Tag: indie author

Book Review: Scales of Ash & Smoke (Ash & Smoke #1) by Emily L. Schneider

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 310 pages
Author: Emily L. Schneider
Publisher: Magic Keepers Press
Release Date: October 5th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She lived her whole life enslaved to the dragons.
But now she’s one of them.
Seventeen-year-old Kaida, a human, has spent her entire life enslaved to the dragons who slaughtered half the human population a thousand years ago. She is forced to serve her ruthless Master, Eklos, until one deadly summer day when the Prince of Elysia saves her life.
Prince Tarrin steals her away to the Royal Palace, shocking Kaida when he reveals that she is mutator formarum.
He promises her safety, but when they uncover a dangerous conspiracy to rid Elysia of the Royal Family, she begins to question how safe she truly is.
And when desire blooms between Kaida and Tarrin, in the midst of fighting for their lives, she must choose whether to save the very creature she swore to hate, or allow him to perish…
And destroy her own heart.

IT WAS OKAY.

Maybe this is better for a younger audience? I don’t know, things didn’t hit all the way for me. Lets get into it.

I am ALWAYS here for a marriage of convenience trope. What I didn’t quite get behind is how quickly the enemies were apparently lovers? For a fantasy that tops out at 300 pages I can see the difficulty in formulating the necessary depth in connections and relationships needed to fully be on board with what was happening.

There’s some decent world building. I didn’t feel confused by the set-up or how the magic worked. It wasn’t fully defined, but at least easy to follow. I loved the concept of dragon shifters and thought that was executed well.

This tried to be dark at times, and while things that were brought up were definitely dark, I don’t know that it fit? The whole overall vibe of the book + what it was trying to accomplish kind of clashed for me. Once again I think it goes back to the depth of connections I was looking for.

I won’t be continuing this series at this time! As it isn’t bringing anything new that I want to pursue.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes, executions, torture, descriptive and graphic violence, weapons and physical violence, loss of loved ones

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Book Review: One Last Play (Sweet Peach #4) by Annah Conwell

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Sports Romance
Length: 271 pages
Author: Annah Conwell
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: May 25th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

She could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her. My friend tells me to forget about her, but how can I when she becomes Maddie’s art teacher and our paths cross again? I ask her out, she turns me down. Rinse and repeat. But I don’t plan on giving up any time soon. My instincts are always right, and they’re telling me Meadow Jane Carter might just be my future wife.

One Last Play is an age gap, reverse grumpy/sunshine romcom for fans of sweet romantic comedies. It has all the sizzling chemistry you love, without any explicit scenes. Check out the fourth and final installment of the Sweet Peach Series, a four-book sweet romcom collection about best friends living in Atlanta, Georgia!

THIS BOOK.

I read this off of the recommendation of a friend as this is the first book by this author I’ve read and it did NOT DISAPPOINT Y’ALL. Consider this a new favorite in the sweet sports romance category.

I am an absolute sucker for he falls first and hard. Sebastian was that man. From the first meeting I was already swooning. It was laid out so well and I loved the progression. There’s cute moments, relatable commentary and some swoooony kisses. The third act was handled amazingly. Realistic conflict with communication is my jam.

Maddie was an adorable addition and I just loved her. She was the sweetest girl and brought another great level of depth to this book.

Meadow Jane was a character that frustrated me in a positive way? I got where she was coming from and she slowly made growth and listened to loved ones around her about being open to new love and new things and I loooove those moments.

The football content is perfect. Not overwhelming but I was an immediate Thrasher fan from the get-go. I love that Sebastian was a coach instead of a player and now I’m all excited for this spin-off series with Meadow Jane’s brothers.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Sports Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones (childbirth and cancer), a car wreck with minor injuries

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Book Review: The Even Odder Couple (Apple Valley Love Stories #4) by Julie Christianson

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 362 pages
Author: Julie Christianson
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: July 25th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Spencer Crane thinks I’m a human tornado.

I think he’s a calendar app come to life.

While he schedules? I spin-out.

When I spontaneously combust? He overcompensates.

And this is why convincing my new boss to hire him is a completely brilliant idea.

You see, workplace romance is forbidden, but attraction between total opposites like Spencer and me is a non-issue.

I repeat: Non. Issue.

I only wish I hadn’t discovered Mr. Clark Kent Glasses is (secretly) scorchingly hot. Even worse, he’s funny and chivalrous, and shoving me straight out of my Tess the Mess comfort zone.

But we both need this job. Like, a lot. And if our boss catches wind of any fraternization, we’ll be fired. Not to mention my heart’s already at risk of being axed.

So when Spencer starts treating me like I’m a magnet and he’s a fistful of iron, I’ve got a tornado-sized problem on my hands.

Starting now, I’m doubling down. I absolutely cannot fall for Spencer Crane.

Even if my total opposite might be everything I need …

This heartwarming, hilarious romantic comedy has all the sizzle and swoon, but no explicit content. The entire Apple Valley series can be read in any order, so grab The Even Odder Couple today and get ready to fall in love! 

SILLY.

I know there’s a line for everyone on what’s too silly in a romance book. This one crossed that line for me in multiple facets and I think I’ve come to accept that this author isn’t for me. Her stories are sweet and there’s goodness here, just some frustrating things I’ve found that keep me from being fully immersed.

Spence was wonderful. I liked his nerdy and kind ways. He had that charming level of jealousy that I like he was clearly smitten with Tess. All good things for me.

Tess on the other hand? Would not shut up about some other woman that she thought (and then when was told otherwise, still forced) Spencer was into. It was annoying and relentless and I couldn’t handle one more mention of Kayla. Along with that, I thought the mayor was an odd character who didn’t quite fit either. You can fulfill the tropes you’re going after without a wild emphasis from other characters.

Anyways, I don’t know. The setting was fun too. I do love a camp setting and liked seeing that Tessa had found her element. The miscommunication running RAMPANT is about the only thing I keep circling back to when I think about this book. Oh well.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: snakebite

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Book Review: Fear the Flames (Fear the Flames #1) by Olivia Rose Darling

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 586 pages
Author: Olivia Rose Darling
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: November 19th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Princess. Prisoner. Runaway. Queen.
Elowen Atarah, Princess of Imirath, came into the world like a firestorm made flesh. A princess with a link to five dragons should have been a blessing to her kingdom, but her blessing became her curse. The little girl in shackles became a knife wielding woman with a thirst for retaliation.
Now, Queen of Aestilian, a secret kingdom she forged through strength and survival, Elowen needs a way to feed her rising population. She never thought she would have the force to take on Imirath, but when the snarky Commander Cayden Veles of Vareveth, her father’s enemy kingdom, offers her a deal she’s been dreaming of for years, how can she not take it? Even if he ignites her temper like no other, nothing unites two begrudging allies more than a common enemy.
The pair of them, along with three accomplices, will navigate their partnership, politics, and attempt to pull off the greatest heist their world has ever known. Five people, all united through revenge, will have to transcend the odds stacked against them and infiltrate “The Impenetrable Castle” if they want to reap their rewards before someone reaps their souls. Putting aside their differences to accomplish a common goal because everyone knows…vengeance is a promise signed in blood.

WHAT A DEBUT.

I have been waiting to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this.

For a book that does have a good bit of violence the romance was SOOOOFT. And I loved it!! It was this great contrast against the larger story. I loooved Cayden and his protective ways while always making sure Elowen saw her worth. Elowen was an amazing character on her own. I loved that she was infallible and demanded communication. She strove for support and the loyalty she has to revenge the wrongs done to her. Top notch chemistry between the them and an awesome storyline.

And I LOVED the friendships!! They added such depth to all of the characters and I loved how they worked together towards their goals. All the action and politicking, twists and turns. I did not want to put this down.

The dragons are a slow burn aspect on this one (but will be present in the next book much more!!). I look forward to seeing where this series goes.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 3-4 open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, battle and war themes, torture, mentions of sexual assault (recounted), torture, physical and weapons violence

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