Wicked Knight (Sins & Saints 3) by Faith Summers-review

Wicked Knight (Sins & Saints 3) by Faith Summers-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 4, 2024

My villain, my monster, my Wicked Knight…
Never make a deal with the devil.
It will blow up in your face.
Just like fire, you will get burned.
I signed a contract that was supposed to protect me.
Then it fell into the wrong hands.
His—Dmitri Valneko aka the guy who’s forbidden to me.
He was my boy next door.
Until the family feud that tore us apart.
I knew things would get harder the moment we started college.
And they did.

At Raventhorn University, home of the Knights, one of the most powerful secret societies, Dmitri is a god.
He’s a star athlete and an unrivaled heir to the empire.
He gets whatever he wants.
Including me.
Even when we’re supposed to be off limits to each other.

I should try to fight him. Our past is too dark and ugly.
I should try be free of his terms and conditions. But he wants to consume me.
If our parents find out we’re together there will be consequences I don’t want to face.

But…
One kiss and he has me melting in the palms of his hands.
One touch and I want him to keep me forever.
And every time we meet I know I won’t say no.

But what happens when dark secrets, including our own, begin to threaten our lives?
And our forbidden love.

•••••

REVIEW: WICKED KNIGHT is the third instalment in Faith summers contemporary, new adult SINS AND SAINTS dark, erotic, Mafia bully romance set in the author’s Cruel Lies/ Cruel Promises world, as well as the author’s Raventhorn Academy and Dark Syndicate worlds. This is sophomore Dmitri Valneko, and Mackenzie Domachenkov’s story line. WICKED KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

SOME BACKGROUND: Raventhorn University is a prestigious and time-honored private school for the family and children of the criminal underworld. The ruling secret society of Knights controls every aspect of the university including the lives and futures of the ruling elite.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspective (Dmitri and Mackenzie) WICKED KNIGHT follows the building but forbidden relationship between Dmitri Valneko and Mackenzie Domachenkov. A few years earlier the Valneko and Domachenkov families were destroyed by the death of Dmitri’s older brother Tommy, a death blamed on someone they knew. With the family at odds, a relationship between childhood friends Dmitri and Mackenzie was strictly forbidden but Dmitri wanted Mackenzie to claim as his own. Mackenzie knew that the possibility of a future with Dmitri would be stopped before it began but the young lovers wanted something that could end their lives.Struggling to keep their relationship a secret, Dmitri and Mackenzie battled between head and heart as threats of another nature turned deadly and dark.

The world building follows several pathways including the power of the ruling secret society as it takes aim at the Domachenkov family; and places the next generation in the direct line of fire. The past is slowly revealing a truth long buried and dead, a truth that will threaten our story line heroine.

The relationship between Dmitri and Mackenzie is a friends to forbidden lovers. Dmitri’s father refuses to accept Dmitri’s relationship with Mackenzie Domachenkov, and in this, past memories slowly surface as to what happened and why. Mackenzie finds herself often on the outside looking in, pining for a man she has loved from afar. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters included the return of Lucian and Eilish, Kade and Isabelle; Aleksander Ivanov, as well as the introduction of Mackenzie’s father Adrian Domachenkov , and Dmitri’s father, chancellor of Raventhorn Maxim Valneko.

WICKED KNIGHT is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, dysfunctional families, desperation and love. The premise is dramatic, captivating and engaging; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are broken but determined and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Vicious Knight
Devious Knight

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

Faith Summers is the Dark Contemporary Romance pen name of USA Today Bestselling Author, Khardine Gray.

Warning !! Expect wild romance stories of the scorching hot variety and deliciously dark romance with the kind of alpha male bad boys best reserved for your fantasies.

Dive in and enjoy her naughty page-turners.

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Keep Me In Your Heart by Monica Murphy-review tour

Keep Me In Your Heart (Lancaster Prep: Next Generation 2) by Monica Murphy-review tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

This was supposed to be the best year of Rowan Lancaster’s life. Instead, thanks to a massive linebacker, his ankle is broken and his last football season at Lancaster Prep is done. Just like that. Now his days are dull and gray. Boring.

Except for the days that include Arabella Hartley Thomas.

She’s the girl everyone wants to be friends with. Beautiful but approachable. Stylish. Quirky. Yet she gets under Rowan’s skin like no other, and he doesn’t understand why. Sure, they flirt and banter and give each other grief. But now she invades his dreams and makes his heart pound so hard he’s sure she can see it.

Until suddenly, not only does Arabella see every part that he wishes he could hide, he realizes if he let himself, he could fall―hard.

Which is the same day he learns she might be leaving…for good.

••••

REVIEW: KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART is the second instalment in Monica Murphy’s contemporary, young / new adult LANCASTER PREP: NEXT GENERATION erotic, romance series set in the author’s LANCASTER PREP world, which is a spin off from the author’s ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND and THE CALLAHANS series. This is eighteen year old, Rowan Lancaster (son of Wren and Crew Lancaster) and soon to be eighteen year old, Arabella Thomas’s story line. KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rowan and Arabella) KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART follows the enemies to lovers relationship between eighteen year old, Rowan Lancaster (son of Wren and Crew Lancaster) and soon to be eighteen year old, Arabella Thomas. For several years Rowan and Arabella have made snarky and snide comments to one another but forced to work together on a number of school projects , they quickly discover their tempestuous actions hide a palpable attraction to one another. With the approach of the holidays, Arabella plans to spend her time alone but Rowan isn’t willing to let Arabella spend her vacation at school. Time spent together shows Arabella the true meaning of family and holiday celebrations.

The world building focuses on Rowan Lancaster , and Arabella Thomas’ future choices. Their final year at Lancaster Prep sees a change for Rowan, and the possibility of Arabella walking out of Rowan’s life. We are up close and personal with Arabella’s dysfunctional family dynamics, and the loving, large extended Lancaster clan.

The relationship between Arabella and Rowan begins acrimoniously ; their back and forth hides a barely veiled attraction that everyone sees, but our couple refuses to admit. Working together, and spending time with one another reveals drama from the past, drama that is continuing into the present and future. The sexual tension is palpable; the $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including characters from the author’s original LANCASTER PREP series including Wren and Crew (A MILLION KISSES IN YOUR LIFETIME): Willow Lancaster, and Rhett Bennett (ALL MY KISSES FOR YOU) We are introduced to Callahan Bennett, and the requisite mean girls who push at our story line heroine.

KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART is an emotional story of secrets and lies, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and engrossing; the romance is spicy and flirty; the characters are broken, determined and animated.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ALL MY KISSES FOR YOU

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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THE SOUND OF US by Sarah Castille- a review

THE SOUND OF US by Sarah Castille-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2024

Broken hearts and hidden pasts collide in a symphony of passion and redemption.

Skye Jordan thought she had it all figured out. Eighteen months ago, she was in college and dreaming of a basketball career. But in a split second her world fell apart. Now she’s back at Havencrest U, broke and desperate. She has no use for sexy, bad boy musicians who kiss her senseless. . . until she lands an internship at the radio station where he works.

DJ Dante Romano has lost every person close to his heart. All he has is his music. Consumed by guilt and driven by vengeance, he has no time for love, and yet the fiery new intern who shares his passion and feels his pain tempts him like no other. For Dante, Skye is off limits. And yet from the moment he meets her, he can’t turn away.

Soon their scorching attraction develops into something deeper. Together they could make beautiful music, but will their untold secrets force them apart?

••••••

REVIEW: THE SOUND OF US by Sarah Castille is a contemporary, new adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on journalism student Skye Jordan, and twenty-three year old, law student/ DJ Dante Romano.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Skye and Dante) THE SOUND OF US follows the building relationship between on journalism student Skye Jordan, and twenty-three year old, law student/ DJ Dante Romano. Approximately eighteen months ago, in an instant, Skye Jordan’s life spiralled out of control. Fast forward to present day, after a leave of absence, in the hopes of making the women’s basketball team, Skye returns to Havencrest U, where she will meet bad boy and DJ Dante Romano but all does not go according to plan, and Skye finds herself on the precipice of change, including the possibility of starting over somewhere else. At the proverbial eleventh hour, Skye is offered a journalism scholarship, an internship at the campus radio station where she will fall for a man whose own demons are dangerous and dark. As Skye begins to research a series of questionable events for her journalism assignments, our couple find themselves struggling to move on from the past.

The world building focuses on several pathways including the revelation of Dante’s demons, and Skye’s past but as Skye begins to dig deeper into a couple of stories, everything becomes personal and dangerous for the people she loves. Meanwhile, Dante is battling his father for control, a man who doesn’t like to be told no.

The relationship between Dante and Skye is one of immediate attraction based on a love of music. Their back and forth communication using song lyrics, titles and playlists was complex; their lack of communication and misunderstandings were the catalysts for many arguments and withdrawals. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including co-workers, friends, family, athletes, and mentors, all who play a significant role in our couple’s lives.

THE SOUND OF US is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and obsession, power and control, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is dramatic, haunting, emotional and thought-provoking; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are animated, sassy and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, graduated with a B.A Honors degree in History and an LL.B. (law degree) and practiced law on the West Coast for several years before succumbing to the lure of foreign travel. She obtained a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Edinburgh and then practiced at one of the world’s largest law firms in London, England during which time she traveled extensively, wrote moderately, and developed a taste for tea, European footwear and Greek cuisine.

She traded in her life of European glamor for the comforts of the frozen North and the excitement of home renovation, during which time she wrote extensively, never traveled, and developed a taste for beef jerky, Tim Horton’s coffee and Sorels.

After her first book, Legal Heat, won prizes in nine Romance Writers’ Association chapter contests, including the Grand Prize in the Valley of the Sun Hot Prospects Contest, Sarah decided to take a break from high heels and legal practice to write about red-hot alpha males and the women who tame them. Her second book, Against the Ropes, was named as one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Ten Picks for Romance & Erotica for fall 2013, and her third book, Unraveled, hit the New York Times Bestseller’s list. Sarah’s current release, Barely Undercover, was named as the “Must Read Erotic Romance of the Year” in the Sneak Peek Reader’s Choice Awards (2013). She hasn’t dusted off her briefcase yet!

Sarah lives with her husband, munchkins and a family of owls in the shadow of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where she is currently working on her next novel.

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BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE by Janine Eaby -review

BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE (Beyond the Water’s Edge 1) by Janine Eaby -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 29, 2024

What you don’t know can’t hurt you—at least that’s what people say. Those people have never harbored a secret others would kill for.

Alaira Hughes is preparing to graduate high school, but her once-clear future is changing. When she makes a magical discovery in the woods that seems too good to be true, she’s reluctant to tell her friends. Plagued by realistic nightmares and a cascade of seemingly impossible events, doubts begin to seep in.

When she meets a captivating young man who holds the answers to her mounting questions, a new path is set before her. If she walks away, she may never get the answers she seeks, but if she chooses the new path, she may find more than she expected. She must fight to learn the truth.

And the truth can be deadly.

••••••

REVIEW: Magic/mystery and a budding romance (maybe 😉) what more could you ask for? Young adult read. And a first time author. So congratulations on getting published.

Alaira is ready for the next journey of her life. She’s going to be studying Biology in a university that requires her to stay there. She’s a little sad that her best friend won’t be coming to the same one, but excited about new adventures. But her dreams are plaguing her, she’s not sure what they mean. And now her waking moments are beginning to worry her, is she dreaming these moments, or are they real?

Alaira, I felt was a little naive at the beginning of the book. But I loved how she looked at this new world that she’d discovered. Very wide eyed and full of wonder.

Meeting Enver is a revelation. He assumes she’s aware of what she can do…. When she asks questions, he quickly realises she’s not aware!

There is a key that is needed to travel from one place to another. No key, no travel. Enver has lost his key, he’s also lost most of his memories, and he’s desperate to go home. Can Alaira help? She’s not sure what key she’s looking for, but something in her memories is triggered!! She might have what he’s looking for…..

From there, the book takes you on a fast paced adventure. But with adventure comes danger, and Alaira comes face to face with danger! (And it’s at this point I’m not sure if I trust Enver! 🤔)

We meet new friends, possible allies, and beings Alaira needs to stay clear of! Oh! And apparently Alaira has powers/abilities. 😉 That will only get stronger as time goes by….

I would have liked the appendix that appeared at the end of the book to have been in the front (personal opinion) I did worry that I might have looked at the last page (luckily that didn’t happen)

I’m hoping we get the next book soon as I’m anxious to find out what happens next….

It’s not a cliffhanger, but it does leave it open for the next story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Rumor Has It (Longwood U 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour

💜Rumor Has It (Longwood U 1) by Crea Reitan-review tour💜

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date NOVEMBER 14, 2024

The shiver of something new…

Dak

I don’t know what it is about this man that has captivated me like no one else. It’s made me question everything I think I know about myself. But that’s fine – I’ll obsess from afar until I graduate and move on with my life.

Then I’m handed an exclusive invitation to Rumor, the frat’s ‘gay chicken’ club that performs in front of a camera. The one who doesn’t back out first wins cash. Thinking maybe I can clear up this curiosity once and for all if I try my hand at dick, I go.

Imagine my surprise when the man I’m paired with is none other than the one guy that’s caught my attention. My only problem is the cameras freak me out and I know one of these times when I run, it’ll be the last time I see him.

Sparrow

Rumor is a game for straight men to use whatever excuse they can come up with to get acquainted with a dick not their own. I’m the unbeatable – a fan favorite. But I have a secret – I’m already gayer than a pink unicorn wearing a tutu. Still, I get invited back time and time again.

It’s all business until the most beautiful brown eyes look at me and the sexiest body is pressed against mine. However, this fucking man keeps running away. Thankfully, I’m able to give him private lessons in fucking a man, something I’m all to happy to oblige.

But Dak is more than just a good time. He’s a threat to everything I think I know, forcing me to acknowledge that maybe there’s something deeper between us.

Rumor has it all it takes is a single person to turn your life upside down. I think I just met that person and I’m not sure which way is up or if I’m going to crash and burn before I find the surface.

•••••••

REVIEW: We have the next chapter in the hockey world that of my favourite authors has created.

The kids have grown up and are ready for their stories. If you’ve followed/read books written by the author, then you’ll know that these have come from different series, the author has stated many times that her worlds just keep getting larger, and the cast of characters are large. (Which I love)

There is no need to read the parents books to enjoy this one, I have, so I was thrilled when I discovered that this book would be a continuation (not a spin off) of that world. We even get to catch up with families that are related to this story.

I must admit I didn’t know what a “gay chicken” was, looked it up… basically two straight men play at being gay until one of them “chickens” out. And Sparrow is excellent at the game, there is also money to win. But what most people don’t know, or look past is that in fact Sparrow is gay! He’s never hidden it, but he’s not your “typical” gay (whatever that means!!)

So both are invited to the club Rumor, (but Dak doesn’t realise that Sparrow is a regular), Dak immediately recognises his opponent. It’s only the guy he’s seen round campus, it’s only the guy he’s been secretly obsessing over! The “game” starts, and both are into each other, and the game. Until Dak remembers they are being filmed…. He bolts… leaving Sparrow a little sad!

Another encounter ends up with a different result. Dak says he’s wondering if he’s bisexual, as he’s only been dating girls. But he’s been thinking about Sparrow constantly. Sparrow doesn’t want a relationship, so friends with benefits suits him fine.

But we all know that won’t last for long.

I liked how this book developed, there isn’t a lot of hockey in here (considering Dak comes from hockey royalty) but I really wasn’t bothered, I was fascinated with the dynamics. I wanted to catch up with family. I loved how they were with their friends, I wanted to live in this world.

I also love the authors note at the end of her books. It challenges us (in a good way) to see better, not to make snap/harsh judgements before getting to know one another.

There is a warning about a few triggers in here. There are a few moments that had me red eyed and snotty, but mainly this book left me all warm and fuzzy.

I can’t wait to read the next book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

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Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

 

 

 

Review:

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in her new Bride of the Shadow King series.  We meet Princess Faraine, who is the oldest daughter Of King Larongar of Gavaria; as she has been banished to a convent, since her father was not able to arrange a marriage by the groom.  Now her younger sister, Ilsevel is refusing to marry King Vor of Mythanar, and Faraine is called home from the convent to calm her sister and convince her to wed the man her father wants her to marry. 

King Vor agrees to wed princess Ilsevel, because he needs human magic to save his kingdom; as King Larongar is determined to get Vor to help protect their own kingdom.  Faraine is on her way home, and she and her brother are attacked; King Vor with his team comes to their rescue. In a short period, as they head to Gavaria, with them having an instant connection, as their attraction is strong. King Vor is eager to take a human bride, as he is willing to do what is needed to help his people. When he meets the lively and talented, Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement; with the blessing of King Larongar.

When disaster strikes, and Ilsevel and her younger sister, are both killed in an attack by Gavaria’s enemy. King Larongar is determined to keep the marriage alliance, with Faraine now being forced to take her sister’s place; as a mage helps to change Faraine face to look like her sister. When she travels with Lyria to become King Vor’s new wife, as his Queen; she continues to wear a veil to keep her facial change. The wedding night approaches, with Vor and Faraine succumbing to their sexual feelings.  But Vor will discover the truth about Faraine, and all hell will break loose.

Bride of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn and forbidden romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal, sacrifice and death.  The finale was a wild intense ending, leaving us with so many more questions. Bride of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes.  Though there was some bad scenes as we got closer to the end, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

 

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Description:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

 

 

Review:

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is the first book in her new The Shards of Magic series.   I loved this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. We meet our heroine, Kenna Heron, who is human, and every 6 years the Fae, 4 women are selected to live a life of luxury within the faerie land of Mistei. Kenna’s best friend was one of those selected, and she goes out of her way to follow the selected, only to find out their lives are in danger; with the 4 missing, Kenna becomes trapped in Mistei to become a handmaiden to the heir of Earth House.

Kenna slowly becomes close to Princess Lara, especially trying to help her survive the dangerous and deadly trials, which each house will need to complete the six trials, to get immortality and magic. Each of the faerie houses are, Fire, Earth, Light, Illusion and Blood. Kenna was strong, in her ability to fight others secretly for Lara, using her cunning intellection in facing grueling and magical tests, as well as monsters; but her sentient dagger was her strongest ally, talking to her mentally; and always needing blood from the victims. 

Kenna will find herself caught up in a secret rebellion against the sadistic King Osric.  She begins to have strong feelings for the rebellion’s leader, Drusten, Fire Prince, which will change as we get closer to the end.  Void Prince, Kellan early on managed to get Kenna to discover the secrets he wants to know about; though as truths are revealed, the real culprit becomes a dangerous enemy. This was a very dark story, that is filled with twists, romance, intrigue, betrayal and an evil cruel King.

Servant of Earth was a fantastic story that kept me unable to put the book down, with an exciting plot that had friendship, rebellion, spice, alliances, politics, danger, magic and secrets. Servant of Earth was so very well written by Sarah Hawley.  Kenna was a fantastic heroine, helping to survive the trials and finding a way to overthrow the evil king.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read Servant of Earth, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Jade Strings(Gemstones of Fate 1)by Elen Gait-review & guest post

Jade Strings (Gemstones of Fate Trilogy Book 1) by Elen Gait -review & guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2024

Azriel is a talented guitarist with a rebellious streak, often the source of tension within his struggling band. Meanwhile, Seraphina, a university student haunted by the loss of her parents, is trying to move forward while holding on to their memory. When their paths unexpectedly cross, an undeniable connection forms, one that feels both new and strangely familiar, as if from a shared dream.

Falling for Azriel wasn’t in Seraphina’s plans. She’s always found it difficult to open up, afraid of the heartache that comes with loss. But as their bond deepens, Seraphina starts to believe in a future with him, something she never thought she’d be ready for. Yet with each step toward that future, she’s reminded of how easily life can change.

Can she risk her heart for a chance at real love, or will fate have a different plan, one that could change everything?

••••••

REVIEW: A debut author/book for me. The cover drew my eye, and the blurb had me one-clicking it.

Azriel

Ryder/Asher/Cade are members of the band with Azriel. They’ve been friends for a while. They dream of making it big. But fortune has not been kind lately, down on their luck, they just want a break….

Seraphina

“Sera” works in a bar, she’s also in her last year at University studying an option that wasn’t her first choice! (Sera and her best friend Mia lodge/work together) She was a singer/songwriter, until parents died 5 years ago. After they died she just couldn’t face all those memories that her music brought back to her! 😞

Meeting at the bar where Sera works was just electric ⚡️ sparks flew…. And they both realised their lives had changed…. But for the better? You need to read on 😉

It’s very much one step forward, two steps back… I understand where Sera was scared, but it did get just a little tedious 🙄 I kept shouting at my kindle (which for me usually signals I’m immersed in the world that’s being created) for her to seize the day. Azriel also made mistakes, but was willing to try and make this new connection that they had work.

It’s almost a small town romance vibe, with a splash of angst, well until the end…. Then I’d say it became a deluge!

Loved the banter within the boys on the band, and how they had each other’s backs. And the friendship between Sera and Mia was just so close, a true friendship/sisterhood.

We also have a mystery to solve….. who’s sending the flowers? And why are Azriel and Sera dreaming of one another? And there may or may not be another budding romance 🥰 could that be the next book? 🤞

OMG!!! The cliffhanger….. my kindle nearly went out the window!!! That second book had better be released soon 😱

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B🦋

From Dream to Reality: Crafting Seraphina and Azriel in Jade Strings

Every story starts somewhere, and for me, Jade Strings began with a dream, twice, in fact. I found myself dreaming of a moment so vivid that it stayed with me long after I woke up, a guy with light green eyes approached me and offered his hand. The dream felt so real, and it left me wondering: What if? When I didn’t meet that person in real life, I realized I had a choice: hold on to the lingering “what if,” or explore it through writing. Instead of letting it fade, I chose to turn it into a story.

Seraphina: A Journey of Fear and Impulse

I began to imagine Seraphina as a young woman navigating the loss of her parents, which left her reserved and uncertain about letting new people in. She’s cautious, but when emotions run high, her impulsive side takes over. Her fear of loss makes her hesitant to trust others and risk the heartache of losing someone again.

Before the tragedy, music was a significant part of her life, but now, those talents lie hidden beneath the weight of her past. Her journey isn’t just about confronting her pain, but also about rediscovering the pieces of herself she once lost.

Azriel: A Rebel with a Passion for Music

Azriel came to life as a rebellious spirit with a deep connection to music. Growing up in a challenging environment, he learned to rely on himself, which shaped his defiance and desire to break free from limitations.

His journey is marked by setbacks and a relentless drive to prove his worth, which built walls around him higher than even Seraphina’s. At first, success was his only goal, but meeting Seraphina changed his perspective, making him question what it means to be worthy, not just of achievement, but of someone who believes in him.

Side Characters: Adding Depth and Real Connections

While Seraphina and Azriel’s connection is at the heart of Jade Strings, the story wouldn’t be complete without the presence of the side characters who bring warmth and tension to their world.

Seraphina’s best friend, Mia, isn’t just a confidant; she’s like family. The two have faced so much together that their bond feels unbreakable. Mia is the bold risk-taker who pushes Seraphina to step outside of her comfort zone and embrace what life has to offer, encouraging her to follow her heart instead of letting fear hold her back.

On Azriel’s side, his bandmates, Ryder, Asher, and Cade, create a lively dynamic that contrasts with the emotional intensity of the main story. Ryder is more rebellious than Azriel, unafraid of anyone or anything, with a fierce personality that often leads the group. Asher is the grounded “good boy” who balances out the group’s energy. Then there’s Cade, the ultimate romantic with a sense of humor, who lightens the mood but often finds himself on the receiving end of teasing. Despite the teasing, the bandmates’ loyalty runs deep. They push each other’s buttons, but when things get tough, they show up for each other without hesitation.

Embracing the Role of Fate and Luck

In Jade Strings, I wanted to show how life, fate, and luck often intersect in unexpected ways. Seraphina once had everything, stability, family, and a clear path, only to have it all taken away in an instant. Meanwhile, Azriel, who had nothing, faced constant struggles and rejection until he found success. Their stories are a reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard we hold on, what isn’t meant to be will slip away, and at other times, fate and luck can offer us something we never expected.

Finding Inspiration in Unanswered Questions

Writing Jade Strings allowed me to explore the idea of unexpected connections and the courage it takes to open up to new possibilities. Seraphina’s journey isn’t just about facing her past, and Azriel’s isn’t only about breaking through his struggles, it’s about finding someone who understands you in a way that feels almost destined. And with side characters like Mia and the bandmates, I wanted to create a world that feels rich with real-life dynamics and lasting bonds.

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I hope that in Jade Strings, you find something that resonates with your own experiences and a reminder that every “what if” can be a doorway to something new.

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How It All Began

Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the power of words. I started my writing journey in high school, crafting poems and short, humorous stories for fun. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions, and I loved seeing how stories could make people laugh, think, and feel. Later, with some unexpected spare time on my hands, I decided to dive deeper into my love for storytelling and began writing full-length novels.

What Fuels My Creativity

I draw inspiration from countless books and literary works, and when I’m not writing, you’ll often find me reading, listening to music, or watching my favorite TV series. These moments of relaxation and inspiration help me recharge and often spark new ideas for my stories.

My Big Debut: Jade Strings

My debut novel has a rather interesting origin, it all began with a dream. I had this recurring, mysterious dream about a guy I didn’t know, and it left me curious. When I didn’t encounter this person in real life, I thought, what if? That simple question sparked an idea: what if two people dream about each other and then meet in real life? How would their lives unfold from there? This thought became the foundation of my first book, and I’ve been excited to bring this story to life ever since.

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