Prior to diving into House of Sky and Breath, I thought I’d reread book one as I haven’t set eyes on it in two years. I decided to go the audiobook route for this reread, and I was not disappointed. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas blew me away…again. I love how Maas weaves a tale. I’m convinced there is no author like her. Her stories are full of details that you may think aren’t important but become key details later in the story. I honestly could write an entire blog on just her works because I could fangirl about them all day

I received an eARC of this book via the authors. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

With all the Fae stories coming out this year, I was a little concerned before picking this one up how it would stand out. Y’all those concerns were for nothing! Fae’s Deception by the writing duo M. Lynn & Melissa A. Craven is a fantastic, unputdownable read! Full of the beauty and deception you’ve come to expect from the Fae, this book stands out in the sea of others with an intricate plot, Fae brothers, and a fantastic lead.

“Brea Robinson is a murderer.” Pretty ominous start to a blurb, but one that holds true to the story. Brea is not your average human girl. Her entire life she’s seen things others can’t. She gets glimpses of jewel-toned, glowing eyes and pointed ears, a power thrums in her veins, and it’s this power that lands her in a mental institution for her “anger outbursts.” After one of these outbursts leaves her friend grievously injured, Brea finds herself in prison only to abducted by Fae. Everything she saw, her powers, all of it is now explained as she finds herself in the Fae’s world. But looks can be deceiving, and with her heart avoiding the possibility that she killed her best friend, Brea finds herself torn, not sure who to believe as two Fae brothers raised in separate kingdoms, warn her of danger.

Griffin is the first of the brothers we encounter and by far the most charming. He takes Brea to the Fargelsi realm, a realm of eternal Spring. Everything here is beautiful, but beauty hides the things that are deadly: a calm lake with a deadly current, sweet berries that deaden your magic, but those are nothing compared to the Fae that Brea now lives among. Griff however is different, at least that’s what Brea believes. He’s kind and charming, the complete opposite of his brother. He empathizes with her and offers her comfort when she has none.

Then there’s Lochlan. He’s my favorite of the two. A broody Fae prince, raised in the desert realm of Eldur, Lochlan is the opposite of his brother in more than just looks. He speaks the truth, even when that truth hurts, and his one mission is to protect Brea, if she’ll let him. He’s intriguing, and I hope to learn more about him in the books to come.

The plot of this story revolves around Brea and her role in the Fae realms. Why have they taken her? What is this power that lives under her skin? Why can’t she control it? All of those questions are addressed and play out through the plot. While I’ll admit, this story starts off a little slow, by the midway point I couldn’t sit it down. The beginning serves as a way to build the world slowly as Brea encounters it (which I love, very immersive!) and let’s not forget she’s grieving. Despite this, I felt it was true to Brea and what she experiences. I love how the authors bring you into her story through her eyes.

Overall I really enjoyed Fae’s Deception. It’s a fantastic start to a new series. Brea is amazing and the O’Shea brothers intriguing. I cannot wait to dive into the next one. Thank God this is a rapid release series so the wait isn’t long! If you are a fan of Holly Black or Fae stories in general, you will love this one!

This review first appeared on Mom with a Reading Problem. To see it and other reviews, follow the link.

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of this review.

Cleverly written, The No-Show by Beth O'Leary introduces readers to three women who have little in common except that they are all stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day. On the surface, this book seems to be a women’s fiction centered around our three main characters as they delve into their own lives and relationship with the elusive Joseph Carter. In reality, it is much deeper than that, addressing mental illness, grief, and trust. O’Leary brilliantly weaves these women’s lives together proving that what’s on the outside doesn’t always match the inside.

Siobhan Kelly is a life coach who needs to take her own advice and prioritize her life before things get to be too much for her. Miranda Rosso is a tree surgeon who isn’t used to being the role of girlfriend but happily relates to being “one of the guys.” Jane Miller is a quiet character who works for a charity shop after leaving a scandal behind her in London. The only thing these women have in common is Joseph Carter.

Joseph Carter is handsome, charming to a fault, and always late. On paper, he’s the perfect boyfriend. Attentive, sweet, endearing, and quite lovable. But there is a mystery about Joseph that as the reader you are desperate to solve. Why is he with all three women? And AT THE SAME TIME?! This personally drove me batty trying to figure out because it didn’t match his character. He is devoted and loyal to each of these women and was not at all the sleaze I was beginning to think he was. This mystery drives the story, and y’all I could not have predicted the twists and turns along the way.

Overall I really enjoyed The No-Show. While I was expecting a romcom, this is more a women’s fiction with a romance side plot. I loved all three women. Each one had a distinct voice in the book, and I found I couldn’t chose a favorite by the end. And Joseph…I’ll be honest I was hating on him pretty much through the first three-quarters of the book (I do NOT like cheaters in my stories), but he won me over in the end as well. If you enjoy a little mystery and romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one as it will not disappoint.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of this review.

Loved returning to Spark House! Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting is the second book in her contemporary romance series Spark House featuring the Spark sisters. This one centers on London, the middle child who has closed herself off from relationships to avoid the hurt she felt after losing their parents. I honestly wasn’t sure how I’d feel going into this book. London was my least-liked sister in the first book because of her stand-offishness and her tense relationship with Avery. However, there is always two-sides to every story, and London won me over in just a few pages.

At the opening of the book, we meet London, fresh off a break up and out with her sisters. She is contemplating her dating life, how not upset she is over ending a year-long relationship, when a handsome, albeit rough looking, man asks her out. She thinks nothing about turning him down until he shows back up in her life three months as the head of Holt Media and the Teamology initiative Spark House is taking part of. Now, London has to decide whether he is worth risking her heart over or if they should maintain a strictly professional relationship.

Jackson is a great character. We don’t get much from his POV, unlike the first book with Declan. He is reserved, genuine, and head over heels for London. I love seeing her through his eyes. However, as the owner of the company hers is now partnering with, he can’t pursue her. It’s a delicate balance of wanting and waiting as they work together for a charity benefit.

Overall, I really enjoyed Starry-Eyed Love. Jackson and London are an easy couple to root for, even when they are trying to put each other in the professional category. Their mutual grief over losing parents young bonds them in a way that only those who have experienced the same can understand. I loved how their relationship grew. I highly recommend this one!

I was really skeptical going into this book. Mencheres isn’t my favorite character, however I have to say I loved falling in love with him through Kira’s eyes. Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost is the second book in a standalone spinoff series set in the Night Huntress world and featuring characters we’ve met while reading Cat’s adventures. This one is about Bones’s grandsire, Mencheres, and it is one exciting thrill after another. I really had to pace myself because I wanted to binge it in one go.

The book opens with Mencheres being tortured by ghouls. This is of course by design because he is one of the most (if not the most) powerful vampire we’ve encountered in this series so far. He is tired of his existence. With his visions gone and his line safe in his co-ruler’s hands, Mencheres is ready to die. Only vampires don’t die easily and often need someone else to do it for them. Hence the ghouls. However what Mencheres didn’t foresee was a courageous human woman barreling in to save him.

I absolutely love Kira! I think I love her even more than Cat. She has not had an easy life, however none of that holds her back. She’s kind and empathetic, stands her ground, has a healthy respect for the law and cannot abide those that do not. As much as I love her, I respect her. It was easy to see how Mencheres fell for her so quickly. She is a fantastic match for him.

Overall, I really enjoyed Eternal Kiss of Darkness. I can’t say much about the plot because no one likes spoilers

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

One reviewer said that this book is “Mean Girls meets Bridgerton,” and I have never seen a more accurate description/comparison for a book. Reputation by Lex Croucher is a Regency-era inspired book that reads more like a contemporary YA. I don’t typically read contemporary YA, though sometimes the drama is compelling enough to keep me engrossed as it was in this one. I found myself thoroughly invested in Georgiana, her relationship with Frances and her friends, and the repercussions of said relationship.

Georgiana is an adult, by Regency standards, when her parents send her to live with her aunt and uncle in the country. It’s the start of the summer season and so those who would normally be in London for the social season are at home in the country relaxing and partying in a way that will made this self-proclaimed prude blush

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley and a copy of the audiobook from Volumes. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

I cannot tell y’all just how excited I was to return to the Graceling world. Six years since I last read Bitterblue, and it is still one of my favorite series. Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore picks up four years after the final battle in Bitterblue. A new land has been discovered across the seas. Winterkeep is the closest kingdom within its borders and is far more advanced than the Monsean kingdoms. When one of Bitterblue’s envoys disappears under mysterious circumstances, she, Giddon, and Hava along with her advisors travel to the new kingdom where heartache and danger await.

Can I just say how much I love Bitterblue? She has fully stepped into her role as queen with grace. Although young, she is far from naive. She carries the burdens of the kingdom on her shoulders and the sins of her father on her heart. She is learning and growing and adapting to bring the best for her people. When unforeseen circumstances see her kidnapped by an unknown foe, Bitterblue must examine what is truly important to her if she is ever to survive.

And Giddon….sweet Giddon! He still has my heart, even after all these years. I fully shipped him with Bitterblue six years ago, and I dare say that ship was well worth waiting for. When Bitterblue is kidnapped, Giddon, along with Hava and the rest of the Monsean delegates, is left to believe she is dead. Bereft and grieving a love he never acknowledged, Giddon carries on without her, determined to solve the mystery they traveled across the sea to uncover.

Then there is Lovisa Cavenda, the daughter of a powerful family in the Winterkeep government. Her father and mother are on opposing political parties and running a dangerous operation out of their home, all under Lovisa’s nose. Lovisa is young, brash, and naive. My heart ached for her as she discovers that her safe space isn’t safe, those she loves are in danger, and she must decide once and for all if she will follow her parents’ lead or stand on her own principals.

Overall, I really enjoyed Winterkeep. Like its predecessors, Cashore focuses the story around the characters as much as the political intrigue and scheming. I loved every minute returning to the Graceling world. Seeing Bitterblue as queen in her own right, Giddon finally admitting his feelings, and being introduced to a new land and new characters was amazing. If you are a fan of the Graceling series or a lover of fantasy, I highly recommend it.

I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

I devoured this one! There is no other way to explain it. All Fired Up by Dylan Newton is the second contemporary romance set in Wellsville and featuring the Matthews brothers. Imani Lewis is taking an extended summer vacation from her hectic life as a publicist at Cerulean Books. The extended hours and stress are catching up with her in the form of panic attacks and insomnia. Now her grandmother is having double knee replacement surgery, her best friend is expecting her first baby, and she’s been offered a big promotion. Imani needs a chance to decide what she really wants in life, and 12 weeks off helping Gigi recover is just what she needs. However, she’ll have to deal with the youngest Matthews brother, her wedding one-night stand and the man that just won’t leave her be.

I adored Imani. She has risen in the ranks as one of my favorite characters so far this year. She is a beautifully flawed character, easy to relate to and easy to root for. It was easy as an observer to see what was going on with Imani, pretty much from the get go. This woman is a workaholic, control freak, who cannot leave anything to chance. She craves order in her life and creates it every where she goes, either through organizing or multiple, color-coded to-do lists. The unpredictable nature of being home at her grandmother’s is just what she needs to release some of the pent up stress before her body tells her enough is enough.

Zander may just be my favorite Matthews brother (I will withhold final judgment until I’ve read Ryker’s story next year). He is the youngest of the three. With his live and let live attitude and Peter Pan complex (Imani’s description, not mine), he flits through life without any true commitments. That’s what he appears to be from the outside. However, he is nothing like the playboy everyone believes him to be. He is generous, empathetic, and has a heart of gold. This man would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. It is easy to see why Imani would be attracted to him.

Overall, I loved All Fired Up. Zander’s pursuit of Imani is sweet as he approaches her with the intent of letting her take the lead, just what the woman who always wants control needs. These two balance each other out and make a believable couple. I absolutely loved Gigi and her foul-mouthed parrot Lancelot. If you enjoy romantic comedy, I highly recommend it.

Final Thought: All Fired Up by Dylan Newton is a laugh-out loud, heartfelt romance that teaches us that sometimes it’s ok to not be in control.