Book Review: Unmasked (Benevolence & Blood #2.5) by Lauren M. Leasure

July 16, 2025June 20, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 266 pages
Author: Lauren M. Leasure
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: April 23rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The boys who age out of the orphanage become soldiers. That’s the way of it. That’s always been the plan for Miles Landgrave.

His own past is a mystery to him and he’s content to keep it that way. With his sights set on a higher rank, it seems his true life’s purpose is finally within reach. Soon, he’ll be able to step out of the shadows of survival and into the role he was born to fill.

When he meets Cielle Andyr, all of it comes grinding to a halt. He’s never questioned his own allegiance nor the horrific acts that allegiance will soon force him to commit. But now, he sees everything in a new light, one he was convinced didn’t exist.

For the first time in his life, Miles has more to live for than his duty, placing him at a crossroads between the honor of love and the love of honor. As unrest grows across the continent, he must choose between love and duty, between a sworn oath and a longing heart.

But a world doesn’t exist where he can have both.

I LOVE MILES SO MUCH.

I loved this novella. I’ve been wanting Miles story for a long time and oh my gosh it packed a GUT PUNCH. I loved being back in this world and getting more background. I loved that it was dual POV too. It’s set prior to the current track of the series and gives me a tiny bit of hope for how things will come together.

The romance was well paced. I loved seeing some side characters and I look forward to seeing how this all will fit back into the series! This isn’t a *necessary* story, but if you have been loving this world, I definitely recommend reading this too!

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance Novella
Language: high
Romance: 2 open door
Violence: high
Content Warnings: loss of life

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Book Review: A Ballad of Stars (Thieves of Felshan #2) by Jacqlin Guernsey

July 11, 2025June 1, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 430 pages
Author: Jacqlin Guernsey
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: April 9th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Only the stars see all…

With the throne still hanging in the balance and its rightful heir nowhere to be found, the kingdom of Felshan remains vulnerable to the whims of a traitorous mind. Determined to avert disaster, Ari and Roan are set on restoring Princess Lena to the role that is her birthright — with the help of a most unlikely ally.

Tumbling from the hands of one captor to another, Lena reluctantly accepts a new offer of betrothal from the powerful Kael Davenport. When Lena uncovers a hidden diary, dangerous questions arise. Armed with tales of corruption and conspiracy, Lena resolves to exact justice, saving herself and Felshan in the process.

Meanwhile, Ari’s chance for revenge appears within arm’s reach — but she must make an impossible choice. Will she save the man she loves? Or will she fall into the plans of a treacherous king?

And all the while another piece of a malicious master plan is falling into place…

A Ballad of Stars is book #2 in the Thieves of Felshan series and is a closed-door fantasy romance.

BUMMED.

I had much higher hopes going into this book and it ultimately fell prey to second/middle book of the series syndrome.

I love a good fantasy romance, but I like it to be balanced with the plot. This book was so much romantically focused that the story line took FOR-EVER to get anything going. All of the built up tension sagged because the lead-up was dragged out. I kept waiting for things to happen for anyone, anywhere and none of that occurred until maybe the last 15%.

I do like these characters and the over arching story is good. The way this one made me frustrated has me contemplating continuing the series though.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: low
Romance: make-outs
Violence: high

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ARC Book Review: All’s Well that Friends Well (Lucky in Love #2) by Gracie Ruth Mitchell

July 8, 2025July 5, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★.25
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 390 pages
Author: Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 14th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

My love for Luca Slater is not unrequited. It’s just…not requited yet.

Did I break into his house? Technically yes. And did I eavesdrop on that one tiny little conversation? Also yes. But I had good reasons! Intentions matter, you know?

Unfortunately, Luca does not agree. So while I fell for him at first sight, his opinion of me is dismally low, and it’s about to get lower. Because as of today, I am officially working at his office…as the new janitor.

Cleaning toilets isn’t sexy, and I am not cut out for sanitizer and scrub brushes. But I need this job–begged for this job, in fact–so I’m going to make the best of it.

When I see Luca is having some work problems of his own, however, and when I realize I might be just the person to help, I offer my services immediately. As the new branch manager, he needs help softening his image in order to win over his employees, and if there’s one thing I’m great at, it’s people skills.

If I can prove useful, maybe Luca will finally see me as a woman instead of a silly little girl. Maybe he’ll finally realize I’m the one he’s destined to be with forever.

So I’ll help Luca win over his employees, and while I’m at it, I’ll win him over, too. I’m going to do everything I can to make this man fall for me…

One mopped floor at a time.
.
.
This is Juliet Marigold’s story, book two in the Lucky in Love series! These books can be read in any order as complete standalones, but they are best enjoyed when read in order.

Thank you to Gracie Ruth Mitchell for the gifted eARC.

IT WAS SWEET.

Another GRM book I adored so much. This one really took you on a journey from strangers to friends to lovers and it was intriguing to see Juliet be the pursuer. She’s a bit unhinged in her antics and that got to me a touch, buuuut it started becoming endearing and I liked seeing the switch up in this genre.

And I adored Luca. He’s the epitome of a grumpy character who has a soft heart underneath all of the gruff. I really liked his growth and facing the hard things and slowly seeing him break his control to let himself live a little. AND LET ME TELL Y’ALL, that first kissing scene lit my kindle on FIRE. Gosh dang it was hot y’all.

I liked Juliet’s growth a lot too. I understood and could resonate with much of her inner monologue and there were many tender scenes with her and Luca that showed the strength she’s been creating to find a new and enjoyable life path for herself. There were moments that made me laugh, swoon, and squeeze my heart.

I can’t wait for the next book!!

Overall audience notes:

Contemporary Romance
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Content warnings: loss of a loved one (recounted), anxiety

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Book Review: Even if It Hurt (Huntley Square #1) by Molly Barlowe

July 3, 2025May 13, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★.25
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 350 pages
Author: Molly Barlowe
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: September 16th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

My life and career have conditioned me to be prepared for—and desensitized to—traumatic events. Rather, they should’ve. But one phone call blindsided me in a way I never expected, and now there’s a screaming eight-month-old in my custody.

I would’ve done anything to ensure my niece didn’t enter the system, but I never wanted a family. I never wanted ties to anyone, period.

But then my meddling office administrator forcibly hires a nanny for me, and all my resolute vows start crumbling when I come face to face with Lainey Pearson . . . again.

She’s no one—should be no one. Just an oblivious girl I saved nearly a year ago. But she’s the only one who’s ever rocked me. Consumed me. I immediately want to fire her, but with the social worker breathing down my neck, I need her.

Then again, now that she’s fallen back into my life, having a working boundary might be for the best. My life doesn’t allow for relationships, and last I checked, it was frowned upon to date your employees.

Especially when they’re already in a relationship.

I LIKED THIS ONE!

I love finding new to me authors and this is another one I will definitely be continuing with. I didn’t know that this had some suspense elements and I loved finding a closed door author who writes suspense. It’s a hidden gem.

I loved the connection between Asher and Lainey. From that first meeting you could see that there was something there and I loved the push and pull. There’s a lot of walls that had to be taken down and I liked the arguments and quiet moments that created a great atmosphere.

The family bugged me a LOT though. It got to be repetitive and unnecessary and really beating the situation to death. And I always struggle when one of the MC’s is in a relationship most of the book. It makes some of the romance aspects a little less believable.

I did enjoy how things came together and eventually worked out. I loved the security firm aspects and the details and the hints of found family/future book relationships. I absolutely want to continue.

Overall audience notes: