Mini Reviews: The Rival Kiss by Jessica Kate & Skullduggery by Beverly Twomey

I have a couple of mini reviews for y'all today. They're both short stories, but that's where the similarities end, lol. One's a contemporary romance, the other is a fantasy featuring a necromancer.

About the Book
This short workplace romance will leave you swooning and eager for more!

Maisie Hastings has an endless list of reasons to be annoyed with high-school-rival-turned-teaching-colleague Harry Latu. The latest: after surprising each other at school late one Saturday night, she discovers his plans to build a rival school. It could threaten the viability of the small private school they've spent their careers in, and shoots to Reason #1 on her Why Harry Is Horrible list. But there's more to Harry's secret plan than she's given him credit for. and when their principal shows up, they both have reasons for not wanting to be discovered.

There's only one good excuse Maisie can improvise of why she'd be here late with Harry - and they'd better make it convincing.

The Rival Kiss is a short romantic prequel to Jessica Kate's full-length 2024 romance Drive You Crazy.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was very short, but very fun! Despite the quick introduction, I was already rooting for Harry and Maisie. I loved their fiery dynamic. And I loved that, despite the obvious animosity between them, sparks were flying. Their chemistry was off the charts! I didn’t want this story to end. What a great introduction to the series! I’m really looking forward to visiting Amity Creek again!

4.5 STARS

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About the Book

Down, down to underground. Six feet under. Soil to drown...

Buried beneath the grounds of the College of Magi, The Necromantic Archives are a vast maze of artifacts, magical protections, and carefully preserved secrets. Very few have ever descended to the lowest levels, and even fewer have made it out alive. But when an unexpected death summons the Necromancer back to the College, he must delve into the forbidden alcoves to find the answers he’s long been denied.

Enter the world of The Necromancer’s Apprentice in this prequel short story and meet your mentor.

Author's Website / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This short story has me so excited for more! The worldbuilding was fascinating, the characters intriguing, and the humor spot on. The Void, the necromancer’s familiar, was awesome, and the heist was incredibly entertaining and action-packed. Reading this story was a fun way to spend the afternoon! You can grab a copy of this short story for free by signing up for the author’s newsletter.

FOUR STARS