#Author: Gita Trelease

[richincolor]

New Releases

We've got just one new release to put on your radar this week, but it's an extra exciting one -- a diverse YA short story anthology reimagining fairy tales, edited by Dahlia Adler! Read on to learn more:

At Midnight

Out tomorrow!

Fairy tales have been spun for thousands of years and remain among our most treasured stories. Weaving fresh tales with unexpected reimaginings, At Midnight brings together a diverse group of acclaimed YA writers to breathe new life into a storied tradition.

Fifteen celebrated authors reclaim classic fairy tales for a new generation:

Dahlia Adler, “Rumplestiltskin” Tracy Deonn, “The Nightingale” H.E. Edgmon, “Snow White” Hafsah Faizal, “Little Red Riding Hood” Stacey Lee, “The Little Matchstick Girl” Roselle Lim, “Hansel and Gretel” Darcie Little Badger, “Puss in Boots” Malinda Lo, “Frau Trude” Alex London, “Cinderella” Anna-Marie McLemore, “The Nutcracker” Rebecca Podos, “The Robber Bridegroom” Rory Power, “Sleeping Beauty” Meredith Russo, “The Little Mermaid” Gita Trelease, “Fitcher’s Bird” and an all-new fairy tale by Melissa Albert

Once upon a time . . .

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Liberté | Author: Gita Trelease | Publisher: Macmillan (2021)

[booksandtea]

I finished my Goodreads Goal in February...

I FINISHED MY GOODREADS GOAL IN FEBRUARY | keep reading to find out what I read #BooksandTeaBC @LovingBlogs @BBlogRT

I finished my Goodreads Goal in February

In 2018 I set my goal for 30 books, this is the first time I’ve set it low on purpose. I knew from previous years reading I would read more than this and in the back of my head I had my own alternate goal. However throughout my years blogging I’ve seen much discourse on Goodreads goal being a cause of stress and reading slumps should we ever get behind.

Se…

[heather--moors]

Favorite Genre: Historical Fiction with a Hint of Magic

I love being immersed into a magical story that takes place in a bygone era. Here are my favorite ones, and yes, it was very difficult to choose. Please recommend more if you’d like, I love getting reading recommendations. 

-The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: This is the book that started it all for me. Nothing compares to the description of this circus. Morgenstern’s writing style is beyond beautiful and invites the readers into a world of the spectacular. What I love about the magic of this book is that the circus itself is the stage for illusionists Celia and Marco, but it also acts as a character itself. And while I loved her new book, The Starless Sea, this one holds a special place in my heart. 

-The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafrón: This book has a huge world and cast of characters that gives a strong adventure feel. The story is about an author’s books being destroyed over time. Daniel, an antiquities dealer, follows the mystery and uncovers a lot of what he doesn’t wish to find: murder, madness, and doomed love. Written impeccably, this book is for those who love to be swept up into a grand tale. 

-A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray: I’ll also recommend the rest of the books in this series. Gemma is a captivating main character who has visions of the future and starts off this story in a lonely state. What adventures will follow her as her life changes? She arrives at a boarding school called Spence where the other girls are similar to her, and at the same time, so very different. This was one of the books that recently got me interested in reading series again, so I highly recommend it if you them. 

-The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton: Sparked my obsession with antique dollhouses. This has all the allure of empty, unfamiliar homes and secrets around every corner. Nella receives a gift of a dollhouse from her recently wedded husband and commissions a mysterious miniaturist to create objects for the house. As the story goes on, secrets unravel, and dark drama ensues. And just who is this elusive miniaturist? (I saw the dollhouse that inspired this book while I was in Amsterdam over the summer and I freaked out)

-Enchantée by Gita Trelease: This novel takes place during the French Revolution. Main character Camille has the ability to use small amounts of magic to turn objects into money in order to scrape by feeding herself and her younger sister. As her journey unfolds, she dances into the world of the rich, attending parties and gambling her nights away. Camille meets a mysterious and handsome man who works towards the advancement of science. But through her love and adventures, Camille begins to lose control of her magic, and the result is dire. This book does a great job of getting historical elements correct about this time and place while swirling bits of magic to enchant the readers. 

-Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez: This might be considered fantasy, but the magic involved is pretty minimal compared to full-fantasy books. Atoc, a cruel ruler, summoned spirits to force the Illustrian people out of their kingdom, La Ciudad. Illustrian spies report that Atoc no longer has possession of a special crystal used to control these spirits. Our main character Ximena goes as a spy to the kingdom to retrieve it and is met with more friends than she expects to find: a kind princess, a masked vigilante, and a helpful healer. This takes place in Bolivia and feels like the perfect blend of rich culture and divine magic. 

Please leave recommendations in the comments, or feel free to message me!

[nellygwyn]

Any good books that have themes of the supernatural that are set in the Georgian or regency era?

• Bone China by Laura Purcell (evil fairies and Ye Olde Englishe folklore in Regency era Cornwall)

• The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar (This is one of my favourite books. It's set primarily within the world of courtesans in 1780s England and isn't, on the surface of things, supernatural or creepy. However, in the second half of the book, the titular mermaid gains a...magical, insubstantial and destroying quality)

• Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susannah Clarke (Again, it is magic rather than supernatural but it is kind of a classic. An alternative history of Regency England, this time with more magicians and fairies)

• Enchantée by Gita Trelease (A YA historical fiction about magicians and transfiguration in Revolutionary Paris)

• The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (This is on my TBR list but it has been hailed as a politically and socially-aware successor to gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca. The book begins with the main character, an enslaved girl from Jamaica who was "gifted" to a gentleman in Regency England, standing accused at the Old Bailey of murdering the said gentleman and his wife)

• The Monk by Matthew Lewis (This was actually written in the 1790s by a young Englishman aspiring to be the next favourite author in this decade's craze for the gothic. It was scandalous on publication because of how SIMPLY VILE it is and is one of the 'horrid novels' Isabella wants Catherine Morland to read in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. It's horny, occasionally homoerotic, stupid beyond belief, and brilliant all at once. It's set in late 18th century Spain, mostly so Lewis can show us all what scary, immoral people Catholics are. Trigger warning for some pretty unsavoury portrayals of sexual assault, though)

[achillesmercury1996]

Oh my goodness, thank you for the tag, @dearscone​ I thought I did this a long ass time ago, and apparently didn’t, so here we go! Thank you again, lovely!

Mini Playlist:

Up, Up and Away - Chance Peña

State Lines - Nova Amor

Look On Down From The Bridge - Mazzy Star

Anchor - Nova Amor

Last Song: Need You - Kidswaste

Last Movie: I think it was I, Tonya for the 5th time, hah!

Currently Watching: I finally got around to watching Rick and Morty all the way through, and I’m on season 2 right now!

Currently Reading: Okay, so I’m reading a few books rn. I’m reading Everything That Burns by Gita Trelease...The Narcassist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About-Me Age by Joseph Burgo, PhD...Marie Antoinette: The Journey, by Antonia Fraser...and All Out by Multiple Authors 

Currently Craving: I am literally always in the mood for, and craving seedless watermelon!!

I tag: @blueeyedrichie @stressedinadress @bowtiescarves and anyone else who wants to do this, too!

[midlandpansy]

1, 2, 3, 14 (restraining myself from asking 20 since I already know)

booknet ask game.

1 | What are you currently reading? how would you rate it so far? 

Right now, I’m 65% (ish - according to Goodreads) of the way into Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. It’s set in Shaker Heights, follows two families, and delves into the good ol’ topic of privilege at a level that is actually really, really human. So far it’s teetering between 4.5/5 and 5/5 for me! So here’s hoping the last 35% get it up to that 5/5! 

2 | What was the last book you rated 5/5? 

A play by Jackie Sibblies Drury titled *deep breath* We are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915. 

It’s a play set up as a group of actors trying to devise a presentation about the Herero of Namibia, but along the way realize that they’re not necessarily equipped to do so. It’s a difficult look at racism and eurocentrism, and what is “okay” and “not okay”. 

3 | What was the last book you rated 1/5? 

I have never hated a book enough to give it 1/5! Some honourable 2/5′s, though, include Enchantée by Gita Trelease (which gained a star just because I had so much fun hating it), The Farm Show by Ted Johns, and I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shreya (something about this book hit bad for me, and I’m not sure I remember what - I might give it another chance some day, but I remember feeling really yucky after reading it). 

14 | What’s the oldest book on your to-read list? when did you add it? 

According to Goodreads it’s The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, which checks out! I added it on November 2nd of 2017. 

The book that really propelled me into wanting to read more was Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by the same author, so it makes sense that the pseudo-sequel is something I want to pick up. 

(20 | How much do book covers matter? red white and royal blue is so ugly I will not have it in my home) 

Thank you for asking! I love you! 

[bookendbookbegin]

Book Review: “Enchantée” by Gita Trelease

(Contains spoilers)

The words printed on these pages read with the same beautiful, electrifying magic that flows through the veins of our heroine.

Camille Durbonne is an orphan living in 1789 Paris, France, a city and nation ripe for revolution. Struggling to provide for herself, her sister, Sophie, and brother, Alain, Camille must turn to the sorrowful art of magic to help them survive. She begins gambling at the Palace of Versailles, using her magic to cheat the odds and win. There, she is swept into the marvelous aristocratic life she has always spurned. The more time spent at Versailles, the more difficult it becomes for Camille to reconcile her true self with her noble persona – Cécile Descharlots, Baroness de la Fontaine. And all the while, sinister plots and revolution loom.

Twice now, I have read this book. And neither time have I been able to put it down! In this debut novel, Gita Trelease presents herself as an author of exceptional skill, enchanting readers right from the start. As readers join Camille in her endeavor to find stability in her awfully turbulent life, they also find themselves journeying through a very realistic representation of France during the late-1700s. Readers live through the Tennis Court Oath and the Storming of the Bastille vicariously by way of Camille and the other characters.

The fantastical elements in this novel in no way detract from the aspects of realism. As a matter of fact, it becomes almost believable that magic did exist. I particularly like that magic has its limits and concessions – one cannot simply use magic to achieve whatever they desire. Yet, as Camille discovers, the world of magic is grander than she originally assumes. La magie is much more than transforming scrap metal into money; a magician can change not only objects, but also themselves. Camille reinvents herself as the Baroness de la Fontaine in order to gamble at Versailles, but must still labor – so to speak – such that she may secure the necessary money to support her family.

This novel is quite like a Bildungsroman, with Camille coming into her own and whatnot. She suffers many hardships throughout the novel, but nevertheless, she does grow from and overcome them, finding her authentic self by the end. Furthermore, Camille’s courtship with Lazare is just so beautiful and true! Amidst the half-truths and court whispers, these two remain dedicated to each other, even if their intentions are sometimes lost due to Camille’s double-life as Cécile. One of my few critiques of this novel is Camille’s inability to recognize Lazare’s feelings for her (at least before meeting as Marquis and Baroness). Despite her intelligence, she can be rather naïve, and this stark contrast in her personality is one I had difficulty synthesizing at the beginning of the novel. However, as Camille matures, she does indeed outgrow her naïveté.

In addition to Camille and Lazare…what an amazing cast of characters! Though not at all without flaws, they do garner a special place in our hearts. I am very much looking forward to their appearances (hopefully) in the sequel, Liberté, releasing in 2021.

Besides my dislike of Camille’s initial naïveté, I have two main critiques: the tragic nature of the antagonist, and the novel’s pacing. The main antagonist, the Vicomte de Séguin, is truly wretched. Disguised as the perfect, courtly gentlemen, something wicked lies beneath the surface, hidden by his glamoire. Yet, there are moments throughout the novel – particularly at the end – where we readers are exposed to his humanity, however limited it may be. As he lay dying, he reveals to Camille why he was so desperate for her sorrow, her magic. Although never burdened with financial worry, he too, like Camille, was at risk of losing everything. Still, his racism, manipulation of Alain, and abusive treatment of Camille and Sophie does not warrant him any sympathy. Camille’s magic did threaten her treasured relationships, but she never once actively sought to harm another in order to realize her goals.

As aforementioned, my second critique of this novel is the pacing. “Critique” may not the best word; perhaps pacing is more of a personal preference for some than an actual criticism. The writing is extremely detailed, packed with visual imagery, that can remove or detach readers briefly from the story. Personally, I adore descriptive writing. When used effectively (as it is in Enchantée), I believe it adds so much depth to a narrative. Whilst rereading this novel, I noticed literary devices I had most likely skimmed over on my first read, and these techniques greatly enhanced my understanding and love of the story, and my appreciation for Trelease’s writing.

Enchantée is such a unique book within the historical fiction/fantasy genre, and I highly recommend it, especially to those who fit into any of the following categories:

1)    Love history;

2)    Have a love of France & the French language;

3)    Prefer novels with descriptive prose;

4)    Consider either historical fiction and/or fantasy favorite genres.

Rating: 4.5/5

Read Enchantée? Tell me: What were your thoughts?

[bloodydamnit]

Hello everyone! I was commissioned again by LitJoy Crate to make this Marie Antoinette piece for Gita Trelease’s (Author of Enchanteé!) author card in their February VIVA LA MAGIC box!!! I had an absolute amazing time creating this piece. It's something so different from what I usually do and presented a few exciting challenges. I hope you all like it :)

[thechronicbookwormblog]

BOOK REVIEW: Enchantee by Gita Trelease

Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . .

Title: Enchantee

Author: Gita Trelease

Published by: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: 26/02/19

Cover: *click*

Australian RRP: $16.99

Genres: Fantasy, historical fiction, young adult, romance,

Pages: 464

Format: ARC

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . .

When smallpox kills her parents, seventeen-year-old Camille is left to provide for her frail sister and her volatile brother. In desperation, she survives by using the petty magic she learnt from her mother. But when her brother disappears Camille decides to pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Using dark magic Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine‘ and presents herself at the court of Versaille, where she soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying life of riches, finery and suitors. But Camille’s resentment of the rich is at odds with the allure of their glamour and excess, and she soon discovers that she’s not the only one leading a double life . . .

Enchantée is a compelling historical fantasy and is Gita Trelease's debut novel.

Trigger Warnings: physical abuse, slut shaming, emotional abuse, grief, death, gambling addiction, alcoholism, verbal abuse, 

Review:

Today is my stop on the Enchantee blog tour. Enchantee is a wonderful book about magic, romance, revolution, and history. Gita Trelease's beautiful writing made me feel like I was in France in 1789 alongside the characters. The magic system in Enchantee was interesting, and I enjoyed learning more about it as the story went on. I did struggle with the pacing for Enchantee, and the climax/ending felt rushed.

Camille was a great character to follow. She had such determination and hope, even in the hardest times. I liked that the romance wasn't the main focus of Camille's story. The relationship between Camille and her sister Sophie was my favourite thing in Enchantee. They were best friends and would do anything for each other, which reminded me of my own relationship with my sister.

Overall, If you love magic and historical fiction, I recommend picking up a copy of Enchantee!

Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for letting me be part of the Enchantee blog tour, and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

See the other stops on the Enchantee blog tour below:

[coffeebooksorme]

APRIL 2019 WRAP UP

Reading The Priory of the Orange Tree took up a huge chunk of my reading time this past month so I barely read anything else throughout the month. I binged on a shit ton of contemporary fiction afterward because they’re usually light and fluffy, and super easy to get through. And then I ended the month with a historical fiction/magical realism type book that was a bit of a dud. I didn’t even get to mark off anything from my Book Bingo card and I’ve been doing so good with that, too. Needless to say, April kinda sucked for reading for me.

BUT! May kicks off #asianreadathon hosted by @readwithcindy​ which I am SUPER excited to do! I’ve pulled every book written by an Asian author off my shelves and holy shit, there was a lot! Way more than I can read in a month, but I’m totally making it an Asian month of reading despite what my my ‘official’ TBR says.

FAVORITES OF THE MONTH

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman (Read my review HERE!)

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

DUDS OF THE MONTH

Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson & Helen Hogan

Enchantee by Gita Trelease

DNF’S OF THE MONTH

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

Tarot by Marissa Kennerson

MAY RELEASESS I’M EXCITED ABOUT

Finale by Stephanie Garber

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

With The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo 

The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand

Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff & Amie Kaufman

[bookcoversonly]

Title: Everything That Burns | Author: Gita Trelease | Publisher: Flatiron Books (2021)

[booksandtea]

ARC Review: Enchantée by Gita Trelease - #Gifted

ARC Review: Enchantée by Gita Trelease #BooksandTeaBC #Gifted

Enchantée by Gita Trelease Genre: Fantasy | Young Adult Length: 480 pages Published on 21st February 2019 by Macmillan Childrens Books Purchase: Amazon | TBD | Hive Gita Trelease: Website | Twitter | Goodreads Received for free from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis: Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries—and magicians…

When…

[addictedforbooksquad]

P I C K (S)  O F  T H E  M O N T H: F E B R U A R Y

The Risk by Elle Kennedy 

Dream by Natalia Jaster

Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Enchantèe by Gita Trelease

Huge Deal by Lauren Layne

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

The Risk by Elle Kennedy

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Sports Romance

Synopsis:

A sexy standalone novel from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy. THE RISK takes you back to the world of hot hockey players, feisty heroines, bro banter, and steamy scenes... Everyone says I’m a bad girl. They’re only partly right—I don’t let fear rule me, and I certainly don’t care what people think. But I draw the line at sleeping with the enemy. As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team. And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good. But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship, and the sexy jerk isn’t making it easy for me. I need Connelly to be my fake boyfriend. For every fake date…he wants a real one. Which means this bad girl is in big trouble. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly. My father would kill me, my friends will revolt, and my post-college career is on the line. But while it’s getting harder and harder to resist Jake’s oozing sex appeal and cocky grin, I refuse to fall for him. That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

Why we love it:

a great mix of romance, banter and funny moments

individual arcs on par with the romance development

Brenna is just THE BEST and so is Jake, to be honest

100% lived-up to the hype

kept us intrigued about secondary characters and their stories, especially Hunter and Bubble Butt xD

Trigger warnings: n/a

Dream by Natalia Jaster

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, New Adult

Synopsis:

Lyrik is a rogue with skills. In the Kingdom of Winter, he’s a swaggering potioneer who hunts for wisdom—a brew that will shake the world. It’s the only secret he craves. Except for the one boy he can’t have. Nicu is a dreamer with hopes. He’s an impish Royal who hunts for wishes—a legendary star that grants yearnings. It’s the only mystery he desires. Except for the one boy he can’t stand. It’s been three years since they clashed, never wanting to see each other again. But in a land of glittering frost, they might discover something more than wisdom or wishes. Something far more exquisite—and painful.

Why we love it:

as always, Natalia's writing is beautiful, poetic and full on imaginery

story told in alternating 1st person and 3rd person limited POVs which should be a bit tiring but somehow works perfectly

Nicu's POV is delightful to read and it's an amazing journey to see the world through his eyes

all the characters are back together and it's AMAZING

Nicu and Lyrik's story is full of angst but in the end, they just fit together

a beautiful, touching, heart-warming conclusion of the series

Trigger warnings: ableism

Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance

Synopsis:

Although beautiful young widow Phoebe, Lady Clare, has never met West Ravenel, she knows one thing for certain: he's a mean, rotten bully. Back in boarding school, he made her late husband's life a misery, and she'll never forgive him for it. But when Phoebe attends a family wedding, she encounters a dashing and impossibly charming stranger who sends a fire-and-ice jolt of attraction through her. And then he introduces himself...as none other than West Ravenel. West is a man with a tarnished past. No apologies, no excuses. However, from the moment he meets Phoebe, West is consumed by irresistible desire...not to mention the bitter awareness that a woman like her is far out of his reach. What West doesn't bargain on is that Phoebe is no straitlaced aristocratic lady. She's the daughter of a strong-willed wallflower who long ago eloped with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent—the most devilishly wicked rake in England. Before long, Phoebe sets out to seduce the man who has awakened her fiery nature and shown her unimaginable pleasure. Will their overwhelming passion be enough to overcome the obstacles of the past? Only the devil's daughter knows...

Why we love it:

Sebastian Challon, Duke of Kingston, former Lord St. Vincent, aged like a fine delicious wine and any appearance he makes in this book is a delight

all the side characters and family/friends dynamics between Ravenels, Challons and Westcliffs are so much fun!

West and Phoebe's connection is electrifying and West's scenes with Phoebe's children are THE SOFTEST

Lisa Kleypas at her best

Trigger warnings: n/a

Enchantée by Gita Trelease

Genres:  Romance, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries—and magicians... When smallpox kills her parents, Camille Durbonne must find a way to provide for her frail, naive sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on petty magic—la magie ordinaire—Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy the food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille must pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. With dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine’ and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for la magie. There, she gambles at cards, desperate to have enough to keep herself and her sister safe. Yet the longer she stays at court, the more difficult it becomes to reconcile her resentment of the nobles with the enchantments of Versailles. And when she returns to Paris, Camille meets a handsome young balloonist—who dares her to hope that love and liberty may both be possible. But la magie has its costs. And when Camille loses control of her secrets, the game she's playing turns deadly. Then revolution erupts, and she must choose—love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, freedom or magic—before Paris burns…

Why we love it:

historical fantasy set in 1700s Paris

a game of high stakes played out in the French court of Marie Antoinette

bond between two sisters fighting their way out of poverty with the use of magic

beautiful story

telling and detailed descriptions of Paris life

a great debut novel from Gita Trelease that makes us look forward to her future books

Trigger warnings: n/a

Huge Deal by Lauren Layne

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Even for a top-gun banker, temptation this hot is quite a gamble, in a sexy Wall Street romp from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne. An alpha among the wolves of Wall Street, Kennedy Dawson rose to the top of the pack by striking the right contracts at the right times. But there’s one deal that’s been giving him a run for his money—a pact to never again let his assistant, Kate, get under his skin. She may be smart, gorgeous, and sharp as a whip, but she’s definitely off-limits. Kate Henley isn’t a banker, but she knows a thing or two about risk management—specifically, about managing her attraction to her smolderingly sexy boss. She already fell once, and Kennedy showed no sign of paying a return on her investment. So when Kennedy’s brother starts pursuing her, Kate figures she has the best of both worlds. Jack is charming, rich, very attentive, and the spitting image of his older brother. It’s also making Kennedy think twice. But to win Kate’s heart, he’ll have to broker the deal of a lifetime…and prove he’s worth the risk.

Why we love it:

office romance

slow burn

A++ family dynamic

interesting platonic relationships

a good ending of the series

Trigger warnings: n/a

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance

Synopsis:

Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies in a woman's heart? Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind--and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back...and he's asking for her help. "Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed...talking. When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap--her mother having died--Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.

Why we love it:

good historical romance

pirates!!!

enemies to lovers trope

good girl/bad guy trope

A++ character development

Trigger warnings: n/a

[yabookers]

Enchantée by Gita Trelease

Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries—and magicians... When smallpox kills her parents, Camille Durbonne must find a way to provide for her frail, naive sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on petty magic—la magie ordinaire—Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy the food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille must pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. With dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine’ and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for la magie. There, she gambles at cards, desperate to have enough to keep herself and her sister safe. Yet the longer she stays at court, the more difficult it becomes to reconcile her resentment of the nobles with the enchantments of Versailles. And when she returns to Paris, Camille meets a handsome young balloonist—who dares her to hope that love and liberty may both be possible. But la magie has its costs. And when Camille loses control of her secrets, the game she's playing turns deadly. Then revolution erupts, and she must choose—love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, freedom or magic—before Paris burns…

Disclaimer: I received this free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

When Camille’s parents died from smallpox, she must find a way to provide for her sick and naive sister while trying to escape her volatile brother. The only way Camille knows how is magic – la magie ordinaire – which feeds off her sorrow. She changes scraps of metals into coins to buy the food and medicine they need. When Camille can’t sustain the coins and her brother runs off with all their savings, Camille must find another way to pay the rent. She sets her sights on the Palace of Versaille and the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – a dangerous place full of secrets and cheaters, Camille must tread carefully or lose everything.

Enchantée is a magical and mesmerising read full of glamour, romance, and danger. I absolutely adored Enchantée, and I absolutely adored the atmosphere and setting. Camille starts to play in the Palace of Versaille, using her la magie ordinaire to change cards in her favour and using glamoire to pretend to be someone she isn’t, the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine’. She wins big, enough to move to a nicer apartment, enough for food and clothes, enough to put a deposit on a shop so her sister can make her popular hats for the aristocracy. Yet, Camille can’t stop. Her father used to print leaflets criticising the aristocracy, their wealth, and their disregard for the poor. Yet, for Camille, the court is thrilling and intoxicating and while she doesn’t quite belong among the aristocracy, she can’t help but want to keep what she has gained through both glamoire and la magie ordinaire. I loved this contrast into Camille’s two different lives that she was leading and the discussions into poverty, and I loved how we saw the revolution brewing in the background.

Camille was a character that I adored and I loved the complexity of her and her decisions she made. I loved how at the beginning she just wanted enough – enough to get by, but throughout the novel, she started to want more and more and I just really enjoyed the fact that she wasn’t perfect. I really loved the sisterly relationship, it was filled with tension but also love and I appreciated and adored it.

The romance was lovely and one of my favourite parts of the book. I can’t speak for the representation but Lazare, Camille’s love interest, was biracial (Indian and French), and he was also an aristocrat.

Enchantée is a magical, enchanting, and thrilling book full of high stakes, courtly politics, revolution, and danger. Gita Trelease is definitely an author I will keep my eye on!

Rating: ★★★★★ | book depository