Showing posts with label Queens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Queens. Show all posts

Friday, March 29, 2024

Grave-Reaping Guardian Review Spotlight


We're celebrating the release of Grave-Reaping Guardian by Everlyn C. Thompson! Read on for more details!


Ready to continue Theo's story? Well, then get excited! Because our former human, now turned fae is 
back and things...well, things haven't really improved for her per se, but hey! She's making some progress! Unfortunately, someONE or rather...someTHING (?) is being a "blocker" when it comes to her romantic aspirations, but hang in there...things begin to shift...just a little. LOL! 

Theo has shown quite a lot of development over the series to this point and its been quite a fun ride. In book one readers found Theo just looking to take time for herself, but that peace kept on being interrupted by a couple of men and a "dog" who just viewed themselves as "keeping an eye" on her. Well, thankfully, for her, LOL! Things have leveled out more or less. Things are progressing with her new love interest, but is there potentially more on the horizon? Hmmm...guess we'll have to wait and see. 

Author Everlyn C. Thompson writes an engaging story that takes you on a fun ride as you follow along with Theo's story. She's still acclimating to her powers, (which is no easy thing), but of course, one can expect that time isn't waiting for her to get everything under control. 

The characters in this story are absolutely engaging. There was a moment here and there where someone rubbed our fur the wrong way, but the author knew exactly how to draw us back in and keep us coming back for more. Want some steamy? Good news! There is a scene (or two LOL) tucked in here for your viewing pleasure. 

One thing is for sure - between the evil fae queen (no love lost there), locating a missing castle...picturing Howl? We were! That must have been a lot of fun tracking down! LOL! And yes, taming a dragon king...special care was made to avoid being roasted with ketchup, this book brings a lot to the table and leaves the door open for more. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Everlyn C. Thompson, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! 


                                    Grave-Reaping Guardian (Grave Reaper Series Book 3)

Publication Date: March 25, 2024

Genre: Urban Fantasy

⭐ Curvy FMC
Forced Proximity
Family Found
One Bed
Touch Her &
Fae Guardians
Surly Vampires
Homeless Shifters
Broken Ghosts
Evil Fae Queen

When the gate between Earth and Fairie blows up and traps Theodora Edwards in the mystical realm, she must work together with her guardian and the dark prince to locate and safeguard a magical key that powers the Light Court. While learning to properly use her fae magic, Theo is forced to fend off an abduction attempt by wraiths, locate a missing castle, tame a dragon king, and have a friendly chat with the dead queen.
But with all of Theo’s efforts going toward protecting those she loves, she struggles to find time to explore the possibility of a romantic relationship—and the insecurities that come with it.

Content Warnings:

The themes and tropes explored in this book include a curvy FMC with low self-esteem regarding her body. If you find self body-shaming triggering, this series probably isn’t for you. If you find the subject of infertility triggering, again, this series probably isn’t for you. The intimate scenes (books 1 & 3) are intended for 18+.

Add to Goodreads

Get it on Amazon



About the Author

Born and raised on the beautiful Canadian prairies, Everlyn prefers to spend her time outdoors with her family kayaking, skating, fishing, and hunting. She loves reading and writing about vampires, witches, fae and zombies that get to find their own version of happily ever after.

Everlyn C. Thompson


Book Tour Organized by @RRBookTours






 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Legionnaire Review Spotlight

Discover the epic military fantasy where magic determines your place in life. “This grim, passionate tale will scorch readers.” – Kirkus recommended review

We’re celebrating the release of The Legionnaire by Samantha Traunfeld! Read on for more details!



The Legionnaire by Samantha Traunfeld is an engaging fantasy novel that is sure to intrigue the reader the deeper into the story that you go. Told from three different POVs you get a nice amount of detail and balance throughout this story. While this story focuses heavily on Saiden, you still get enough to keep you coming back for more, and leaves you with an ending that will leave you reeling. 

The Legionnaire tells the story of Saiden, "Blood Cursed" she's called because of her red hair. She's scorned and hated simply for that one fact. What no one knows is that she's blessed by the gods. She carries gifts, but she keeps it secret. But she's not the only one carrying secrets. But due to her appearance she is hated by any who see her hair. But she is one of the best when it comes to the fighters in the legion. 

Meanwhile, there is Queen Lorelai. She's soon to be fully crowned queen, but her life is under threat. She is the face of the "Ungifted" but the truth is that she too has been blessed by the gods. Unfortunately, she must hide this fact or else lose her life. But what if she is to lose it anyway? She wants to live her life, but she can't. Her advisors give her the facade of being in control, but the truth is that they are the ones looking to control how things are. 

Then there is Saiden's partner, Mozare. I struggled with him. LOL! I had a love/hate relationship when it comes to him. He too is hiding secrets of his identity. He works with the legion, and he's Saiden's partner, but he is a double agent. He works with others who are on a quest for power. And those who quest for power must strip it away from those who have it. He believes what he is told to believe. So he believes that what he is doing is the right thing, but what if it's all a lie? 

This book is truly engaging and the characters are going to draw you in rapidly. Saiden seems to be the one who will be caught in the crossfire. Saiden has made to go through so much throughout her life, and it seems that that is her path. To suffer unfortunately. But it's nice to know that she has such a good relationship, on it's face, with Mozare. But the question becomes...can their friendship stand in the face of who he really is?

The ending of this book is going to absolutely rock you. I don't know if this book is going to be part of  series, but I am willing to get down on my knees and beg for a second, if not third book to keep this storyline going. LOL! I have to know what becomes of these characters!! There has to be more! The way that there is no true finality to this book I'm crossing my fingers, toes and anything else I can (except for my eyes, sorry not sorry I won't do that LOL) that there is going to be more to come. Because I will hungrily eat up another book following these characters.

This is a truly engaging NA fantasy novel that is one that you're not going to want to miss out on reading. It's nicely written, and will keep you engaged to the final page and begging for more. 

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Samantha Traunfeld, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next! 




The Legionnaire

Publication Date: November 14, 2023

Genre: NA Epic Fantasy

Saiden, a Blood-Cursed legionnaire—blessed by both the God of Life and Goddess of Death—is a paradox. Called both “death-bringer” and “world-ender,” she is surprisingly careful about taking lives and proving herself to be a monster. Torn between her loyalty to her queen and the need to protect her people, Saiden struggles to decide who she is going to be in a world that has already cast her aside.

Queen Loralei is hiding the fact that she’s been blessed by the God of Life while navigating the manipulative and dangerous landscape of ruling a kingdom. When she discovers a mysterious prisoner in her dungeons, she begins to unravel a complicated plot that shadows her reign and would change the course of history.

Mozare, gifted by the Goddess of Death with the powers to control shadows, is hiding lots of secrets in the dark. As Saiden’s legionnaire partner, he would do everything to protect her—even if that means killing the queen she swore to protect to save her from a fate worse than death.

With friends and enemies becoming indistinguishable from each other, can these three individuals survive long enough to fulfill their destinies without losing those closest to them, or will their missions irreparably ruin them—and possibly the entire kingdom?

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Samantha’s love of stories began when she was about 12—could read a whole book in a day and wrote lots of stories featuring cute ghosts. Now she writes stories about badass women, sharp weapons, and banter-y relationships.

When she isn’t writing she’s usually cuddling her dog, starting a new craft project she might not finish, or trying to figure out how video games work.

There’s a 94.6% chance you can find her curled up in a bookstore somewhere (math is not her strong suit), but if you don’t, you can find more information on her website.

Samantha Traunfeld

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

A Court of Tangled Threads Review Spotlight

 

Welcome to the tour for romantic fantasy A Court of Tangled Threads by Amanda Pillar!


A Court of Tangled Threads is a standalone fantasy romance novel by Amanda Pillar. Love a good romance, with tons of fantasy elements, a TON of drama, and is a serious page-turner? Then you're going to absolutely LOVE this book. This story is seriously delicious and I'm not just talking about that gorgeous cover either.

The first thing you notice, of course, is this book's gorgeous cover. I mean look at that cover! It's stunning! Eye-catching, showstopping, and sure to grab your attention and make you want to learn more about the story contained between its pages. Trust this reader when we say that all of the elements represented on the cover are showcased in this book. I love it. 

As we said, the cover matches the book. Packed with enticing elements that keep you coming back for more! Once you start this book? Get comfortable, because you won't be putting it down until you reach the final page. 

A Court of Tangled Threads gives readers multiple POV from a variety of characters. The story starts out with Blake, the son of one of four queens. His mother? The Black Queen. Do NOT piss this woman off. Don't even look at her wrong or even SIGH "incorrectly" in front of her. Yeah, she's THAT dangerous. I love it though. LOL! The Queen must follow the rules of the fae though, and so the time has come to give Blake a quest. It sounds simple enough, but when you meet him again? Well...it's been YEARS! LOL! Not going to lie...we giggled. But we get it. Where would the fun be if he was successful quickly?

Then there is Violet. Okay, she's snarky, but I love it! I'm not always a fan of snarky characters, because some authors just lay it on so thick you need a paint scraper and some thinner to get through it. Sorry, not sorry but those are the characters that I tend to have more of a HATE relationship with with a touch of love on the side. Yes, on the side. LOL! But Violet's character is so perfectly balanced. She gives you snark when warranted and doesn't just come at you because of whatever. But Violet is also something else. She has crazy powers that make her dangerous. What does she do though? Does she flaunt her powers and just threaten people because she can? NO! She tries to contain them! She's got such a good heart. I love it. I love her! LOL!

Violet and Blake are the story's focus, but we get chapters with other characters. The various queens make appearances and I love the drama that plays out. With the multiple POV you never know which character you're going to get really. Okay, you get a hint, but keep reading anyway juuuust to be sure that this is the character you're getting. LOL!

This book is engaging from beginning to end. You get assassins, and ghosts who are trying to tell Violet something but CAN'T! Queens looking for a way to hold on to their power, and even get others under their grip. It's fascinating and will not let you go. I love the twists the author throws in and how she brings the two main characters together. 

A Court of Tangled Threads is a standalone novel. You're going to get a nice ending with this novel. I just simply wish that there was more. LOL! That's how much I loved this book. I was really hoping that this book would turn into a series. Honestly, the potential is there, but if the author chooses not to, I won't sit around and pout (much). LOL! But I would absolutely love to return to this particular world again! It is a fantastic place and I couldn't get enough of all of it. 

Readers who enjoy a dynamic fantasy/paranormal romance novel this book is for you!! You'll devour it and be coming back for more. I think this author just gained a new fan. LOL! 

A Court of Tangled Threads is a must-read. Period. The end. Go buy it. Don't hesitate. 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Amanda Pillar, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next! 


                                                            A Court of Tangled Threads

Publication Date: September 8, 2023

Genre: Slow-burn Romantic Fantasy

Some goals are harder to achieve than others.

Violet has only three, each one more impossible than the last: cure her sick sister, get a better job, and on the off chance she manages the first two—it would be great if she could avoid accidentally snatching souls along the way.

Sounds easy, right? Wrong.

When she finds herself trapped in the realm between the human world and the fae, Violet realizes no one’s coming to save her. But it’s not the rescue she needs—it’s the escape.

Her plan might work, but it could have a soul-rending outcome for everyone around her.

Blake can kill with a touch, but when the Black Queen commands, refusal is never an option.

To complete a ridiculous quest, Blake makes a deal with a Troll, setting off a chain of events that leads him to a castle filled with the dead and a soul-stealing woman with magic as dark as his.

As their fates become entwined, Violet and Blake find themselves on a perilous journey to unravel one of the greatest crimes in fae history, but it’s not just fate that Violet has to worry about—it’s the enigmatic knight whose grip on her heart grows stronger with every step.

A Court of Tangled Threads is a slow burn fantasy romance, great for fans of Sarah J Maas, Richelle Mead, and Laura Thalassa.



Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon and Free on KU

About the Author

 Amanda Pillar is an USA Today Bestselling author and award-winning editor who lives in Australia. Amanda is the author of the Graced series, the Heaven’s Heart series, and the standalone book, Haunt Me. Amanda has co-edited six fiction anthologies and solo-edited three. In her day job, she works as an archaeologist.

Amanda Pillar

Book Tour Schedule

October 23rd

http://rrbooktours.com Landing Page

https://www.instagram.com/ohthebooksyoucanread/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/copyrightxcasey/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/emeliaisreading/?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/_storiesbystarlight – Review

https://www.instagram.com/sadiehewittbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/_toris.thoughts_/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/teastarsandbooks/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainfantasyworld/ - Feature

October 24th

https://www.instagram.com/prettyonthepage/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/youngpink_bibilophile/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/mommyandherbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish_lady_night/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/cottagecorereads.jpg/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/Justagirlwithaloveofbooks/ - Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/tralynsbookbag - Review

https://themommaspot.home.blog – Feature

https://www.instagram.com/authormariereed/ - Feature

October 25th

https://www.instagram.com/littleredpandareader/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/808bookdr/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/badwitchesbookcoven/ - Review

https://mayisuggestblog.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/nicmedia/

https://www.instagram.com/fueledbybooksandespresso/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/TheWoollyGeek - Review

https://tarasbookishblog.home.blog/

https://www.instagram.com/bookshelfofmydreams/ - Review

https://www.ladyhawkeye.com/ - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/literaryinspired/ - Feature

October 26th

https://www.instagram.com/jl_books - Review

http://www.instagram.com/moonlight_rendezvous - Review

http://www.tiktok.com/moonlight_rendezvous

http://www.crossroadreviews.com/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/booked_by_megs/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/itputs.the.book.upon.the.shelf/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/cozycaffereader/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/books.highlighters.me/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/darkfantasyreviews/ - Review

https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com - Feature

https://www.instagram.com/ilovebooksandstuffblog/

https://www.instagram.com/smut.luvin.books.smm/ - Feature

https://breakevenbooks.com – Feature

October 27th

https://www.instagram.com/crooks_book_nook/ - Review

https://themommaspot.home.blog – Review

https://www.instagram.com/novels.coffee.librairie/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/invernas_realm/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish_katarina/?igshid=ZjE2NGZiNDQ%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/theoriginal_b00k_nerd/ - Review

https://rissreviewsx.wixsite.com/website - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish.cheryl/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/readingmyselftosleep/ - Feature

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours












Friday, November 4, 2022

Queen and Conqueror Book Blitz


 I think this could be the author's grocery list and I would still buy it just for the cover! Thankfully, there's an amazing story beneath it. Read on for more details about Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo! 

Stay tuned for the book tour in 2023!




Queen and Conqueror (The Queen’s Guard #1)

Publication Date: August 2022

Genre: Fantasy/ Romantic Fantasy

How does one conquer a kingdom without spilling blood? You offer your hand in marriage to the king who killed your husband.

Almira’s father raised her in political cunning. Since childhood, she’s prepared for this moment. She lays out the players one by one like pieces on a board.

One. King Alton, the brother-killer. The spare heir who killed his brother for the throne.

Two. The perfect seamstress. The people must admire a queen and welcome her with open arms even when she arrives with a deadly armada behind her.

Three. The Queen’s Red Guard. These warrior women have one purpose; to protect the queen at all costs. Even from her husband. Even from herself.

Queen & Conqueror is the first book in an epic feminist fantasy series told from the perspective of the women who rule and shape the future.

Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them.”

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

He cleared his throat. “The High Lord seeks aid from Istok. Your native country hasn’t been plagued with war like we have. Perhaps if your father–“

Istok did not begin a war. My father will not risk Istokian lives because my husband has a vendetta against a king that toys with our Suidian forces. We should retreat and regroup. Sit with King Alton and negotiate,” she said with a steady voice.

She surprised herself. She’d never challenged a messenger as such. But she was damn tired of sitting like a protected porcelain plate, while the world crumbled.

He looked at her incredulously. “My lady, forgive me, but shouldn’t you let your father decide that?”

His words filled Almira with sudden anger, but she controlled and subdued it. She moved slowly as she stood and faced the captain. He was a large man, and she was small even for a woman. That mattered little.

Captain, your job is to deliver news of the front. You’ve done that. But to presume I would take advice on state matters from you is insulting.”

He stepped forward and opened his mouth.

Apology accepted,” she said and raked him over in disapproval. “You didn’t mean to insinuate anything. You have, after all, the utmost respect for my house. However, you will deliver a message from me, captain. Each day I sit in this room while my husband fights a war that drags on and continues killing our soldiers. Each day more lives are lost. At first it was fifty. Now, you tell me 2,000. Inform High Lord Edgar that I want the number.”

He blustered. “The number?”

Yes. I want the number.” She pressed her index finger against the map. “I want the exact number of deaths we must reach to determine this cause is folly. It’ll give me something to look forward to while I practice my half-stitch.”

She sat and pushed her dinner plate away with disgust. The time had finally come for her value to be placed on the table. Even at a young age she knew he married her because of her connections to Istok. Her father wisely kept their country out of the squabbles and in the years since the war started, her home country grew rich with trade. 

That means you’re dismissed, captain,” Sanaa said.

Clearly astounded at being addressed in such a manner, he left. Not before his helmet slipped and rolled about on the stone floor. It caused a great deal of noise. He rushed after it, while the women watched the display.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Isabelle Olmo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and was raised on a steady diet of 80’s fantasy films and Sweet Valley High. Her love of literature was developed at an early age when her grandmother gifted her a poetry collection. Queen & Conqueror will be her first published novel. 

She graduated with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

When she’s not writing she loves to travel, cook, and drink wine. One day she hopes to live in Barcelona, her favorite city in the world. 

Isabelle Olmo

Tiktok: isabelleolmo

Book Blitz Organized By:

R&R Book Tours







Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Harley James and the Secret of the Falcon Queen Review Spotlight

Welcome to the tour for the next mysterious installment in the Harley James series, The Secret of the Falcon Queen by Leah Cupps! Read on for more info and a chance to win a $100 Amazon e-gift card!


Welcome to the third book in Leah Cupps's Harley James series! Harley James is back in the Secret of the Falcon Queen and if you've read the previous books in this series you are NOT going to want to miss out on this addition to the series. 

Harley is back with her world-traveling archeologist dad and this time they find themselves in Scotland on a highly monitored dig for an ancient queen's diary and other various artifacts. It's believed that these items hold magical attributes, that if they fall into the wrong hands, well...let's just say bad things could happen. Harley is going to have her hands full with this one as there is always someone dogging her steps and no, it's not just Daisy. 

One of the things you're really going to love about this book is that it's not necessary for you to have read the previous books in the series. You can easily grab this book up, dive in, and start reading. Will there be references to the previous books in this series? Yes, there will be. Honestly though? Those references simply pique your interest in Harley's previous adventures. The author does tie in some moments from the previous books, but they just truly whet your appetite for more. 

You get a nice combination of history mixed with fiction in this novel and it's written well for the intended age group of 8-12 year-olds, but it is also suitable for those older teens who are looking for something fun to read with a nice amount of adventure, thrills, and danger. 

You're really going to love the variety of pictures spaced out throughout this novel as well. I'm not much of a "picture book" reader, but these pictures add just the right amount of "more" to this story. They help bring it to life just that tiny bit more and give you particular scenes that bring you a little closer to the edge of your seat. 

You're going to like that the author reunites Harley with old friends and that she's making some new ones along the way as well. While she's a world-traveling kid, making friendships that last is never easy, but with her adventures, she's finally accomplishing that.

This book is one that I highly recommend to anyone with a child that fits this book's age range. They are absolutely going to devour this book. My own child is impatiently waiting her turn to grab this book and dive right in. LOL! 

I feel that this book rates 4.5 out of 5 stars. There are some moments that I feel are a bit repetitive, however, the familiarity might be the reason why the author chooses to do it. I know that I'm looking forward to more of Harley's adventures, because it's a big world and there is lots to discover.

Thank you to the author, Leah Cupps, and R&R Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! 

Harley James: The Secret of the Falcon Queen

Publication Date: July 5th, 2022

Genre: MG/ Adventure/ Chapter Books (Ages 8 to 12)

Will Harley uncover a queen’s secret… before it’s too late?

Harley James lands in the beautiful Scottish countryside, but green clovers aren’t the only thing awaiting her arrival. Harley is greeted with one of her greatest enemies yet—the mysterious Magnus Murdoch.

S.M.A.L.L. has a new mission—to protect the secret of the legendry Falcon Queen. Harley works with old and new friends while sleuthing across Scotland. She must solve challenging riddles and find clues that lead to the queen’s secret chamber.

Join Harley as she thunders through the Scottish countryside on horseback, discovers a mysterious silver feather and uncovers a secret that will change history.

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Leah Cupps is an author, designer and entrepreneur. She came up with the idea for Harley James with her oldest daughter Savannah. Savannah had taken an interest in Mayan history and so the two of them worked together to come up with the idea for the first Harley James book; the Mystery of the Mayan Kings.

Leah lives in Indiana with her husband and three children. She is also the co-founder of Vision Forty Press, a small family-owned publishing company.

Harley James Adventures | Instagram 

Facebook | Newsletter | YouTube


Click the link below for a chance to win a $100 Amazon e-gift card (US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Book Tour Schedule

July 18th

R&R Book Tours (Kick-Off) http://rrbooktours.com

@hodophile_z (Review) https://www.instagram.com/hodophile_z/

@fariha_binte_islam (Review) https://www.instagram.com/fariha_binte_islam/

Book Review Crew (Review) https://thebookreviewcrew.com/

July 19th

@over.on.my.bookshelf (Review) https://www.instagram.com/over.on.my.bookshelf/?hl=en

@leirajadewrites (Review) https://www.instagram.com/leirajadewrites/

Liliyana Shadowlyn (Review) https://lshadowlynauthor.com/

@marvsbooks (Review) https://www.instagram.com/marvsbooks/

July 20th

@thrillersandcoffee (Review) https://www.instagram.com/thrillersandcoffee/

@gryffindorbookishnerd (Review) https://www.instagram.com/gryffindorbookishnerd/

Bunny’s Reviews (Review) https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/

FUONLYKNEW (Spotlight) http://fuonlyknew.com/

July 21st

@amber.bunch_author (Review) https://www.instagram.com/amber.bunch_author/

@dany.alvy (Review) https://www.instagram.com/dany.alvy/

@stepintothepages (Review)  www.instagram.com/stepintothepages

The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Spotlight) http://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com

July 22nd

@jacleomik33 (Review) https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/

@louturnspages (Review) https://www.instagram.com/louturnspages/

Not a Bunny Blog (Review)  https://notanybunny.wordpress.com/blog

@marie.sinadjan - https://www.instagram.com/marie.sinadjan/

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

 

Book Tour Organized By:









R&R Book Tours





 

Monday, June 27, 2022

Her Dark Reflections Review Spotlight

 


Welcome to my stop for this gorgeous dark fairy tale retelling by Hailey Jade called Her Dark Reflection! Read on for more info and a chance to win a great giveaway!


 Her Dark Reflections is the first book in Hailey Jade’s The Dark Reflection series, and if you are a fan of well-done re-tellings then this is the book for you.

Rhiandra has lived her life on the streets, but working as a maisera since coming of age has afforded her some means of supporting herself. She’s popular and favored at the Winking Nymph, but it does little for her when she crosses the wrong person. When she’s attacked and permanently scarred she no longer has a place to call home. A step away from being on the streets she is approached with a deal by the mysterious Draven. He offers her a deal that sounds too good to be true, but it’s coupled with things she never believed she’d be able to attain. Will her desire for more be her downfall or will everything work out the way that she wants?

Her Dark Reflections is the first book in this dark retelling of Snow White and the seven dwarves, and let me just say this – I ate this book up. I’m always up for a good retelling of a fairy tale favorite and this book really hits the spot. Piece by piece the author weaves together this story with a character who has so much to lose.

Rhiandra is a complex character, that much is true. I will be the first to admit that throughout the story I had mixed feelings about her. One minute I was cheering for her to be successful, and then the next I was wishing that she would have some sense. She is definitely an engaging character, that is for sure. I kept wondering what is going to happen next with her. Will she be exposed? Will there be a close call?

The author expertly weaves the dangers of court, and just the simple task of gaining the king’s eye and holding it. I will say that I expected a bit more rivalry from the other women who are selected in this book. There are some characters that create a bit of whiplash for me. I don’t quite get what is going on with them, but it’s all done for a reason. It really keeps you on your toes and page-turning to find out what is going to happen next.

The twists and turns of this book really make this book an engaging novel and I’m absolutely looking forward to what comes next in this series. The characters are engaging, and I must say that Rhiandra is one top-notch manipulator. Now, I will say that it takes a bit to get to the exact re-telling tie in, but it’s worth the wait. The author drops in little teasing items, besides the apple, to tie this re-telling to the original fairytale. So if you are one of those people who’s looking for those immediate tie-ins just be patient. It’ll get there and you’ll absolutely love it.

There is a nice variety of characters throughout this story that really help bring it to life. I just know that Rhiandra is going to have quite a lot to deal with in the coming books, because so much still is shrouded in shadows.

I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is exceptionally well-written and I couldn’t get enough of the characters throughout. If you like dark fantasy novels packed with twists, turns, and so much more then you’re not going to want to miss out on this particular book and series!


Thank you to the author, Hailey Jade, and R&R Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! I look forward to book two!


Her Dark Reflection (The Dark Reflection #1)

Publication Date: June 15, 2022

Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Dark Romance/ Fairytale Retelling

Midnight Tide Publishing

They called me the Whore Queen. Some even called me the Evil Queen.
But they could call me whatever they wanted. I was still queen.”

Rhiandra Tiercelin hungers for power and her charm has always been her sharpest weapon in hunting it. So when a brutal attack leaves her physically scarred, desperation drives her to make a deal with Draven, a magic-wielding stranger who is inexplicably compelling and definitely dangerous. She knows she can’t trust him, but he when he offers to make her a queen, the temptation is too enticing to resist.

Armed with a glamoured face and an enchanted apple, Rhiandra is determined to scheme her way into a crown, even if it means risking the deadly punishment for unsanctioned magic use. But Draven is playing a bigger game, and she is just one piece on the board.

Can she keep her wits about her long enough to uncover his secrets, or will he lure her down a path she will come to regret?

Her Dark Reflection is the first book in a new dark romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah A. Parker. If you like cunning, ambitious heroines, morally ambiguous men and romance that toes the line between love and hate, then you’ll love Hailey Jade’s dark reimagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

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Chapter One

The Winking Nymph was always flooded with patrons after the Burnings.

The atmosphere wasn’t the same as it would be on a busy night at a regular tavern; the dim lighting fed rather than banished the shadows, encouraging them closer, leaving pockets of space where patrons could lurk without being recognized. Men – and the occasional woman – drank, sometimes in groups, but for the most part they didn’t engage themselves with singing bawdy songs or telling dirty jokes. Perhaps the place was debauched enough on its own and so they didn’t feel the need.

Women drifted in and out of the shadows, flirting with the light as it caught on their spangled wrists and ankles and throats, and at the front of the room a beautiful redheaded girl sang with a voice as sweet as sun-warmed strawberries. It was going to be a big tipping night; the city was beginning to bulge with visitors attending the treaty celebrations, and the moon cycle holiday had beckoned them all to the streets, thrilled by the morning’s violence and drunk on bloodlust.

I was eager to get out on the floor, but Madam had saddled me with initiation duties, so I was instead lingering in a corner by the bar, doing breathing exercises with the novice.

Aalin’s perfume was thick, a ghastly confection of jasmine, violets and something sugary that made my head ache. I could pick a new girl a mile away – they wore thick makeup obscuring their faces, chains and sparkles everywhere one could hang a jewel, and gowns in gaudy colors that revealed more than they concealed. They thought they were channeling desirability, but in reality, all the decoration was just a screen to hide their nerves behind.

I was long past those sorts of naïve assumptions. I’d worked at the Winking Nymph long enough to know that calculated vulnerability earns more than donning the generic armor of maisera. Aalin wasn’t ready to hear that, though. That night she just needed to feel like she belonged, and all that perfume was a part of the uniform.

They’re just men,’ I soothed as she chewed on her lip and smoothed her dress over and over again. ‘And they’re mostly drunk men. They want to be pleased. And they’ll be excited to see a new girl.’ I tucked a lock of wiry hair back into her updo.

I don’t think I know how to be sexy,’ she admitted in a small voice. ‘I thought I did, but now that I’m standing here…’

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Hailey Jade has tried to quit writing, but alas, the characters who live in her head will not stop yammering. She’s hoping that building them ink-and-paper homes will make them pipe down long enough for her to get some sleep. She likes creating fantasy worlds populated by complicated, morally-grey characters who try to resist their attraction to other complicated, morally-grey characters, but who inevitably fall in love, because everyone needs a Happily Ever After.

Hailey has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching at Flinders University, and spends her daylight hours trying to convince reluctant teenagers to love books. She lives in regional South Australia with her partner, bouncy baby boy, and feline overlord.

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