Kiss Of The Black Flame by Helen Scheuerer

 

My thoughts

A new to me author. This is a Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Found family, Fiction, Magic, book. It's very good. Anyone who enjoys this genre will love this one. The only problem I have is waiting for the next book....

Saige Grayson is a bookbinder. She has no blood family but she does have her found family. Her best friend Raven and the woman who took her and Raven in, Yevna. Also there is Grim. Grim is Yevna's dog. Or as she calls him, her son. 

Saige now owns a bookbinding store. The Awl & Cradle: Book Binding & Restoration. It was owned by Leofric Bergmunn who taught Saige all about book binding. When he died he left the store to Saige. It's her home now. Saige has had a lot of pain in her life. A lot of physical pain that no dr or healer seems to think really exists. 

Archer is an Azkari warrior who has been imprisoned. He can't be seen by anyone. It's part of his punishment by his captor. That and being branded so no one will trust him. But someone did see him. A woman. A mortal woman. Saige Grayson. But that was ten years ago....

I really enjoyed reading this book. The things that happened and didn't happen are so good. I loved Saige. She's a strong woman. At thirty five she is very independent and fierce. I also like Archer. Until he confused me. Is he good or evil. Is he to be trusted. Will he hurt Saige??? That's the question. I'm sure when the next book comes out all will be answered. Or at least most all. I read somewhere this is a trilogy so maybe it will be in the third book that we find out if Archer is good or bad. What will become of Saige? Is she stuck forever with someone she desires but does not trust?

Told from Saige and Archer's POV you get to know each of them. Saige is straight forward for the most part. She only hides her pain. She hides it because no one believes it's real. Archer on the other hand is a bit of a mystery for me. I adored him until I didn't...

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

4.75 stars 

About

Some bargains are sealed with blood...Others with fire...The deadliest are sealed with a kiss...

Saige Grayson has always believed stories could heal—even when her own body refuses to. As the most promising bookbinder in the capital, she’s learned to work through chronic pain and crushing debt, restoring other people’s treasures while trying not to fall apart herself. But when the man she owes decides her rare talent is worth more than her payments, Saige is traded to the Azkari—an immortal race forged by the gods for war—and imprisoned in their ancient stronghold.

Her only chance of survival lies with Archer, a fallen Azkari general imprisoned beside her —cursed, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. He offers her a way out, and in return, Saige must help him retrieve and restore an ancient book. But the book is made of living magic, powerful enough to stop a great evil—or unleash it. And as Saige works with Archer, the tome begins to awaken something dark and dangerous—both in the realm and within her.

As their enemies close in and buried memories resurface, Saige and Archer must decide what they’re willing to their freedom, their fragile trust…or the spark that could ignite the world.

The Undercover Bookshop by Katherine Reay

 

My thoughts

This is a very well written story. Based on actual events. A real soviet spy. It intrigued me. 

This story started out so slow that I was initially afraid I was not going to finish it. I was afraid I would not like it at all. But somewhere along the way it started gaining speed and didn't slow down. It ended up being a very enjoyable read. In many places it had me holding my breath. 

Gemma is somewhat of a sleuth. She works at a small store where they just added a small bookstore. Gemma filled it with the mysteries that she loves to read. She didn't mean to do that so had to order more books that would keep the people in this small Cotswold village of Great Rollright interesting in buying. After she bombs baking a cake someone suggest she might seek baking lessons from the best baker in town. So she does...

Ursula Beurton is the town's best baker. She is not well liked or received in this small town though. When Gemma asks her about baking lessons they become fairly good friends. Despite the age difference. Ursula is older than Gemma. She has two children, a boy and a girl. Her husband is not around much since he broke his leg. Ursula has secrets. Lots of secrets.

Gemma is very good at catching people in lies. She finds herself a bit suspicious of Ursula. There are several things that are just not right. A tall antenna and a two way radio being among them. Gemma confides in her best friend and together they set out to find out what Ursula is hiding. Could Ursula be a spy?? Though most think her husband is Gemma believes it's Ursula herself. 

You find out everything in this story. All the secrets and who is who. It has a love story also. A nice love story between Gemma and PC Charles. There are people involved in things that cause Gemma's best friend to disappear and eventually even Gemma has to go away. You'll find out what happen to her, Ursula, and PC Charles. And what happened to Peggy. Eveything is answered. 

Read the Author's Note and ACknowledgments at the end. A lot of good info there. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, Katherine Reay and Uplit Reads for the arc. 

About

During the winter of 1950 in the small Cotswold village of Great Rollright, amateur sleuth Gemma Brown starts to suspect that the town’s best baker, Ursula Beurton, is a Soviet spy, tumbling her headlong into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that ends with a decision that will lead her to the Undercover Bookshop and change her life forever.

Recently moved to the English Cotswolds, Gemma Brown desperately wants to create the kind of idyllic life she’s read about in her favorite mystery novels, with herself as the leading lady. But fitting in proves difficult as Gemma is more adept at solving mysteries and setting up the village’s first bookstore than she is at baking cakes or grasping social niceties. Nevertheless, she finds a friend in Peggy, a young woman recently moved to town herself, and Ursula Beurton, who is not only the village’s best baker but an enigmatic figure who sparks controversy in the small-town gossip network.

As Gemma spends more time with Ursula, she begins to suspect all those novels are affecting her thinking. The oddities she starts to notice must be her imagination because, if not, they point to something far more dangerous than winning the local baking contest or being placed on the church committee. Could her neighbor be a real spy?

Following her instincts and a few skills learned through fiction, Gemma soon becomes embroiled in an international intrigue involving the village’s mysterious benefactor, Lady Marchmont, MI5, and the KGB. In an unexpected twist, however, Ursula asks Gemma for a favor which may endanger all their lives as their next chapter unfolds in Gemma’s new venture, the Undercover Bookshop.

Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine

 

My thoughts

Another very good book by Live Constantine. A thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing about who did what and why....

Bennett Bryson is a best selling author. His book Promise Me Never is a big hit and soon to me movie. But who is Bennett actually? Is he a good man or a cold blooded murderer? All of your questions are answered by the time you finish this pulse pounding novel. All and more. 

Savannah Brooks works as an editor at a prominent publishing house. She was also an aspiring author. Savannah had always loved books and dreamed of being a published author. 

When Bennett and Savannah meet there seem to be sparks. They have a whirlwind courtship then get married. Both have secrets. Big secrets. But it seems like their love is real. Except Bennett had been a widower for not even a year. His wife had fallen off their yacht and drowned. Many believed he might of had something to do with it but Savannah did not. She accepted him as he was.

Savannah gave up everything and moved into Bennett's big estate and thought she would pursue her dream of writing a best seller. She wanted Bennett to give her advice. After all she was a published author. He was mean in his advice though. Putting down almost every part of what she wrote. He also had an office that was completely off limits. She was not to enter that room for any reason. (That would have made me more determined that ever to enter...) 

You meet his housekeep, Felicia, who had been Bennett's nanny. She's a bit of an overbearing woman. Seems she doesn't like any of the women that Bennett falls in love with. Could she be trusted? 

This story is told from Savannah, Bennett and Poppy's POVs. Poppy was his first wife. The one who drowned. So her parts are before. You get a lot of info to try and figure this one out. While I was right about who killed some women there was another twist that I didn't see coming. Not at all!! That made this story better and worse. Worse because it just didn't fit to me. I can't say why because that would give a big part of something away. 

I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it to anyone that loves a good Liv Constantine story. This one is good. 

Thank you Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC.

4.25 stars

About

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish comes an unmissable thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in the mystery of her husband’s deceased first wife—and after moving to his remote house in the woods, uncovers terrifying secrets.

Aspiring writer Savannah’s scheme to meet superstar horror novelist Bennett Bryson turns out better than she ever imagined: not only does her charming and handsome literary idol offer to read her work, he is instantly smitten with her. After a whirlwind romance, Savannah says "yes" to marriage, and the two settle into Bennett's secluded upstate home.

But just as Savannah thinks she has it made, cracks appear in her perfect new life. Bennett's behavior becomes dark and controlling: he criticizes Savannah’s writing, dictates her permitted activities, and spends most of his time locked in his office, forbidding her from entering. And everywhere, Savannah cannot escape the shadow of Bennett's first wife, the free-spirited and passionate artist Poppy, who died in a tragic accident, but who seems still to be Savannah’s rival for Bennett's affection.

Then comes an enigmatic warning: Bennett is not who he seems. The women that came before Savannah have disappeared. And Savannah could be next.

Isolated and unsure whom to trust, Savannah tries to piece together the mystery of the man she married, and the woman he married first. But Savannah has no idea what her husband is really hiding. And someone out there knows Savannah has secrets of her own. As these two writers will learn the hard way—past really is prologue.

With memorably complicated characters, deliciously devious betrayals, and truly shocking twists, this edge-of-your-seat novel from one of today's most original writers will keep you guessing until the last page.

The Survivors Guild by Gabriella Saab

 

My thoughts

This is a story of survival. Two young women who survived the sinking of the Titanic... The two main characters, Marguerite and Bea, who survived a horrible tragedy. Bea saved Marguerite's life and from there they became the best of friends. Not without a lot of trials and errors though. This is a story not of the trip on the titanic but the night of it's sinking. How these women met, saved a baby and each other...

Marguerite is engaged to an older rich man, Lord Hexwick. She's not in love with him but she does accept that it is her duty to do this for her parents. Ugg how I hated hearing that. They are new rich and he is old money. 

Bea, was traveling with her cousin Melhem to find a better life. From Lebanon where their families are. They intend to work hard and bring them to America. When the titanic hit the iceberg though things changed. Bea met Marguerite who was in the water. Bea helped her thus saving her life. A man shoves a baby into Marguerite's arms. Together Bea and Marguerite save the baby. They figure out from the blanket he's wrapped in that his name is Remi....

There was also Marguerite's maid Lisette. And of course her fiance Lord Hexwick. Lisette is such a good person. She does everything she can to help Marguerite and Bea. Lord Hexwick on the other hand is a jerk.... Period.

This story takes you from the sinking to the nice house that Marguerite lives in with her parents. To the high society ladies who frown upon Bea and her being Lebanese. But Marguerite does all she can to help Bea and to help find Remy's family. Marguerite and Bea start the Survivors Guild to help displaced Titanic survivors. 

This book is so good. It's a story basically set after the sinking of the Titanic. A story of friendships, family, love, loss, hardships. Learning to accept help from friends. And a mother reunited with her child....

A very well written novel. Researched well and told from the two main characters points. Bea and Marguerite. Nothing is left unsolved in this story. This author did a great job. 

Be sure and read the Author's Note at the end. A lot is there that I found interesting.

I also listened to the audio and it was so well done. Both narrators did a fantastic job of keeping the characters separate and interesting. 

Thank you Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audio for the arcs.

5 stars 

About

In 1912 aboard the RMS Titanic, Nabiha “Bea” Nohra is traveling to America to find work, eager to earn the funds necessary to afford passage for the family she left in Lebanon. On the same ship, heiress Marguerite Ashby sails home to celebrate her engagement to a dull British lord, a marriage that will secure her new-money family’s place in old New York society. But when the Titanic sinks, the two women’s paths are fused together when Bea saves Marguerite’s life and they are unexpectedly charged with the smallest survivor—a baby boy.

No one claims the infant, so the women form a committee to aid survivors and locate the baby’s next of kin. Bea works as the child’s nanny, desperate to bring her family to America before the difficulties in Lebanon overwhelm them. Meanwhile Marguerite hopes the committee’s charitable efforts will win society’s respect and render an advantageous marriage unnecessary, sparing her from marrying a man she does not love—unless her parents force her to fulfill the obligation no matter what society says. And when finding the child’s relatives proves to be no simple task, the women are soon enmeshed in deception and uncertainty as they seek to determine where the baby truly belongs.

The committee might grant the acceptance Marguerite craves, connect Bea with the stability she needs, and lead them to the baby’s relatives. But a committee helmed by an American heiress and a Lebanese nanny is hardly customary. Surviving a shipwreck is only the start. As Marguerite’s wedding looms nearer and Bea faces the increasing hardships of adjusting to her new country, they must fight for survival once more. This time, to survive New York society.

Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke

 

My thoughts

This was a first by this author for me. It was a slow burn that heated up big time at the end. In a good way.

The narration of this book was great. There were four Narrators and each did a good job of bringing the character to life. In places I did find it a bit jerky. Not as smooth as it should have been, But for the most part it was excellent!!  

A young lady, Haven Wardwell, is dropped off by her aunt to Ipswich College. She had problems with other schools and this was going to be her last hope. Her aunt, a hateful woman, brought her here to get rid of her. She never wanted her. But after Haven's parents both died in a fire it seems she was stuck with Haven. College was going to be her place. Her salvation. Her place to finally fit in if you will.... 

Haven meets four young men and they quickly learn that she might be their last hope. They are witches (I always thought male witches were called warlocks). They need Haven. She's the only female in a few hundred years and their coven needs her. Also they all want her for other purposes too. 

A lot is going on. A few deaths, murders actually. Monsters roaming around. Horrific dreams that Haven can't understand or seem to escape. Each of the men, Cameron, Reyes, Ezra, and Lyall, have different powers. They are all friends and the last of the witches in Salem it seems. If Haven is who they hope she is they might can exist again. Or not die out. All of their parents are dead. All died on the same day. The same day Haven't parents burned.

This book held my interest. I really enjoy a good witch story. This one had it's moments. It had me gasping in places. Towards the end it did heat up. There is a twist at the end that had me totally open mouthed gasping. I didn't see it coming at all. I can't wait for the next book now. 

Thank you St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARCs...

4 stars  

About

The first in The Sons of Salem series, a witchy dark romance by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Smoke.

Four men. One girl. Five families accused of witchcraft. A dark secret they all hide.

Their souls are damaged, hiding secrets and harboring just as much hate as I am.

Ezra Bishop
Cameron Goode
Lyall Corey
Reyes Scott

And me. Haven Wardwell.

They are the monsters hidden in the shadows, but I am no novice when it comes to monsters.

We are all legacies, but there’s one grand difference between us. I am the first female witch born in four hundred years.

Now that I’m here, there’s no telling what the dark gods will ask for in return.

Death and ghosts haunt the corridors of Ipswich Academy. If I’m not careful, I might become one of them.

Tell Two Friends by Ann Garvin

 My thoughts

I can't believe this is my first book by this author. I will be reading more. This book was so good y'all. From the first page to the very last word it had me hooked. It was funny and had me tearing up too. I adored the three main characters. At first I was leary of Truman. I mean, how could I not be...

Jane was keeping her brother's daughter Cricket when he and his wife, Jane's best friend, were away. Jane was divorced from a local man and the whole town blamed her for his infidelity. Go figure.... He was from a rich family. Jane was fairly content with her life but very suspicious of men. After what her ex did you can't blame her. 

Cricket is Jane's fourteen year old niece. She's a treasure. Truly a good kid. She loves her aunt and pretty much minds what she tells her. 

Truman lives next door. He's watching Jane and Cricket. He does things that will have you wondering about his intentions. I liked him but was also very intimidated by him. He was an older man with a lot of tattoos. He was always watching Jane and Cricket. Keeping up with how long they were gone. He went inside their house a couple of times. He also replaced the back door for Jane after he broke the window of the previous one. Who does that if they are not up to know good??

Rob is Jane's ex. He and his family are rich, selfish, pieces of work. I didn't like any of them. 

This book really was a fun one though. You got to know people on a real level. Their thoughts and how they treated each other. I'll never understand how any woman can blame another woman when the husband does such awful things. That will always blow my mind. In this small town though it is what most of the women have done to Jane. 

I think this story is one to keep you thinking. Do you really know your neighbors. The new ones? 

The audio for this is amazing. The narrators did such a good job. They brought each character to life. Made them all the more realistic. 

Grab this book and hold on. You are in for a pleasant read...

Thank you Lake Union and Brillance Publishing for this ARC. 

About 

A wickedly funny and empowering thriller about women, the manipulators who underestimate them, and keeping your dignity while saving the day by the author of I Thought You Said This Would Work.

Jane Baye is a regular person, good at a lot of things, but identifying the serial killer right in front of her isn’t one of them.

In 1990, college senior Jane wrote to an incarcerated woman because it seemed like a nice thing to do. Thirty-six years later, that felon, actually a man, has moved in next door. He’s watching her every move, with a decades-long plan for Jane that a nice person like her would never see coming.

Especially because Jane is wrapped up in her own a small-town golden boy with talk of forever and a diabolical history of cheating. When she exposes her ex, the entire town of Wonder Lake turns against her.

It’s no wonder she doesn’t see what’s coming on the night of the Norwegian heritage festival.

But woe to those who mistake Jane for a pushover. When celebration becomes a fight for survival, the very qualities that make her ordinary become the weapons she’ll bet everything on.

The Wretched Divine by Adalyn Grace

 

My thoughts

First I have to say that this book is a first by this author for me. It will not be the last. OMG this book.... It will be in my top twelve for 2026. Possibly number one. It's that good. I loved it. Every hitch of my breath. Every cringe. Every tear. It was magnificent. Heart Pounding. Heart Wrenching. Soul Bounding.... GOOD. It was truly that good. 

The writing is wonderful. The characters hold you captive. The whole story is so good. Each character has a unique quality. A way to pull you in and hold on to your heart. From Angel to Demon to Human. What could these three have in common?? Aurelie is human. She's a warrior. She's a strong young woman. She's to be bonded. Yuria is an angel. He's a warrior also. Fighting demons is what he was raised to do. He's to be bonded. Severin is a demon. He's bad to the bone. He has also discovered a cure for Aurelie's father and any other human who is turned into a demon. But at what cost. He's also bonded to Aurelie. She's bonded with an angel and a demon. What could possibly go wrong.

This book takes you through a lot of emotions. There are secondary characters that you'll love and hate. There are little creatures to hold your heart. There is a big war that will have you wondering who is good and who is truly evil. It has it all. 

I truly adored this book and can't wait for the next book. I can't see how it can be topped but it has to be. Then we find out what happened to the princess..... And who her new husband is... I didn't see that one coming!!!

Thank you Macmillan/FEIWEL Macmillan audio and BOTM 

FIVE big stars. 

About

The Wretched Divine is the heart-pounding adult debut from New York Times and Sunday Times-bestselling author Adalyn Grace, about an ancient war between angels and demons, and the human knight determined to end it at any cost.

Aurelie Chantelune was born to serve. Raised as a knight in a kingdom ravaged by demons, she's spent her life honing her blade, driven by the memory of the monsters who tore her family apart and by the knowledge that she's one of the few who can stop them.

If Aurelie can claim her first kill, she'll inherit a legacy passed down through the Chantelune bloodline: a soulbond with Yuriel, an angel whose power is vital to her kingdom's survival. But when those she loves begin turning into the very monsters she's sworn to destroy, Aurelie is forced to seek help from the last place she ever imagined. Desperate, she forges a second and far more dangerous bond with Severin, a demon she can hardly trust, but who claims to know how to end the war for good.

With their lives and fates entwined, Aurelie, Yuriel, and Severin must team up to hunt down a cure capable of turning demons back into humans. But the more they learn about one another and the deeper their relationships grow, the more Aurelie begins to question the war and her place in it. With both of her bonded on opposing sides, she'll have to make a choice: continue to stand with the angels, or risk everything by trusting a demon.