Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: A standout sequel in a heart-stopping duology!

Following the events of the previous installment, “Rebel Witch” picks up with Rune and Gideon as they pair up to protect their people.

Ciccarelli’s conclusion to “The Crimson Moth” duology is as captivating as its predecessor, if not more so. I tore through its pages like a mad woman, completely engrossed by Rune and Gideon’s sizzling connection that only grows stronger despite living in a society that is determined to keep them apart. The stakes are even higher as their lives and love are put on the line and I could not look away. 

With all sense of trust lost and betrayals still fresh, Rune and Gideon war against each other and their own hearts. Ciccarelli cleverly uses the circumstances of their temporary truce as a way to rekindle their relationship. The forced proximity is next level—I squealed watching them to pretend to be husband and wife as part of their plan to escape Cressida’s clutches! Their fake relationship opens the door to so much heartache and yearning. Both are incredibly stubborn, so it was extremely satisfying to see them slowly but surely give into their feelings as they resurfaced. Their verbal sparring matches relieved some of the tension that kept me on edge, while also adding elements of humor that I clung to. 

I thoroughly enjoyed further immersing myself in Ciccarelli’s fictional world through the myths and diary entries at the beginning of each part alongside new historical tidbits shared about the Ancients. This information coupled with the new spells that Rune learns to enhance her magic add depth that piqued my interest. 

Ciccarelli wraps up her duology nicely. Her well developed characters, all-consuming love story, and fascinating magic system will have a lasting impact on me and I know that I’ll revisit both books often!

Review: A bewitching young adult romantasy that I couldn’t tear myself away from! 

 

“Heartless Hunter” follows Rune Winters—a witch vigilante known as the Crimson Moth—as she courts Gideon Sharpe—a notorious and unforgiving witch hunter—to gain the intel she desperately needs to rescue her kind from being purged. Gideon loathes Rune, but when he learns she might be connected to the Crimson Moth, he pretends to court her right back. They are each other’s deadliest enemies, but what if they can’t help falling in love? 

 

This was one of the easiest five star ratings I have ever given. It checked every box for me. Ciccarelli brilliantly crafts a captivating game of cat and mouse between witch and witch hunter, their intense chemistry slowly unfolding against the backdrop of a magical, regency era inspired world. The high stakes surrounding their situation only heightened the tension, leaving me completely enamored! 

 

Rune is a crafty, selfless, and courageous fmc. She meets her match in Gideon, who is equally cunning and determined. His character is definitely more closed off at the start. I loved watching Rune get him to open up, thereby blurring the lines of the game they are playing with each other. Both characters are equally compelling and I enjoyed alternating between their perspectives. The short chapters really quicken the pace and further invested me in the story. 

 

The romance in this book was everything I wanted it to be a more! Ciccarelli weaves all the best tropes—including fake dating and enemies-to-lovers—into her storyline. I am a huge fan of romantic gestures and this book has so many, all of which made my heart pound. The minimal spice hit just right for me as a person who gravitates more towards closed door romance! I would definitely categorize this book as upper ya. 

 

I really enjoyed Ciccarelli’s world-building. It isn’t too dense and is modeled after the regency era, so I felt like I could orient myself fairly quickly. Her magic system is simple at the outset, but gets more complex as the story progresses. 

 

The mystery subplot added another layer of intrigue that kept me hooked. Though I started to catch on closer to the end, some elements still caught me by surprise. I NEED to know what happens next and cannot wait to get my hands on “Rebel Witch” when it hits shelves!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: Fawcett saves the best for last with this thrilling conclusion to her Emily Wilde series! 

 

Picking up where book two left off, “Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales” follows Emily Wilde and Wendell Bambleby as they seize the throne to Wendell’s long-lost kingdom and free it from its curse. 

 

I absolutely adored watching Emily flourish in this final installment! With pressure mounting at the thought of becoming Faerie’s first mortal queen in centuries and a deadly curse threatening the realm, Emily, being the brilliant scholar she is, rises to the challenge and uses her skill-set to her advantage. I loved further immersing myself in Faerie and its lore through the tales Emily includes in her journal alongside her musings and research. As she draws upon faerie storybooks to find a solution (this time with the help of new friends and old), Emily makes one of her greatest discoveries yet—there is power in embracing yourself fully. 

 

I was captivated by the story and the way it calls back to previous books in the series. Fawcett masterfully raises the stakes, thereby quickening the pace, all while maintaining the cozy atmosphere readers know and love. To my delight, she also ups the romance in this one! I cannot get over how perfect Emily and Wendell are as a couple! I seriously am head over heels for them. Even when the two were separated, they still managed to fuss over each other, Wendell doing so via letter correspondence. I adored reading his messages, as they are filled with heartfelt yearning. Their good-natured banter, black cat / golden retriever dynamic, and their deep understanding of one another remain a highlight for me. 

 

I am thoroughly satisfied with how this series wraps up, but also leaves the door open for more adventures! I sincerely hope more books set in Faerie are on the horizon, because I don’t want to say goodbye just yet!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Review: Bailey achieves a hat-trick for the Big Shots series with this latest installment! 

 

“Dream Girl Drama” follows Sig Gauthier—a professional hockey player—and Chloe Clifford—a talented harpist— after a steamy encounter between them takes a turn when they discover that their parents are engaged. 

 

Tessa Bailey ventures into taboo romance territory with this one! At the same time, the circumstances of how Sig and Chloe meet and a surprising plot twist near the end ultimately address any disconcertedness, which I appreciated. 

 

The forbidden nature of Sig and Chloe’s relationship prevents them from acting on their “insta-love” right away. As a result, this book is chock-full of the most incredible romantic tension with lots of pining and banter! I absolutely loved their push/pull dynamic and the growth they underwent as the novel progressed. 

 

I really enjoyed exploring a side of Chloe that we don’t get to see in “The Au Pair Affair.” She exhibits so much strength by leaving behind her sheltered life in pursuit of independence and a career in music. Sig champions her new start and encourages her to reach for the stars, which immediately endeared himself to me. I LOVE an mmc who is down bad and Sig is the very definition of that! He sacrifices a lot to help her realize her dreams without expecting anything in return, but the love and support he receives from Chloe—two things that he was lacking in his life—made my heart so full! 

 

I practically devoured this one because it was such a joy to read! I cannot wait for the next book in the Big Shots universe—we meet the mc’s in this one and I’m obsessed with them already!