The Sinner by Marni Mann, the third book in the Spade Hotel series, had a lot of potential, but for me, it didn’t fully deliver. The insta-love felt shallow, the characters lacked depth, and the conflict around the ex-boyfriend was underexplored. That said, if you’re here purely for the steam, you might have a good time with this one!
Flora Carr’s The Tower is an intriguing take on Mary, Queen of Scots, during her imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Certainly, the writing draws you in—Carr has a way of crafting vivid scenes and emotionally charged moments that make you feel the weight of Mary’s isolation and the quiet strength of the women surrounding her.
It’s a peculiarity in some men that they cannot accept help without feeling compromised by…
With tropes such as enemies to lovers, forced proximity, he’s her boss, she’s a secret heiress, and she (surprisingly) falls (begrudgingly) first, there’s a lot to like about Maddison Michaels’ The Heiress Masquerade. Aimee’s determination to prove herself in a man’s world is both admirable and relatable, and the tension between her and Harrison—both romantic and otherwise—is well-executed.
Book 2 of the Seasons of Fae series, Land of Ice and Intrigue takes place a month after the events of the first book. The story centers on Lady Piris Volesion, who has hidden her fearsome powers most of her life, and Prince Jarok Borau of the Winterlands, known for his flippant mask that hides his feelings and responsibilities.
In this January 2024 wrap-up, a spectrum of literary experiences unfolded, earning ratings ranging from 3 to 5 stars. Rebecca Yarros’s ‘Fourth Wing’ showcased aerial prowess, while K.L. Ziggler’s ‘Of Spies and Shadows’ skillfully interwove magic into the romantasy genre. Ash Remington’s ‘Isolating Contact’ stood out as a compelling intergalactic science fiction narrative.
The Court Under the Sea by N.M. Lovely, the first installment in The Shade Princess series, immerses readers in a vivid world of magic and fae. Despite the allure of Lovely’s descriptive writing and an engaging romantasy premise, the story’s potential is hindered by an imbalance between world-building and plot development. With a rushed relationship and underutilized fae element, the novel holds promise but requires careful refinement for a more satisfying read.
Heritage by Holli Gregory follows seventeen-year-old Grace Chamberlain as she discovers her lineage as a descendant of Greek gods, facing sinister attacks and impending supernatural powers. While the concept is compelling and reminiscent of Percy Jackson, the execution could benefit from smoother pacing, deeper character development, and a more satisfying conclusion. Overall, it offers an entertaining blend of mythology, adventure, and contemporary challenges.
J.P. Feather’s Crescent Phase, first in the Moon Academy series, blends ordinary struggles with the supernatural. Arabella’s upheaval after a fire and a mysterious note from her owl companion hint at a magical world. While pacing and tense shifts challenge readability, the entwined characters and suspense keep readers hooked.
From historical romance to fantastical realms, October 2023’s wrap-up spanned eras and emotions. Delight in Sarah M. Eden’s charming “The Lancaster Family” series or Jennifer Anton’s WWII saga “Under the Light of the Italian Moon.” Other diverse tales promise more excitement ahead. Happy reading!
