Review: Lauren Asher is the reason why I have unrealistic expectations of men at this point, her writing is just too good.   

 

“Terms and Conditions,” the second book in the “Dreamland Billionaires” series, alternates between Declan Kane and his assistant Iris’ points-of-view. Declan’s character was briefly introduced in book one, but this novel sheds light on the reasoning behind his cold exterior. Through his viewpoint, the reader learns that he was physically abused by his father after his mother passed away from cancer. As an adult, he learned to isolate himself to avoid feeling the pain that comes with losing people. 

 

Iris is the sunshine to Declan’s grumpy, but she did not grow up without hardship. Before he left, Iris’ father was verbally and physically abusive towards her mother. As a result, Iris developed deep-seated trust issues despite her mother and grandmother’s best efforts to make sure she grew up in a loving environment. 

 

Iris agrees to marry Declan so that he can fulfill his inheritance clause and become the next CEO of his family’s media empire. Their marriage is supposed to be merely contractual, but it does not take long for them to realize that their differing personalities only deepen their love for one another rather than keep them from developing feelings—making for an addicting read. 

 

Like the novel that came before it, “Terms and Conditions” has fantastic diverse representation. Within the first few chapters, Asher establishes that Iris is a person of color and dyslexic. Iris acknowledges that her learning disorder is a part of her, but she does not let it define her. Instead, she views her reading dis/ability as motivation to work harder, which many readers may find empowering. 

 

Because the “Dreamland Billionaires” series is made up of interconnected standalones, characters from “The Fine Print” and “Final Offer” make appearances. I particularly enjoyed catching up with Rowan and Zahra and seeing a new side of their relationship! I also loved reading chapters surrounding Iris and Cal’s friendship—it is so wholesome. Cal’s strong presence in “Terms and Conditions” gives the reader insight into his character in preparation for reading “Final Offer,” the final book in the series.

Review: Victoria Aveyard absolutely outdoes herself when it comes to “Blade Breaker” and it’s ending. 

 

In this sequel to the “Realm Breaker” trilogy, Aveyard gives the reader the opportunity to explore the Kingdoms of Ibalet, Trec, and Madrence. We are made aware of their differing cultures, values, and monarchs through alternating viewpoints, which is something that I appreciated. One such monarch that Aveyard acquaints the reader with is Isadere, the King of Ibalet’s Heir and Lasreen’s Chosen. Isadere identifies as neither male nor female and uses they/them pronouns, providing necessary and important non-binary representation in young adult fantasy. I absolutely love Isadere’s character in “Blade Breaker” because of their unique abilities gifted to them by the goddess of death and life. I look forward to seeing what role they will play in the final installment of the trilogy! 

 

In addition to getting to know new characters, the reader is exposed to a new side of certain members of the Companions. For instance, Aveyard allows us to see a crack in Sorasa’s mask when she shares the reason for her exile. The ruthless assassin’s vulnerability humanizes her, making her feel all the more real and relatable to the reader. 

 

While Sorasa opens up to her newfound friends, Erida shuts down. Her trust in others (aside from Taristan) disintegrates as she embraces cruelty and sheer villainy. I enjoyed reading from her point-of-view and sympathized with the root of her frustrations, but as the saying goes “two wrongs don’t make a right.” In this case, conquering the realm may not be the solution to all of her problems like she thinks it is. 

 

Corayne’s slow development from young girl to soldier across the first two books was also fun to follow. I particularly appreciated Aveyard’s choice to make her a novice swordsman rather than a skilled warrior. Her progress is more realistic this way.  

 

Because Aveyard spent a lot of time establishing the world of Allward in “Realm Breaker,” I expected more action sequences throughout “Blade Breaker.” In actuality, this was not the case. As previously mentioned, the band of Companions spend time in multiple Kingdoms. Thus, the majority of the book chronicles the travels of the Companions as they move from spindle to spindle. While the build up is slow, however, the reader is ultimately rewarded with two epic battle scenes in the last hundred pages before being hit with Aveyard’s most painful cliffhanger yet! I cannot wait to see whether or not the realm will be saved in book 3! 

Review: “The Fine Print” is the romance book of my dreams! 

 

Asher manages to include all of my favorite tropes (workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, and age gap romance) in this first book in a series of three interconnected standalones. In addition, she writes from the perspective of both of her main characters. Zahra and Rowan’s alternating viewpoints give the reader access to their haunting pasts, their struggles, and the moments they began to fall for one another. I experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions while reading as a result, equal parts enjoyable and agonizing (in a good way). 

 

Another aspect of this book I appreciated is the representation! Zahra is of Armenian descent and her family celebrates their culture every Saturday during their weekly dinners. Zahra’s sister Ani was also diagnosed with Down syndrome at a younger age. Because of this, Zahra advocates for dis/ability rights, pushing Dreamland (akin to Disneyland) to be more accommodating. Rowan learns to see the theme park through Ani’s eyes after partnering with her for a mentorship program and adopts Zahra’s vision of a more accessible and inclusive Dreamland, encouraging readers to become more aware of discrimination against those with dis/abilities. 

 

“The Fine Print” is perfect for romance readers everywhere and goes beyond what is typical for its genre. I cannot wait to continue on in the series and see what Asher has in store for Declan and Callahan, the two remaining Kane brothers. 

Review: Laura Thalassa gives Des and Callie the ending they deserve in “Dark Harmony” and I couldn’t be happier! 

 

Like the previous book, the reader is given the opportunity to explore new kingdoms, like the Kingdom of Day, while Callie tries to piece together the identity of the Thief of Souls. It was really exciting to think through clues WITH Callie and experience the same feeling of shock when revelations were being made. Thalassa proves that she still has many things up her sleeve to keep readers engaged! 

 

On the topic of Callie, I enjoyed her character development across all three books in “The Bargainer” series. In this last book, she really comes into her own and embraces the darker parts of herself to become the powerful Queen of the Night she was always meant to be. 

 

Callie’s relationship with Des is also taken to the next level in “Dark Harmony.” Their commitment to each other throughout the book left me in tears and I was beyond sad to part ways with my favorite couple after reading both the the epilogue and extended epilogue. 

 

I look forward to returning to the Otherworld in Thalassa’s newest project “Bewitched.” Fingers crossed that Des and Callie make a cameo!