Bunny's Reviews: Enemies to Lovers

Showing posts with label Enemies to Lovers. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

The Shadow of Polaris Review Spotlight

We're celebrating the release of The Shadow of Polaris by D.L. Houpt. Time to bump another book on your TBR list!

The Shadow of Polaris is the first book in the Heir of Darkness series by D.L. Houpt. This fantasy romance novel is a slow build, but it’s worth hanging in there. Once the groundwork has been laid you’re in for quite a ride with this novel.

The Shadow of Polaris begins with Elpis and her nephew. He’s the king. He’s hurting and upset. Why? The Elders have spoken, and even he cannot go against what they have told him. Elpis has been declared guilty of killing her sister. She’s now “The Queen Slayer.” She’s condemned to live out the rest of her life locked in a tower. Giving Rapunzel vibes, right? Wait for it, this is no Rapunzel tale coming your way.

Elpis spends years locked away in this tower. Don’t worry you don’t spend chapter, after chapter, after chapter reading about how the years whittle by while she sits there and longs for the life she used to have. Author Houpt spares readers from that. LOL! You do learn some things about Elpis and what her life has been like locked away for these past few years.

There is a mild theme of abuse in this novel. It only appears a couple of times in the story, but it’s something readers should be aware of before diving into this story too deeply. Elpis has people who “take care” of her, and make sure that she remains in her tower. Her “chambermaid” is one such individual, but this toady of a woman takes pleasure in exerting her “power” over Elpis.

The first quarter of this book is slow in pace. There isn’t a lot of drama, action, or anything really to spice things up and give this book the jump-start you might be looking for. However, if you are patient you’ll soon find yourself getting to the good stuff.

Author Houpt throws Elpis a twist that no one really could have seen coming...a chance. It’s an odd occurrence, but it suits the story perfectly. With this chance that Elpis is given comes even more danger than we or she could have imagined. There are monsters roaming the land, and Elpis comes face to face with one. In the process though she makes a discovery that will truly benefit her. Cue the introduction of animal companion.

As The Shadow of Polaris continues you will constantly find yourself wondering...when is the other shoe going to drop? Elpis has managed to find a safe haven, but how long will this last? The storyline begins to point to trouble brewing and it all starts with one simple act of wanting more “freedom.” We get it, we’d go stir-crazy, too, but when you’re being hunted...it pays to be smart.

Once you get to about the 30% mark in this book the storyline really begins to pick up and come together. Elpis is having strange dreams, encountering one of the gods (goddess) themselves. She discovers the prophecy mentioned in the blurb, and we readers get some delicious backstory! But there are secrets swirling everywhere and you won’t be able to help but suspect that the Elders are hiding secrets as well.

Hoping for some romance? Well, it’s there. It’s a slow build romance, that ignites sooner rather than later. It’s a mix of “slow-burn” meets “getting to know you a bit, first.” But apparently, Elpis isn’t to be too favored when it comes to the romance department either. Watch for little hints that author Houpt is going to drip here and there. Not everything is as it seems.

Hoping for some serious steam to heat up the pages? Well, on that front you’re going to be disappointed. Author Houpt rates the steam in her novel as “one pepper” and we agree. There are no highly detailed scenes depicted on the pages. You’ll have to use your imagination, but you probably won’t get far, because the scenes are short before moving on.

Brace yourself for twists, and turns, premonition-like dreams, creepy monsters (we loved every second of that), and the gods working to bring about chaos. Okay, okay, only one particular goddess with a nasty attitude problem. LOL! Elpis is connected to it all, and she is going to have to figure out her part in all of this if she is to save lives from being lost.

The Shadow of Polaris is an engaging fantasy romance novel. There is a nice amount of world-building, twists and turns, and an ending that will leave you eager for book two. This is a good start to the series. Yes, the beginning is slow but it is absolutely worth it all because the rest of the book will keep you glued.

Looking for your next fantasy romance novel/series? Well, you’ve found it. So don’t miss out and grab your copy today!

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Shadow of Polaris (Heir of Darkness Book 1)

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

🐺enemies to lovers
🗡️black cat/golden retriever
🐺animal companions
🗡️meddling gods
🐺morally grey FMC
Spice – 🌶️
World Building – 🏛️🏛️
Violence – 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️

When winter and spring coincide, darkness’s heir brings the light of truth and the fall of vanity. Only embers of life can destroy visions of death.

Following the accusation of her sister’s murder, five years ago, Elpis was sentenced to a life in the Tower outside of Ursae. Banished, far across the Northern Flatlands, to an eternity of unruly abuse and mind numbing isolation.

Now, broken and beaten, she receives an anonymous gift that will alter her fate forever. Haunted by nightmares of a malevolent goddess, Elpis must unravel the secret of an ancient prophecy and tame the shadows rising within her in order to take back her freedom.

With enemies at every turn, Elpis must choose her allies wisely, and learn that sometimes, freedom may come at a price.

Trigger Warnings:
Suicidal thoughts, self harm, and self hate

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Ocean Song Cover Reveal Spotlight

We're thrilled to present the cover for Oceansong by C.W. Rose! Make sure to add it to Goodreads and get a copy on August 27th!

Oceansong

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantasy

🧜🏼‍♂️Merfolk Mythology
🌊Ocean-based magic
⚔️Enemies-to-lovers
💘Forbidden & Slow Burn Romance
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Asian family dynamics
😒🌞Grumpy (female) x sunshine (male)
💞HEAs
🥧Cinnamon roll male LI
🤨Prickly, snarky female MC who’s a softie inside
🏘️Small-town settings (Alaska)

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

OCEANSONG is an Adult Contemporary Romantasy that is an Asian Romeo & Juliet meets The Little Mermaid, set in the grittiness of the real world.

Fish are mysteriously disappearing, starving the people in Angie Song’s Alaskan hometown. Angie, an aspiring marine biologist and dock worker, enthusiastically joins the hunt to find out where the fish are gathering. When her family and the villagers discover that merfolk are responsible, they vow to destroy every last one. In the midst of the conflict, Angie faces off with a merman and fails to pull the trigger.

Inquisitive Mer-Prince Kaden is just as snarky as Angie, but he’s willing to talk and stop the brutal massacring of his people. The two form a cautious alliance to broker peace between the humans and mer before any more of them die.

As tensions clash between the two races fighting to control the sea’s resources, Angie and Kaden’s forbidden relationship ignites. And as she learns about the mer’s mysterious world and the reason why the fish are gone, Angie starts to question who the true monster is, and where her loyalties lie. Taking the wrong side means choosing between family and her job, or the man she’s fallen for and the merfolk she’s come to respect—or losing it all.

COMING SOON!

Monday, June 3, 2024

Of Song and Darkness Review Spotlight

Of Song and Darkness is now available and we're thrilled to share it with you all this week!

Of Song and Darkness is a standalone fantasy romance novel with plenty of Little Mermaid vibes, for readers who thoroughly enjoyed that movie/story. Just remember, this is not your typical “Little Mermaid” story. Of Song and Darkness is something fresh and new.

The god of the sea, Poseidon, is gone. Dead. Fallen from this world. What happened to him? Well, that is a question that will be something trails readers as they dive into this story. But with Poseidon gone, so is his protection. While he lived, Poseidon kept the Dark Water at bay. But with him gone, the Dark Water is plaguing the oceans and destroying everything that it comes across.

Many have said, “The Dark Water is a myth.” But Princess Rhea is determined to find out the truth, and truth she will find. Dark Water? It’s real, and little by little it is destroying everything in the ocean. There is only one way to destroy it, and this is not going to be an easy undertaking for Rhea. She must go and find Medusa...and destroy her.

Of Song and Darkness reads with a lot of elements taken from the Little Mermaid story with some pieces thrown in from a familiar cartoon from my childhood called, Pirates of Dark Water. Loved that show. Princess Rhea, like so many royals we read about, is being pushed into a bubble.

What bubble is that? Well, she’s told to “stay safe,” “Don’t wander off,” “Meet your new fiancee that you really have no say in wanting.” Cue that this guy was previously engaged to her now deceased sister, and yuck.

Okay, so he’s not ugly on the outside, but he’s giving ugly vibes on the inside. You’re going to get the sense that he’s truly angling for a shot at the throne, and that at the end of the day? Rhea is just a means to an end.

Rhea isn’t about to let her life be dictated to her, and so she goes on the hunt for answers. She’s quick to find them, which is good, because it speeds the storyline along. Also, it’s not like time is on her side. With each passing day the Dark Water creeps closer to where she and her family live. Her quest for answers takes her to...can you guess? Yep! A sea witch with her own goals and ambitions.

Is this sea witch setting Rhea up for failure? The odds aren’t exactly in Rhea’s favor. It seems like a simple enough thing to do as the witch demands, but things are rarely, if ever...THAT simple. Prepare to be pulled deeper into the depths of this story with each turn of the page.

Of Song and Darkness is a slow-burn romance fantasy novel. It definitely is giving and measuring up to the “enemies to lovers” trope. Kai is a monster hunter. He’s suffered loss and his zealous engagement in the hunting of the creatures of the seas hints that his loss is connected to one of them. Does that mean that all should pay for the crimes of one? Most would say no. Kai? Would say he doesn’t care as long as it’s a job that pays.

Rhea is an interesting character. She has some really nice engaging elements about her. She’s a siren, a princess, and she’s determined to protect her people. She doesn’t care what she has to do, but she’ll do what she must. Even if means partnering with Kai.

The romance sparks slowly between these two characters. It starts out with long looks, small amounts of admiration mixed together with irritation. Let’s be honest...that’s typically how it goes. LOL! Rhea showcases her bravery quite often in this story. Kai can’t decide whether to praise her or lose his mind.

Of Song and Darkness promises a HEA and absolutely delivers in that respect. This reader would have liked more drama and a couple more epic scenes with lots of intense moments, but all in all this is a story worth reading. Especially if you love retellings of some of your favorite classics.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, Jessica Spruill, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.

Of Song and Darkness

Publication Date: June 3, 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy/ Standalone/ No Spice

🧜🏻‍♀️ Who did this to you
🏴‍☠️ Touch her and 💀
🧜🏻‍♀️ Enemies to lovers
🏴‍☠️ Sirens and pirates
🧜🏻‍♀️ Greek mythology
🏴‍☠️ Morally grey MMC
🧜🏻‍♀️ Fade to black romance
🏴‍☠️ Found family

Poseidon has fallen. The world won’t be far behind. Unless she can stop the rising darkness.

The world beneath the waves is in chaos.

Without Poseidon to hold it at bay, Dark Water is slowly spreading, devouring anything it touches. Even the mighty King Manta has given up hope.

But his daughter hasn’t.

Rhea, the siren princess of Aquarius, will do anything to save her world. Even if it means hunting down the mythical Medusa—and partnering with a notorious pirate captain.

Blackheart Kai has more dangerous secrets than Rhea can fathom. He’d rather kill her than help her save her people. She knows he can’t be trusted.

But knowing that doesn’t stop her from needing him…or wanting him.

With the survival of the seven seas hanging in the balance, can Rhea and Kai overcome their hatred and work together when it matters most? Or are they destined to share Poseidon’s dark fate?

Of Song and Darkness is a standalone fantasy romance with The Little Mermaid vibes and no-spice romance. Happily ever after guaranteed. Download today for a love story of mythic proportions.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

Thursday, May 9, 2024

City of Mirth and Malice Review Spotlight

We are celebrating highly anticipated release of City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard! The duology is complete!

City of Mirth and Malice is here and it draws to an epic conclusion the story of Nico and Camilla.

Readers who enjoy an engaging duology are not going to want to miss out on this amazing novel as it is going to grip you from the beginning and keep you page-turning to the very end.

Yes, City of Mirth and Malice is part of a duology. However! The author grants readers a boon. Haven't read book one yet? Want to dive into this book so that you can eagerly devour it and find out how it all ends? Read book one a while back and can't really remember the key aspects that left you breathless for book two? Well, good news! The author gives readers a delicious synopsis at the beginning of book two that catches you up or refreshes you on what exactly went down in book one. It's fantastic.

Now! For the book itself. We absolutely loved book two more than book one. Why? Balance. Simple as that really. LOL! In book one, A House of Bane and Blood, the story was very heavy on Camilla. She was the dominant character that the author chose to focus on. We wanted more of Nico. He had the more interesting storyline, and honestly...he was more sufferable. Camilla was...a pill to be frank.

In A City of Mirth and Malice, we get to see a different side of her. Why? Well, the simple answer is this...she's in prison. The very same prison that Nico was released from...she's been sent there. But she's not a prisoner "on the books." No, she is there being kept in secret, but she's not the only one. There are others. But you'll learn more about them later.

Nico is playing a big part on the outside. He knows his wife is still alive, and he is going to do whatever it takes to bring her home. Cue dramatic pause...a new order is coming to town! Whoop whoop! Get excited people! Nico knows that the rules of the old world are pressing down on them, but he refuses to stand by and allow it to happen. Not here. There will be equality for all, or there will be nothing. Cue intrigue and drama!

What is going to happen next? Lots of amazing stuff! You're not going to want to miss out on this book. Camilla and Nico show a lot of growth throughout this duology, but book two surpasses book one by leaps and bounds. You're not going to want to put this book down as Camilla battles to stay alive, and Nico fights to do whatever it takes to get her back and bring her home.

A City of Mirth and Malice is the amazing conclusion to this duology and it has left this reader an absolute fan of this author. We can't wait to read more in the future.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Alexis L. Menard, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Eager to know what my thoughts are for book one? Stay tuned! Because that review is coming soon!

City of Mirth and Malice (Order and Chaos #2)

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance/ Gaslamp Fantasy

Some debts are not so easily repaid—or forgiven.

Nicolai Attano finally has everything he ever wanted: control over the Iron Saint Railway, safety for his family, and not a single rival syndicate to stand in his way. Never could he have imagined he’d want anything more than power—not until Camilla Marchese.

Six weeks have passed since the disaster on the train and his wife was kidnapped, but to get her back, he’ll need help. Nico struggles to work with a city poisoned against him and is instead forced to seek the aid of a disreputable black-market dealer. A simple bargain to ensure her rescue, Nico doesn’t think twice. A bargain is struck, and the cost is higher than ever. The collateral? His life.

Meanwhile, Camilla fights to gain control over her newfound powers as the alchemist in charge of her confinement puts her to the test. Forced to free what she’s held so close, the only light in this hellish prison is the hope to see her family again, and the husband who stole her heart. Three trials and three chances to find the source of her Chaos and use it to save herself, if it doesn’t destroy her first.

Cracks in the city draw lines between loyalties, and time is running out until everything comes crashing down. Return to Lynchaven in this action-packed and swoony conclusion of Nico and Milla’s story.

GET IT HERE

Tour Organizer: @rrbooktours

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Unless It's You Spotlight

Happy release day Chrissy Hopewell! Unless it's You is now available, and we can't recommend it enough!

Unless It’s You: An Enemies-to-Lovers London Romance (The Hart Sisters Book 2)

Genre: Sports Romance/ Enemies-to-Lovers/ Interconnected Standalone

Publication Date: April 15, 2024

💮Enemies to Lovers

💮Second Chance

💮Bucket List

💮English Ex-Pro Rugby Player

💮American FMC in Her 30s

💮Hot Man w/ a Kitten

💮Light Sports Romance

💮Open door/ Medium Spice

ONE MONTH. TWO ENEMIES. SOMEONE ELSE’S BUCKET LIST.

Stella Hart, an American advertising executive living in London, is reeling from the death of her beloved aunt. But Stella learns her aunt included a stipulation in the will: a bucket list Stella must complete within a month, or the estate—meant for her and her sisters—goes to charity. The entire list is unreasonable, especially the final item, where she needs to Find the One that Got Away. The last thing she wants to do is face her ex.

Ethan Fraser is not Stella’s ex-boyfriend—that title belongs to his best friend, who got him through a traumatizing childhood. Ethan’s a grumpy, bearded, ex-professional rugby player who can’t bring himself to enter the flat of his late troubled mother.

When they’re forced to collaborate on a work project, both find themselves remembering the night they kissed, days before she started dating his best friend. Ethan wants to hate her for choosing someone else, just like his mother always did, but he can’t fight his attraction to Stella. So when she needs an advisor for the list, he offers to help, and the time spent together re-ignites their chemistry. But Ethan’s fierce loyalty to his best friend stands between them.

With a looming deadline for their project and the bucket list, soon everything bringing Stella and Ethan together will disappear… unless Stella figures out what that final item—and the whole list—really means.

Unless It’s You is an interconnected standalone romance novel for fans of Meghan Quinn, Tessa Bailey, and Christina Lauren. It’s the second book in the Hart Sisters trilogy, which can be read in any order.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Chrissy Hopewell started sneaking her mom’s spicy romance novels in middle school. She has spent varying amounts of time overseas, including working at a pub in Dublin, waitressing at a hotel in the Scottish Borders, and studying and living in London for five years. Because of these experiences, international flair and accents often show up in her stories. Chrissy now lives in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio with her family, where she quite openly reads delightful contemporary romances.

Find Chrissy on TikTok (@chrissyhopewellbooks), Instagram (@chrissyhopewell), or Facebook (facebook.com/chrissyhopewellauthor). Sign up for her newsletter for a free novella at www.ChrissyHopewell.com.

Friday, April 12, 2024

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit Review Spotlight

We're so excited for this tour! If you enjoy dark fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers, and a good anti-hero this book is a must read!

Author Lucinda Dark has brought readers quite the treat in A Sword of Shadow and Deceit and you are not going to want to miss out on this book. Looking for your next dark fantasy romance novel? Grab. This. Book! Now!!

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit is going to immediately lure you in once you pick this book up, so be forewarned, clear your schedule, get comfortable and be prepared to put up a Do Not Disturb sign almost immediately.

Meet Kiera. She's the morally gray FMC and you're honestly going to love her. She's a calm under fire type of character and she brings just enough attitude to make you smirk. Plus, she works with spiders! Cue excited squeals! LOL! Hey, she's awesome, and the spiders are like...her extra sets of eyes. You'll see what we mean when you start reading this book.

Kiera has a secret, it's a known secret by a few, but a secret none the less. She's a Mortal God. She has god powers, but she's still mortal. What does that mean exactly? It means that she shouldn't be a member of the Underworld Assasin Guild. But when she is offered a job that pays in the millions...well, her handler is hard-pressed to say no. However, it's a high risk job. Few details, and potentially multiple targets. Whoe exactly are the targets? Well, you'll have to wait to find out those answers.

This is a multi-POV novel, and you're going to get Kiera and then you are going to get the three brothers that she gets assigned to when she joins the Academy. These guys are dark, and darkly delicious. The dynamics between them is really interesting and keeps you engaged in the story. Of course, they look down on "regular" humans and think very little of them. But our girl Kiera is going to push their boundaries...and their buttons.

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit is a truly intriguing novel as Kiera has to walk a fine line to remain undiscovered as to what she truly is. Because if she's found out...it won't be just her neck on the line. It will be anyone and everyone she has ever met or known.

This book is packed with drama, steamy scenes, great characters, and a storyline that just won't quit. When you reach the end, you'll be eagerly anticipating what comes next. And we can't wait to find out where things go from here!

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, Lucinda Dark, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

A Sword of Shadow and Deceit (Mortal Gods #1)

Publication Date: March 21, 2024

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance/ Why Choose

🖤Dark Fantasy Romance
🗡️Assassin FMC
☠️Anti-Hero
🚫Forbidden Existence
❤️Enemies-to-Lovers
🔥Why Choose

Desperation makes warriors of captives.

The Gods split the skies and rained down tyranny upon the mortal realm long ago. Ever since then, the only thing worse than being human is being of Divine Blood.

For someone like me—an undocumented God child, indebted to the Underworld Assassination Guild—that means only one thing: A life in the shadows.

Or so it should have been … until Mortal Gods Academy. Until them.

The Darkhaven Brothers are truly the worst of all the Gods’ spawn. Arrogant. Wicked. Violent.

To them, I’m nothing more than a human plaything meant for torment. For me … they’re the path and the key to my freedom.

But if any of them find out who I am, what I am … even the shadows won’t be able to save me.

*Please note this is a DARK Fantasy Romance with themes of a dark nature, death of loved ones, and other various themes that may be triggering. Please check trigger warnings and read responsibly*

GET IT HERE

About the Author

Lucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.

When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.

Lucy Smoke/ Lucinda Dark

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Faithful Dark Review Spotlight

A Gothic Fantasy for Fans of Hannah Whitten and Caitlin Starling. Congratulations on such a spectacular release Cate Baumer!

Looking for an engaging fantasy novel with gothic elements? Then you're not going to want to miss out on The Faithful Dark. Imagine being born without a soul, and being made to believe that you are "worthless" because of it. Well, that is Csilla's bit in life. But she could have more

This story starts with Csilla, but it alternates POV between her and a couple other characters. It's a nice touch as it helps to keep readers engaged in the story. Csilla is the main focus of the story as it mostly revolves around her, but she's not alone. There is also Ilan, you're introduced to him pretty quickly. He's a ruthless Inquisitor, but when he fails to bring a murderer to justice...he gets demoted. Looks like those rumors and whispers weren't nothing, huh Ilan? Oops! LOL!

Csilla simply wants to belong, but apparently some people in this book see fit to remind her of how she came to be in their custody. Harsh much? So, it hurts to see her hurt behind cruel and insensitive words. She just wants to belong, but her "soullessness" is apparently going to be exploited to take out someone that the Church deems a heretic.

Yes, there are some religious elements to this book but it doesn't take over the entire story. It pops up where needed and then is allowed to fade into the background. So, readers who aren't fans of "religious" books...calm down and just read this book. It's really good! Plus, it's a murder mystery people! Who doesn't like to read those?

The fantasy element showcases itself in small bouts of magic. It's interesting to see it utilized to expose secrets and when someone is lying. Plus, it is the very magic that is protecting the city, but with every murder (and there have been a LOT) the magic weakens. What is the purpose behind it? Well, that's a secret you'll have to find out for yourself! Intrigued? We sure were!

This is a truly interesting story that brings in a nice twist with the supposed heretic. Of course, these characters are working against the clock and the big question that will dog Csilla and you will be...when Csilla learns the truth...what will she do with it?

This is a fantastic fantasy novel that will wrap you up in it's pages and keep you coming back for more. Don't miss out on The Faithful Dark.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Cate Baumer, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

The Faithful Dark (The Brilliant Soul Duology Book 1)

Publication Date: April 2, 2024

Genre: Gothic Fantasy/ New Adult

🖤Gothic Atmosphere
🖤Dark Religious Lore
🖤Murder Mystery
🖤Hot Priest
🖤Slow Burn/Enemies to Lovers
🖤Queer Cast

In a holy city where sins and blessings can be revealed through consecrated touch, Csilla – born without a soul – is worthless to the Church that raised her. But when a series of murders corrodes the magic that keeps the city safe, the Church elders see a use for her flaw: she can assassinate their prime suspect, a heretic with divine heritage.

The heretic, however, makes a counter-offer; clear his name and catch the real killer, without becoming a target herself, and he’ll use his power to get her a soul. When their investigation catches the attention of Ilan, a ruthless Inquisitor demoted for his failure to solve the case, he reluctantly offers his help in order to earn back his position. He’ll bring in the murderer— and failing that, Csilla and the heretic. But as the death toll rises and their hunt pits them against the Faith, Csilla will find that salvation comes at the cost of everything she believes in.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Cate Baumer (she/her) is a fantasy writer who lived half her life in Japan but currently resides in the heart of Appalachia, a setting that inspires the lush and haunted worlds of her work. When not writing, she can be found exploring the woods on horseback, putting her degree in art history to use at museums and antique shops, or searching for the perfect cup of coffee.

Cate Baumer

Tour organized by @rrbooktours

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

A Cursed Son Review Spotlight

We're thrilled to share this Kickstarter campaign with you all this week. If funded, this beautiful special edition complete with digital sprayed edges, foiled case laminate, full color endpapers, and double sided dust jackets, will be available to readers and collectors!

A Cursed Son is the first book Day Leitao's Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom series, and fans of author Leitao's are not going to want to miss out on this book and budding series.

The first thing that is going to draw readers is in that gorgeous cover. It's absolutely stunning! Imagine having that on your bookshelf! Makes you want to drool, right? LOL! Well, then we recommend that you jump on that Kickstarter (link below) and don't pass up the opportunity for it!

Astra is the main character in A Cursed Son, she's a trained decoy for the princess. All Astra wants is to be able to get out and show her worth. But due to what she is...that is deemed a rather dangerous path for her. But hey...when she sets her mind to a particular path...she won't be dissuaded. Wait until you read what she does.

Things don't go as planned, but they do make for an interesting scenario that she finds herself in. She gets the assignment she was gunning for, unfortunately, her companion is not who she was hoping for. Things get really interesting though when they get "abandoned" on a journey and the "disgraced" prince is the one who "attacks" them. He's looking for something...but what.

It's more than a little humorous when he tries to access Astra's mind looking for something and all he sees is...what her mind conjures up. It's embarrassing, but kinda funny, too.

While Astra is the main focus of the story, you get the sense from the other girls that she serves with that they wish for more. But is it at all possible when their lives are dedicated to the crown? Astra makes for an interesting character who will draw you in along with her "dream lover."

The Cursed Son is just the beginning for this series, and promises quite a lot more to come. It will be interesting to see where the author takes things from here.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Day Leitao, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!

A Cursed Son (Remnants of the Fallen Kingdom Book 1)

Publication Date: March 26th

Genre: Adult Romantic Fantasy

🖤Enemies-to-Lovers
💍Arranged Marriage
💀Scary Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗣️Snarky Banter
💤Dream Connection
✨Elemental Magic

Romantic & sexy dreams link a false princess to a dangerous, disgraced fae prince in this fun, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy.

In her dreams, he envelops her in love. In real life, he imprisons her in ice.

Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer.

As a royal decoy, trained to replace the Krastel princess even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love?

And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth.

But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince. Banished for heinous crimes and armed with powerful stolen relics, he’s a wielder of mighty magic and can even infiltrate minds.

It turns out that he is the man in her dreams.

And this is about to get very, very awkward.

A CURSED SON/ KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

OTHER RETAILERS

About the Author

Day Leitao loves stories with humor, magic, and heart!

Want free e-books, news, and more perks? Sign up for her mailing list at: dayleitao.com

Connect with her on Instagram at @day_leitao

DAY LEITAO

Tour organized by @rrbooktours

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Beauty and the Blade Review Spotlight

We are so excited to share Beauty and the Blade with you this week! Read on for more details!

Beauty and the Blade is the first book in S.C. Grayson's The Talented series, and this book...OMG! It's a must-read for readers who enjoy "enemies-to-lovers" books with the sweetest of romances that blooms over time and with understanding. Yes, this book rates on the "swoon-o-meter" while withholding the steamy. It works, and we loved it.

Beauty and the Blade is going to capture reader's attention first with it's gorgeous cover. A young woman "inside" a chess piece on a beautiful black and red background. Captivating, right? It draws you in a piques your interest as to what exactly this story could hold inside. Go ahead and grab a copy, because this story is one that will captivate you and sweep you away.

Beauty and the Blade details the story of Contessa as she embarks on a quest for revenge. In a time of political upheaval, her world has been rocked. Her father, was once the protector of the king...until the king was murdered by someone with a Talent for invisibility and the king was thereby murdered. Now, Contessa's father has led a campaign to bring them all, the Talented, or as he calls them now...the Cursed to justice.

Bitterness is a hell of a poison and one, that in this case of Contessa's father, runs deep. He lost everything, yes, but did it have to burrow so deep into him that it left no room for anything else in his life? Unfortunately...that appears to be the case. But it makes perfect fuel for this story that's for sure!

Author S.C. Grayson writes a captivating story that will draw you in deeper and deeper with each turn of the page. Contessa is getting married to the man accused of murdering her mother. He took one look at her and asked for her hand in marriage. Cue jaw-drop from shock. No conversations, no getting to know her...none of it. Bizarre, right?! Well, wait for it because the reason will be revealed in due time.

Contessa's story unfolds in the most engaging manner. This book follows a true to form "enemies-to-lovers" paths. Contessa marries Nate aka the Beast. She hates it for what she believes to be true, but little by little she begins to see that there is more to him than meets the eye. Could it be that he's not as awful and evil as he's portrayed to be?

One thing is for sure, Beauty and the Blade is going to give you all the feels. Shock, dismay, joy, excitement, heart flutters and more. Yeah, there are specific scenes in this book that you're absolutely going to melt into a puddle over with a smile on your face. Others - you're going to get that "ah yes, romance" flutter." LOL!

Wondering where the "fantasy" element comes in? Well, it's in the Talented. People who have special unique abilities that sets them apart from the rest of the populace. It's a subtle fantasy element, but it works. It makes its appearance when it is necessary for it to do so. This is not necessarily a "flashy" fantasy story, but it gives you just enough to be satisfying at the end of the day.

Beauty and the Blade has twists, surprises, and drama that keeps you coming back for more. Author Grayson really did a great job writing this story and if you aren't already a fan of this author you will be by the end of the book!

We can't wait to read what this author comes up with next. Readers who love light fantasy novels, with a nice dose of "enemies-to-lovers" and a really nice ending...this is the book to grab!

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, S.C. Grayson, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next!

Beauty and the Blade (The Talented Fairy Tales Book 1)

Publication Date: January 5, 2024

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy/ Fairy Tale Fantasy

"Bridgerton Meets Peaky Blinders"

🌹Enemies-to-Lovers
♟️Slow-Burn
🌹Arranged Marriage
♟️Found Family
🌹Magical Street Gangs
♟️Who Did this to You?

Most London socialites dream of marrying for love or status, but Contessa’s wedding is about justice—and revenge.

Nathanial Woodrow is known on the streets of London as the Beast, leader of the fearsome Lion gang who mark their victims with three slashes on their face. Since her mother was found dead with the signature slashes years ago, Contessa has wanted nothing more than to see her murderer brought to justice. However, the Beast has been impeccable at maintaining his façade as the high society Mr. Nathanial Woodrow, and nobody has been able to gather enough evidence to convict him. When the Beast unexpectedly asks Contessa’s father, the Chief of the Royal Police, for her hand in marriage, Contessa and her father hatch a plan to bring him down from the inside.

As Contessa enters the lion’s den in search of evidence to convict the Beast, she finds that not everything is as she once thought. Her father’s work, hunting down Talented that use their magic to rule the criminal underworld, is thrown into question with each glimpse of the kind-hearted man beneath the mask of a hardened gang leader. As Contessa navigates her search for justice, she finds herself questioning what side she’s really on, and why she finds herself drawn to a man she’s supposed to hate.

Available on Amazon