Tag: fantasy romance

Book Review: Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: Historical Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Sally Thorne
Publisher: Avon Books
Release Date: September 6th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From USA Today bestselling author of The Hating Game Sally Thorne comes something a little unexpected… a historical rom-com that imagines Victor Frankenstein’s sheltered younger sister, and her attempts to create the perfect man.

For generations, every Frankenstein has found their true love and equal, unlocking lifetimes of blissful wedded adventure. Clever, pretty (and odd) Angelika Frankenstein has run out of suitors and fears she may become the exception to this family rule. When assisting in her brother Victor’s ground-breaking experiment to bring a reassembled man back to life, she realizes that having an agreeable gentleman convalescing in the guest suite might be a chance to let a man get to know the real her. For the first time, Angelika embarks upon a project that is all her own.

When her handsome scientific miracle sits up on the lab table, her hopes for an instant romantic connection are thrown into disarray. Her resurrected beau (named Will for the moment) has total amnesia and is solely focused on uncovering his true identity. Trying to ignore their heart-pounding chemistry, Angelika reluctantly joins the investigation into his past, hoping it will bring them closer. But when a second suitor emerges to aid their quest, Angelika wonders if she was too hasty inventing a solution. Perhaps fate is not something that can be influenced in a laboratory? Or is Will (or whatever his name is!) her dream man, tailored for her in every way? And can he survive what was done to him in the name of science, and love?

Filled with carriages, candlesticks, and corpses, Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match is the spooky-season reimagining of the well-known classic that reminds us to never judge a man by his cadaver!

THIS GREW ON ME.

I did NOT know what to do with the first 30-35% of this one y’all. It was weird, and oddly focused on things I just didn’t think mattered. Not to mention there’s insta-love here (which does make sense in context, but you’ve been warned!).

THEN, towards the second half I realized I kind of actually liked the relationship between Angelika and Will. When some of the physicality was left on the side they did have some good conversations about life, love, and beyond. And I found the ending to be beautiful.

The surrounding plot was full of all things Frankenstein-esque that you’ve heard, read, or watched. I love that it fell in line with a lot of the original story and still took on it’s own bearing. It’s definitely super quirky (for fans of India Holton I’d say give it a go).

I had a good time reading something off the beaten path of my usual go-to genres and it’s the second book I’ve at last ready of Thorne’s (THG owns me). I’m curious if she’ll continue with these types of reads, I think I’d give another one a try!

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: multiple open door; med-high explicit + high innuendo
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: pregnancy & infertility, deaths of parents recounted, sexual assault

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Book Review: The Queen of the Dawn (Shadows and Crowns #5) by S.M. Gaither

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 640 pages
Author: S.M. Gaither
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: July 27th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“The light cannot always overcome the dark. But it can rise to meet it.”

Against all odds, Casia Greythorne has survived battles with gods and monsters alike, and the most powerful crown in the Kethran Empire is now securely in her grasp. Yet a seemingly impossible task still looms: finding a way to rid her world of its darkest god so she actually has a future to rule over.

The path to sealing that god away has been revealed, but to follow it will mean venturing into a deadly and strange new realm, facing old fears and enemies, and deciphering ancient magic that raises more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, chaos continues to spread throughout the empires. Armies rise and fall. The bonds between allies begin to fray—and hope along with it. And with every bloody battle, the final cost of saving their world becomes clearer.

Dawn is coming, but will Casia and her friends survive to see the new day?

SATISFYING CONCLUSION.

I luckily caught that this was out early on audio and took immediate advantage of seeing how this series came to a close. And I enjoyed it!

I’ve always loved the relationship between Elander and Casia. They’re still one of my favs and there were many sweet moments and a few scenes I didn’t know I wanted and melted me into a puddle.

There’s PLENTY of action and battle scenes. Filled with a sense of what those meddling gods are going to do next. I liked most of this and thought certain character arcs ended where they needed to.

I feel like I was missing that last little connection to give a five star. Something was just holding me back. I still sincerely loved this series and recommend!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2-3 open; low/moderate explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: battle themes, loss of life, near death experiences

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Book Review: A Duet with the Siren Duke (Married to Magic #4) by Elise Kova

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 554 pages
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Release Date: August 10th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She sold her soul to a siren and now he’s come to collect.

Victoria risks everything to leave a dangerous marriage and gain a second chance at life. But when her escape goes awry, she finds herself caught in the strong embrace of a mysterious siren, forced to choose: temporary salvation or immediate death.

And so, a cursed deal is struck.

Five years later, Victoria is alive—and the world’s finest ship captain. But her debt to the siren looms while her conniving ex has demanded a king’s ransom as the final price of her freedom. Victoria refuses to cause her family to suffer any more on her behalf, and is determined to make things right before her time is up. But that time is cut short.

The siren comes for her. Six months early.

Taken to the magical and deadly Eversea, home of the sirens, Victoria discovers she’s the sacrifice upon which all sirens pin their hopes. If they want to appease an angry god and save a world on the brink of destruction, then they need her. Which gives her the perfect leverage.

Victoria strikes a new bargain: the Siren Duke will help save her family, and she’ll fulfill his demands. It’s a good bargain until a flicker of passion ignites in the scarred remnants of Victoria’s heart, threatening all she’s worked for. As the sacrifice for the God of Death, she’s meant to give up everything that draws her to the world of the living. But that’s impossible when all she can think about is how this handsome siren’s song, and his hands, make her feel very much alive.

In a realm of ancient magic, submerged secrets, and forgotten gods, can love find a place among shattered hearts as they race against time and the blossoming of forbidden desires? Or will the delicate songs of their hearts be silenced once and for all?

A Duet with the Siren Duke is a complete, *stand alone novel*. It’s for readers looking for a fantasy romance with deep lore, second-chance love, sacrifice, forbidden and slow-burn romance that sizzles on the page, and a happily ever after where love triumphs over all.

While it is set in the Married to Magic universe, readers can start with this book as all Married to Magic novels are stand alones.

GREAT STANDALONE.

I feel like I’m always on the hunt for great fantasy standalones. They are a dime a dozen and I love that I can add this one to my recommendation list. It’s an enjoyable read with all of the Little Mermaid vibes, but darker and more romantic and with amazing characters too.

The romance increasingly grew on me over the book. I loved how Ilryth and Victoria worked together to solve the problems of the Eversea. I loved watching them have the difficult conversations and lean on each other through the harder times and dealing with past trauma.

I did think the plot dragged for me a little bit. Some scenes or intentions were pulled along and I was ready to get things rolling. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about the ending either. There were some aspects I enjoyed and others that have me feeling mixed. The characters really sold this book for me and I look forward to the next one!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some moderate
  • Romance: 2-3 open; low-moderate explicit
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, losing memories, healing from past truama of a previous marriage

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ARC Book Review: The Shards of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #2) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 436 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 22nd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The quest is over, but the curse has only just begun.

During her journey to the Mystique Mountains, Ophelia uncovered twisted secrets of love and war. Now, she’s left to pick up the pieces while stepping into her new role. But when a chancellor of a minor clan delivers a destructive premonition, Ophelia’s appointment is challenged, forcing her into a trial period–one that heightens the tensions already brewing in her relationships.

Amid the battles for alliances, the Angel, Damien, returns with more prophetic musings and threats. In order to defeat her political enemies, prove her worth, and solve the Angel’s message, Ophelia must fight to unravel the secrets of her opponents and heal her own wounds. But with war looming and scars of the past surfacing, can she find answers before time runs out?

The second installment in the The Curse of Ophelia series is rife with trials of growth, challenges of love, and games of politics. The Shards of Ophelia is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy, and Carissa Broadbent.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

SOPHOMORE SUCCESS.

Excuse me? THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING.

From the beginning I was wrapped up into this story. I enjoyed book one, and this blew it out of the water. I am officially attached to these characters, the plot and everything else in-between.

I loooove that it was dual POV. There’s a lot of complex emotions and hard choices to make. It all tore at my heart and made me ache. I love how this was written though. It felt real, with flawed characters doing their best, trying to take that next step forward and realizing what things you have to let go.

The romance picked up in ways I had been hoping for and I am HERE FOR IT. I love this found family and the new people that are being taken into the group. The other subtle relationships that may be popping up. The intensity at which I hate the antagonists. How the plot moves through fast and quiet times seamlessly. THE ANGST AT WHICH THIS ROMANCE BRINGS ME TO MY KNEES.

It’s all here, it’s all fantastic. Time to read this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little strong
  • Romance: 1-2 open – low/moderate explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, torture, physical and magical altercations, battle themes

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