Book reviews from the week of November 15th

I had an all 5 STAR reading week.  Life is good. 

Between Dawn and Dusk (Between Dawn and Dusk # 0.5) by Jamie Schlosser

#FantasyRomance #FatedMates #RoyalRomance

5 STARS

This prequel to the Fae King series covers Kyreth, King of the Night Realm, and Zella, Princess of the Day Realm. It is written in first person from a dual POV.
Kyreth is a hot Fae King who goes after his fated mate, despite the obstacles. This book perfectly sets up the series by explaining the realms, the politics that influence them, and the royal families within them. There is a lot of heat, some medieval type violence, and a romantic subplot. It is a fairy tale, but with more. The end of this book sets the scene for the next book, The Fae King’s Curse, which follows their son Kirian. I loved this and I am hooked on this world and the Fae heroes in it. I am moving straight into the next book.

The Fae King's Curse (Between Dawn and Dusk #1)

 by Jamie Schlosser

#FantasyRomance #FatedMates #RoyalRomance #FriendstoLovers

5 STARS

Kirian is the Prince of the Night Realm. When this story starts, he is just 12 years old. He is living with a curse that he received 1 year prior. Quinn is a twelve-year-old human girl who pulls the prince from a cold, rushing creek on Earth. Their story is written in first person from a dual POV.

I adored this story! It is one of my favorite reads of the year. The characters are well-developed. The plot is gripping. The description of the two worlds is detailed and complete. The heat level is high. There is humor, banter, suspense, action, and romance. The pace is perfect, and I honestly could not put this book down. The lost sleep was worth it!

The development of Kirian and Quinn’s friendship melted my heart. I loved their unconditional acceptance of each other regardless of what the world might view as flaws. I love that they spend time doing things like reading together, working on homework, and playing games. I love that Quinn helps Kirian explore her world. There is humor as they call each other out, tenderness when he comforts her on the bad days, and romance as they dance under the stars by light of fireflies to the music of crickets. They get to know each other completely and rely on each other to be there.

When they enter the Night Realm, they face danger and the possibility that Kirian’s curse is permanent. I loved the action and suspense. The world is described magnificently. I love the protective attitude Kirian displays toward Quinn. Her compassion for him, and the inhabitants of his kingdom is compelling.

There are trolls, witches, gnomes, griffins and more in this fantastical world. The prequel to the series offers a historical background for the realms. There are underlying political issues between the realms and the new generation of cursed kings are determined to solve them and bring peace. The underlying political story of the realms and the fate of the other two kings will be concluded in additional books. However, this book does deliver the HEA for Quinn and Kirian and can be read as a standalone.

The Fae King's Dream (Between Dawn and Dusk #2)

by Jamie Schlosser

(ARC: Release Date - November 19, 2020)

#FantasyRomance #FatedMates #RoyalRomance

5 STARS

Talk about a man of your dreams…. Damon tugged at my heart in the previous book of this series, but I absolutely fell in love with him in his book. He is strong, sensitive, and determined to wait for his love match. His joy and fear when he first finds Whitley was intense. Whitley is perfect for him. She is spunky, determined, and able to overcome her fears even in circumstances that are overwhelming. She is smart and brave and will do anything to save Damon and their fate to be together. This story packs romance, heat, and suspense as the couple works to avoid the coven of witches responsible for the curses on the realms. There is medieval violence and gore as well as love and romance. I really enjoyed the way Damon and Whitley fit together. They are a perfect match, but I do not want to give away more than that. I could not put this book down. I laughed, I gripped the arm of my chair, I cried, and I swooned. This book is so much it is difficult to put into words. The settings are magnificent. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat. The relationships formed among the characters was inspirational, as was the acceptance of many kinds of creatures. If you like the fantasy realm and some paranormal/fairy tale romance, you will not regret reading this book. I definitely recommend it. Though this book is third in the series it stands alone as a story of Damon and Whitley It is certainly possible to read this without reading the prequel and book one, but I believe that readers will gain the most enjoyment to read this series in order to gain better appreciation of the history and characters within the realms.

Pining (Never Too Late Book 3) by Stephanie Rose

(ARC: Release Date- November 20, 2020)

#HolidayRomance #ExConRomance #NewAdultRomance #ARC

5 STARS

This was a terrific holiday romance that tugged at my heart strings.  Anthony made a youthful mistake that leave him with a lifetime of consequences.  I loved his vulnerable heart hidden within his tough exterior.  Victoria is the girl who is gorgeous and geeky and not at all aware of her beauty.  I love how much she believes in Anthony from the beginning.  I love that she encourages him, pushes him, helps him, and loves him, regardless of his past.  I loved reading as Anthony overcomes guilt and self-doubt to embrace love with Victoria.  I loved Victoria’s family.  I love that Anthony’s aunt and cousin are so supportive of him and his happiness.

This holiday read is written in first person from dual POV.  It packs heat, humor, and a little angst as they find their way to their HEA.

A Novel Christmas by Lynsey M. Stewart (Re-Read)

#HolidayRomance

5 STARS This book! Cal is a strong, sweet heroine who is battling writer’s block on her next novel. Her publisher sends her for a getaway in Cornwall where she meets owner Drew. He is closed off, broken, and resistant to opening his heart again to this luminous writer staying in one of his cottages. I appreciate the struggle they have in forming a friendship and a relationship with the obstacles they must overcome. Cal is so open even when Drew hurts her while he tries to protect himself. It is a reminder to each of us that allowing others in may bring pain, but not allowing others in can deny ourselves immeasurable joy. There is heat , humor, and real life emotion packed into their HEA. This was just as good the second time as it was the first.  It is written in first person from dual POV.