#@booksirens

[atldwordhaven]

Book Review: Mesoamerican History and Mythology by History Brought Alive

⭐⭐⭐ Much of ancient history has been lost over time. I’m sure history buffs, archaeologists, anthropologists, et al. could spend hours or days debating and lamenting the reasons for this but that sadly doesn’t change reality. The rich history of the Mesoamerican people is one such part of history that deserves our attention. The splendor of the architecture in the Yucatan and surrounding areas…

[pagesandpothos]

Whisper Wells by Ali Woods

Whisper Wells is the first in an upcoming series called "Legends of the Whisper Woods" by Ali Woods. It's a romantasy debut novel set in a world that feels contemporary (cars and cellphones exist) but beings of all kinds (witches, vampires, dragons, centaurs...) are real. Some magical beings have integrated into human society, but many live secluded within a vast woodland known as Whisper Woods. The two main characters are Caelan and Tor. Caelan is part-Shifter (but mostly human) and lives in a homestead on the edge of Whisper Wells, a small town that borders Whisper Woods. Tor is Fae and lives in the large city of Loqueaur. Caelan and Tor meet on a dating app and develop a meaningful friendship until a disappearance brings the two together on a journey into Whisper Woods.

The story is light and reminds me a little of the cozy fantasy books I've read. There is that mystery but nothing is too dark and the stakes are low overall. The spice level, however, is high! Caelan and Tor are smitten with each other from the beginning and the story mostly focuses on their developing relationship as they adventure through the various perils of Whisper Woods.

The story is also filled with a host of really great characters. Tor and Caelean are, of course, fantastic, but they also encounter a lot of other fun characters during their journey. Towards the end of the book, there is even some potential setup of Book Two with two of the supporting characters!

Whisper Wells is perfect for any m/m romance fans who are looking for a lighter, fluffier story with a quest-style plot and great characters. The book is enjoyable, smutty, and funny. The main relationship is charming and has a lot of depth and emotion along with the spice. The ending is satisfying and the setup for future books left me excited to read all upcoming additions to the series. I'm especially hoping for a future book about Seff!

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes/Tags: Achillean, queer, romance, romantasy, spicy, Fae, Werewolves/Shifters, Fated Mates, jealousy, protectiveness, found family

If you liked this I think you will like Whisper Wells: I think fans of Lily Mayne's "Monstrous" series will enjoy this. It reminded me a little of Soul Eater but with a cozy fantasy background instead of a sci-fi dystopia background.

Whisper Wells will be available on Kindle Unlimited on April 3, 2024 and is currently available for pre-order!

This book was made available to me in advance thanks to BookSirens! I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for this review. The above are my honest feelings on the provided book.

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder

Preorder

Add to Goodreads

Publication Date: August 24, 2023

Synopsis:

What happens when the Prince of Wales falls in love with the Prime Minister? My boring life working in an insurance call center in sunny California just took an unexpected turn. Thanks to my misbehaving relatives, I’ve leapt from obscurity to royalty as the new heir to the British throne. But my welcome in England is about as warm as the weather. I arrive to discover a country horrified at the thought of an American version of Prince Charming and ready to revolt against the monarchy. I vow to my grandmother, the Queen, that I will do everything possible to help her save the crown. Unfortunately, royal life isn’t easy. From bewildering traditions, traitorous friends, and malevolent swans, the only thing I’m succeeding in is providing entertainment for the tabloids and social media trolls. And then the broodingly handsome Prime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, bursts into my life. With his meteoric rise from poverty to the most powerful man in the country, Oliver understands my current plight. Innocent messages of support turn into late-night chats—and unexpected feelings. But there’s one major problem. The royal family must remain politically neutral at all times. So how can I keep my promise to save the monarchy when I’m falling in love with the Prime Minister? A forbidden romance filled with humor and drama featuring a bumbling Prince of Wales and a stern yet dashing Prime Minister, with a love that could transform a nation.

My Rating: ★★★★★

*My Review and Favorite Quotes below the cut.

My Review:

I picked this up because the cover and synopsis were cute and because I desperately needed something to fill the void left after finishing the new Red White & Royal Blue movie. And this was absolutely perfect. This a deliciously swoony slow-burn romance, with Callum, unlikely American heir to the British throne, and Oliver, Prime Minister of the UK, sloooooowly falling in love over nightly text messages that evolve into phone calls that evolve into video calls and then more. I loved Callum, with his bumbling but cheerful approach to life, his random facts and obsessions, and always seeing the magic in the small things and trying to make people's days brighter with every conversation. He was so genuine and likeable and good. He occasionally reminded me of a golden retriever lol. I also loved Oliver, with his passion to improve the lives of the common people and his witty comebacks and political savvy. He was so serious all the time - it was nice to see Callum making him laugh and relax. Would this absolutely bonkers political scenario ever happen in real life? Hell no. Did I care? Absolutely not. It worked because the heart of the story is Callum and Oliver falling in love. I was 100% there for them falling for one another and in some sense the political trappings of the story were secondary to that. Yes it was amusing, and it certainly caused plenty of conflict and provided the forbidden relationship angle, but I'm not going to nitpick historical or political details. Why would I? I loved this too much. I flew through it in a day and did absolutely nothing else I had planned to because I couldn't tear myself away from it. To be fair, when presented with an epistolary novel, especially a slow-burn in the form of text messages, I'm almost guaranteed to like it. There have been a few notable exceptions, but only a few. Callum and Oliver, however, are the heart of this novel and their personalities and interactions are what drew me in and kept me hooked. This is absolutely a new favorite and I will be checking out the author's other works asap. *Thanks to Booksirens and NetGalley for providing an early copy for review.

Favorite Quotes:

“You need to cut your toenails,” I say because, you know, that’s an appropriate thing to say to the prime minister. “I’ve been wondering why my socks are suddenly getting holes in them,” he says.

---

“There is no magic to be found in the EU agricultural trade negotiations, trust me,” I say.

---

Herbert’s my usual go-to person for dress etiquette, but I’m not sure if even he would know how to dress when you’re meeting the prime minister for a suspiciously vague mission.

---

Maybe that’s what the prime minister actually is. School principal to the entire nation.

---

I never knew a kiss could feel like the truth.

[rebeccastiltskin]

These Deadly Words by Nicole Heydenburg

Book review of 'These Deadly Words' by Nicole Heydenburg. ARC received for free from @booksirens.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Four young adults are stuck in a snowstorm and find sanctuary in a cabin in the woods. Nicole Heydenburg has managed to add an interesting development to the classic horror film set up which was intriguing. Four people (Leah, Vincent, Noah, and Ava) get stranded in a snowstorm and stumble upon…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

The Marauder’s Mistress by Tabetha Waite

Wanton Wastrels #2

 Riveting read that drew me in and kept my interest from beginning to end!

 What I liked:

* Constance: survivor, spent years as a courtesan, business savvy, trust issues, wants more, self-reliant, drawn to Devin

* Devin: survivor, lived on the streets, ex-convict returned from penal colony in Australia, smitten by Constance

* Luke: good friend, difficult backstory, pseudo-father to Devin

* That it was believable

* That the characters were not upper class but classier than many in the upper echelons

* The friends Constance had

* Drennan: owner of gaming hell that Constance once co-owned, in debt, intriguing and would like to see him in a book of his own…perhaps Brutus and even Luke, too

* The way the story ended…put a smile on my face

* That I cared about the outcome and was happy that the bad guys received their comeuppance

* All of it really except…

 What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like: Granville and Isaacson and their cohorts

* Thinking about life in this era and the big discrepancy between the haves and have-nots

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely

 Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the Book – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

    BLURB

 Constance Freewater has lived almost two decades of her life as a celebrated courtesan known as Madame Corressa—a woman always living on the edge. As she approaches her fortieth birthday, she realizes that what used to be a fulfilling existence no longer holds any excitement for her. She’s tired of the empty sort of temporary passion that used to be enough. When she crosses paths with a mysterious gentleman who becomes intent on pursuing her, she is inexplicably drawn to him. But when circumstances alter their fate, she has to decide if she is prepared to be his mistress—or nothing at all. Devin Blackmore had a hard life. Growing up with drunkards, scoundrels, and pickpockets on London’s city streets was a normal way of life. But one mistake was all it took for him to learn a harsh lesson. After spending five years in a penal colony, he returns to England determined not to succumb to his old ways. However, he never intended to meet such an enchanting woman as Constance, nor believe that she could make him a better man. But when a late-night attack leaves him fighting for his life, he realizes that he can’t escape his past. He doesn’t want to drag Constance into mire with him, but he finds out she’s not easily intimidated. As hearts become entangled, they have to decide if what they feel for each other runs deeper than the demons of their past. Or is love even possible for these two, broken souls?

Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2022

[pipperoni32-blog]

Fractured Fumbles

by MJ Fabel / 4 stars

A cozy mystery, fantasy adventure.

Ziggy Poppin has enough on his plate when he finds his attic occupied by fairies. And not just any fairies - the three cursed Fumble sisters. After negotiating to get them out of his space, he finds himself drawn into solving the murder of the farmer Old Tom. Ziggy has always harvested from Tom's garden to supply his sister's small pub with fresh veggies, so he feels a small duty to look into the farmer's disappearance.

He soon finds that Old Tom had dealings with the fair folk, finding a way of getting himself involved with the current feud between the Fauns, Trolls, and Fae. If Ziggy is to solve this mystery, he might need to first solve the dissension in the Fractured Forest. And hopefully stay alive in the process.

A great start to a series, good world building. I loved Ziggy's interactions with everyone he finds along the way, a truly diplomatic gnome who uses his observations and instincts to navigate tricky situations. His way of talking, with all the ye's and yer's did drive me a little crazy, but overall I was able to look past it and truly enjoy this little tale. I can't wait to see what our hero finds himself up to next!

Thank you to BookSiren's and MJ Fabel for the ARC. My opinions are my own and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[boundlessthoughtsbyantonette]

Sylvia Locke’s Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother Tairy Fails Book 2 David Horn

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Synopsis: Fairytale Land's baddest girl is about to head to a prince's ball. A modern, twisted retelling of Cinderella.

Once upon a time in Fairytale Land, there lived Sylvia Locke—the baddest girl around. So bad that her grandparents have shipped her off to live with her uptight Aunt Marjorie and two goody-two-shoes step-cousins. When an invitation to the prince's ball arrives, Sylvia is determined to attend at any cost, even if it means enlisting the help of an evil fairy godmother (against Fairytale Land laws, but has that ever stopped her?).

Along this chaotic quest, Sylvia stumbles into some unexpectedly imperfect friends. But will she also learn to appreciate those who truly care for her? The second book in the Tairy Fails series of modern, twisted retelling that puts a hilarious, rebellious, new spin on the classic fairy tales. Perfect for elementary school kids and early chapter book readers.

Review: Sylvia is always up for an adventure. She is basically a walking trouble. Though I admit, her misfits were entertaining and got me hooked all throughout. The Wizard character was not what I had guessed. I really thought when the first book ended, that POV was from the Tin Man of The Wizard of Oz.

As usual, the writing was very easy to read and the story was easy to follow. Perfect for young readers.

I also felt that the second book has more graphics than the first and I am here for it.

Sylvia was sassier too. She got spunk.

As a romance girly, I rooted for Prince Quinn and Sylvia, but then again, this is a kids book so the ending was more fitting than what I had made up in my head.

Lessons to takeaways: Be honest. Owning up your actions is the first step of growing up. Have fun.

Overall, 4 stars. The 10 year old me would have enjoyed this book greatly.

[melreadingdanmei]

I wouldn't have put it quite like that, but it's definitely a mood!

[atldwordhaven]

Book Review: Irish History and Mythology by History Brought Alive

⭐⭐⭐ I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens.com. The annals of history are deep and convoluted and I think that’s what I love most about them. Too often though, history is written by the well-intentioned scribe who fail to see the biases that their own experiences or view of the world infiltrate their work like a silent disease. Many who write about the Emerald Isle can be found…

[jonathanpongratz]

My Book was Featured on Book Sirens!

Hey Readers, Guess what? Out of nowhere my new book The Ruins was chosen to be part of a featured bundle for BookSirens! I think I made a good impression! If you’d like to get your hands on an ARC copy of these great new books, click on the image above or right here. Not an ARC reader? No worries! You can still get a copy of my new book from the details below. Happy Reading!   Blurb: Tyler…

[inkandpaperqwerty]

My book was featured in an Apocalyptic ARC bundle! If you're looking for an exciting book to read for free, please take a look at this bundle and consider reading my book and leaving a review. Thanks so much!

[coffeeinkblog]

#BookReview #Coup de Coeur by #HalliStarling #BookSirens

BookSirens Summary: A queer historical fantasy / romance set in a version of 1899 New York City where magic is common and convenient, Coup de Coeur follows the journey of three men whose fates are tied to the seemingly sudden appearance of a strange, possibly sentient, grimoire. Calix Addington, Earl of Batherton, has a complicated relationship with his friend and former classmate, Lawton…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

 From a Scoundrel with Love

 Great way to read favorite authors and find new writers that you will want to read again. This anthology of stories containing 1000 pages has only one author that I know well so reading all of the others will add to my author list, I am sure.

 THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by Katherine Bone, first in the book, has a villain to be thwarted and a husband and wife reunited, a happy ending and a hint of a romance that might take place in an upcoming book by Ms. Bone.

 THE BRUNETTE WHO STOLE HIS HEART by Tabetha Waite, was the second book I read. A lady’s maid and valet are talked into standing in for their employers. A lovely story and a new author that I will read again.

 CHASING THE DUKE by Tracy Sumner, is the story I had to read first as she is one of my favorite writers. This story is about a woman who has promised herself that she will NOT chase her brother’s best friend, the person she had a childhood crush on for so many years, but what happens if he chases her? I knew I would enjoy this story and was so glad that I did.

 I look forward to reading and getting to know the other six authors soon.

 Thank you to BookSirens and the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 5 Stars

      BLURB

 From a Scoundrel with Love... Truly, Madly, Deeply...

This steamy historical romance anthology is full of stories filled with love. Enjoy all nine of these sensual stories this Valentine's day, and many days after.

The Pirate's Duchess by Katherine Bone

A Hidden Ruby by Dawn Brower

The Art of Loving You by Cara Maxwell

The Trouble with Rogues by Nadine Millard

A Spy to Call My own by Rebecca Paula

Graced in Scarlet by Sandra Sookoo

Chasing the Duke by Tracy Sumner

The Brunette Who Stole His Heart by Tabetha Waite

Scandalous Endeavors by Amanda Mariel

[pipperoni32-blog]

Sword of the Seven Sins

by Emily Colin / 4 stars

This one was a slow start for me, and I also struggled with if I'd be able to finish just from how strict and extreme the world was for me. Babies were grown in test tubes, and any child natural born was treated as lesser, doomed to forever perform the lowliest tasks of the society. The parents were exiled or killed, which often was the same sentence. In the avoidance of sins, any indulgence or personal attachment was punished.

It was a society so wrong, you wondered how anyone would have thought it was a good idea, and been willing to follow it. But of course, people are always thinking their own thoughts behind their actions.

We shared POVs with Ari and Eva. Ari is a few years older, and is one of the top Bellators despite his youth. Eva is selected as a Bellator, the first girl to ever be invited. She progresses well, a little too well, and with Ari as her instructor, the two are forced together often, something they enjoy a little too much.

Secrets are revealed, discoveries made… Once the story got going, it was hard to put down. I am so ready for the Commonwealth to be brought down!!

I received an eARC through BookSirens and the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Luckily this was a published copy, so that means I don't have to wait for the next one!

[reading-past-my-bedtime]

Potions and the Pleasantly Poisoned

A Williams Witch Mystery: Book 1

A lovely, short, cosy murder mystery with a magical twist. This is the perfect book to read curled up in your sofa with a steaming cup of tea.

This was a wonderful palate cleanser after the last book that I read. It was so cosy to read a few chapters before bed, it's such an easy read that I could follow it with no issues when I was exhausted from my new internship.

I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It has everything I love in a "leisurely read" - murder, mystery and a touch of magic.

As always, thank you to the author and publishing house for letting me read an advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[boundlessthoughtsbyantonette]

Dear Hades Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Synopsis: She' s a monster. He' s a mortal. Killing each other should be easy… right?

When Medusa and Tiresias rise from the Underworld as twenty-first-century teens and meet through Persephone and Hades' new dating app, it seems like a second chance. Dating is hard when you turn everyone to stone, but dating a blind prophet may be a loophole … even if he does occasionally spout dire prophecies.

But not everyone is pleased with an app designed to kindle romance between mortal enemies. As distrust grows between the heroes, monsters, and gods making up the app's user base, it' s easier to fall into old habits than fall in love. With pressure building on both sides, Medusa and Tiresias accept their kill their date, no matter how much they bond over their love of dogs or the way the gods have wronged them in the past.

Caught amongst meddling gods, murderous heroes, and a classic Greek bet, Medusa and Tiresias may have signed up for more than a dating profile. With war brewing at the hands of the gods, working together may be the only way to save mortals and monsters alike.

Told entirely through instant messages and transcripts, this is one mythically funny romantic comedy you don' t want to miss.

Review: I was definitely not expecting the story to be fully told in text messages. I was in for a ride. What a unique experience!

At first, it was a bit difficult for me to read and follow the characters but I eventually caught up. Also, I'm not very familiar with gods, goddesses and Greek Mythology so I cannot review the side of this book unfortunately.

However, based on my experience, reading this was fun, it was witty and very heartwarming. A quick read and a great palate cleanser. Rating: 4 Stars Can recommend.