Review: Beastly Dreams by Gabrielle Landi

SYNOPSIS

A grumpy tavern owner, his sunshine barmaid, and the curse that traps them together.

Running his grandfather's tavern is all Roan ever wanted--though the failing budget wasn't part of the dream. But when a rogue sorcerer curses him, sending everyone into a magical sleep except Roan, his too-cheerful barmaid, and his loyal dog, his priorities shift fast: break the curse before he loses everything.

Abigail has never felt safer than she does at the Lucky Goat, despite how miserable Roan is at times, and she'll do anything to keep her found home intact. At first, an opportunity to tackle the never ending to-do list without distractions seems almost like a blessing, but the pressure of hiding her own magic--and pretending she isn't falling for her grumpy boss--is a whole different kind of trouble,.

Trapped together in the tavern, Roan and Abigail begin to discover that opposites attract...but when the magic unravels, will breaking the curse also break the spark between them?

Torn from one fairytale and trapped in another: the Displaced Fairytales series is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalones from your favorite clean and closed-door young adult romance authors. BEASTLY DREAMS is Beauty and the Beast meets Sleeping Beauty with clean and wholesome forced proximity, a grumpy sunshine boss romance, and an adorable dog companion.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet, quick read. It’s a mashup of Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast. I love those fairytales, so I was very intrigued to see them intertwined. I thought it was really well done! I really enjoyed it.

Abigail was cheerful and likable, the perfect foil to grumpy Roan. Roan wasn’t the most likable of characters, but his growth from the beginning of the story to the end was great to see. And I absolutely adored his dog Beastie.

While this book is set in Galamere, the world where the author’s other books are set, it can stand alone perfectly fine. I did enjoy seeing the cameos from characters from her previous books, but don’t worry if you haven’t read those stories yet. I highly recommend this book to fans of closed-door fairytale retellings. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Raging Waters (Elements of Danger Book #2) by Dana Mentink. This book releases this coming Tuesday, March 3rd. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and really enjoyed it! There was never a dull moment!

SYNOPSIS

As the dam crumbles and water sweeps across the terrain, their battle for justice and survival is just beginning.

When Mackenzie Bardine's brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing "Bullseye," the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron's best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.

While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he's certainly not interested in helping her after he's already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron's fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.

As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it's clear to Gideon she's in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can't bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.

A gripping, clean romantic suspense featuring enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and high-stakes investigations set in small-town Washington, sweeping readers away on a turbulent wave of thrills and chills. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, wilderness survival, protective heroes, and justice-driven heroines.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

As he dodged a skull-splitting kick to the temple, Gideon Landry wondered if this side hustle was going to pan out.

Friday 56

Mackenzie darted a look at the sky, but Gideon was already pulling her toward the shrubs as a helicopter rumbled through the clouds.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Long Trail Home (Wagon Train Matches Book 9) by Lacy Williams

About the Book

All roads lead home in the dramatic conclusion to one family’s journey of love, sacrifice, and survival.

Since the moment he saw her, Coop Spencer has been single-minded in his quest to protect Belle. She’s running from something—someone—and he’s never met anyone so scared. When the wagon master forces an ultimatum: a marriage or Belle is expelled from the wagon train, Coop makes the only choice he can. He’ll do everything in his power to prove he's the kind of man she can trust. But overcoming the mistakes of his past may prove too much...

Belle knows that the danger she escaped is still out there, still hunting her. Experience has taught her that she can't rely on anyone, not even the man who promised their marriage was in name only.

As they traverse the Oregon Trail together, Belle is taken in by Coop’s big family, and the more time she spends with her temporary husband and his siblings, the more she starts to long for something she'd forgotten ages ago: home.

When danger closes in, one of them must sacrifice everything for love...

• Forced marriage of convenience
• Redemption
• Family saga
• Heroine with a dark past/sworn off men

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a really sweet story and a great conclusion to this series. I don’t read many marriage of convenience stories, nor many westerns, but that needs to change! I really enjoyed this!

I really felt for Belle. She’d been through a lot. There was a lot of trauma in her past, to say the least. But I loved seeing her growth, and I loved seeing her learn to trust. I liked Coop a lot. I loved how protective and kind he was to Belle.

This was an exciting read. There were high stakes and danger and a swoony romance, to boot. Even though this is the conclusion to the series, it can still stand alone. Although it would be helpful to start at the beginning to understand the characters and their circumstances a little better. If you’re a fan of faith-filled historical romances, check it out. I think you’ll really enjoy it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Over the Edge (Summer Rangers Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Tari Faris

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Over the Edge (Summer Rangers Book 1) by Susan May Warren & Tari Faris releasing April 28. 

About the Book

When a woman running from the mob meets a ranger haunted by his past, the Grand Canyon's dangers might be the least of their troubles.

Tech-savvy hacker Nimue Hart has mastered the art of staying invisible, living off-grid in her Airstream and hiding from the Russian mob who want her silenced. But when a rescue mission forces her into the spotlight, her carefully constructed world begins to crumble.

Grand Canyon Backcountry Ranger Liam Kingsley buried his heart in the Swiss Alps a year ago after a tragic climbing accident. Now he keeps tourists safe and his emotions locked away—until a mysterious woman with secrets of her own makes him question everything he thought he knew about safety.

As their worlds collide, Nimue and Liam must navigate more than just the treacherous canyon trails. With mobsters closing in, a dangerous treasure unearthed, and lives hanging in the balance during a catastrophic flash flood, their growing trust in each other might be their only lifeline. But when Nimue's past catches up with them at the canyon's edge, Liam faces his worst nightmare all over again—this time with a woman he can't bear to lose.

Perfect for readers who love their romance with a shot of adrenaline, OVER THE EDGE delivers heart-pounding action, breathtaking rescues, and the sizzling chemistry between a protective ranger and a brilliant woman on the run.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: The Not-So-Neutral Zone by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren

About the Book

One perfect day in Barcelona. One kiss that changed everything. One goodbye that broke my heart.

I've always been the overlooked sister, the forgotten friend, the girl in the background of everyone else's love story. But when a handsome stranger rescued my purse—and then my entire day—I dared to believe my story might finally be starting.

Then he vanished. No explanation. No phone number. Not even a last name.

Classic.

Fast forward to six months later, when I discover my mystery man is Brody "Candy" Kane—NHL golden boy, my sister's fiancé's teammate—and he needs a favor. As in, a girlfriend to keep his reputation in good shape while he skates into a new contract. And frankly? I wouldn't mind a date to my sister's over-the-top wedding.

The deal: Fake date through wedding season. Break up at the end. No harm, no foul.

The rules: Fake smiles for the cameras. Fake hand-holding for the fans. Absolutely, positively, no falling for each other for real.

The problem: The chemistry that sparked in Barcelona? Never actually went away. And pretending to be in love with someone you're already halfway in love with?

Terrible idea. 0/10. Would not recommend.

A swoony Christian romance about second chances, hidden identities, and discovering that the one man you shouldn't want might be exactly who you need. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor, and Courtney Walsh will love this sweet and clean, fake dating rom-com with all the banter and none of the spice.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! This was such a fun read! It had me laughing out loud in spots and emotional and teary-eyed in others. I absolutely adored it.

The fake dating trope is always hit or miss for me. I either love it or can’t stand it. But it worked so well in this story!

I loved Brody and Chloe. They had amazing chemistry right from the get-go. I loved their playful banter and camaraderie. They were great together. There were some definite bumps along the way. Big bumps. Some that seemed insurmountable. Some that I didn’t know how they’d overcome. But I loved seeing them work through things.

This felt like one of those rom-com movies that I loved so much in the 90s. (Yes, I just aged myself, lol.) I loved it so much and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good, heartfelt, and faith-filled romantic comedy. I can’t wait for book two!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Not-So-Neutral Zone by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring The Not-So-Neutral Zone by Susan May Warren & Sarah May Warren 

About the Book

One perfect day in Barcelona. One kiss that changed everything. One goodbye that broke my heart.

I've always been the overlooked sister, the forgotten friend, the girl in the background of everyone else's love story. But when a handsome stranger rescued my purse—and then my entire day—I dared to believe my story might finally be starting.

Then he vanished. No explanation. No phone number. Not even a last name.

Classic.

Fast forward to six months later, when I discover my mystery man is Brody "Candy" Kane—NHL golden boy, my sister's fiancé's teammate—and he needs a favor. As in, a girlfriend to keep his reputation in good shape while he skates into a new contract. And frankly? I wouldn't mind a date to my sister's over-the-top wedding.

The deal: Fake date through wedding season. Break up at the end. No harm, no foul.

The rules: Fake smiles for the cameras. Fake hand-holding for the fans. Absolutely, positively, no falling for each other for real.

The problem: The chemistry that sparked in Barcelona? Never actually went away. And pretending to be in love with someone you're already halfway in love with?

Terrible idea. 0/10. Would not recommend.

A swoony Christian romance about second chances, hidden identities, and discovering that the one man you shouldn't want might be exactly who you need. Fans of Emma St. Clair, Jenny Proctor, and Courtney Walsh will love this sweet and clean, fake dating rom-com with all the banter and none of the spice.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

SIX MONTHS AGO

BARCELONA

There are about a hundred different reasons why I shouldn't be here now, and most of them are stuffed in my backpack.

Friday 56

My defensive game has gone back to being garbage too. So all around, things are just ... great.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Renegade (Heroes of Renegade Book 1) by Susan May Warren

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Renegade (Heroes of Renegade Book 1) by Susan May Warren releasing March 17.

About the Book

★ He was supposed to be dead. She was supposed to move on. Some loves won't stay buried. ★

The last person Sierra Blackwood expects to see is the man whose memorial service she attended three years ago.

For ten years, she's raised their son alone, told him his father died a hero, and built a life from the ashes of broken promises. Now Rowan "Hammer" Wallace is back—no explanation, no apology, just those devastating blue eyes and a presence that fills every empty space she's tried to heal.

He doesn't know about the boy. And she doesn't know if she can survive losing him again.
But there's no time for second chances when a killer has you in their crosshairs.

Someone wants Sierra's ranch—and they're willing to burn down everything she loves to get it. Poisoned livestock. Mysterious fires. And when armed men kidnap Sierra and her ten-year-old son, Rowan must confront the violent stepfather who drove him away to save the family he never knew existed.

In the mountains of Colorado, the past never stays buried. And some men never stop fighting for what's theirs.

Perfect for fans of:

• Second-chance romance with heart
• Christian romantic suspense
• Cowboy heroes with dangerous pasts
• Small-town settings with big secrets
• Military romance/Wounded warrior stories
• Family drama and redemption arcs

Start the Heroes of Renegade series today and discover why readers can't get enough of this pulse-pounding romantic suspense!

Book 1 in Heroes of Renegade series. Complete story with HEA, but the series continues!

❓ What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?