Review: All the Wild Hearts (Stardust Hearts #1): A Red Riding Hood Retelling by J.M. Hackman

About the Book

Who’s afraid of the big bad businessman?
Everyone.

On the snowy planet of Amaris, Avarill Engle makes deliveries for her grandmother and the residents of Skift, while avoiding unwanted advances from the gray tycoon Wolfgang Vujic. When the crooked CEO buys the mortgage to her grandmother’s neo-res, the only way to keep their home is to go to work—for him.

With every passing day, Avarill grows more desperate and afraid. Blaiz Weylin, her new friend and expert codestitcher, creates a plan to destroy Vujic, and Avarill eagerly joins the sting operation. But Blaiz’s past entwines with Vujic in ways he can’t confess, even as his feelings for Avarill deepen. When his secret comes to light, Avarill must make a choice: trust in the man who could break her heart or fight to free herself from Vujic’s iron grasp. With one wrong move, her freedom will become a distant memory. Time is running out, and the wolf is closing in.

For fans of The Lunar Chronicles and the Ravenspire series, this fantasy retelling of Red Riding Hood is a stand-alone and blends charming romance, futuristic tech, and high-stakes adventure into a mythical tale of survival and redemption. Don’t miss out on this must-read novella—buy now!

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

What a clever sci-fi retelling of Little Red Riding Hood! I loved it! I was pulled right into the story. The worldbuilding was great. Vivid and detailed but never overwhelming.

Ava was endearing and easy to like. I thought her special ability was really interesting. I loved seeing the special and loving bond she had with her grandma. I also really liked her pet, Mo.

I didn’t know what to think of Blaiz at first, but he was very intriguing. I enjoyed getting to know him, his motives, and his background.

I really, really, really didn’t like Vujic. What a horrible man! I was so hoping he’d get his comeuppance!

I’m glad this is the start of a new series! I’m very eager for more stories set in this world! I can’t wait!

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

FIVE STARS

Review: Once Upon A Rose: (The Galamere Chronicles #2) by Gabrielle Landi

About the Book
A cursed lord, a feisty librarian, and their disguised pet dragon.

Being the first librarian in their small town is everything Beatrice Montgomery has ever dreamed of–except no one in town knows what to make of her, or the library. But spending her days surrounded by books is an occupation beyond her wildest dreams, and she'll do whatever it takes to make the library a success.

Lord Alexander Dunham's time is running out. Providing for his estate and the people dependent on him before his curse ruins his life is his first priority--and that means he needs a wife, immediately. Proposing a marriage of convenience to the feisty librarian seems like the perfect plan: he gets a wife, she gets funds for her library, and the sorcerer trying to steal his estate gets nothing.

Even with his lips sealed about the curse, a transforming dragon watching his every move, and a wife who's winning over everyone on their estate, their marriage of convenience should have solved all of Alexander's problems. Unfortunately, he's falling for his wife, and it's causing a new problem: he's no longer willing to die. Can Alexander and Beatrice outwit the most powerful sorcerer in the Northlands, or will Beatrice lose the man she's growing to love?

Once Upon A Rose is a Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling and the second book in the Galamere Chronicles. Each standalone book is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie, the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy, and the comfort of a found family of friends, with a sprinkling of danger and a dash of magic.

Tropes:
❤️ Marriage of Convenience
❤️ Beauty and the Beast Retelling
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Grumpy/Sunshine

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a cute Beauty and the Beast retelling! I loved all the nods to the original story but appreciated the differences too. The first line grabbed my attention, and I was hooked from there on out.

This book was full of wonderful characters. Alexander and Beatrice were so easy to like and root for. They were such a great pair and were so good together. I liked that the story was told from both Alexander’s and Beatrice’s POVs. I also really liked Guinevere, Dietrich, and especially Rose. She was such an awesome “kitty.”

The curse added a bit of danger and urgency to the story, which had me flipping through the pages as fast as I could to see how it would all turn out.

I did think that some of the wording sounded awkward at times. Just some unnecessary repeating of words and phrases, which kind of pulled me out of the story at times. But other than that, I really enjoyed this sweet read and look forward to the next book in the series!

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

FOUR STARS

Cover Reveal: All the Wild Hearts by J.M. Hackman

I'm so excited to be part of the cover reveal for All the Wild Hearts the first book in the Stardust Hearts series by J.M. Hackman! It's releasing April 29 and is a futuristic sci-fi fantasy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood! 

About the Book

Who’s afraid of the big bad businessman? Everyone.

On the snowy planet of Amaris, Avarill Engle makes deliveries for her grandmother and the residents of Skift, while avoiding unwanted advances from the gray tycoon Wolfgang Vujic. When the crooked CEO buys the mortgage to her grandmother’s neo-res, the only way to keep their home is to go to work—for him.

With every passing day, Avarill feels more desperate and afraid. Blaiz Weylin, her new friend and expert codestitcher, creates a plan to destroy Vujic, and Avarill eagerly joins the sting operation. But Blaiz’s past entwines with Vujic in ways he can’t confess, even as his feelings for Avarill deepen. When his secret comes to light, Avarill must make a choice: trust in the man who could break her heart or fight to free herself from Vujic’s iron grasp. With one wrong move, her freedom will become a distant memory. Time is running out, and the wolf is closing in.

There are no preorder links at this time but be on the lookout for this book at the end of April! 

Review: Thorns of Winter by Moriah Chavis

About the Book
William Rhodes has always known harsh winters. Every year, the beast holds someone captive in the forest castle, and the village chooses a warrior to save her. The girl survives, but the warrior always dies. This year, Will volunteered to be the warrior. But the night before he's supposed to defeat the beast, his betrothed traps him, refusing to let the curse take the boy she loves. But winter sinks its claws deeper. Another victim is stolen from her bed: Will's sister.

Now, both the girls he loves most are held captive by the curse.

He travels deep into the forest to face the monster. But the beast inside is nothing like he imagined.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was a beautiful story. It might be a quick read, but it leaves a lasting impression. I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

This story captivated me from the first sentence and took me on a fast-paced and atmospheric journey showcasing the power of sacrificial love.

This author has a very engaging writing style, and I’m eager to read more from her. If you're looking for a quick and impactful retelling, grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it.

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

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After) by Karen Witemeyer

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 Cloaked in Beauty (Texas Ever After) by Karen Witemeyer releasing December 17.

About the Book

In the heart of the Piney Woods of Texas, Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty's resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to Letty grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping her out of harm's way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

"Little Red Riding Hood" and "Sleeping Beauty" entwine for a romantic fairy tale retelling that explores the power of true love conquering even the darkest of nights.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating? 

Review: To Defy a Dream by Mary Mecham

About the Book

What if Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on purpose?

Princess Aurelia’s kingdom is plagued by the Eternal Slumber, a disease progressively ensnaring the minds of her subjects. After Aurelia wishes for the means to revive her brother, her sinister fairy godmother presents an ominous solution: Aurelia must stab herself with a poisoned spindle.

Accepting this fate plunges Aurelia into a nightmare where victims of the Eternal Slumber are being held hostage by a dark djinni. However, Aurelia’s brother isn’t the only familiar face she finds herself reunited with; Everett, the love of her life who mysteriously disappeared years ago, is there as well. As the djinni’s power grows, Aurelia must decide who to save before the djinni escapes and enters the waking world.

Failing on her quest could trap her in the dream world forever. Will she forgo her chance at a happily ever after and protect her brother, or will she choose to rescue herself and the man she loves?

No matter who she chooses, someone will be doomed to remain in the nightmare that never ends.

To Defy a Dream is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romances, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been wanting to read something by this author for awhile, and I’m so happy that I finally did. This was a fun and twisted retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It poses the question of, What if she pricked her finger on purpose? Color me intrigued! What would make her do that? I was glued to the pages! It’s a quick read, but it’s jam-packed full of goodness.

The worldbuilding was excellent. Everything was fleshed out, and the volcanic realm really came to life. Both frightening and fascinating, I was captivated and found myself having a difficult time putting the book down!

While I admired Aurelia’s desire to find a cure for the Eternal Slumber, she was a bit impulsive and headstrong. There were some moments where I had a hard time liking her, but by the end, she really grew on me.

If you’re looking for a unique retelling, grab a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more from this author.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: To Defy a Dream by Mary Mecham

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 To Defy a Dream by Mary Mecham. I've been wanting to read something by this author for awhile and I'm glad that I finally did. This was a fun and unique twist to Sleeping Beauty. 

About the Book

What if Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on purpose?

Princess Aurelia’s kingdom is plagued by the Eternal Slumber, a disease progressively ensnaring the minds of her subjects. After Aurelia wishes for the means to revive her brother, her sinister fairy godmother presents an ominous solution: Aurelia must stab herself with a poisoned spindle.

Accepting this fate plunges Aurelia into a nightmare where victims of the Eternal Slumber are being held hostage by a dark djinni. However, Aurelia’s brother isn’t the only familiar face she finds herself reunited with; Everett, the love of her life who mysteriously disappeared years ago, is there as well. As the djinni’s power grows, Aurelia must decide who to save before the djinni escapes and enters the waking world.

Failing on her quest could trap her in the dream world forever. Will she forgo her chance at a happily ever after and protect her brother, or will she choose to rescue herself and the man she loves?

No matter who she chooses, someone will be doomed to remain in the nightmare that never ends.

To Defy a Dream is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romances, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Danger. That was the clear message that the bewitched spindle's cold, unforgiving metal gave me as it rolled between my fingers, the sharpened silver tip drawing my eyes repeatedly.

Friday 56

Everett had never looked so panicked, not in all of my recollections.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Once Upon An Apple by Gabrielle Landi

About the Book
A lord’s son, a milkmaid, and seven mischievous goats.

After running from her past, Sophia built a new life for herself in the Northlands, taking a job as a milkmaid for the local nobility and creating her own family with the friends she meets at the Cozy Cat Café. She spends her days spoiling the goats and finally feels safe, but something is still missing. She wants more than just safety–she wants love and a real family of her own.

Lord Caspian Rendon has returned home to–in his Father’s words, get serious–and contemplate his life’s path. As a third son, he doesn’t have much other than his title–and while the past two years of training in the Royal Guard have set him up for a potential career, they haven’t done much in the way of finding him a wealthy wife, which had always seemed the more appealing option of the two.

When he runs into the beautiful, sweet, and always kind Sophia taking care of his little sister’s goats, he begins to realize there’s more to life than marrying into wealth. As the baby goats, a mischievous little sister, and Fall Festival planning keep bringing Caspian and Sophia together, he starts to fall for the goat girl. But when Sophia's mysterious past finally catches up with her, Caspian must make a hard choice ... Can he risk it all for love, or will he never see her again?

Once Upon An Apple is a Snow White fairytale retelling and the first book in the Galamere Chronicles. Each standalone book is a retelling of a beloved story or fairy tale, with the swoon-worthy sweet romance of a Hallmark movie, the wholesome and heartwarming feeling of cozy fantasy, and the comfort of a found family of friends, with a sprinkling of danger and a dash of magic.

Amazon / Goodreads / Author's Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was such a cute cozy fantasy and sweet retelling of Snow White. I loved all the nods to the original story. It’s a little slower-paced in the beginning, but things really started to pick up during the second half.

I liked Sophia. She had such a kind soul. I enjoyed seeing the special bond between her and the seven mischievous goats. They were adorable and reminded me of one of my own goats, Millie. She’s such a troublemaker, but you can’t help but love her.

Caspian was an upstanding and honorable guy who I enjoyed getting to know. His aversion to getting dirty was funny yet relatable. There was an instant spark between him and Sophia that had me rooting for them.

This story was a breath of fresh air that left a big smile on my face. I recommend it to fans of sweet and swoony fairytale retellings. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

FOUR STARS

Review: The Looking-Glass Illusion (The Curious Realities #2) by Sara Ella

About the Book

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! What a fantastic follow-up to The Wonderland Trials and the perfect conclusion to the series!

This starts right where the last one left off, and because it had been a little while since I’d read that one, it took me a couple of chapters to get my bearings. But once I did? Oh my goodness, I was completely invested and fully absorbed in Wonderland.

The worldbuilding was excellent. I thought all the nods to the original story were really clever, but never overdone. The story was unique in its own right, and I loved how inspired it felt.

I’ve always said that Beauty and the Beast retellings are my favorites, but this series has me rethinking that. I need more Alice in Wonderland retellings in my life!

This was a super fun read that also had a great message that felt very allegorical. The ending was absolutely brilliant. It was so fitting! So moving!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Looking-Glass Illusion (The Curious Realities #2) by Sara Ella

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 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring The Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella. It's the conclusion to the Curious Realities duology and, oh my goodness! It's so good! It has to be the best Alice in Wonderland retelling I've read. 

About the Book

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Deep breath. She's all right.

We're all right.

As long as we stay together, everything will be all right.

Friday 56

I suddenly wish we could make this a lengthier goodbye. That we could spend hours and days and weeks filling in every blank and eliminating every question mark. But we have to keep moving forwards on the board. We did come to finish, after all.

And all of Wonderland - even if they don't know it yet - is counting on us to reveal the truth.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella

About the Book

Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this story! If you know me, you know I love a good retelling, and this was one of the most imaginative ones I've ever read. It's not only the best Alice in Wonderland retelling, but one of my favorite retellings in general.

I was very intrigued to learn about this dystopian Wonderland and thought the worldbuilding was spectacular. The whole concept behind the Wonder gene, and the fallout it caused, was really fascinating.

Alice was a great leading lady. I loved watching her wonderment (pardon the pun) as she discovered Wonderland. Chess was probably my favorite character. He was so complex, and while I wasn't sure I could 100 percent trust him, I wanted to. Speaking of trust, everybody seemed to have some sort of hidden agenda or secret, so I never knew who to trust.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It was so much fun. I loved all the clever nods to the original story, but I thought it was unique in its own right too. It did leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm very eager to grab a copy of the sequel.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella. This is such a fantastic Alice in Wonderland retelling. The sequel comes out later this month and I'm so excited for it.

About the Book

Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Only someone as mad as a hatter - as the saying goes - would risk her life to win a game.

Friday 56

Taking a risk is one thing. But playing a game without rules?

You might as well cheat to win.

Absolutely, one hundred percent out of the question. I refuse. Not happening.

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Looking-Glass Illusion (The Curious Realities #2) by Sara Ella

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 Looking-Glass Illusion (The Curious Realities #2) by Sara Ella releasing September 19. I'm hoping to read the first book soon. This series sounds awesome! 

About the Book

Step through the looking glass. Slay the Jabberwock. Seek the King.

Alice is not prepared to face what awaits beyond the Tulgey Wood. When she and the rest of Team Heart enter the fourth and final Wonderland Trial, it’s up to her to lead them to victory. But this Trial is more than a game. If Alice and the others fail to defeat the Jabberwock and reveal the truth about Wonderland, more than points and fame will be lost.

Chess Shire never believed he’d make it this far. Now he’s stuck navigating a Trial he’s seen but doesn’t remember, all while searching for the brother he left behind. Not everything is as black and white as the game that shares his name. And if Alice discovers his deepest regret? Chess might just lose her too.

Apart, Chess and Alice scour the eight squares of the Heart Trial in search of memories, truth, and an Ivory King who seems more illusion than reality. Will they learn to lead together to face their greatest fears? Or will they remain pawns in a queen’s game, never truly seeing the Wonderland they’ve come to believe in?

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Thief Liar Lady by D. L. Soria

About the Book

“Happily Ever After” is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift—until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.

I’m not who you think I am.

My transformation from a poor, orphaned scullery maid into the enchantingly mysterious lady who snagged the heart of the prince did not happen—as the rumors insisted—in a magical metamorphosis of pumpkins and glass slippers. On the first evening of the ball, I didn’t meekly help my “evil” stepmother and stepsisters primp and preen or watch forlornly out the window as their carriage rolled off toward the palace. I had other preparations to make.

My stepsisters and I had been trained for this—to be the cleverest in the room, to be quick with our hands and quicker with our lies. We were taught how to get everything we want in this world, everything men always kept for themselves: power, wealth, and prestige. And with a touchingly tragic past and the help of some highly illegal spells, I would become a princess, secure our fortunes, and we would all live happily ever after.

But there’s always more to the story. With my magic running out, war looming, and a handsome hostage prince—the wrong prince—distracting me from my true purpose with his magnetic charm and forbidden flirtations, I'm in danger of losing control of the delicate balance I’ve created…and that could prove fatal.

There’s so much more riding on this than a crown.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y'all know I love a good fairytale retelling, so I was very intrigued when I first saw this one. It turned out to be a fun and unique twist on Cinderella. I did have a few issues with it, but I ended up enjoying it.

This had a slow start. In fact, there were a couple of times I thought about DNFing it because it just wasn't holding my interest in the beginning. But I'm glad I kept reading because things started to pick up when Rance showed up. He turned out to be my favorite part of the book. He was so interesting and mysterious. I wanted to learn more about him. There ended up being a lot of palace intrigue, which really piqued my interest and kept me entertained. I will say that it took a while (well over half the book) before I started liking Ash. She wasn't a sympathetic character at all, but I enjoyed watching her growth. There was more cursing than I expected, and it felt out of place to me. Also, I could've done without the open-door bedroom scenes.

All in all, this was a mixed bag of a read. But despite the issues I had with it, I had fun reading it.

NOTE: This is NOT a clean read.

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

THREE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Thief Liar Lady by D. L. Soria

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Thief Liar Lady by D. L. Soria. This is a very unique Cinderella retelling. Not what I expected at all, but despite a few criticisms, I ended up enjoying it. I should have my review up on Monday.

About the Book

“Happily Ever After” is a total scam, but at least this time the princess is the one controlling the grift—until her true love arrives and threatens to ruin the whole scheme. Intrigue, magic, and wit abound in this Cinderella fairytale reimagining, perfect for fans of Heather Walter and Naomi Novik.

I’m not who you think I am.

My transformation from a poor, orphaned scullery maid into the enchantingly mysterious lady who snagged the heart of the prince did not happen—as the rumors insisted—in a magical metamorphosis of pumpkins and glass slippers. On the first evening of the ball, I didn’t meekly help my “evil” stepmother and stepsisters primp and preen or watch forlornly out the window as their carriage rolled off toward the palace. I had other preparations to make.

My stepsisters and I had been trained for this—to be the cleverest in the room, to be quick with our hands and quicker with our lies. We were taught how to get everything we want in this world, everything men always kept for themselves: power, wealth, and prestige. And with a touchingly tragic past and the help of some highly illegal spells, I would become a princess, secure our fortunes, and we would all live happily ever after.

But there’s always more to the story. With my magic running out, war looming, and a handsome hostage prince—the wrong prince—distracting me from my true purpose with his magnetic charm and forbidden flirtations, I'm in danger of losing control of the delicate balance I’ve created…and that could prove fatal.

There’s so much more riding on this than a crown.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

I never thought the tale of my daring escape from servitude into the glittering world of the royal palace could be boring, but after the hundredth telling it had begun to lose its shine.

Friday 56

The dinner party the next night was a grand affair, even if I was too embroiled in my own concerns to enjoy it.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

About the Book

Once upon a time in Texas . . .

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas Ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young lady found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe, and all evidence points to Penelope's guilt. But Titus might just be convinced that the fairest woman of all has a heart as pure as her last name . . . if only he can prove it.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a wonderful historical romance! Y'all know I love a good fairytale retelling, and I've gotta say, this was excellent. One of my favorites in recent memory. I loved all the nods to Snow White. Every time one popped up, I had to smile. My favorite part of the story was the Seven Drovers. They filled the shoes of their Dwarf counterparts so well. I loved them all.

Oftentimes with Snow White retellings, "Snow" comes across as annoyingly and unrealistically perfect, but I was happy to find Penelope to be very likable. Yes, she had the typical characteristics you'd find in Snow White, but she wasn't perfect, and I really liked that. Titus was a true gentleman. Such an honorable and caring guy. He could be stubborn about some things but could admit when he was wrong, which I appreciated. While I thought the villainess was a bit over the top, she fit the part well.

All in all, I really enjoyed this western retelling of Snow White. It was a fun and sweet read that I highly recommend to fans of inspirational historical romance.

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

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities, #1) by Sara Ella

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 Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities, #1) by Sara Ella releasing July 12.

About the Book

Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Madness in Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin

About the Book

Wonderland is in trouble.

Under the rule of the Red Queen, Wonderland is under constant threat. In fear for her throne, children are taken into the queen’s army and only the strongest survive.

Alice is nothing but a pirate, but with the help of Hatter, they hatch a plan to sneak into the Red Queen’s palace to free Hatter’s sister. After all, Alice has always wanted to fly an airship.

Dr. Frank N. Stein has created an army of automatons to serve their queen. Of particular note: a prototype soldier. Part man. Part machine. The best of both worlds.

Doc’s monster is a threat to everything they know, but Alice sees something in the man that begs she look beyond what he’s done and search out the heart of the beast for the better of the realm.

He’s their only hope of survival, but how can a monster learn to love when all he’s known is hate?

Amazon / Goodreads

(Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting)

MY THOUGHTS

This was my kind of book! A steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling with a Frankenstein twist? Yes, please! I was drawn right into this story and was completely captivated.

I really enjoyed the three different POVs following Alice, Hatter, and Alpha. Although I do have to say Alpha's was probably my favorite. He was such an intriguing character. I liked Alice too. She was a great heroine. Brave, fierce, steadfast, and loyal. She was easy to root for. I wanted to love Hatter, but I never fully warmed up to him. He was an interesting guy, but a bit too impulsive and stubborn for my liking.

I LOVED Chess. He had such a strong faith, and I liked the way that he shared it with others. It just felt so natural. He was a little rough around the edges, but there was definitely more to him than first met the eye. I wish he'd been featured a little more prominently, but I enjoyed every second he showed up on the page.

This action-packed retelling is sure to appeal to fans of Morgan L. Busse and Sara Ella. I'm hoping for many more books in this series because I'd love to visit this world again and again.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Madness in Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin

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. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and 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. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring Madness in Wonderland by Tabitha Bouldin. This is such a fun steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling with a Frankenstein twist. 

About the Book

Wonderland is in trouble.

Under the rule of the Red Queen, Wonderland is under constant threat. In fear for her throne, children are taken into the queen’s army and only the strongest survive.

Alice is nothing but a pirate, but with the help of Hatter, they hatch a plan to sneak into the Red Queen’s palace to free Hatter’s sister. After all, Alice has always wanted to fly an airship.

Dr. Frank N. Stein has created an army of automatons to serve their queen. Of particular note: a prototype soldier. Part man. Part machine. The best of both worlds.

Doc’s monster is a threat to everything they know, but Alice sees something in the man that begs she look beyond what he’s done and search out the heart of the beast for the better of the realm.

He’s their only hope of survival, but how can a monster learn to love when all he’s known is hate?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

There should be a law that says no arrests before tea.

Friday 56

Doc's approaching steps thudded, and both women jerked their gazes toward the open door.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Give Your Heart to the Barrow (Bluebeard's Secret #3) by Sarah K.L. Wilson

About the Book

A LOSS UNBEARABLE. A DESPERATE PLAN. A WOMAN DETERMINED NOT TO LOSE.

GIVE YOUR HEART TO THE BARROW is the third book in the Bluebeard's Secret series following the eerie and romantic story of DANCE WITH THE SWORD.

Alone and with her hopes dragged to the bottom of the sea, along with the husband she just realized she loves, Izolda finds herself in the mortal world as princess and counselor to her brother Svetgin, now king of Pensmoore.

But Izolda is not the practical girl she once was who would have been happy for a home and a place. Instead, she's willing to make any bargain and offer any sacrifice if it will just get her back into the Wittenhame with a chance to win back the life of the man she loves, the man she once feared, the man destined to change everything - Bluebeard.

Can Izolda out-bargain the bargainers, out-trick the tricksters, and out-dare everyone else in her desperate bid to get back everything she's lost?

Warning: There are four books in this dark romantic fantasy series. Read at your own risk.

Amazon / Goodreads

(Available in Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.)

MY THOUGHTS

I was fully prepared to love this third installment of the Bluebeard's Legacy series as much as the first two, but for some reason, I just didn't. It felt like it was taking forever to get to the point. There were a lot of flowery descriptions which really slowed the pace in the first half. And, I hate to say it, but it felt longer than necessary. There were a lot of words and not much happening. Things started to pick up in the last 25% of the book, but by that time, I was already kinda over it. Which is a shame because I absolutely loved the first two books. I kinda became a little obsessed with the world and characters. But I felt like most of the characters had changed so much that they were almost unrecognizable to the ones I initially fell in love with. All except Grosbeak. He's always been a royal pain, but hilarious all the same.

Did the first two books have these problems? I can't remember, and if they did, I guess it didn't bother me, so it just might be my mood this go-around. I don't know. I'm a little unsure if I'll finish this series when the final book comes out later this year. And I'm sad about that, but it is what it is. I guess I'll see how I feel when it gets closer to release. Also, fair warning, each one of these books ends in a gigantic cliffhanger.

(Sorry for rambling so much. I always struggle writing negative reviews.)

2.5 STARS