Book Review: Devil by Rumor by Ariel Brouillette (Diabolic Hearts Book 1)

 Author: Ariel Brouillette

Genre: Dark Romance / Paranormal Romance / Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Deal with the Devil, Touch Her and Die, Morally Black MMC, Forced Proximity, Possessive Hero, Enemies-to-Lovers Vibes, Hell Setting

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Diabolic Hearts Book 1

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    Carmen has been on the run for weeks from the man who tried to kill her. Going to the authorities isn’t an option—they’re too well connected, and no one would believe her anyway. Desperate and out of options, she makes a deal with a shadowy stranger to save her.

    The catch? Damon isn’t human.

    He’s the literal devil, and now Carmen is bound to him—forced to travel to Hell while he decides what to do with her. But the longer they’re together, the more she starts to get under his skin, breaking through his cold, unfeeling exterior. Determined to regain control, Damon considers releasing her from their bargain…until she chooses him instead. That’s when something dark, possessive, and eternal takes hold—and walking away is no longer an option.

    This dark paranormal romance delivers exactly what you want from a deal-with-the-devil story. Damon is far beyond morally gray—he’s firmly in morally black territory—and somehow still completely irresistible. The push and pull between him fighting his feelings and Carmen refusing to back down makes their dynamic addictive.

    The “touch her and die” energy is strong in this one, and it only intensifies as the story progresses. Carmen holds her own well, giving as good as she gets, which makes their chemistry even better.

    One of the standout elements for me was the foreshadowing. There’s a moment woven into the story that pays off in such a satisfying way later on, and it added a lot of depth to the overall plot. There’s also a key emotional moment that brings a sense of closure for Carmen, which I really appreciated.

    The story has a dramatic, almost addictive feel—like those over-the-top romance dramas where emotions run high, past relationships resurface, and chaos follows. And honestly? It works. I was completely hooked.

    Everything wraps up nicely while still setting the stage for the next book in the series. And I have one major hope: I need the next book to feature Death. There’s just too much potential there not to explore.

    Overall, this is a gripping dark romance with a powerful, possessive MMC, high emotional stakes, and just the right amount of drama and spice to keep you turning pages.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Dark “deal with the devil” romance
• Morally black, possessive demon MMCs
• Touch her and die energy
• Hell-based or demon realm settings
• High-drama romance with intense emotions
• Spicy paranormal romance with strong chemistry

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $18.00 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas (Villains of Lore Book 2)

 Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance • Mythological Romance • Reverse Harem

Tropes: Forced Marriage • Enemies to Lovers • Bully Romance • Greek Gods • Trial by Combat • “Touch Her and Die” • Immortality Games

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Very explicit, frequent by the end)

Series: Book 2 

                Alexis survived the training and is eligible to survive to 19 when she will become immortal. But, she is tainted now and in order to save face she must marry. Kharon and Augustus have stepped up and bound to her. She was their objective anyways and it doesn’t matter that they bullied and tricked her into marrying them. She is theirs and she will come to terms with it. But with Zues insisting that they must all participate in the games they just need to get her strong enough to survive what is thrown at her. Otherwise, they will go to war with the Olympians to keep her relatively safe.

                This book wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited. However, I needed it. Immediately. Do I know that it was going to end up on Kindle Unlimited? Yes. Does that matter? Nope. It wouldn’t be on there fast enough since it was a new release and I needed to know what happened next.

Now, it ended on another cliff-hanger. Sort of. Alexis and her men are resolved, but she seems to be remaining a background character and we will be getting a new trio. I really need that one too, but who knows when the book will be out. The next Jasmine Mas book will be out September 15^th and it is added to my calendar to remind myself. But, it is a new series. Not going to stop me from reading it. As I have mentioned before, I seem to have developed an addiction to any book this author writes.

This book is just as amazing as book 1, but with more spice. It starts out small, but by the end of the book it is almost non-stop. No complaints. All the same trigger warnings from before still apply so check them before you start. This is book 2 that you absolutely cannot read without reading book 1 first. You will have no idea what is going on. So go read the others first.

Now then, I need to know what is going on with Charlie. I know he isn’t a normal human. I just know it. I don’t care if he gets his own book or if it is told in the background. I don’t care. I just need the information immediately.

The betrayal and bloodshed in this book is amazing. I am trying to hard to be vague when I just want to talk about it. I did see who the “big bad” was, but it wasn’t exactly subtle. I wasn’t really surprised by any of the reveals. Didn’t mean I didn’t adore being proven right and everything that happened along the way.

This book is available on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This If You Love:

• Dark mythological romance with Greek gods
• Reverse harem with morally gray men
• Bully-to-possessive devotion arcs
• Deadly trials and combat games
• Marriage of convenience (with teeth)
• Political power plays among immortals
• Betrayal, bloodshed, and revenge
• High-spice fantasy romance
• Cliffhangers that make you immediately need book 3

This series is pure obsession fuel.

Books by this Author:

Psycho Shifter (Cruel Shifterverse Book 1)

Psycho Fae (Cruel Shifterverse Book 2)

Psycho Beasts (Cruel Shifterverse Book 3)

Psycho Academy (Cruel Shifterverse Book 4)

Psycho Devils (Cruel Shifterverse Book 5)

Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1)

Book Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Assistant and the Villain Book 1)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Villain Gets the Girl, Morally Grey MMC, Forced Proximity, Secret Identity, Castle Intrigue, Revenge Plot, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: Assistant to the Villain Book 1

                Evie left the blacksmith after an unfortunate happenstance and now she is out of work. As the sole caregiver in her house she must find work, but there are simply more workers than jobs in her small town. With an ill father and a younger sister at home to care for she will take a job from anyone. Including The Villain. Even if he has a terrible moniker.

                This is another BookTok made me read it. As always, they have yet to steer me wrong and I loved this book. My Aunt decided she wanted to read a book with someone so that we could keep each other on target and talk about the book. We set parameters of reading a chapter and then texting the other when we were done with that chapter. Then we either talked about it or just said to move on to the next. She said it helped her with accountability to finish a book. Personally, I was constantly waiting for her and going a little stir crazy needing to know what happened next.

                I really loved the book though. Evie is what I call my daughter, so that was fun. This book doesn’t have any spice in it, but I believe that will be changing sooner versus later. It also ended on a cliff-hanger, and I will be reading on in this series. It was amazing and Evie’s personality was wonderful.

                I will say I was surprised with who the rat in the Villain’s castle was. Realistically I knew it couldn’t be either of the 2 people that the book was setting it up to be, but I didn’t have a good option. The truth though? Brutal and I loved it. The Villain was probably my favorite character because how couldn’t he be? We always choose the villain. Although he doesn’t really live up to his moniker. So what if there are some heads in the atrium. That is nothing. Or he steals from the king. It’s fine and its all for revenge which makes it fine as well.

                I can’t wait to read on and find out how Evie deals with all the new circumstances that ended book 1. This will definitely be a series that has to be read in order. Besides, I can't abandon my favorite character, Kingsley. He is wonderful and I need to know all there is to know about him!

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• “Villain” love interests

• Morally grey men with revenge agendas

• Fantasy castles and political intrigue

• Slow burn tension

• Zero-spice first books that build anticipation

• Twists involving hidden traitors

• Touch her and Die Vibes

• Series you must binge in order

A fantastic fantasy romance starter with strong characters, sharp twists, and a villain we’re absolutely rooting for.

Book Review: Pumpkin Spice Café by Lauren Gilmore (Dream Harbor Book 1)

 Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Romance

Tropes: Big City to Small Town, Grumpy Farmer, Gifted Café, Found Community, Meet-Cute Chaos

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Series: Dream Harbor Book 1

                Jeanie’s life changes overnight when her aunt retires and gifts her the town’s beloved café. Trading her predictable desk job for frothy lattes and small-town charm, Jeanie is ready for a fresh start. What she’s not ready for? Nearly taking off local farmer Logan’s head with a baseball bat when she hears a suspicious noise outside—only to discover he’s just delivering her produce. Small-town romance at its finest.

                This is pure TikTok-made-me-read-it energy—and honestly? No regrets. It’s cozy. It’s charming. It’s giving full Hallmark movie magic. We get a welcoming (and slightly nosy) small town, a town meeting where Jeanie suggests the café might be haunted, and plenty of soft, sweet chemistry. The ghost paranoia storyline adds just enough quirk to keep things fun without tipping into anything heavy.

                This is open-door, but the spice stays in the background. You get a couple of satisfying scenes, but the emotional connection, town dynamics, and cozy atmosphere are clearly the focus. The romance feels natural, steady, and warm—perfect for a fall read with a blanket and a cup of tea.

    Everything wraps up nicely, making this a satisfying standalone. There are background characters I’d happily read more about, but nothing feels unfinished if you stop here.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for Amazon for $11.99 by clicking here.

You'll Love this if you Love:

• Big-city girl fresh starts
• Sweet, steady farmers
• Cozy café settings
• Low angst
• Fall comfort reads

This one is a delightful, low-drama escape. 🍂

Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros (The Empyrean Book 1)

Title: Fourth Wing

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Fantasy Romance / Romantasy

Tropes: Dragon Riders, Enemies to Lovers, Military Academy, Morally Gray MMC, Touch Her and Die (Slow Build), Disabled FMC, Deadly Trials, Found Family

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶 – Explicit scenes, slow-burn tension

Format: Audiobook 

Series: The Empyrean 

    Violet Sorrengail never wanted to be a dragon rider. With fragile health and bones that break too easily, she was always meant for the Scribe Quadrant—following in her father’s scholarly footsteps. But after his death, her mother—the commanding general—forces her to enter the Riders Quadrant instead. To survive, she must endure brutal trials, outlast ruthless candidates, and convince a dragon to bond with her. Simple. Especially with enlistment numbers at an all-time low and dragons known for incinerating the weak, Violet’s chances are slim. Add in her physical limitations and a training environment where fellow cadets would gladly kill for a better ranking, and the odds are stacked against her.

    This was a classic BookTok made me read it situation. I grabbed the audiobook and devoured it at work—yes, including the spicy scenes. Zero regrets. I was hooked from the moment Violet stepped onto the parapet.

    The tension is relentless: will she survive the other candidates? Will the dragons deem her worthy? Every trial feels life-or-death, especially with her disability constantly used against her. And then there’s the Wing Leader.

    The book initially sets up like it might lean toward a friends-to-lovers arc—but I’ve never been happier to be wrong. The “good boy” friend follows the rules, even when those rules hurt Violet. Meanwhile, the morally gray love interest? That’s the energy. Protective, intense, and not above bending the world when it comes to her. While he’s not fully in the “burn the world down” stage just yet, the groundwork is absolutely there.

    The romance is slow-burn with explicit moments that hit hard when they arrive. The chemistry builds through danger, rivalry, and undeniable attraction. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but thankfully the next installments are already out, so you can dive straight into the chaos. I will absolutely continue the series. As much as I loved the characters, the dragons stole the show. Every scene involving them elevated the story.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $14.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Dragon rider fantasy
• Military academy settings
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Strong but physically vulnerable heroines
• Morally gray romantic leads
• High-stakes fantasy with cliffhangers

Book Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

     Alexis' parents are renowned surgeons and her brother followed in those footsteps. So she was left to her own devices. Mostly. Being a lowly ER doctor wasn't in her mother's plans for her, but since she was dating the head surgeon at the hospital it was tolerated. Until she broke up with him for not keeping it in his pants. Now, she's in some nowhere town sitting at a bar. A bet, a grilled cheese, and a baby goat later her life is turned upside down by the sexy Daniel. 

    I follow narrator Laura Horrowitz on basically everything. About a year and a half ago she and Cooper (don't know his last name, but his Tiktok is Uncle Cooper) were doing a duet style narration of the bar scene and oof. All of the yes. As I read this book I only heard Cooper's voice for Daniel. It. Was. Wonderful. 

    I have never finished a book so fast and then been DEVESTATED that it was over. I loved Daniel. I loved the goat. I loved the dog. I loved Alexis. Hell I loved the cranky old man down the road. The book was a Hallmark story and was just so sweet. 

    This is the first book I have read by Abby Jimenez, but I can promise it won't be the last. There is another book in this series, but I haven't read it yet. That being said, this book can absolutely be read as a standalone. No unfinished business and a wonderful epilogue. 

    I will absolutely be getting a shelf trophy of this to go back and re-read. I genuinely can't think of any potential triggers in this book. There are sex scenes, but they aren't overly descriptive. The ex is whiney and a cheater, but not the kidnap and destroy you kind. It's just a cute hallmarky contemporary romance that is sometimes just what you need. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $11.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Cursed by Harper L Woods (Coven of Bones Book 2)

     Grey betrayed her. Used her magic and opened a door to Hell. Never told her who he was and NOW he wants her at his side? Her entire life has been a lie. All the years of torture at her father's hands and she fell right into Grey's trap. 

    This book picks up immediately after book 1. I started this series because someone in one of my smut groups grabbed this book in the series and got as far as "Devil Worship" and was done. For clarity's sake, there isn't any actual devil worship going on. Unless you count worshiping his body...    

    This book still has the spice that is in book 1, but Willow comes more fully into herself. I still love both main characters and I still hate the same characters as in book 1. Although, they are dealt with in this book, so that's nice. 

    I love how descriptive this book is from raising the dead to keeping a familiar. Every instance it is like you can see the characters adventures unfold instead of just reading it. 

    The story is addicting and I was devastated when I got to the end only to realize book 3 hasn't come out yet. As with book 1 this does end on a cliff-hanger leaving you desperate for more. I cannot wait for book 3 and will likely read it as soon as it's released. (October 2025, if you're curious).

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Coven (Coven of Bones Book 1)

Book Review: The Coven by Harper L Woods (Coven of Bones Book 1)

     Willow has been raised her entire life to join the coven and tear it down from the inside. Her father made sure of it. Male witches must choose between keeping their powers and reproducing, but since he was hidden by his sister instead of being reported to the council he lived. She however, never survived the academy. Willow is the only product of two powered witches and she must keep that heritage a secret if she is to fulfil her goal. Protect her own little brother and destroy the Coven. But, Alaric is throwing a wrench in her plans. 

    This book was in one of my smut groups as a "hey I could not finish this book because of all the satanic elements". Well that resulted in me needing to read it and downloading it immediately as my TBR mourned the loss of actually being touched. I regret nothing. 

    Reading this book quickly spiraled into downloading and reading book 2 because this book ends on one hell of a cliff-hanger. I loved it. All of the main elements were wrapped up and then bam. Right in your face with something that you needed to keep reading. I loved Willow and I loved Alaric. I have to say that if you told me who he was at the very beginning of the book I wouldn't have believed it, but by midway through? Absolutely. 

    After the initial forest scene I was beyond hooked on this book and it's sassy main character. I made my best work friend and aunt both download it. Well Tina technically bought the physical copy, but I think that was solely for the purpose of annoying her very Christian wife. I love that about and for her. They both also absolutely adored this book and I have yet to hear anything from Tina's wife about me being a bad influence over it so I think I'm safe. 

    This is action, adventure, smut, and so many feels. He is the epitome of morally grey and you have no idea just how much until book 2. I genuinely hated one of the characters in this book, Iban. Second book did not disappoint in that regard, but you'll have to read that yourself after you finish this book. Although, literally anyone on the Council is also fair game for that title. 

    I can't say for certain which type of power Willow had that I loved the most, although it is probably the Earth magic just because of the aforementioned forest scene and she is pretty amazing at it. Then there is Alaric Throne. Gods I love a touch her and die book and I already cannot wait till book 3 comes out. I will be adding these books to my shelves as they are amazing, and have sprayed edges. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

The Cursed (Coven of Bones Book 2)

Book Review: Even the Losers by Bryant Delafosse

     It was the summer of 1980 and Neal had just moved to a small town in Texas with his father and older brother. While his brother was able to live rent-free on the couch his father told him to get a job. Setting him up with a position that could lead to the union he was a part of was the first step, but Neal had other asperations. The town had two movie theatre's and the goal for young Neal quickly became to learn everything he could about this place of wonder. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book took some time for me to get through and while it told a story of Neal's first summer in 1980 I didn't get a sense of real purpose for it. He started work, met a girl he liked, was an absolute geek (obsessed with Star Wars, played D&D, and Risk), was friend zoned and so on. He grew as a character and achieved some goals, but largely it was just what a random boy did over the summer in 1980. 

    I will say that I enjoyed seeing how rare arcade style games were and the fact that The Shining was just being released at this time. If you are into coming of age stories this may hold more interest for you. It was well written and engaging. Be warned there is a fair bit of Star Wars hype in this book. While I was never a fan, my husband definitely is. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $10.95 by clicking here. 

Book Review: I’m Not Letting Her Go by Tennille Stephens

     After losing her mother in a car accident Scarlett goes to live with her grandmother and her father, who she barely knows. While he is off on some kind of business Scarlett is adjusting to her new school as a senior. When the schools most popular play-boy sets his sights on her there is nothing she wants more than to get away from him. Except, there is more to Declan under the stand-offish exterior. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. We all know how much I love paranormal romances. I haven't been reading them as often, but they will forever be one of my favorites. This book is a combination of Young Adult Romance and Paranormal. Both are great genres. 

    Not that I am complaining, but I do like to give the disclaimer for those that care, while this is a young adult romance there is sex in the book. The characters are of consenting age and are almost 18 and 18 so it isn't a big deal. But, if that is something that bothers you with young adult books there is your warning. 

    The characters are well developed and it is as easy to get lost in the background story as in the romance that takes place. I really enjoyed the crossing of realms aspect and how everything turned out. I have to admit that the big bad was a bit obvious, but it may not be to everyone. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $18.99 as a paperback by clicking here. I am not sure why the eBook is no longer showing as available and if I am told of another place to get it I will update my page and let you know!

Book Review: Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha Tuli

     Lor has been a prisoner in the worst prison under the Aurora King for most of her life. She and her two siblings are the longest living residents of this hell with no real reason to be there. After a fight over soap Lor is sent out to the pit where she is without food and water while being subjected to the elements and beasts of the wild under she is brought to the Sun King's palace. Here she is primped and fed, but told she must compete with nine other girls who have prepared for this their entire lives. The prize is the Sun King himself and becoming queen. However, not everything is as meets the eye. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a fantasy young adult book, that I wouldn't recommend for younger kids. There is quite a bit of sex in this book, including orgy's and oral. No complaints on my end, just a heads up for the younger lot. 

    While you may be thinking of The Selection this book has more magic, more lies, and more possibilities. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Selection, but at the end of book one I didn't feel the need to continue, although I'm not against reading more of it. This book I would absolutely read more on, given the chance. 

    The author loves to play with your emotions with this book. Who to root for? Who to love? Who to hate? Personally I have a soft spot for the villain characters and I want to know what is going to happen with him, even if he wasn't in the last little bit. I have high hopes for both this author and series in the future. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $11.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Gold! By Thomas Greenbank

     Two brothers inherited a gold mine from their father-literally. Intent on following in his footsteps they graduate with a mining degree and begin their dream. Although there are some female problems the brothers eventually work through them and go into business as planned. While there are profits to be had it is slow going and they are unable to buy the newer machines they would like. The younger brother, Malcolm, crafts a plan to create a "hand of God" nugget to be insured and stolen or sold to a private collector to give them the kickstart they need. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

    I genuinely hated Malcolm in this book. He was abusive, greedy, self-serving and so much more which you will find out within these pages. He deserved much more than the fate he met, I will say that much at least. 

    This book switches perspectives between multiple people within the Kincaid family as the story unfolds. Each offers more insight into the events going on at that time. Although the start of the book is about a chunk of gold that is not the main point of the story. Everything about this book is about the Kincaid family gold mining operations and how that plays out through two generations. Technically three if you count the bit of backstory we got of the boys father. 

    It took me forever to get into this book because of how much I hated one of the characters. Hating someone you love to hate is one thing, but when they're hated so much you no longer care about what happens in the story around them it makes things difficult. This book excels in characters you will hate. 

    That being said, the book was well written and I enjoyed those characters getting their just desserts. Side note. This book says it is book one in the Kincaid saga, although personally I don't see where the book could go from where it ended. I feel like things were completely resolved and I don't have any standing questions. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $16.99 as a paperback. I am not sure if it is anywhere as an eBook. If you would like the paperback you can get it here. 

Book Review: Rise of the Unicorn by D. Elliot Woods

     Gus has faced hostage negotiation after negotiation with mostly victories. However, his biggest failure has haunted him with concerns that his private life situation affected his ability to do his job. He is intent that the issues he faces at home has had no impact on his abilities, but when a high profile bank robbery captures the attention of the country Gus is forced into the limelight. They will only negotiate with him and aren't afraid to kill hostages. Can this high profile situation be remedied? 

    I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy crime books and was excited to read this one. I have to admit that the title gave me some pause. While unicorns may be my 2 year old daughter's favorite animal I outgrew them a long time ago. However, in this situation the idea behind it is more important than the horned horse itself. 

    The story jumps perspectives so you can see both what is happening inside the bank and outside. At the same time, the author does a great job of keeping the information he wants kept from the reader until he is ready. Everything ties together nicely with no strings left undone at the end. If you are a fan of NCIS and Criminal Minds you will enjoy this. Not only because the author has been a character in these shows, either. 

    I liked how the book ended. Everything ended in a way that I am happy with, although the secret of the heist was intriguing, but weird. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $11.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: What Meets the Eye by Alex Kenna

     Kate was a Detective at the top of her game with an excellent solve rate, an attorney husband, and a beautiful little girl. That is until a car chase ended with the driver ramming her car in the blockade. Her back was broken and the pills became an easy escape from the pain. Soon her husband's nagging lead to him filing for both divorce and custody. She only gets her little girl on the weekends. Sometimes. Still, Kate is determined to be better and get her life back on track. Without her ex. She is a PI now and a grieving father has asked her to look into his daughter's suicide. The truth could have more than one head rolling. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I haven't read a lot of PI books in the past. Well, at least not ones that aren't primarily smut. I don't avoid them or even dislike them, they just aren't something I get a lot of requests for. Still, when I received this one I was excited, if only to break up my other continuous genres. 

    The characters in this book are relatable and the plot feels like something that could realistically happen. While this book is the first in a series featuring the main character this book can absolutely be read as a standalone. Probably because it is the first book. Still, the main point to this book is resolved at the end with some character threads hanging that I am sure will continue on as the series does. 

    This book has characters to love and those we love to hate. Like her ex. I hope she gets everything she wants moving forward. She has already leapt the biggest hurdle. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $13.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams (The French Girl Series Book 1)

     Maude has spent her entire life as an orphan living with the Ruchets. While she was technically their foster child she had always been more of a glorified babysitter to their twins as well as free labor. Still, she wanted more than anything to go to see Paris with the rest of the year 10 students. After gaining the grudging approval of Mr. Ruchet she went, meeting a producer who wanted to sign her. Although she had to make a terrible deal with the Ruchet's Maude was able to travel with Mr. Baldwin to New York to make her album. Can she hang on to her new life or will Carvin, France always be waiting?

    I impulse bought this book at BookBub's suggestion back in 2017. Until mid last month I didn't have any review requests, so started reading all the books I have impulse bought, which brought me to this charming Young Adult novel. I enjoy reading about most things music related, such as plays and musicals and the like. That being said I haven't stumbled across a lot of them and didn't expect it when I began this book. In fact, I began reading without having read the blurb. Considering I got this book back in 2017 it is very unlikely I every read the blurb and simply got the book because it was suggested to me. Still, here we are and I enjoyed it.

    I always read preface's to books. I feel they are important. After-all, if they weren't why would they be put in? Still, in this case it told me how things with the Ruchet's would play out and strongly hinted at the mystery of her parents. I won't give things away, of course, but for once I feel the book would have been better if we hadn't had that scene. Perhaps that mystery wasn't given away for all readers. 

    Aside from this we follow a young girl's struggle with an abusive foster family in France as she makes her way to New York due to the help of a kindly producer. During her time in New York she will stay with the Baldwin's becoming a part of the family while making music with esteemed and established musicians. We see Maude as she transforms from a shy thing that only rarely lashes out to an independent and excited young woman who has her whole life ahead of her. 

    This book has drama, romance, music and betrayal. All fun and exciting components. Plus, this book is the first in the series. Personally, I don't know that I will be continuing because I wasn't left with any burning questions. The book ends in a good place where it is easy to see what direction will be taken, but that a reader would have been happy to read as a standalone. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $11.99 (paperback) by clicking here. Personally, I got it as an eBook, but it is no longer available as an eBook on Amazon for some reason. 

Book Review: The Beast Within by Serena Valentino

     What if instead of Beauty and the Beast from Belle's perspective we learn more about Prince Adam? Spoiled and cruel he was cursed, but not in the way we thought. Now he must come to terms with this new form as well as learn something he was never before capable of: love. But perhaps there is another way. 

    This book was a suggestion by my best friend. He is well aware of my borderline obsession with Beauty and the Beast as well as how much I loved Tale as Old as Time. So when he said this was a dark retelling from the Beast's perspective I jumped at it. Add to it the fact that this book is available on Kindle Unlimited and I was reading it within minutes of him texting me the suggestion. Let's just say the man knows me and I really loved this book. 

    While this book is not as good as Tale as Old as Time it is still amazing. I loved the ending on the other book, but this had it's own charms. Instead of the classic cursed for turning someone away Prince Adam was cursed for breaking off an engagement with a young woman because she was the daughter of a pig farmer. In fact I stopped more than once while reading this book to send snippets to my friend asking him what the hell he was thinking sending me a misogynistic book. He'd reply that I needed to keep reading so I did. It got better and I enjoyed the things Beast had to go through as part of the curse to become better.

    The Beast was absolutely dreadful, but thinking a woman shouldn't have thoughts of her own and that they were basically pretty decorations wasn't an uncommon opinion during this time period, so I can't say too much. Then there was the prince's relationship with Gaston. We all know Gaston. And I hate to say it, but two characters in this book had a lot in common. Thankfully, not by the end. Still, I wasn't thrilled by their friendship. Something else I found odd was that he is never referred to as Prince Adam in this book. Only by "Prince" or "the Beast". That isn't a yay or a nay in my opinion of the book, just something that I found odd. I mean everyone knows his name, even those who preferred him as the Beast before he changed back. 

    Something I really liked about this retelling was Circe. Not that Circe, for all of those immediately going to mythology mindset. In this case she was the original fiancée and curse layer. That being said she wasn't unjust and genuinely wanted good things for the Beast. This is evident by her actions throughout as she keeps her sisters in check as well as the end. While I could never choose anyone over Belle Circe would be a second in this story. Also, the way the author mentions Ursula in passing in the book makes me want to track down that story. Maybe another time. She is, after all, my favorite villain. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $10.99 by clicking here. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Book Review: Whiteout by Kathleen Lee

     Growing up Maggie and Nikka had to walk on eggshells whenever they were around their mother. No loud noises and just the sight of Maggie was frequently enough to set her off. Dishes were thrown, words were said, and very occasionally blood was even shed. At the first chance she got Maggie decided to move to Ottawa and go to University to escape her mother's wrath. Nikka had decided to stay and take care of her parents since she didn't receive the brunt of her mother's outbursts like her younger sister. 

    While away Maggie flourished in her life and the two girls remained close. She graduated, got her own place, and started at her dream career. Meanwhile, Nikka still lived with her parents, but had a steady boyfriend she loved and had started her own bookkeeping business. Everything was going as great as can be expected until on Remembrance Day Nikka was driving her parents up to Ottawa for an unknown reason the car wrecked. 

    With this catastrophic event everything in Maggie's life changes. The job she has worked so hard for becomes threatened, her amazing apartment must go, and even the man she was seeing becomes a distant fond memory. At each turn Maggie is struggling to cope with this new life thrust upon her while two questions plague her: Why were you coming to Ottawa? and Are you in there? 

    I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. At first I wasn't overly excited to read this book because I struggle with reading abuse situations, especially towards children. You live something and you don't want to bleed into your readings, even almost a decade after the situation has ended. But, I kept reading and in a lot of ways I related to Maggie. Don't tell anyone what happens at home. The phrase we had was "What happens at home stays at home." 

    She gamely stepped up at each turn she faced and what she felt towards her mother I don't know that I would be able to feel the same in her place. I haven't spoken to mine since 2014 and am happy with that. Nikka is amazing and I hope that she reaches a point where that everything in her life achieves some sort of normality again. Both for her sake and Maggie's. 

    The events in this book are very plausible and realistic, to the point where while I was talking about the book with a co-worker he asked if it was based on a real story and I had to hunt the answer down. It is not, by the way. However, it is an enjoyable but heart-wrenching story. If you are a crier be warned. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $15.95 by clicking here. I was unable to find an eBook copy of it on Amazon, only the physical copy. 

Book Review: The Sacrifice of Lester Yates by Robin Yocum

 

    Attorney General Van Buran had loved being a prosecutor and ran hard to earn his place. Now that he has it, however, his joy of putting away criminals has been dampened by politics. Day in and out was filled with petty white-collar crimes so different from his blue-collar upbringing until a prison guard, Mr. Moretti brought in 3 binders full of information on the Lester Yates- Egypt Valley Strangler case. He demanded that he thought Yates was innocent and that it needed looked into before the boy was sent to slaughter. As Van Buran investigates the case he has no idea where the murders will lead or just how much of a fight he'll have to put up with Governor "Big Jim" Wilinski. Big Jim wants nothing to stand in his way of running for presidency, and that includes letting a murderer walk. 

    I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I agreed to the review I know I read the synopsis, but this book was a ways down my TBR and by the time I got to it I had no clue what this book could be about. Which I'm fine with. Everyone needs a little spice in their life and mine, as far as reading goes, comes from not knowing what book comes next. With the title my brain was preparing for another cult read. No problems there, but I was mistaken. 

    Instead, I was presented with a murder mystery. A serial-killer murder mystery none the less. All the better. Things
are going great until I start seeing that terrible p word I hate so much popping up like dandelions in the spring. Politics. I wanted to groan, thinking this book was going to take a turn for the worst. After all, there is nothing good or entertaining about reading politics. Oh, but I couldn't have been more wrong. 

    The more I read the more I couldn't put this book down. I finished it within 2 days, which is saying something recently between all my other commitments. I needed to know who the real murderer was, and while I had my suspicions, along with a character I really didn't like, there was still a curveball. The author set this character up until the final blow was set. While I had initially suspected the murderer I quickly discarded him in favor of the other. 

    Van Buran is a small-town guy who covered up a murder when he was a kid only to spend the rest of his life trying to put criminals behind bars. He claims to be easy going, but has a temper and a flare for the dramatics. And, best of all, while he is in politics and has to deal with them he doesn't let the pressure put on him stop from pursuing the truth. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $16.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: S.E. T. the Earth on Fire by Kyle Nolan (S.E.T. Epic Dark Fantasy Series Book 1)

    Meteors crashed into the Earth ending life as we knew it. On these came gods. S.E.T., Ra, Osirus, Bakari, and the rest of their family. Together they created a new place for the humans that remained to grow and prosper. S.E.T, with the help of the Core he holds, has maintained peace for years. However, with Osirus' betrayal the Hive and the original creator of the Core is out to destroy this new life created. With Gods and Ghosts abounding humans have little control of their future. But, the fate of humans should not rest with the Gods. 

    After the murder of his best friend, Charlie, by Ra for being a Heka user Ethos flees Akhet and finds himself bound to a snake Ghost, Wormwood. The parasite's spirit has given this human powers that may prove useful in the coming war. However, with so many factions competing for the Core and domination it is hard to see who will win or if humanity will survive this newest peril. 

    I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book from start to finish and for a debut indie author novel there was surprisingly few errors in it. I, of course, loved the title of the book. It's very dramatic and post-apocalyptic books are fun to read. While I would never want to live in one the change from our normal day to day lives is great. 

    This book has a bit of everything. There is romance between characters, action, adventure, and possession. What more could you ask for? Characters are assholes and realistic. Well, other than the ghosts and gods, but the author works hard to make them relatable as well. Ethos feels the need to hide who he truly is because of who he chooses to love just as some people have trouble doing now. There is some witchcraft in the form of Heka as well as apothecary use side by side. 

    A combination of current, old, and new all wrapped in one. My favorite character was Charlie. She may not have been around for a long time, but she was a big influence and wasn't afraid to be herself. Charlie was unique, outspoken, and absolutely beautiful. And I have to say that I loved the detail about her necklace and can't wait to see what happens next! I hope that you will enjoy this book as much as I have and check out the authors store to get some interesting book merchandise! https://www.etsy.com/shop/vitaminkprints as odd as the name of that link is, the shop itself is interesting. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. This is available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Book Review: Mountain Folk by John Hood (Book 1 of the Folklore Cycle)

     Throughout history the fae of different species (Silth, Dwarves, Pixies, and others) have protected and lent a guiding hand to the humans. After-all, the humans do not know the perils they face at the hands of the monsters. So, when the humans travelled to the Americas the fae followed. Now, these humans are trying to distance themselves from their rightful ruler, the King of England. Allowing this to happen would lead to disaster as these humans are not up to the task of self governing. The fae must once more lend their influence to squash this rebellion before things get out of hand. The only problem is not all fae agree. Some believe that these humans have a right to govern. Who is right and who will win? 

    I received a copy of this audiobook from the narrator for a honest review. When I first began listening to the book I was so excited. I am a Kentucky girl, as anyone who has been reading my reviews for a while knows. And the first character we meet in our story is Daniel Boone. I grew up playing in Daniel Boone National Forest and used to pretend that ever gap between the hills was The Cumberland Gap. In reality I only lived about an hour from it. 

    My excitement continued as we began discussing the French and Indian war. It is one of the wars that aren't overdone. We covered it in American History, but it wasn't shoved down our throats until all mystery and majesty was gone from it. Unlike the American Revolution. We hit that point in the book and if I had been reading this book instead of listening to it there would have been a lot of skimming going on. My eyes would have all but glazed over and that would have been that. I liked the monsters. I liked the fair folk. I liked the concept of fae using their influence to get what they want. It fits with what is known of fae. When I read the synopsis, and yes, I actually read this synopsis since it was a book review request instead of an impulse buy, it was focused mostly on the fairy nations. There was exactly one sentence on the American Revolution so I thought it would be a background detail. I was wrong. 

    I do have to say I enjoyed listening to the narrator. It was always easy to tell who the different characters were and he didn't pause awkwardly like some that I listen to do. In fact, I started an impulse buy audiobook as soon as I finished this audiobook the other day and the difference between narrators is night and day. That being said, listening to Benjamin Fife narrating a mail order bride alien romance would be hilarious. Of that I have no doubt. 

    While I will be reading more books done by this narrator in the future I am not looking for any more by this author. The book was well written and flowed continuously, it just wasn't what I wanted. 

    If you are a history buff you are going to love this. This book is available on Amazon for $14.99 for eBook, on Kindle Unlimited, or get the audiobook for $21.83 by clicking here.