seeking the next big names in the field.

In 49 concise chapters, this book serves as a quick course in writing romantic fiction for today's market. It provides practical advice to improve storytelling skills, covering topics such as creating compelling heroes and heroines, crafting engaging scenes and plots, and addressing various writing challenges, including point-of-view decisions and steamy love scenes.

It not only focuses on the creative aspects but also provides valuable information on the business side of writing, including goal setting, finding an agent, manuscript formatting, writing query letters, and more. It also emphasizes the importance of receiving and giving critiques, offers insights into writing a captivating synopsis, and provides guidance on building an author's website.

The book includes short interviews with bestselling romance authors such as Lorraine Heath, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Connie Flynn, Katherine Sutcliffe, Judy Christenberry, and Suzanne Brockmann, offering valuable perspectives from seasoned professionals. Additionally, it provides market information on mainstream publishers active in the romance genre and includes a helpful list of small presses and e-publishers.

This book serves as a valuable resource, offering practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration for aspiring romance writers who aim to write satisfying and marketable stories.

I appreciated that the book didn't focus too heavily on the publishing and agent aspects typically found in writing guides. It provided a solid and informative read, covering a wide range of topics. The interviews with different romance writers were particularly enjoyable, adding an extra layer of insight and inspiration. Overall, it is a book worth revisiting for its wealth of information and engaging content.

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ARC Review: The Prenup by Arianne Richmonde

The Prenup by Arianne Richmonde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

Ava feels fortunate to be marrying her perfect husband, Lucas, who showers her with love and affection. However, doubts arise when she recalls signing a prenuptial agreement, questioning if Lucas sees her as a gold digger. Despite this concern, she believes they will be together forever.

Three years later, everything has changed. Ava feels unsafe in her own home and notices a drastic shift in Lucas's behavior, causing her to question her decision. Trapped in a deteriorating marriage, she realizes she never truly knew her husband. Fearful for her life, she navigates the confines of their house, desperate to escape the dangerous situation she finds herself in.

The book's description initially drew me in, but the execution fell short of expectations. The plot twists added depth to the story, but the pacing was uneven, with a strong start, a slump in the middle, and a more engaging ending. Repetitions of thoughts and events could have been minimized through tighter editing. The excessive focus on the Malibu house and unnecessary details detracted from the overall narrative. Furthermore, the characters Ava and Lucas were unlikable. However, the book redeemed itself slightly with a significant twist at the end, which was a highlight.

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Review: The Shimmering Stones of Glendower Hall by Constance Walker

The Shimmering Stones of Glendower Hall by Constance Walker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Gwynneth Morys, an orphan raised by a kind couple in South Wales, finds herself alone once again after their passing. Struggling financially and without any remaining family, she accepts a job as a companion to an elderly woman in North Wales. As she approaches a majestic mansion on the moors, a place she has dreamt of her entire life, she believes her destiny has led her there. The dark-eyed Owen Price-Jones, who greets her, seems to be the man of her dreams.

Little does Gwynneth know that Lady Jane, the woman she is to accompany, has suffered the tragic loss of her daughter and harbors a deep desire for revenge. Unaware of the dangers lurking within the shadowy towers, Gwynneth is oblivious to the presence of an enemy, waiting for her to ascend a certain flight of stairs with no means of escape and no one to hear her cries for mercy.

This book was a captivating and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Constance's writing style made it easy to immerse myself in the story, and the perfect blend of descriptive passages and thrilling action kept me eagerly turning the pages. However, I did find that I was able to solve the mystery quite early on, as the clues were not very subtle. Nonetheless, the overall reading experience was enjoyable and I would recommend it to those who appreciate a good mystery.

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Review: The Raven Master by Diana K. Whitney

The Raven Master by Diana K. Whitney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the aftermath of a devastating fire that ravages the town of Darby Ridge, Janine Taylor, the owner of a boardinghouse, carries the weight of her own haunting past. However, amidst the wreckage and despair, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Quinn Coulliard, a mysterious stranger whose presence holds a unique ability to soothe even the most tormented souls.

As Janine and Quinn grow closer, their connection transcends the boundaries of mere companionship, igniting a powerful flame of love and passion within her. Their encounter becomes a catalyst for profound transformation, forever altering the course of Janine's life.

In this poignant tale, Janine's journey intertwines with Quinn's enigmatic presence, bringing solace and awakening dormant emotions within her. Together, they navigate the complexities of their pasts and embark on a path toward healing and newfound happiness.

I found great enjoyment in this story, particularly the intriguing presence of the raven. The narrative had a delightful blend of lightheartedness and heartfelt moments, keeping me fully engaged throughout. I couldn't help but feel a sense of suspense, eagerly anticipating the revelation of the true culprit. It was a thrilling experience that had me on the edge of my seat.

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