Tag: Fantasy

Review | With All My Haunted Heart by Isabel Sterling

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A witch hired to ethically haunt a small-town B&B instead finds herself spellbound by her non-magical client in this cozy and enchanting sapphic romance.

Book cover of 'With All My Haunted Heart' by Isabel Sterling, featuring two women embracing in front of a haunted house under a starry night sky.

Steadily losing clients to the new DIY-magic shop on the other side of town, Pippa Ainsley is getting desperate. Instead of hiring the witch to correct their magical maladies, local mundanes have been taking their chances with the cheaper—and unpredictable—crystals and herb blends. So when Pippa’s best friend hires her to inspect his newly acquired bed-and-breakfast for ghosts, she doesn’t think twice about it.

That is, until she learns that his unfairly attractive co-owner, Elle Thompson, doesn’t want Pippa to rid their business of spirits. She wants Pippa to give them an edge over the competition by haunting their B&B.

It’s the perfect challenge for Pippa’s experimental magic, but just because she could figure it out, doesn’t mean it’s a smart or safe idea. But Elle is persistent, and the financial boost could save her own business if Pippa succeeds. Soon, Pippa finds herself testing the limits of her magic… and her ability to stop the growing attraction she feels toward Elle, a woman with a painful secret of her own.

Amazon | Goodreads

Graphic featuring the word 'Review' in playful turquoise font, accompanied by a cute illustration of a cat and stacks of books.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I was not expecting this book to be as emotionally deep as it ended up being but I absolutely loved it. We follow Pippa, who’s struggling to keep her business afloat while also feeling with trauma caused by her family. She is approached by her best friend asking her to help with his new B & B, but with a twist, he and his business partner want the B & B to be haunted and Pippa is the witch they feel can help them.

Pippa struggles a lot with feeling like people actually want or value her relationship, due to trauma from her family and feelings of being cast aside/abandonment. This is a common thread that definitely affects her throughout the story. Xander and Elle definitely have their own trauma and issues that they are affected by, but it’s really Pippa’s story and her overcoming her insecurities. There is a ton of growth and emotional depth, especially in the last quarter of the book. The relationship between Pippa and Elle is a little slow burn, a little angsty especially from Pippa’s point of view, but when things start ramping up their attraction is undeniable…which of course opens its own can of worms.

I really liked how the different threads of the story resolved at the end, it really felt like Pippa and Elle both processed some of their trauma and grief and were able to be honest with each other (and a bit humble).

Thank you to Berkley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. With All My Haunted Heart just came out, so make sure to pick up a copy!

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Hexy Beast by Avery Flynn

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An impulsive witch and a buttoned-up werewolf discover love is its own beast in this spicy rom-com from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

Book cover of 'Hexy Beast' by Avery Flynn, featuring a man on a motorcycle and a woman sitting behind him, with a whimsical night sky background.

As the eldest daughter of the magical Sherwood family, I’m supposed to have everything together. Well, joke’s on them—I, Effie Sherwood, am chaos incarnate, and you’ll never be able to guess my next move.

Like jumping on the back of Darius Aetos’ motorcycle. Not only is Darius grumpy, gruff, and hot, he’s also the head of the Aetos werewolf pack.

My spur of the moment decision has quickly become a much bigger commitment, because a pack elder is convinced this hunk of a man (or wolf, depending on the hour) is my fated mate.

Even though I’m a witch and he’s a werewolf, we’re stuck together until we can find our way out of the tricky pack politics. But under the light of the blue moon, it’s almost starting to feel like Darius doesn’t want to stay away from me. And I’m not sure if it’s my magic going haywire or the starlit skies, but I can’t imagine leaving his arms either.

Amazon | Shop the Series | Goodreads

Stylized text that says 'Review' in turquoise, accompanied by a cute cat illustration and a stack of books.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This was my first experience with Avery Flynn’s writing and I have to say, I will be picking up more. I spent so much of this book laughing at the banter between Effie and Darius as they went from enemies to loves and discovered that even though they didn’t believe in fated mates, that kinda didn’t matter. There are definitely some shenanigans between the two of them, and moderate to high stakes, but what really shone in this story was them getting to know each other beyond what they knew of each other previously. Effie is used to being perceived a certain way and definitely has some baggage due to being the eldest child but not the heir of her family’s magic as she was supposed to be and I was glad to see some exploration of her emotions behind that and her acknowledging how that contributes to her actions. We even get to see Darius work through some of his insecurities and fears throughout the process.

I had a lot of fun reading this one, it was funny, spicy and gave me a great glimpse of the world that Flynn has created in this series. The writing style flowed so easily and it made the story a super quick read that I couldn’t get enough of.

Hexy Beast is out today, so check it out as well as the first two books in the series! Thank you to Berkley for the digital arc through Netgalley.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Where I Should’ve Been by Max Monroe

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Everyone in the smalltown of Red Bridge, Vermont, knows Tad Hanson, the hot sheep farmer who can’t control his flock. He doesn’t believe in forever, but he’ll be the best time you’ve ever had―right now. What they don’t know is why.

He’s too charming, too good with that addicting smile of his, too committed to keeping his dark past buried, and too stubborn to imagine his life could be any other way.

Until a snowstorm―and one beautiful woman―send his carefully controlled world spinning.

Successful art director Beatrice “Breezy” Bishop thought she had life figured out―until her father gave her the middle finger from the grave and left the family galleries she built to her entitled younger brother. With nothing left in New York but resentment and regret, she temporarily heads to Red Bridge, looking for space to breathe.

Instead, she finds a sexy, flirty, secret fling with Tad, and a rivalry with the editor of Red Bridge’s newspaper. It’s chaotic, but it’s the happiest she’s ever been.

But secrets never stay secrets for long, and when hearts get involved―and the universe clearly has other plans―walking away isn’t as easy as they thought.

Amazon | Goodreads | Shop the Series

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This was my first time reading something from Max Monroe and I didn’t realize this was the 3rd in the series (though I had no issues reading this one out of order) but I will definitely be picking up more.

Breezy – who has been breaking her back to run her family’s art galleries and then has the business yanked out from under her when her father dies and leaves the business to her younger brother (who knows nothing about the galleries) and Tad – a fireman turned sheep farmer who has a ton of past trauma and baggage that keeps him from getting close to people are complex characters who both carry a lot of baggage they need to work through. Breezy has come to Red Bridge to stay with her older brother and try to figure out what she wants to do with her life now that she no longer has the galleries.

Neither one of them are looking for a relationship but their attraction is undeniable so things move rather quickly to what they consider a no strings, casual relationship. Their banter is top notch and it’s great to watch them grow closer without realizing that feelings are developing. Though this was my first foray into Red Bridge, the other characters still had their own fully fledged identities and histories that gave the environment a three dimensional feel (and I can’t wait to check out the first two books in the series).

The only (slight) detractor for me was the lack of communication/miscommunication felt like it went on just a little too long – but that’s probably a me thing as I have a lower tolerance for excessive miscommunication. I understood the motivations behind not wanting to talk about baggage or old scars that kept trying to open, but at some point you just want to lock them in a room and make them talk. (haha)

The climax of the story though was a whirlwind and perfect turning points for both characters in a lot of ways. It definitely kept me on my toes there for a bit until the end and made me even more certain I want to catch up and read the first two.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Series Review | The Queens of Éire by Christy Healy

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For fans of Hannah Whitten and Rebecca Ross, Unbound is a gender-bent reimagining of the classic tale of a monstrous beast and the beauty determined to tame it, set against the lush backdrop of Irish mythology and folklore.

Rozlyn Ó Conchúir is used to waiting—waiting for the king, her father, to relent and allow her to leave the solitude of her tower; waiting for the dreaded and mysterious Beast of Connacht to at last be defeated; waiting for the arrival of the man destined to win her heart and break the terrible curse placed on her and her land. So when she meets Jamie—a charming and compelling suitor—she allows herself to hope that her days of solitude and patience are over at long last.

But as she finds her trust betrayed—and newer, more sinister threats arising—Rozlyn learns that some curses are better left unbroken …

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Fairytale retellings and mythology are definitely two of my buzzwords/phrases, so I was eager to get the chance to review the Queens of Éire series, starting with Unbound – which is very Beauty and the Beast-esque. I really enjoyed the dual POV and different perspectives. It’s very fairytale coded, but I really enjoyed the inclusion of Celtic mythology and the underlying messages. There were some parts of the book where pacing felt a little off, perhaps a little slow, but not to the point where I didn’t want to continue. Overall Healy’s writing was nice to read, definitely good atmosphere here and there. The story is primarily focused on Rozlyn and Jamie, so there isn’t a lot of sidetracking with other characters – but there’s still plenty of twisty turns.

Riona Ó Conchúir has known death her whole life. The mysterious lord of death has tormented her for years, stealing away the souls of all those she has loved since childhood, demanding that she come and serve him in his shadowy realm, but she has always resisted – until now.

When her daughter falls ill with an incurable disease, Riona at last answers the lord of death’s call and ventures into the hidden realm of the sídhe to offer herself as a servant to him in exchange for her daughter’s life. But when he demands that she use the divine magic of her blood to find three legendary objects of power that were once wielded by the gone gods themselves, Riona soon realizes that she will be forced to make an impossible choice:

Her daughter’s life, or the realm of Éire itself.

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 4 out of 5.

In this sequel (it can be read as a standalone but benefits from having read the first installment first) we follow Riona, who is Rozlyn’s granddaughter. She was definitely more of an unlikeable character while her counterpart – Conor – was easy to adore. The mythology/folklore in this story were really well done and I found myself really getting sucked into all of those elements. Even though Riona is a little harsh, there are certainly reasons for it that are explained and it’s nice to see how she and Conor interact throughout the story. Loved that there was some medical/chronic illness rep in this one especially – it’s always nice to see in any genre. I definitely feel like any of the pacing issues that I may have felt with the first book were more ironed out in this one, definitely more flowing prose that just kept me glued to the book.

Rory Ó Conchúir has always known that she was destined for war. Her deadly gifts, the unwanted inheritance of her ancestor, the Mórrígan, can only be wielded as a weapon of destruction and doom. For years, she would not allow herself to be used as such, instead choosing to live far across the sea, refusing to regret what she has left behind in order to do so…until the fateful day that she learns of the price she has paid for her peace.

Niall Ó Flannagáin, the young king of Connacht, was never meant for war — that has always been his half-sister, Rory’s, role. But now he finds himself threatened with a foreign invasion and the ruination of the realm, without her aid. In desperation, he turns to a powerful enemy as an ally, his only hope to unite the provinces against the foreign armies gathering even now to destroy the land he has sworn to protect.

Locke MacMurchada, the son of the most hated traitor in all of Éire, owes a debt that he knows he can never pay. But when the opportunity to propose a political marriage with the murderous Rory Ó Conchúir arises, he seizes the chance to protect what is left of both his people, as well as the legacy which his father ripped to shreds…so long as she doesn’t kill him first.

When the day of doom at last arrives, the fates of all three royals – the cursed princess, the young king, and the traitor prince – become inextricably woven together, forcing them to face new threats and old enemies, hoping to forge a stronger Éire from the ashes of the old.

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Oof this one was an emotional roller coaster and such as fantastic third installment! I feel like the first two (even they can all be read as standalones) really set up a good foundation, but this book still had a ton of great world building and set up built in. There was so much morally grey behavior and characters in this one, so if that’s your thing you will probably eat this one up. Also, this is very much a slow burn and it does burn. Really this one was beautifully built up to and a great third book in the series.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Twilight Walker by Nic Minnella

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Finn thought campfire stories were just stories. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

Eleven-year-old Finn can’t stand camping and is fed up with being picked on by his seemingly perfect older brother, Matt. Everything changes when their mother starts acting like a different person, and Finn-—along with his cat, Pepper—is the only one who realizes the truth: she’s been replaced by an impostor. Will Matt believe him?

With the fake mom hot on their trail and time running out, the brothers must put aside years of misunderstandings and resentment to save their family from a haunted forest where sinister legends come to life.

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 4 out of 5.

From the start of the book we can tell that this is a family in a bit of a crisis, though they are trying to enjoy time as a family on a camping trip. Finn pretty clearly struggles with aspects of anxiety and his older brother Matt is more interested in girls than spending time with him – plus dealing with his own baggage after a tough period the family went through. Their parents are fighting pretty constantly, so there is a lot of tension from the get go.

A round of ghost stories leads to some odd events and their mom going missing for a while, when they find her something is off and that’s really the beginning of the mystery. Finn and Matt, with the help of Pepper their cat struggle through the perils of the forest, mostly supernatural, to unravel the mystery of what happens to their parents.

As they progress they slowly start to understand each other more and some truths are spoken. By the end of the book, not only have they solved the mystery of the Twilight Walker, but they’ve managed to come back together as a family. It’s a great read and I’m interested to pick up the previous installments in the series.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Arcane Realm Chronicles by Larissa Antonioni

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“I only killed in one of two ways. By the high lord’s command, or to protect her.”

Renwick

Renwick, the high lord’s most trusted assassin, has been captivated by Davina for years. He has always kept his feelings buried beneath layers of duty, but a growing threat surrounding her makes it hard for him to keep his distance.

Balancing duty and desire, he is torn between his loyalty to Lord Arwen and his need to protect Davina. She is the key to secrets that could unravel the realm, and Renwick wants her–magic, darkness, and all.

Davina

Sixteen years ago, Davina’s parents died under mysterious circumstances, leaving her with a legacy of dark secrets and forbidden magic. Ever since, she has hidden her abilities while serving at Asterin’s Temple, determined to live a quiet life alongside her best friend.

When a murder eerily similar to the one from her childhood surfaces, Davina’s world shatters and her magic threatens to escape.

Their Story

Thrust into a realm of lies and power, Davina and Renwick’s paths collide. Pursuing powerful enemies, and unraveling the truth behind the mysterious murders, they must decide if love can triumph over duty–and if hope can illuminate shadows of the past.

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Now he’s had her, and he’ll never let her go.

Renwick

Once the high lord’s most trusted assassin, Renwick is no longer bound by obedience alone. His bond to Davina—his Kindraid, his fated mate—ties him to her pain, her power, and the truths she has yet to face.

Protecting her means defying the very systems that shaped him. As the realm fractures under tyranny and betrayal, Renwick must confront the secrets he’s kept and consider how far he’s willing to go to keep his mate alive.

Davina

Davina is broken and captive in the high lord’s manor. Her magic is stolen, her body is destroyed. But she was not weak. She is heir to a throne she never wanted and power that grows by the minute. Haunted by voices whispering of ruin and rule alike, Davina must decide what kind of queen she will become. The darkness within her grows stronger with every truth uncovered, every betrayal revealed.

Their Story Continues

Bound by magic, pain, and a love forged in shadows, Davina and Renwick stand against a corrupt, devastating world.

As ancient powers stir and their home edges closer to collapse, they must decide whether love can survive the weight of crowns and chains.

Will Davina and Renwick survive the pressure and admit they need each other more than ever?

Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Picking up this one immediately after finishing the first one was definitely the way to go. We jump right back into the story. There are a lot of reveals and immediate action needing to be taken. There is a ton of adventure in this installment and the romance just keeps growing.

I didn’t feel like the pacing was as solid as the first one, but it was still enjoyable and a great continuation. I still really enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to consume, so even though it moved a little slower for me, I still devoured it.

Happy reading!

Review | Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire

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When Jack left Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children she was carrying the body of her deliciously deranged sister—whom she had recently murdered in a fit of righteous justice—back to their home on the Moors.

But death in their adopted world isn’t always as permanent as it is here, and when Jack is herself carried back into the school, it becomes clear that something has happened to her. Something terrible. Something of which only the maddest of scientists could conceive. Something only her friends are equipped to help her overcome.

Eleanor West’s “No Quests” rule is about to be broken.

Again.

Amazon | Goodreads | Wayward Children Series

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I’m finally diving back into the Wayward Children series and honestly, I’m kind of upset it took me so long. While you could probably read any installment in the series by itself, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are definitely characters that you see throughout the series and this one is a perfect example as it’s the conclusion of Jack and Jill’s story, which carried through 3 of the books so far.

I loved returning to Jack and Jill’s story and seeing the conclusion to their paths. Most of the book is spent in their world, the Moors, and includes not only them, but a number of other students from the school. Diving more into Jack’s motivations and psyche as well as seeing the aftermath of what happened in the first book. We see some real emotional depth and very human reactions from Jack, dare I say some vulnerability, so it was really nice to see more fleshing out to her character.

Happy reading!

come tumbling down review

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Wizard’s Way by Lisa Kelly

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Magic runs in her blood. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Twelve-year-old Katie didn’t expect much from a summer at her grandfather’s creepy old mansion—certainly not strange voices echoing up the fireplace or a magical scroll that opens a portal to another world. But when her grandfather vanishes, Katie discovers a hidden realm called O’Mirra…and a mission she can’t ignore.

With her little sister Jenny and a young apprentice wizard named Aiden, Katie must brave a cursed swamp, battle twisted creatures, and unlock her hidden powers to bring her grandfather home. But a dark force called Diabolus has bound itself to Madgar, a power-hungry would-be king determined to conquer O’Mirra. If Katie can’t master her magic in time, she’ll lose not only her grandfather—but her very soul.

Author Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Two sisters, a missing grandfather and a portal to another world – what could go wrong?

In The Wizard’s Way we primarily follow Katie, a 12 year old who is dealing with the recent divorce of her parents which she blames herself for and the fact that she always feels out of place – and her sister Jenny, an 11 year old who is nearly her opposite. In the wake of their parents divorce they go to stay with their grandfather. Both sisters have different opinions about their parents’ divorce so there’s definitely some friction and disagreements.

The story really picks up when their grandfather disappears to another world and Katie and Jenny decide that they are the ones to save him.

The story does start slow, but once it gets going there’s a lot of adventure, growth, a little coming of age and a bunch of fun characters to meet. Katie and Jenny are far more complex than you would think in a middle grade, both with their unique personalities, insecurities and feelings.

There is a decent amount of world building that perhaps brings down the pace a little, but once the story really gets going it will fully absorb you. This is slated to be the first in a series, so it will be interesting to see what happens with Katie and Jenny in coming books.

Thanks to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of this one!

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Faeries and Frost by Carly Spade

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The second book in a cozy romantasy small town monster romance series with mythology, fairy tales, and folk lore. Books are intersecting standalones and can be read out of order.

Sylvie, the faerie baker.

When I found Arcane Cove after my own people cast me out, I felt home for the first time. Monsters, witches, and all forms of magical beings welcomed me. And who knew my hidden calling would be magical baked goods? The Cove’s residents came to my bakery Muffin Compares to You for sugar and enchanted support, which I was quick to indulge.

Until the day a mysterious, bearded stranger with pointed ears came into my shop, sending my quaint world into a spiraling blizzard. He was off-putting, arrogant, and knew he was handsome. So, why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? And when he said he was looking for a woman, why did I deflate, knowing it wasn’t me?

Jack, the Winter King.

Every solstice offered the chance to find my mate. A portal opened in the lakes surrounding my kingdom, taking me to a randomly chosen realm. Given this solstice would be the thousandth time I’ve searched, I had little hope left.

When I arrived in Arcane Cove, I never expected such a small town to harbor her. I also never thought she’d work in a stuffy, toasty cloud of sugarplums and vanilla. Surely, it was the universe’s idea of nipping me in the butt. Could she truly be my fated mate? And if she was, would she accept me, powers and all, before time ran out? Or would the ice creature within me frighten her away?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This was a fun introduction to Arcane Cove for me (technically this is the 2nd book in the series, but I ended up picking this one up first) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Sylvie and Jack have a lot of personal baggage and past trauma to deal with and I really appreciated that though they were short on time, they seemed to prioritize working through that. The characters had real depth and personalities which was so nice to read. While there was definitely conflict and difficulties that were perhaps a little predictable, it was handled really well and the journey was really fun. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up some of Spade’s backlist as well as reading more in this series as they become available.

Happy reading!

January | ARCs on Deck

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Hey everyone! I thought I would do something new today and talk about the ARCs I’m currently working on. This might not be all the ARCs I have in line, but the most direct ones I’m working on.

Nothing sucks more than being sent on a work trip with a (probably) murderous vampire when you’re a chaotic shifter whose life is falling apart.

Once called a freak for her inability to shift, Raya Merritt is now transforming at the worst moments. Rabbit ears mid-presentation? Check. Mouse whiskers in the pool? Yep. Cheetah spots while making out? Sure, why not? After a year of increasing turmoil–and with another full moon approaching–Raya is scrambling to make the most of a shifty situation.

Asher Sullivan is perfectly content. He has a quiet home, a blood bank down the street, and a steady income. He goes to work and comes home–no mayhem, no surprises–just the way he designed it.
Until a relentlessly cheerful shifter shows up in his office and upends it all.

When Raya and Asher are accidentally double-booked into the same hotel room, Raya is determined not to let her inner animal run wild and ruin her career. Against his wishes, Asher’s fangs ache to taste her, while Raya’s shifter side purrs for him and no one else.

Little do they know, more than their jobs are on the line, and they’ll need each other to make it through.

Goodreads

The second book in a cozy romantasy small town monster romance series with mythology, fairy tales, and folk lore. Books are intersecting standalones and can be read out of order.

Sylvie, the faerie baker.

When I found Arcane Cove after my own people cast me out, I felt home for the first time. Monsters, witches, and all forms of magical beings welcomed me. And who knew my hidden calling would be magical baked goods? The Cove’s residents came to my bakery Muffin Compares to You for sugar and enchanted support, which I was quick to indulge.

Until the day a mysterious, bearded stranger with pointed ears came into my shop, sending my quaint world into a spiraling blizzard. He was off-putting, arrogant, and knew he was handsome. So, why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? And when he said he was looking for a woman, why did I deflate, knowing it wasn’t me?

Jack, the Winter King.

Every solstice offered the chance to find my mate. A portal opened in the lakes surrounding my kingdom, taking me to a randomly chosen realm. Given this solstice would be the thousandth time I’ve searched, I had little hope left.

When I arrived in Arcane Cove, I never expected such a small town to harbor her. I also never thought she’d work in a stuffy, toasty cloud of sugarplums and vanilla. Surely, it was the universe’s idea of nipping me in the butt. Could she truly be my fated mate? And if she was, would she accept me, powers and all, before time ran out? Or would the ice creature within me frighten her away?

Goodreads

The only thing more dangerous than falling for a lie
is falling for the liar.

Don’t look at the desert. Don’t think about the desert. Never step onto the sand. Taera has followed these rules her entire life—until he arrives.

Impossibly gorgeous, with a face masked in magic, Nikolai kidnaps Taera and drags her deep into the dunes. He says she’s powerful and needs to be trained…if she ever wants to see her family again.

Thrust into a deadly school of illusions and lies, Taera can’t trust anyone. Especially not her breathtaking, ruthless captor. Top student and notorious liar, his secrets run deeper than the sand. He’s her worst nightmare—and everything she craves.

The cutthroat Halls of Glass have a mind of their own. Trapped within their looping corridors, Taera is surrounded by hostile students and forced to rely on Nikolai.

Taera knows she shouldn’t fall for his illusions. But magic requires a partnership, and he’s the only mage who can handle her wild, untamed power.

And the only way he’ll help her is if she pretends to be his.

Goodreads

Some battles are fought in the light.
Hers will be in the shadows.

In the fractured world of Emberleria, strength is survival and magic is power. Those born without it are cast out as rogues, left to die in the wilds or be claimed by the King’s slave drivers.

Lilian Ashcroft, commander of her pack’s warriors, has spent her life training to become a Guardian – to protect those she loves most. But when the King announces the annual Rogue Games with a deadly twist, her life shatters. Rage and despair drives her into the borderlands… and straight into the King’s chains.

Thrown into the heart of the Volskar, Lilian is forced to fight for her survival. Victory demands she forge uneasy alliances, outwit her enemies and face the lies haunting the Kingdom’s elite.

Yet an ancient evil prowls the castle’s shadowed halls, killing innocents for sport. And deep beneath the fortress, a forgotten library guards a bewitched gate – the secrets beyond could unravel the very fabric of the realm.

But some gates, once opened, can never be closed.

Goodreads

Look forward to reviews coming soon. Happy reading!