A Curse of Beasts and Magic by Jeaniene Frost

 

My thoughts

This was my first by this author. It was so good too. 

The only thing that I didn't like was that dragons are not good in this story. I love a good dragon story and this one is good but not the dragons good. Yikes!! I did not like the dragon's host though. That kind of made up for the dragon being not nice. :) 

A girl with a beast inside meets a man with tons of money and possibly a beast inside of him. They become an item. A fake engagement too. 

Raine was infected with a beast at the young age of fifteen. She lost her mother and grandmother that day. She has tried everything to kill this beast but to no avail. When she saves an old man her life changes drastically. 

Remington is a very rich man. He owns most of the land and soon hopes to own Raine. Well maybe not own, but have. He likes her. He finds her to be kind and full of spunk. He also believes her to be beautiful and she has a beast in her. He wants to find out what kind of beast and what she knows about it. He never expected to fall in love. Or did he?

This book was a fun read and oh my I hope the next book comes out soon. I didn't want it to end yet...

Well written and filled with a few beasts and bad guys/girls. A big fight scene and a few love scenes. Hot but not too hot. This was just a good story. A good fictional story of love, loss, fights, beasts, humans, and some horrors too. 

I listened to the audio via NetGalley and it was fantastic. The narrator, Tavia Gilbert, did such a good job. She was able to do the voices so you felt each character. She truly brought this book to life.

Thank you MacMillan Audio for this ARC.

4.5 stars 

About

New York Times bestselling author of The Night Huntress series Jeaniene Frost returns with a brand-new series! It’s Beauty and the Beast meets The Witcher, except Beauty IS the Beast, and he’s the Warden keeping mythical beings in check in our world and beyond.

Raine Stone is living a nightmare. Ever since she survived the attack that killed her family, she's been hiding a terrible secret--and a Beast inside her.

It feeds on violence and chaos, but she restrains its urges by playing vigilante on the city streets. Until one night, Raine uses the Beast’s energy to heal an elderly gentleman from a seemingly random attack and discovers a new world of danger—literally.

Remington “Remy” Byrne knows the wall between a realm of deadly mythic creatures and our own world is very fragile. After all, he’s the Warden who guards the gateways between them. Raine’s Beast contains power that could tip the scales in a sinister plot against Remy’s rule—if she allies with him.

Will they be friends or foes…or will their dangerous attraction turn into something else? And can our world be saved by their explosive alliance?

The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer

 

My thoughts

Meg Shaffer is one to watch. Her books are in my top favorites. This is the third book by her and I enjoyed it so much. What was not to love. A book about books about characters, authors, real life characters, book characters, a book witch, and a cat. You have a story set to make you laugh and in places cry. It's a kind of love story but so so much more. You'll second guess yourself a few times too. 

Rainy March is living with her grandfather. Her mother is dead and she has no idea who her father is. Her grandmother died several years prior. So it's just Rainy and her grandfather. And her cat. Rainy is a book witch. Her cat Koshka, is her muse. Koshka saves her a couple of times too. Or helps I should say. Smart cat. 

There is a lot going on but it's so easy to follow. Rainy is looking for her grandfather. Also looking for other things that she really does not realize she is looking for. 

This is truly a brilliantly written story. It grabs you and gives you quite a bit. Not to overwhelming but just enough mystery or secrets to keep you guessing what is happening. The author wrote a masterpiece here. At least from this readers POV. The way she wove these characters together was nothing short of striking. When it finally all comes together you can breath a sigh of relief. For all the characters...

It just falls together so perfectly. Total perfection. It's like reading more than one story that weaves together. 

Thank you Ballantine Books for this ARC. 

Five stars. 

About

She can hop into any novel, she just can’t stay there. Come along with the book witch in this magical and inspiring love letter to reading from the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game.

Rainy March is a proud third-generation book witch, sworn to defend works of fiction from all foes real and imaginary. With her magical umbrella and feline familiar, she jumps into and out of novels to fix malicious alterations and rogue heroes. 

Book witches live by a strict Real people belong in the real word; fictional characters belong in works of fiction…. Do not eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world, lest you become part of the story. Falling in love with a fictional character? Don’t even think about it.

Which is why Rainy has been forbidden from seeing the Duke of Chicago, the dashing British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. If she’s ever caught with him again, she’ll be expelled from her book coven—and forced to give up the magical gifts that are as much a part of her as her own name.

But when her beloved grandfather disappears and a priceless book is stolen, there’s only one person she trusts to help her solve the case: the Duke. Their quest takes them through the worlds of Alice in Wonderland, The Great Gatsby, and other classics that will reveal hidden enemies and long-buried family secrets.

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton

 

My thoughts

A promise of space and love, what's not to love. This is a very compelling space race love story. One that kept me glued to my reader. One for the ages. This book is so good. Chanel Cleeton's best yet...

Vivian and Joe have a kind of whirlwind love/romance. Though they take and write a lot they've not been on a lot of dates. But when it's true love you just know it. You just feel it. I felt the love between these two. I also felt the tension Vivian felt at Joe becoming an astronaut. The fear she felt when he was going into space. To the moon....

Then the time comes and he's gone. He's flying. Fulfilling his lifelong dream. To fly to the moon. To be an astronaut. Something he's always wanted. But then the most horrible thing happens. Joe and two other astronauts are lost. No one can communicate with them. There is no sign of them. No at all!!!

Vivian's worst fears surface. She stood by Joe even when she didn't want him to do this. She didn't want him to fly to space. But she supported him. Now he is missing. 

The things Viv goes through are so heartfelt. So heartbreaking. So sad. What wives of astronauts go through at times are horrible. A lot of the astronauts cheat. Have affairs. They can't seem to be faithful. There are a few divorces but some wives stay. 

Joe never cheated on Viv. He was a faithful husband and you'll love him. I loved all of the characters in this story. They all seemed so realistic. Friends who stand by each other. 

This is a well written story of hope and love. Of trying to find answers. Trying to come to terms with a horrible loss. Or two.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for this ARC.

Five stars..

About

When an astronaut is lost in space, his wife relives their epic love as she attempts to unravel what truly happened to him, in this sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes.

When Joe Mitchell launches into space, the world is watching. It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement for another successful mission, another celebration as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door.

Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. It’s his wife Vivian’s worst nightmare come to life, her grief suddenly taking center stage as the nation waits and mourns. In her quiet moments, Vivian relives their memorable story, unable to accept that this is the end to a love that felt as though it was written in the stars.

As the investigation surrounding Joe’s lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages—messages she believes only Joe could send—she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her.

A Wave of Breath by Tess Collins

 

My thoughts

WOW.. 

What a book. 

I've read every one of this author's books and none are quite like this one. It's just as fantastic as the others, just different. In a good way.

Favorite lines:

I. Am. Not. A. Girl.

You left me, Woman.

And then I inhaled... a wave of breath. (this one made me cry)

If you've read this book you will know what each of those lines are.

This book was a hard one. I saw a lot of things I recognized in it. I'm pretty sure the author wrote it that way. Things that happened and we certainly hope do not happen in our lifetime.

This is a beautiful love story and a story of survival. Trekking across the United States in search of the love of her life, Brooklyn encounters so much. Things that you would never expect. A group who have taken over the country. Poisoned the water. Taken out a lot and have a following you would not believe. Or maybe you would. Horrible things happened along the way. Much death and destruction. Women, men and children. 

It's up to Brooklyn to do something. To find a way to save the country. If she can. If she will. And find Martin. While I personally did not care much for Martin he was a very strong player in this book. My reasons for disliking him are that he ran. He hid. He wasn't there for Brooklyn like he should have been. But he ended up being one of my favorite people. Also there is Ford. I adored Ford. He was something to behold. Smart and unnerving at the same time. 

This book was just so good. Written in a way to keep you trapped between the pages, or in my case in my kindle. I just had to know what came next. It took me a while to read but that was because I could only handle so much at a time. ha ha Life gets in the way at times. 

If you get a chance to read this and you love books that are fairly far-fetched, grab this one. It's very good. It had lots going on and many many feelings. From sad to happy to laughter to sad again. Parts definitely made me cry hard. I laughed at Ford a few times and he made me cry too. Martin made me mad and made me cry. All the friends made me cry. What happened at the end..... It made me cry.

I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and BearCat Press for this ARC. 

About

Even as the world collapses, she will cross the ruins of a nation for the love that death itself cannot silence.

In the wake of a national calamity known only as The Water Event, Brooklyn Tremain launches herself across a shattered America in pursuit of Martin Siriso—the man she loves and the man she refuses to lose. Was he swallowed by the chaos, or is he running from forces that thrive on catastrophe?

Her hunt through a ravaged landscape exposes the ruthless reach of Hast Industries, who will stop at nothing to seize the quantum device in her possession. Inspired by Isis and Osiris, A WAVE OF BREATH is both a love story and a journey through danger, devotion, and the power of a bond that refuses to die.

The Underground Sisters by Soraya M. Lane

 

My thoughts

This author never disappoints. Her historical fiction/based on true events, always deliver. I always learn something from them. I enjoyed this book through a lot of tears and heartbreak. Getting to know what happened to thousands of women and children at Ravensbruck concentration camp was heartbreaking. The horrors of what happens in camps is beyond overwhelming. No matter where they are. 

This story is fiction based on true events. The author did a great research job. She always does. At the end be sure to read Author's Notes. Info worthy of reading for sure. 

When the Nazi's took over and started arresting people for not being pure, for being a different race, for just being someone that Hitler didn't approve of, hated actually, also arrested were resistance fighters. People who did not approve of the things the Germans were doing. Who just wanted to help innocent people survive. There were people who were against the things that Hitler and his people did. When caught they were either killed or imprisoned. 

This is the story of a young lady, Aletta,  and her mother, Emma, who were imprisoned for helping. Also the story of just one of the internment camps where not only Jews, but French, Polish, Dutch and Norwegian women. 

These two females were befriended by Chloe who had already been at Ravensbruck and seen many killed. She had refused to be friends with the other prisoners because of the pain of losing anyone, but she did become great friends with Emma, then Aletta. Emma was like the mother she didn't have. Aletta like a sister. 

You get to know these women and how they tried to make like a little better. Teaching the children. In secret of course or they would have been severely punished. How Chloe wrote things down. From recipes to conditions. She didn't want it forgotten what happened there. 

These things do need to be told. Always. Never let it be forgotten what the Nazis did. Never let it happen again. Though I do believe it is happening in so many ways and in so many places....

Thank you Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union, Brilliance Audio, for the arcs.

5 stars 

About

From the bestselling author of The Secret Midwife comes a story of selfless sacrifice, women’s bravery and the importance of keeping memories alive.

We’ll make sure they never forget. We’ll make sure that every recipe, every poem, every note is remembered, and never, ever forgotten. Even if it takes me a lifetime, I promise you that no one will forget…

Amsterdam, 1940: Schoolteacher Aletta knows the war will soon reach her and the Jewish children in her class. When her family hide an injured Allied airman in their home, they must how much will they risk when resistance could prove deadly?

Paris, 1940: Since her mother’s death, Chloe has dedicated herself to protecting her brothers. So when the SS accuses Claude of being in the Resistance, she sacrifices herself to save him.

Forced together in Ravensbrück concentration camp, Chloe, Aletta and her mother, Emma, forge an unbreakable bond. Surrounded by unimaginable cruelty, they mount their own kind of resistance—secretly teaching children and preserving fellow prisoners’ precious memories. In a place designed to strip away humanity, their friendship becomes an act of defiance, their determination to bear witness a lifeline of hope.

As the war rages on and whispers of a longed-for liberation grow, can their courage and sisterhood see them through to freedom? And if they survive, how can they ever be the same?

Based on true events, this is an inspiring testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Night Witch by Jaymin Eve

 

My thoughts

I enjoyed the first book and this one was also good. I did have a problem with a couple of things though. I thought if I heard Logan Kingston say "Precious" one more time I would scream. Needless to say he said it throughout the book. It was grating. Enough already. Also how did he suddenly turn into the perfect mate. I understand that he loved Paisley but good grief. He told her when to eat. When to sleep. He kept taking over in so many places. And to top off all of his perfections, Logan was also in a band. A very famous band. Yet Paisley and her friends never heard of them. Never saw them. Had no idea. 

The scenes between Paisley and Logan were at times hot but it was usually him just pleasing her. At least until much later in the book. That was ok but not realistic at all. Considering what we find out later. 

Paisley has the best friends anyone could ever hope for. She has the perfect family and "mate." She has it all. Except maybe she doesn't. At the end I gasped at what happened to her. I was not at all ready for that.

I listened to the audio while reading the book. Savannah Peachwood did great. She had a great voice and could change for each character perfectly. I had a problem with Jason Clarke though. He sounded much older than he should have. I know his character acted like someone in their forties, or possibly older, but he was suppose to be in his twenties. 

Everything Logan did was more like an older man. There were time when I loved him but also times when he got on my nerves so bad.  

I enjoyed the book but wish there were a few things done differently. Just me maybe...

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio for the ARCs. 

4 stars 

About

Night Witch is the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller Spellcaster with an intense enemies-to-lovers arc, a steamy heat level, magical creatures, super high stakes, and an epic family saga.

Be careful what you witch for.

Welcome to year two at Weatherstone College…

Last year, after coming face to face with darkness and lethal monsters, Logan Kingston, my sworn enemy and sometimes ally, brought my first year to an explosive ending. There’s a bond between us that I can’t explain, but I just know he’s hiding something. Maybe I don’t fully trust any spellcaster, but there’s no denying my draw to him.

I’m not going to lie, I haven’t felt myself since then, and I’m dreading returning to Weatherstone.

Perfect if you love:
• Sexy Stalking + Dirty Talking
• He Gives Her His Clothes
• Forbidden Romance
• Touch Her & D!e
• Elemental Magic
• Dark Academia
• "Mine"

Heather by Caitlin Mullen

 

My thoughts

This is one book that I highly recommend. It is very sad so be warned. It's also beautifully written. This author's last book, "Please See Us', was also excellent. 

This one is about two young girls. Two young girls who are left to their own devices. To fend for themselves. In a big house. Whose mother left. Whose dad is never around. He is a pair of books left at the door. A little money left for them to buy food. Two young girls who have been abandoned by the towns adults. Their teachers. This is the story of Annabelle and Sabrina. Twins. Just barely teens.

There is also Callie. Callie moved back to her hometown of Pine Lakes to help her best friend Jane. Jane is married to the former police chief's son. Callie becomes the police chief. She is in law enforcement and well qualified for the job. Her best friend was struck by a car and hurt pretty bad. She can barely walk and has a three year old daughter. 

There is a lot of back story and it's very good. This story goes back and forth between Callie and Annabelle. Annabelle's story is thirty years old. Callie is looking into the disappearance of Annabelle and her twin Sabrina. 

This is a story of how Callie and her own mother get along. What happened to Callie's mother Jenna was a single mother. She was not the best mother but she stayed. And she drank...

I loved how this story came to be called Heather. Sad but also beautiful. A strong story of learning to deal with your life choices. Learning how starting over can come back to bite you. How finding justice is not always what you think it is. How young girls deal with what older men do. And how older men deal with threats.... 

I didn't want to put this one down. It was heartbreaking and a beautiful story at the same time. Beautiful in the sense of innocence. Heartbreaking in the exact same sense....

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for this ARC. Thank you to Celadon Books for ths physical copy.

This one will stick for a good long while. 

The narrators did a wonderful job of bringing this story to life. Of differentiating the characters. Of holding my attention all the way through. Great job!!

5 big stars and it's in the top of my books for the years. 

About

For readers of Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods, a small-town detective reopens an unsolved case, sending shock waves across generations of women in this gripping new mystery from the Edgar Award–winning author of Please See Us.

1994. In the myth-riddled woods of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, sixteen-year-old Annabelle Riley’s twin sister, Sabrina, has been having an affair with a mysterious older man, and Annabelle is determined to uncover what’s going on. Then, inexplicably, both sisters disappear.

In this same town years later, newly instated Police Chief Callie Hauser makes an arrest that unexpectedly resurrects details from a heartbreaking cold case. As she digs deeper, the past and the present collide, challenging everything Callie believes about right and wrong, about who she is, and about the town she’s always called home.

A propulsive mystery as incisive as it is forgiving, Heather bears a visceral reminder that the truth of a woman’s life is often complicated and unknowable—to those on the outside, and sometimes even to herself.