Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Book 1) 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 Fire Mountain (Elements of Danger Book 1) by Dana Mentink. I loved it! It such a high stakes adventure! This book releases Tuesday, July 1, and I should have my review up then. 

About the Book

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help.

As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not.

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Cold and ice-pick pain bored into Kit Garrido's temples. Her limbs were leaden, her body a deadweight in the driver's seat of her big rig. Grit coated her tongue and teeth. She tasted blood. Try as she might, she couldn't reach out to unbuckle her seatbelt. Panic bubbled up inside her.

Friday 56

All around them rocks and branches thumped against the vehicle. She didn't know how Cullen was keeping them upright. She thanked God she'd fastened her seatbelt. 

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde

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 No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde releasing July 15. 

About the Book

She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground.

Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman ruins. Unfortunately, her quest puts her at odds with the ambitious new lord who recently inherited the title and Hawthorn Abbey from his estranged uncle.

Recovering from wounds of both body and spirit, Captain Rafe Hawthorn is intent on restoring his long-neglected ancestral home. His plans to rebuild the abbey’s once thriving orchards require a road that will pass straight through Bridget’s potential trove of artifacts. He will not—cannot—fail again, even if he is moved by Bridget and her passion.

Yet this impasse might not be their greatest obstacle. A natural disaster and a series of suspicious accidents threaten both their plans, along with the livelihood of the nearby villagers dependent on their success. With their dreams in the balance, Bridget and Rafe must work together to fend off an unexpected enemy that may prove more dangerous than either could have imagined.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

About the Book

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

Y'all! I absolutely loved this fast-paced, dark, and twisty romantic thriller. I was immediately pulled in and glued to the pages, reading as fast as I could. I was hooked from the first sentence to the last. It’s a definite contender for book of the year.

I really liked Oaklynn. She's the daughter of the infamous Suicide Slayer, and with a copycat making their presence known, her unique insights into a serial killer's mind could be a huge advantage in finding and stopping this dangerous imitator. I was cheering her on in her high-stakes quest!

I also really liked Caleb. He had some secrets and a dark past of his own, but I loved seeing how he'd overcome it. He and Oaklynn made a great team.

The mystery of who the copycat was had me stumped! I thought I had it figured out several times, but nope! I was completely shocked by the reveal!

While this book tackles some dark subjects, I really appreciated that there was light and hope amidst it all. I loved the strong message of faith and how you could see God's goodness shining despite it all.

This book would make a great TV show! I loved it and highly, highly recommend it! If you’re a fan of Jessica Patch’s twisty thrillers, you’ll love this book!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Burning Escape (Chasing Fire: Alaska Book 3) by Michelle Sass Aleckson

About the Book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She was born to fight fires...

When Tori Mitchell said goodbye to the handsome stranger after their heart-stopping dance on her last night of freedom, she never expected him to wind up on the same Midnight Sun elite smokejumper team. Now the two rookies are on the run through the Alaska backcountry, chased by militia men intent on stopping the wildlands firefighters. Forced to rely on each other, Tori has to ignore the sparks between them if they're going to stay alive. Otherwise that spark will turn into a flame neither of them can put out.

He's got something to prove...

Born into a family legacy of firefighting, Orion Price is determined to prove his worth up in Alaska. One explosive evening on the dance floor with Tori threatens the only shot he has to step out of the shadow of his mistakes. He's going to take this shot to show his family—and himself—that he can be the man they believe he is. Orion won't risk his heart, even if survival in an isolated community means faking a relationship with Tori.

Brace yourself for a high-octane, heart-pounding, inspirational thrill ride filled with real-life heroism, searing romantic suspense, and the restorative power of unrelenting grace.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Full of action, suspense, and rising danger, Burning Escape was impossible to put down. I loved it!

Orion and Tori are both rookie smokejumpers, and both of them have a lot to prove. They’ve put a lot of pressure on themselves, both for different reasons. Despite their sweet first meeting and amazing chemistry, there was a lot preventing them from being together. Separated from the rest of their team and with the militia hot on their heels, they have to work together to make it back to camp.

I loved seeing Orion’s strong faith. While Tori wasn’t a believer, I enjoyed watching her journey of discovering it.

This is my favorite installment of the series yet! I’m so excited for the next one! If you're a fan of exciting, faith-filled romantic suspense, I highly recommend it! I’d definitely recommend reading this series in order, though.

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

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner

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 Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner. This is one of the best thrillers that I've read! I loved it! Release day is June 24. I should have my review up then.

About the Book

A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.

The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?

Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.

As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Suicide Slayer Dead. Constable Oaklynn Brock's coffee mug slipped from her fingers and smashed to the floor as she read the newspaper article on her cell phone.

Friday 56

Oaklynn's temples throbbed as she entered Faith Chapel and approached the body with Caleb at her heels. He arrived moments after her. Anxiety tightened her muscles at who they'd find.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White

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 The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White releasing July 15. 

About the Book

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna

About the Book

A desperate gambler. A masked assassin. A dragon who could burn them both alive.

Jack Landry just wanted to be the responsible one for once. When he offered to take George Calhoun’s money to the bank in Denver so George could stay with his pregnant wife, Jack never dreamed his gambling habit would get the better of his good intentions. Now Jack haunts the Denver underworld like a ghost, determined not to go home again without winning back what he lost.

A night of gambling in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when Jack finds himself the target of a shadowy criminal syndicate. A mysterious assassin in a dragon mask rescues him from their clutches… moments before the real, live dragon in the basement burns the whole place to ashes.

Behind the mask is a woman named Shufen. She carries twin swords and a double-bladed attitude to match. She’s bent on getting revenge on the gang that exploited and killed her sister. When Shufen breaks into their headquarters to save a little girl named Jinjing from her sister’s fate, she isn’t particularly pleased to find a hapless, clueless cowboy tagging along—a man with a price on his head. She’s even less pleased to see a giant scaly monster who should only exist in ancient legends.

With homicidal crime lords and fire-breathing dragons on their tail, the odds of Jack, Shufen, and Jinjing making it safely home to the Calhoun ranch are looking mighty slim…

If you love mythic Chinese beasts and rip-roaring Western adventures, you won’t want to miss Black Dragon.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved Water Horse, the first book in this series, so I was really looking forward to this sequel. While it did take me a little bit to get into, I ended up really enjoying it.

I loved catching up with old characters and meeting new ones. Shufen was fierce and strong. I really admired her quest to rescue girls who were in horrible situations. Jack was rough around the edges but extremely likable. They made for a mismatched and often antagonistic team, yet they worked so well together! They made a great team, and I loved watching them fall for each other.

I’m not usually drawn to westerns, but I love this series. The combination of the historical setting and the fantasy elements really works here.

While the whole book was exciting, the second half really ramped up the action and had me flying through the pages.

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for exciting historical fantasy. I’d recommend reading Water Horse first. Even though this story focuses on two different characters, the stories are very much connected.

Note: While this is a clean romance, there is a fair amount of strong language.

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

FOUR STARS

If you're interested, check out my review for Water Horse, the first book of this series: https://rusticreadinggal.blogspot.com/2024/03/review-water-horse-nightmare-saga-1-by.html

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna

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 Black Dragon (The Nightmare Saga Book 2) by Katie Hanna. The first book in the series, Water Horse, was one of my favorite books last year, so I've been really looking forward to this sequel. 

About the Book
A desperate gambler. A masked assassin. A dragon who could burn them both alive.

Jack Landry just wanted to be the responsible one for once. When he offered to take George Calhoun’s money to the bank in Denver so George could stay with his pregnant wife, Jack never dreamed his gambling habit would get the better of his good intentions. Now Jack haunts the Denver underworld like a ghost, determined not to go home again without winning back what he lost.

A night of gambling in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when Jack finds himself the target of a shadowy criminal syndicate. A mysterious assassin in a dragon mask rescues him from their clutches… moments before the real, live dragon in the basement burns the whole place to ashes.

Behind the mask is a woman named Shufen. She carries twin swords and a double-bladed attitude to match. She’s bent on getting revenge on the gang that exploited and killed her sister. When Shufen breaks into their headquarters to save a little girl named Jinjing from her sister’s fate, she isn’t particularly pleased to find a hapless, clueless cowboy tagging along—a man with a price on his head. She’s even less pleased to see a giant scaly monster who should only exist in ancient legends.

With homicidal crime lords and fire-breathing dragons on their tail, the odds of Jack, Shufen, and Jinjing making it safely home to the Calhoun ranch are looking mighty slim…

If you love mythic Chinese beasts and rip-roaring Western adventures, you won’t want to miss Black Dragon.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"I am your enemy." I whisper as I swipe a speck of dust from my sword's glassy blade.

Friday 56

I can hear the dragon's hiss down there by my boots. Steam leaks between his teeth. Spikes rattle whenever he moves his giant head.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Spurs and Sparks (Healing Springs Ranch Book 1) by Jody Hedlund

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 Spurs and Sparks (Healing Springs Ranch Book 1) by Jody Hedlund releasing July 8.

About the Book

Is the powerful McQuaid legacy of love only a thing of the past? Or can such a love still happen today?

Tyler McQuaid has been too busy managing his family’s luxury ranch resort to think about love. But when his dad gets sick and may not have long to live, Tyler begins to question what is truly important. He’s already failed once at love and marriage, but how can he say no to his dad’s sickbed wish that he try again?

Kinsey Wingrove, a traveling nurse, prefers to keep her relationships short and sweet, and yes, even shallow. With the losses she’s already experienced in life, it’s just easier that way. When she arrives at Healing Springs Ranch, she clashes with her new patient’s son, the handsome cowboy who runs the place and doesn’t think she’s the right nurse for his dad.

As sparks fly between Tyler and Kinsey, the meddling, matchmaking McQuaid family sees that more can exist between the two than they will acknowledge. Can Tyler accept and move beyond the mistakes of his past to allow for the McQuaid legacy of love—a fast, furious, and forever kind of love? Or will he let Kinsey’s fears push him away forever?

• Enemies to more
• Grumpy boss
• Single dad
• Matchmaking family
• Grief from loss
• Hunky cowboys
• Swoony kisses

* The inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Burning Rivals (Chasing Fire: Alaska Book 2) by Voni Harris

About the Book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

He lost the one person who meant the most to him—and she let it happen.

Vince hasn’t forgiven Cadee for abandoning his father in the fire that took his life, but he’s going to find out why. When he discovers the Feds have a warrant out for his arrest, he knows he’s being framed for crimes he didn’t commit. And Cadee might be the only one he can rely on to clear his name. Vince will have to confront his bitter past and put his unwavering trust in the woman who once shattered his heart.

And Cadee…well, she knows better than to open up her heart—and trust—to the man who hates her. But she needs him if she hopes to stay alive, so…

Oh, it’s going to be a long, hot summer.

Grab this sizzling but clean romantic adventure through the fiery forest of Alaska in this latest installment of the Chasing Fire: Alaska series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’m loving this series! Burning Rivals was a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled adventure from start to finish. It starts off right in the middle of the action, and the pace barely slows from there. I was completely hooked and reading as fast as I could.

Cadee and Vince are tasked to work together to overcome their hostility towards one another. These exes have a complicated history, but I was pulling for them and hoping they could overcome their differences. They were great when they worked together.

Things with the militia are heating up, and I’m very intrigued to see where things go.

If you’re a fan of high-stakes romantic suspense, grab a copy of this series. While this book could technically stand alone, I’d recommend starting with the first one since there’s an interconnected thread that will go through the whole series. I can’t wait for the next one!

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

FOUR STARS

Review: Awakened by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / White Crown Publishing / Author's Store / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I think this is my new favorite Roseanna White book! I loved it so much! It was easy to fall into this book and get lost in its pages. It’s been a while since a book has so completely immersed me in it.

The worldbuilding was great! So detailed but never overwhelming. So imaginative and unique, yet slightly familiar.

The characters were wonderful! So likeable and easy to root for. They were relatable and three-dimensional.

I loved that there was tech in this fantasy world. You don’t see that too often, but it worked so well! More, please!

I loved this book and highly, highly recommend it to fans of clean romantasy. I also think it’d be a good intro into the fantasy genre for people who’ve never read it before. I can’t wait for more books set in this world!

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

FIVE STARS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Follow Roseanna: Blog | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Website

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Awakened by Roseanna M. White

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 Awakened by Roseanna M. White. I'm almost finished and am loving it! 

About the Book

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Arden Bleu stepped onto the weathered wood of the house's rooftop deck and scanned the horizon.

Friday 56

Not until an ache pulsed through her head did Arden realize she was frowning intensely enough that it was a wonder that furniture didn't splinter under the weight of it. She made an effort to smooth out her features, relax her muscles, but it did nothing to relax her tangled emotions.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Quarter Labyrinth (Into the Labyrinth #1) by Victoria McCombs

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 Quarter Labyrinth (Into the Labyrinth #1) by Victoria McCombs releasing June 24.

About the Book

EVERY FOUR YEARS, THE LABYRINTH AWAKENS. It shifts location, resets its deadly puzzles, and demands a new game. The rich pay for clues to find it and keys to get in, while the poor fight for entrance. This year, the first to reach the center wins control over the renowned trade vessels. Strange, because Ren specifically remembers her father—the captain—promised her those ships. But her father had the misfortune of going missing before revealing Ren as his hidden heir. And she’s never actually met him. Only through scraps of letters she keeps in a trunk, promising he’d return to the island for her someday.

There isn’t time for her father to explain. Ren has until sundown to find the labyrinth and get inside before its entrance is sealed.

Even if she makes it through the gate, she must race against others who are just as determined as she is—and far deadlier. Then there’s the Labyrinth Wolves. And the Stone Gods. And the son of her father’s enemy who takes a personal interest in Ren. She will fight for her birthright through wits, strength, and perhaps a bit of luck to be the one at the helm with her future begins.

May you find yourself in the labyrinth.
At least, may you not lose yourself.

A fast-paced young adult fantasy for fans of FABLE.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this book! I had very high expectations because of how much I adored the first book in the series. I'm happy to say that this book exceeded all my expectations.

After her father’s death, Eva is struggling and overwhelmed as she tries to take care of the family’s estate and her younger sister. The financial situation is looking dire, and she’s getting anxious for a solution.

With his uncle’s job on the line, Bram is on a mission to help him find proof of a lost refuge for Christians who were persecuted by the Roman Empire. Could Eva’s land hold the key?

This book is full of so many wonderful and likeable characters. Eva had a lot on her plate, but I loved her determination and strength. I also loved the bond that she had with her sister Penny. Penny was so resilient and such a bright light.

It was easy to fall for Bram. He was quite the charmer but had a good heart. I loved his uncle and how he looked out for him.

Archaeology has always fascinated me, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I also really enjoyed the Victorian setting. That’s one of my favorite time periods.

I was fully engaged with the story from beginning to end. I loved it! I highly recommend it to fans of sweet and intriguing historical romances.

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Chain Reaction (Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation Book 1) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

When an explosion rocks Lantern Beach, authorities scramble into action. Was the WWII relic that washed ashore merely bad luck—or something far more sinister?

Dr. Raven Newton, a forensic archaeologist, is called to investigate the bomb that killed one person. With her specialized knowledge of military artifacts, she’s the perfect person for the job—until she discovers who else is on the case.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Laudner never forgot his whirlwind romance with Raven. Once assigned as her protector during a high-risk overseas mission, Jake broke his cardinal rule: Never get emotionally involved. Now working for elite security firm Blackout, Jake is stunned to find himself face-to-face with the woman who still haunts his dreams.

As the investigation intensifies, so does the tension between Raven and Jake. Raven insists their previous relationship was nothing but adrenaline and proximity. Jake knows differently—and he’s determined to prove it.

With a killer targeting Raven and time running out, she needs protection whether she wants it or not. And Jake won’t fail her twice, even if it costs him everything.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Full of danger, suspense, and heart-pounding action, Chain Reaction was a thrill ride from the start. My anxiety was high and just kept ramping up as I furiously flipped through the pages.

It was nerve-wracking trying to figure out who was planting the bombs and when another one might go off. Who was doing it, and what was their motive? I was so invested in the outcome.

I loved being back in Lantern Beach! I always enjoy visiting the island. I loved seeing old characters and meeting new ones.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one! It’s a standalone, so it’s perfect for new fans and old alike.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep

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 Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book #2) by Michelle Griep. I loved this book! It comes out June 3 and I should have my review up then.

About the Book

Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .

In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.

Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Royston, England

1889

The end of Eva's world started with a window she never should have left open. A small neglect, yet twelve years later, one that had culminated in a leaky roof, a ledger that refused to balance, and a blind sister. Not to mention her dead mother - for Eva wouldn't. She kept that memory locked tightly in a closet.

Friday 56

Wind rattled the shutters against the house, howling through cracks in the walls, a violent echo of Eva's demand to know his secrets.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Scarlet Star (Songs of the Adriels #1) by Jennifer Kropf

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 The Scarlet Star (Songs of the Adriels #1) by Jennifer Kropf releasing June 18. 

About the Book

He’s a beast trapped in a palace, and she’s a beauty tangled in his web…

Nineteen-year-old Ryn Electus is captured and brought to the palace for a twelve-week trial period along with three of the fairest maidens in the kingdom to try and ‘steal the heart’ of a young, tormented King with a deadly secret. Unfortunately, the King appears to have no interest in the maidens and keeps getting himself into trouble.

But the King isn’t the only one with a dangerous secret. Ryn has been living in hiding all these years, until she’s dragged from her home and put on a public stage where she finds herself in the crosshairs of the Intelligentsia; a council of sages who serve the seven Celestial Divinities and conspire to destroy people like her. If the sages discover who Ryn really is, she’ll be dead by morning.

Things get even more complicated when Ryn learns what Xerxes is fighting against, the internal wars he’s waging on his own, and why he keeps getting himself into trouble.

However, shortly after Ryn arrives at the palace, an old priestess opens Ryn’s eyes to see the workings of false gods at war who are influencing the kingdom of Per-Siana at every turn, dragging the people into destruction and causing chaos. Ryn is forced to question everything she thought she knew about the gods, until she unexpectedly gains the favour of an ancient god who’s been “silent” for decades; the God Original, the first God, enemy of the Celestial Divinities, who beckons Ryn to shake up the very foundations of the domain.

Thus begins a battle fought in the shadows alongside a war of gowns and politics waged in the spotlight.

Ryn must do everything she can to hide that she’s a descendant of King Xerxes’s enemies, and she and Xerxes were born as rivals, destined to hate and destroy each other.

She has only weeks to decide which side she’s on.

Inspired by the fairytale Beauty and the Beast and the Biblical story of Queen Esther, this mashup of high stakes, forbidden romance, and dangerous secrets isn’t the fairytale you know.

This book is ideal for fans of The Selection Series by Kiara Cass and A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer and includes gorgeous character illustrations by Kyannah Durocher.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Meet Me on Lilac Lane (A Jonathon Island Novel #2) by Andrea Christenson

About the Book

The Jonathon Island series is created by USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Susan May Warren.

He was her late husband's best friend, but for him she'd always been the one.

Mia Jonathon Franklin has been living a nightmare for the last two years—ever since her husband and high school sweetheart died in a fishing boat accident, leaving her to care for her two young kids on her own. She's managed to stay afloat, but her husband's paltry life insurance money is gone—and if she can't find a way to support her family, she may lose the cozy cottage she and Troy had meant to grow old in.

So when Mia is offered a chance to buy her own house for a dollar if she can find business owners to move to Jonathon Island, it seems like the answer to her prayers. That is until she learns the ridiculous quota required to complete the deal. She’s in over her head...until her late husband's best friend offers to lend a hand.

Cody Hart has been haunted by survivor's guilt since the boating accident that claimed his best friend's life. Torn between his own dreams of reopening his family's fishing business and his desire to help Mia, the woman he has loved since their youth, he steps up to help. She needs him and he’s not going to let her down…or let his heart cause her more pain.

As Mia and Cody work together to breathe new life into the island's Main Street, their shared history and undeniable connection threatens to reignite long-buried feelings. Can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way and find the courage to embrace a second chance at love, or will the weight of their pasts and the uncertainties of the future keep them from the happiness they both deserve?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a sweet story! Heartfelt and emotional, I loved it!

I really liked Mia. She's a widow with two young children who's barely making ends meet and is on the verge of losing her home. Things seemed dire, but I loved her determination. She never gave up and was constantly striving to make things better for her kids. It was inspiring to read about. Speaking of her kids, Finn and Maggie were a handful but absolutely adorable!

Cody was very likable and hardworking. He was a great guy. He blamed himself for the death of his best friend, who was also Mia's husband. Seeing him wrestle with that guilt was heartbreaking, but I loved seeing him light up around Mia and her kids. While there were some obstacles in the way of him and Mia getting together, I was rooting for them. They were so good together. Exactly what the other needed.

I loved visiting Jonathon Island again and look forward to visiting it again in the next book! If you're looking for a sweet, small-town romance with a strong message of faith, grab a copy of this book.

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

FOUR STARS

Review: Burning Hearts (Chasing Fire: Alaska #1) by Lisa Phillips

About the Book

RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION.
THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.

She came to Alaska searching for her troubled brother...and found herself kidnapped by a dangerous militia.

Jamie Winters will risk anything to rescue her brother Tristan, even infiltrating the militia’s remote compound. But when she’s abducted, there’s only one man who can save her—Logan Crawford, the elite smokejumper she’s never stopped loving.

Yes, Logan relocated to Alaska's Midnight Sun smokejumpers to find Jamie and win back her heart. So when he learns she’s been taken, of course he'll stop at nothing to bring her home safe. But when he accidentally leads the team into the militia’s deadly trap, he’s in over his head…

And hunted.

Now wounded and on the run, Jamie and Logan must fight for their lives in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. But the biggest risk of all is the sparks between them…and the terrible cost of a second chance at love.

Jumpstart your summer reading with this edge-of-your-seat journey of peril, faith, and finding the courage to love one last time in book one of the bestselling Chasing Fire: Alaska romantic suspense series.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What an exciting start to this new series! I loved it! Action-packed and fast-paced, I flew through the pages and finished it in record time.

I really liked Logan and Jamie. They had a complicated past, but you could see how much they still cared for one another. They had amazing chemistry, and I was really rooting for them to get back together.

I really enjoyed seeing characters from other series. No worries if you haven't read those series, though. This stands alone perfectly fine.

The mystery surrounding the mercenaries had me very intrigued. I’m eager to learn more about what they’re up to!

This book was an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for the rest of the series! If you’re looking for a high-stakes, romantic suspense with a strong message of faith, grab a copy of this book. You won’t be disappointed.

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: Chain Reaction (Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation Book 1) by Christy Barritt

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 Chain Reaction (Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation Book 1) by Christy Barritt. Yep, another Christy Barritt book, lol. She writes so fast that I'm having a hard time keeping up! I guess that's a good problem to have with a favorite author though! 

About the Book

When an explosion rocks Lantern Beach, authorities scramble into action. Was the WWII relic that washed ashore merely bad luck—or something far more sinister?

Dr. Raven Newton, a forensic archaeologist, is called to investigate the bomb that killed one person. With her specialized knowledge of military artifacts, she’s the perfect person for the job—until she discovers who else is on the case.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Laudner never forgot his whirlwind romance with Raven. Once assigned as her protector during a high-risk overseas mission, Jake broke his cardinal rule: Never get emotionally involved. Now working for elite security firm Blackout, Jake is stunned to find himself face-to-face with the woman who still haunts his dreams.

As the investigation intensifies, so does the tension between Raven and Jake. Raven insists their previous relationship was nothing but adrenaline and proximity. Jake knows differently—and he’s determined to prove it.

With a killer targeting Raven and time running out, she needs protection whether she wants it or not. And Jake won’t fail her twice, even if it costs him everything.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Eleanor Clarke walked down the seashore, the early morning sun casting pale hues through the air as the ocean crescendoed then receded beside her.

Friday 56

Footsteps sounded behind her, but she didn’t dare move. She was afraid to even breathe.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Awakened by Roseanna M. White

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 Awakened by Roseanna M. White releasing June 3.

About the Book

Where sea and land meet, two worlds clash in a fury of wind and waves.

Arden Bleu has always known that her stepsister, Jade, was destined for great things. In a world where beauty follows magic, she has no doubt that their upcoming Awakening ceremony will reveal that gorgeous, kind, compelling Jade is far more than a mere mortal. But when Jade is kidnapped by a mysterious sect of mer on the eve of the newly-returned king’s ball, Arden will do anything to save her sister. Even face down the man she’s always dreaded meeting because of the power he holds over her family, the man to whom her father swore loyalty long before she was born. The Sea King.

Seidon, the Sea King of Daryatla, has grown only more powerful as the centuries have gone by, but lifetime after lifetime have failed to give him what he most yearns for: a family. He knows that it will take a woman of extraordinary power to match him enough to create a child, and no such woman seems to exist…until he feels her magic calling to his one day in the water. And when Arden Bleu, daughter of his most trusted official, arrives to tell him about her missing stepsister, he knows this Jade, with a new magic so coveted that the mer would risk war with his kingdom to steal her away, may be the one he’s waited centuries for. But how can he and the determined Arden ever hope to find one young woman trapped beneath the waves? Perhaps the Great Golden Sea Hawk who has guarded the sisters all their lives holds the key.

In a world on the brink of war between the mer and the land-dwellers, friendship, faith, and love demand the ultimate sacrifice as both kingdoms seek to unlock the prophesied magic waiting to spring forth: the magic of wind and sky. To the mer, it would mean the freedom to return to the land. To Seidon’s court, it would mean safety from every storm. But how can any human hand wield the wind?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Blackmail and Kitty Tails (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #5) by DeAnna Drake

About the Book
A glamorous gala, a cursed dagger, and a killer on the loose—Rebecca Cuthbert and her talking cat, Aneksi, face their most dangerous mystery yet.

When Rebecca Cuthbert volunteered to help with the Citrus Grove Women’s Club gala, she envisioned a night filled with elegant silk drapes, Egyptian-themed decorations, and tasty hors d’oeuvres—certainly not murder. But then the lights flicker out during the party setup, and club president Deborah Ralston is found dead, stabbed with an ancient dagger.

With Aneksi purring by her side and a murder weapon steeped in legend, Rebecca must unravel a twisted web of secrets, blackmail, and bitter rivalries behind this sinister murder. Everyone from suspicious club members to scorned lovers is a suspect, and time is running out as Rebecca’s own antique shop becomes linked to the deadly artifact.

Can Rebecca and her cat corner the killer before tragedy slashes her world again?

A cozy mystery perfect for fans of charming small towns, clever cats, and amateur sleuths!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

After recently joining the Citrus Grove Women’s Club, Rebecca is swept up into another mystery when the newly appointed president of the club is murdered while getting things ready for the upcoming Egyptian-themed gala.

I thought the mystery was really good. It definitely kept me guessing. There were plenty of suspects with plenty of motive. I thought I had it figured out several times but ended up being surprised in the end. I love when that happens.

I think my favorite thing about this series is seeing the bond between Rebecca and Grandpa Stirling. It’s so sweet! I also love Aneksi. She’s awesome!

I loved visiting Citrus Grove again. It’s such a cozy and charming town full of so many great characters!

I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that ending has me so eager for the next book! I can’t wait! If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this series! It’s so good!

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: Blackmail and Kitty Tails (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #5) by DeAnna Drake

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 Blackmail and Kitty Tails (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #5) by DeAnna Drake. This is such a fun cozy mystery series. 

About the Book

A glamorous gala, a cursed dagger, and a killer on the loose—Rebecca Cuthbert and her talking cat, Aneksi, face their most dangerous mystery yet.

When Rebecca Cuthbert volunteered to help with the Citrus Grove Women’s Club gala, she envisioned a night filled with elegant silk drapes, Egyptian-themed decorations, and tasty hors d’oeuvres—certainly not murder. But then the lights flicker out during the party setup, and club president Deborah Ralston is found dead, stabbed with an ancient dagger.

With Aneksi purring by her side and a murder weapon steeped in legend, Rebecca must unravel a twisted web of secrets, blackmail, and bitter rivalries behind this sinister murder. Everyone from suspicious club members to scorned lovers is a suspect, and time is running out as Rebecca’s own antique shop becomes linked to the deadly artifact.

Can Rebecca and her cat corner the killer before tragedy slashes her world again?

A cozy mystery perfect for fans of charming small towns, clever cats, and amateur sleuths!

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Aneksi sat perched in the window of our second-floor apartment, lazily licking her paw as she watched the streetlights and shop signs flicker to life in Citrus Grove's historic downtown. Most nights, the sweet gray tabby kitten was a chatterbox, but tonight, her silence spoke volumes.

Friday 56

"It is very late." Aneksi sat on the table beside my laptop computer, glaring at me.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures #2) by Michelle Griep

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 Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures #2) by Michelle Griep releasing June 3. I received an ARC and am so excited to read it! I loved the first book. 

About the Book

In 1889 England, Eva Inman finds herself overwhelmed with responsibility. Haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths, Eva struggles to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the threat of overdue taxes looming, Eva's situation grows dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on her property. Despite local superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds forces her to consider the potential of more buried relics. She turns to Bram Webb, a Cambridge professor of Roman antiquities, for help--only to be reminded of a past she would rather forget.

Bram Webb is under immense pressure to find proof of a legendary Christian Roman settlement in an attempt to conceal his uncle's deteriorating memory from the Trinity College disciplinary board and save both of their jobs. When Eva steps into Bram's office, old sparks fly, rekindling memories that are both fond and painful. The excavation is fraught with challenges from the start, and as Eva and Bram work together with time running out, they must confront their pasts, face the growing attraction between them, and decide whether their love is strong enough to overcome the buried truths that threaten to tear them apart.

Award-winning author Michelle Griep transports you to Victorian-era England with a gripping romance that will keep you turning the pages.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Cover Reveal: Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo

I'm so excited to join in the cover reveal for Sons of Day and Night by Mariposa Aristeo releasing from Enclave Publishing in November 2025! This YA retelling of The Prince and the Pauper is book one in the Chronicles of Twinsbane and is available to preorder in hardcover today. Isn't it stunning?! 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Not even death can tell them apart.

In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.

Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.

King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.

To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.

Sons of Day and Night is available for preorder right now! If you preorder from the Enclave Publishing store, you can get 20% off!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jPqyRp

Enclave Publishing Store:  https://www.enclavepublishingstore.com/sons-of-day-and-night-hb

Review: Rogue Secreto by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.
Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre.

AMAZON / GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS

Full of intrigue, treachery, and secrets (so many secrets), this dark romantasy was everything I was hoping for and so much more! Victoria McCombs is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint, and Rogue Secreto was another winner. I absolutely loved it! It is darker than her previous books, but it still had moments of hope and light, which I really appreciated.

Marsella was a complex character. Being able to see other people's secrets had its advantages, but its drawbacks too, as did her hidden identity. Even though she made some poor decisions along the way, ones that I didn't always agree with, she was still very likable.

I was very intrigued by Cyrus. Why was he trapped? Could he be freed? Was he good or bad? I had so many questions and was very eager to learn more about him.

I thought the Fortune Coins were very interesting. I was very intrigued by what they could do and the power that they held.

This was an incredibly compelling story. I didn't want it to end. I thought the pacing was perfect. I was always eager to get back to it when I had to set it aside. I liked the Ancient Rome setting and thought the worldbuilding was great. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy! I can't wait for McCombs' next book!

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: Rogue Secreto by Victoria McCombs

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 Rogue Secreto by Victoria McCombs. This is a little darker than McCombs' other books, but I'm loving it so much! 

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.
Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Footsteps shouldn't echo in a crowded room. Yet mine did.

Friday 56

Forest floor gave way beneath my feet, my every step hardly touching down before taking off again, propelling me through the woods. Claw-like branches sliced against bare skin as I pushed past. Piles of leaves scattered in response.

What have you been reading lately?