The Frost Gate

About the Book:

Title: The Frost Gate
Series: Faerie Tale Romances #5
Author: Hanna Sandvig
Release Date: January 24th, 2024
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

Mirror mirror made of gold,
Here’s the story you were never told . . .

I’ve always suspected some sort of mystery surrounding my adoption—I mean, who doesn’t remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at my door yelling that I’m a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill me? That I didn’t see coming.

It’s hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on your doorstep, so I grab my sword, my cookbook, and my seven chickens (yes, you heard me right), and follow him to Faerie. I’m all for not being eaten by wolves. I’m less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think I’m the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. I’m not powerful or magical, even if my baking skills are legendary.

But the longer I stay in Faerie, the more I want to help its people. And the more time I spend with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more I want to convince him that he’s who I need by my side while I do. He’d do anything to protect me, but it’s my heart he’s putting in danger.

Do I have what it takes to go from baking pies to saving kingdoms? Who will take care of the chickens if I fail?

Book Review:

What a charming book! I was so excited to read this one. I have read all of the Faerie Tale Romances and the set up was perfect! Neve has always suspected some sort of mystery around her adoption, who doesn’t remember anything before they were five? But the tall, dark, axe-wielding fae huntsman showing up at her door yelling that’s she’s a lost princess and the Unseelie Queen is coming to kill her is not what she expected. It’s hard to argue with a pack of evil wolves on her doorstep, so she grabs her sword, her cookbook, and her seven chickens to follow him to Faerie. She’s not interested in being eaten by wolves, but is less excited about the fact that the huntsman seems to think she’s the only one who can defeat the Unseelie Queen and save Faerie. She’s not powerful or magical, even if her baking skills are legendary. But the longer Neve is in Faerie, the more she wants to help its people. And the more time she spends with the terrifyingly handsome huntsman, the more she wants to convince him that he’s who she needs by her side when she does. He would do anything to protect her, but it’s her heart he’s putting in danger. Can she go from baking pies to saving kingdoms?

This is such a cozy and charming fairytale retelling! Neve was a lovely narrator. She felt realistic and she was so kind. Her heart for the people of Faerie was so evident and her chickens! Loved them and their little personalities! All of the animals in this were so fun and it really added to the cottage-core fairytale vibes! I also loved her vulnerability,though she was a protector, she felt her weaknesses. Kylian was the perfect grumpy foil to Neve’s sunshine. I adored how protective he was of her and how he truly cared. He had to sacrifice a lot to protect her and felt the weight of how he had to do so. Their relationship was so sweet! They stood by each other and made one another stronger.

All of the other characters were amazing! I loved seeing old friends again, especially from Neve’s perspective! As someone who read the other books in the series, I loved seeing the connections! I loved meeting new characters too, the dwarves! All of the Snow White references were also so lovely. Overall, I loved this charming fairytale romance and watching Neve find her place in Faerie! It is romantasy story with some fantasy violence and only kissing. .

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Art of Falling in Love with Your Brother’s Best Friend

About the Book:

Title: The Art of Falling in Love with Your Brother’s Best Friend
Series: Sweetkiss Creek Series #4
Author: Anne Kemp
Release Date: March 20th, 2024
Genre: Romantic Comedy

All’s fair in love and war…until your brother brings his bad boy, ice hockey playing best friend into your life.

Riley: I’m pouring all my savings into launching my own catering business, so the last thing I need is distraction. Even if he is six feet five inches tall, plays ice hockey, and is probably one of the most intriguing, and also maddening, people I’ve met. Ever.

People say he’s grumpy, but to me, he’s funny and kind, too. He’s misunderstood and even though he’s one of the most famous players coming up in the ranks right now, he doesn’t feel seen by those he loves…and I get that. But I’ve got my own fears: that my dreams fail, my mother keeps rejecting me, and the big one––my fear of commitment.

Jake: Getting suspended for ‘anger issues’ lands me in Sweetkiss Creek at my agent’s request. Licking my wounds and taking a time out sounds ridiculous…until I meet her. She’s feisty, sassy, and fiery enough that I swear she could melt the ice I skate on.

I never would have thought I’d find solace and an unexpected ally in the person who’s old bedroom I’m staying in. The last thing I want or need is to fall in love––but for some reason my heart isn’t getting the memo.

The Art of Falling in Love with Your Brother’s Best Friend is an annoyances to lovers, brother’s best friend closed door romcom with a grumpy hero, a French Bulldog named Posh, a rescue Collie-mix named Becks, and a turtle named Brad Pitt. Chemistry, swoony kisses, and tension collide in this small town romance!

Book Review:

This was such a cute read! I loved getting to see this adorable town come to life, and the sweet romance between Jake and Riley.

Riley was such a fun character, and I loved her spirit. It was fun to see her grow into herself and step out of her insecurities. Jake brought out some of her fire and independence which was cute to see. I thought Jake was such a sweetheart! At first glance, he seemed like a bit of a bad boy, but he had just had a rough couple of days. He was so sweet, and his care for his family was adorable.

I loved the family aspect of this! Travis and Riley had the sweetest relationship where they still felt like siblings, but they always had each other’s back. I appreciated how Riley’s relationship with her mom grew too. And Jake’s family is a cute addition. The side characters feel like family too, and I cannot wait for some more HEAs.

This was a quick and fun romcom that I would highly recommend! While the romance is very fast, it felt natural to me. And I loved how low stress it was completely perfect for my week.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

A Provincial Peer

About the Book:

Title: The Unassuming Curator
Series: Georgian Gentlemen #5
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: May 7th, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

Lord Benning is no ordinary nobleman. The heir to an earldom, he feels more at home working on the farm at his country estate than socializing in the ballrooms of London. So when a mysterious, veiled woman mistakes him for a farmhand, he takes the assumption in stride. And though he is not offended, he is intrigued.

Following a devastating outbreak of smallpox, Caroline Granger and her young daughter, Meg, retreat to Caroline’s childhood home in the village of Leyfield in Gloucestershire. Left widowed and weakened by the ravages of the disease, Caroline wears a veil to hide her facial scars and to prevent the inevitable gasps of horror or murmurs of pity others offer in response to her altered appearance.

Caroline is mortified when she learns of her error in addressing Lord Benning—or Benedict, as she called him during their growing-up years—as a farmhand. But shared childhood memories and a precocious four-year-old inevitably draw Benedict and Caroline together, and it’s not long before Caroline realizes that Benedict accepts every part of her—including her scars. With newfound courage and a growing love for Benedict, Caroline feels the first stirrings of hope. But when the disease that took so much from Caroline finds its way to Leyfield, she stands to lose more than she can bear, and Benedict must decide exactly how much he is willing to risk for a chance at love.

Book Review:

This was just the sweetest read. It was low stress and I adored the characters and the story. A Provincial Peer is the 6th book in Sian Ann Bessey’s Georgian Gentlemen series. I have been eagerly awaiting this book and it did not disappoint.

I adored Caroline and Benedict. They were just lovely characters and I connected with them from the beginning. I really liked their growth throughout the book and reading about them falling in love. They were both trying to future out their lives and they weren’t looking for love but it crept up on them.

Caroline was learning what it looked like to start her life again after not only getting sick and losing her husband. She was doing her best to care for her daughter, Meg. But she was still struggling. I liked how she learned to trust herself and see that her scars don’t make her a person.

Benedict was just the sweetest character. He was unlike other lords but he was trying his best to care for those under him. I loved how he connected with both Meg and Caroline. He truly loved Caroline and Meg, and they found a way into his heart.

The romance was perfect. I liked the progression of Caroline and Benedict’s relationship and how they knew each other beforehand. Meg was just lovely. The plot was interesting and I wanted to see how Caroline and Benedict would come together as they worked to help those suffering from sickness and lack of food.

A Provincial Peer was a stunning conclusion to this amazing series! I could not recommend this book enough. It was fun to read as part of a series but it can definitely be read as a standalone. I am sad to see this series end but I am excited to get my hands on whatever Bessey writes next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss

About the Book:

Title: That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss
Series: Abieville Love Stories #3
Author: Julie Christianson
Release Date: March 8th, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

My dream job just got snapped up by the one man who rejected me…

That’s right. I’m an unemployed twenty-something stuck sleeping on my grandmother’s old futon while Hudson Blaine, the guy who shot me down, gets to manage The Beachfront Inn

Talk about life being unfair.

I’m about to flee town with what’s left of my pride when Mr. Rejection begs me to stay. Apparently, he needs my help resuscitating the inn’s reputation before the grand reopening.

But I’m not sure I can bear Hudson being my new boss, or survive sharing an office with him and his wife-me-up eyes.

So I tell myself it’s just for one month. One month to prove myself and what I’m capable of …

Or go down on the shores of The Beachfront Inn in a blaze of humiliation.

That Time I Kissed My Beachfront Boss is a closed-door romantic comedy in the Abieville Love Stories series with all the sizzling chemistry you love, but no explicit scenes or language.

Tropes in the book:

Sworn off relationships
Forced proximity
Workplace romance
Found family
Small town

…

Book Review:

Omg! What a perfect pick-me-up for this rainy season! I was so excited to revisit Abieville and read Olivia’s book! Both of the MCs have been introduced earlier in the series and Olivia has actually been mentioned in the Apple Valley Love Stories series. I loved how her books connect, it really amps up the excitement for each person’s book.

I really felt for Olivia. She had spent so long trying to find success in her work and it seemed as if it was all for nothing. She was so hard working and passionate, but felt stuck. It was so cool to see how she was able to find her place! Hudson was also so sweet! He was trying to establish himself and stand on his own. They were able to be themselves with one another and share who they really were.

The romance was adorable! Even though neither was looking for love, they couldn’t help being drawn to one another. As someone who has read Ms. Christianson’s other books, I really enjoyed seeing all of the old characters again! The family was hilarious! I loved seeing the sibling interactions and how they all came together to support them.

This was an adorable romcom with forced proximity in the Abieville Love stories series, with only kissing. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it is so much more fun having read the other books! While there is addressing of parental abandonment and the loss of a loved one, it is mentioned as in the past, not on page.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review

Owen Bailey Needs Advice

About the Book:

Title: Owen Bailey Needs Advice
Series: Another Bailey Brother #2
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date: February 16th, 2024
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Dear Ask Annie,
I know my best friend is THE ONE. But how do I tell her that?

Annie Archer has a problem… She can’t get one email—one mind-boggling letter from her advice column out of her head. The one? Does the one even exist?

She should be able to answer this question, just like all the others. Except, she doesn’t have firsthand experience with the one. In fact, except for those few months back in tenth grade when she went temporarily insane and fell for her best friend—she’s never been in love. But then, her advice is based on research and facts, not experience.

So, time to research. Convincing Owen to be her hands-on experiment isn’t too difficult. She’ll set him up, use her guaranteed advice, and find him the girl of his dreams. It’s a foolproof plan… until everyone around them—including half her readers–start asking why she isn’t dating Owen.

Yep—Annie has BIG problems. At the top of the list—falling for her bestie.

Owen Bailey has—you guessed it—a problem. He’s found the one. He fell for his best friend a long time ago, even if she doesn’t know it. He’s been watching Annie go out with guy after guy, only to never be The Guy. And now she wants him to date other women? As in—not her?

He’ll do anything for Annie. But he doesn’t have to like it. Doesn’t she see that they were meant for each other? How can he convince her that he’s the one?

If he’s going to show Annie that it’s time for her to abandon her plans and see what’s right in front of her, he’ll need advice.

Lucky for him, he knows exactly who to ask.

Book Review:

This was really cute! The friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites, and I really liked watching Owen and Annie fall in love.

I liked Owen from the start! He was such a sweetheart, and I thought it was adorable how in love he was with Annie. He was such a genuinely nice guy, and I always love a cinnamon roll MC. His relationship with his students was hilarious too! I loved watching how invested they got in his and Annie’s relationship.

Annie had to grow on me a little. At first, I didn’t really understand her perspective, but as the book went on, I realized how she was struggling with her own insecurities. I liked watching her grow and learn to let go of the past. In so many ways, she was fearless but not in love.

Owen and Annie’s friendship was so sweet! From the start, their relationship felt very natural and normal and even their progression into more than friends worked really well. I loved how they learned more about each other even though they had know each other for forever. They realized that both of them had been unintentionally hiding things. But their families were instrumental in shedding light on some unspoken things. I loved both sets of family! They were hilarious, and they made me want to read Levi and Meredith’s book too.

The story in this one felt really well paced, but there were points where I was a bit frustrated with the characters. So, I felt a bit disconnected from the story. But it was a lot of fun, and I was rooting for Owen and Annie by the end of it. This is a clean romance perfect for fans of the friends to lovers trope!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Cinder Luna

About the Book:

Title: Cinder Luna
Series:Once Upon a RomCom #1
Author: Marie Soleil
Release Date: January 30th, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Is Luna destined for a happily ever after, or is it “game over” for her love life?

Move to the adorable town of Brookhaven? Check.

Get bumped to first class on the train and meet the most gorgeous, considerate man of my life? Check.

Find a job in video game animation and a cozy apartment of my own? Not so much.

So maybe things in Brookhaven aren’t quite as idyllic as my friend promised. My one saving grace is playing video games every evening with my best online friend, MidKnight. Plus, helping him create his own video game helps me escape the drudgery of my demanding twin bosses and a dusty, cramped apartment.

It’s not long before our relationship turns from friendly to…a lot more personal.

Things get complicated when I run into the man from the train again. He couldn’t forget about me either, and he’s been searching for me. I can’t deny the intense physical attraction we have, but I feel like my heart is being pulled in two directions. But there are things that both guys don’t know about me.

Being brave isn’t my strong suit, but maybe it’s time to find some courage.

Book Review:

This was such a cute and sweet read. This is the first book that I have read by Marie Soleil but it will not be the last. Cinder Luna is the first book in Marie Solei’s new series, Once Upon a RomCom. It is a fun retelling of Cinderella.

Luna and Henry were just the sweetest characters! I liked getting to know them and reading about them falling in love. I really like the little nods to the original fairytale but how the Soleil also made the story her own.

Okay, so I liked Luna and it was cool to read about her growth throughout the book. She was just trying her best to figure out life and herself. I loved her little quirks and the fact that she was a gamer. That was so cool! I liked Henry, he was so kind. He was struggling to let others in and he had to learn to truly see Luna.

I liked how Luna and Henry got to know each other first. The romance was perfect. I really liked the side characters and I am super excited to see them get their own books. I also enjoyed the fact that both Luna and Henry liked gaming.

Cinder Luna is a sweet contemporary romance inspired by Cinderella. I would totally recommend this book. The characters were fun and I was drawn into the story.

Book Highlights:

Cinderella inspired

Gaming

Graphic designer

Learning to be brave

Sweet romance

Family bonds

Hints of more books

Secret identity

Falling in love

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Winter Prince

About the Book:

Title: The Winter Prince
Series: Once Upon a Prince #12
Author: Constance Lopez
Release Date: December 15th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A beastly prince. A cursed land. One last hope.

Breaking his bargain with another fae has earned Revi, Prince of the Winter Court, a terrible curse: he lives as a beast and must watch his people suffer under a withering blight. The only cure? A heart freely given.

When a human patrol steals one of Revi’s magical roses, a sliver of opportunity strikes. He agrees to spare their lives in return for a woman who must live in his castle for a year and a day. But could such a beauty learn to love a beast like him?

Although Kienna was warned of conniving fae before her arrival at the Winter Court, the Winter Prince, while beastly, is not the monster she expected. Her dreams plague her—or more specifically, the enigmatic silvery man who walks them does. She’s determined to find him in the waking world and free him from his imprisonment.

Her dream prince begs her not to trust her eyes. But… can she trust her heart?

Book Review:

The last in the Once Upon a Prince series is a lovely and magic-filled retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Breaking his bargain with another fae has earned Revi, Prince of the Winter Court, a terrible curse: living as a beast and watching his people suffer under a withering blight. The only cure? A heart freely given. When a human patrol steals one of Revi’s magical roses, a sliver of opportunity strikes. He agrees to spare their lives in return for a woman who must live in his castle for a year and a day. But could such a beauty learn to love a beast like him? Although Kienna was warned of conniving fae before her arrival at the Winter Court, the Winter Prince, while beastly, is not the monster she expected. Her dreams plague her, or more specifically the enigmatic silvery man who walks them does. She’s determined to find him in the waking world and free him from his imprisonment.

Oh my goodness! This was such an enveloping story! I was quickly drawn into the fantasy world and intrigued by the magic of it. Revi was such an honorable prince! He understood his role and responsibility, even though it weighed on him at times. He was a warrior and it showed in how he ruled. He was a sweetheart, wrapped in a beastly shell. Kienna was lovely! I appreciated her openness and willingness to sacrifice. She was unfolding the mysteries of the court and its curse and it was exciting to follow her.

There were quite a few plot elements that made this story exciting! The twists on the classic fairytale were so fun! There were times I was not sure how things would work. I am excited to read more from Ms. Lopez, especially in this world! This is a fairytale inspired romance with some fantasy violence and only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Last Rose

About the Book:

Title: The Last Rose
Series: Sisters Ever After #4
Author: Leah Bypess
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: December 5th, 2023
Genre: Children’s Fiction

The fourth book in the Sisters Ever After series of fairy tale retellings, this is the wild story of Mera, the only one who can save her beautiful older sister when she is kidnapped by the Beast who viciously rules over their small village.

For as long as Mera can remember, she and her sister Darina have feared the Beast who lurks in the castle above their village. On countless nights they have locked themselves into their home while the Beast led his hounds on the Wild Hunt, preying on anything in his path.

Now Darina has been kidnapped by the Beast, and only Mera can save her. But she soon finds that in the Beast’s eerie, magic-haunted castle, nothing is quite what it seems—including her own sister. Here, Mera will discover the dark secrets that have bound her village to the Beast for so long.

But in order to set them all free, she will have to face the most dangerous secret of all: the truth about herself.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! This book was fascinating, complicated, and sooo good! I’m a huge lover of fairytales, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a fairytale quite like this one. The characters are all turned on their heads, and the people we thought we knew turned out to be quite different.

Mera has never been the pretty one. She has stood in the shadow of her sister, Darina for years. But when Darina is kidnapped by the Beast, only Mera knows the truth. It should be her stuck in the dark castle. So Mera decides to rescue her sister only to find secrets she could have never imagined waiting for her.

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales! And I love to read retellings of it, but this one was so interesting and different. Mera is a wonderful heroine full of fight and spunk. She is determined to not be controlled by anyone or anything. She’s had to be tougher than her sister, and she’s much more practical as well.

I’m honestly not sure how I felt about most of the other characters in this book. Everyone is full of greys even Darina, the Beauty in the story isn’t the traditional pure heart we hear about. I think it was fascinating to read a retelling where I had no idea what was going to happen next and honestly no idea what I wanted to happen next. Darina and the Beast aren’t the heroes they normally are.

I love the theme of sisterhood though. Mera is fiercely loyal and willing to do everything for her sister. I wish that the idea of love would have been defined a little differently. Love is not a feeling, but it is instead an action. But I do agree that feelings change. However, love should not.

This is a clean read with some creepier moments. For example, Mera gets locked up by the Beast. And there are moments where parents can talk about manipulation since the Beast is not portrayed as the hero in this story. There’s some Stockholm Syndrome vibes going on.

This was an incredibly rich story! There is so much in it, and I think middle grade readers will love it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Highlights:

Sisterhood!

Strong female heroines!

Wonderful world building!

Couldn’t put it down!

Twists and turns all the way!

Conventional family values!

Rocky Road

About the Book:

Title: Rocky Road
Series: Sons of Scandal
Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: February 14th, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Christy Award Hall of Fame Author

FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Book Review:

This was so cute and fun! Rocky Road is the second book in Becky Wade’s Sons of Scandal series. I was super excited to read this one and it did not disappoint! The cover is also really cute!

Jude and Gemma were just the sweetest couple together! They really balanced each other out. Jude was a straight laced kind of person who valued perfection. However Gemma managed to shake up his life in a way that he never expected. Gemma was trying to protect her family and do good. But getting to know Jude was a fun addition to her plans.

Gemma was a breath of fresh air, I loved her from the beginning. She was so fun and I like how she balanced Jude. Gemma was quirky but she was kind. I also adored her relationship with her family, they were so sweet together. Gemma had to learn to let Jude in and be vulnerable with him.

Jude was also so fun. He was such a grumpy person but he genuinely cared for his family and those he brought into his circle. Jude was weary of others but Gemma had a way of breaking down his walls and making him want to be better.

I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Jdue and Gemma. There were times when I wanted to laugh after reading about their interaction. The storyline was interesting and I was drawn into the story. I wanted to see how Jude and Gemma were going to make their fake relationship work for the operation. I liked seeing Jeremiah again and seeing hints of the next book.

I would totally recommend Rocky Road! I adored the characters and the story. There was the perfect hint of mystery and romance which was of course missed with the perfect amount of faith and family. This book is a must read and I cannot wait to read the last book. Rocky Road is a clean Christian contemporary romance.

Fake Relationship

Grumpy/sunshine

Sibling/Family relationships

Some mystery

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

The Awakened Prince

About the Book:

Title: The Awakened Prince
Series: Once Upon a Prince #11
Author: Alora Carter
Release Date: December 8th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A betrothed prince. A mysterious maiden. A secret that could destroy the kingdom.

After failing in every attempt to prove his worth, Killian’s betrothal contract seems to be the only reason his father tolerates him. Uniting the kingdoms will save their struggling lands, but the princess he is supposed to marry has been in hiding from a wicked fairy for almost 18 years—or she’s missing for good. Desperate to escape the chaos of the court and his father’s suffocating expectations, Killian trespasses into the Forbidden Forest. There he stumbles into more than he bargains for: magic and mystery and a beautiful woman who embodies both.

As a Guardian of the Forest, Raela’s duties are clear: honor the sentient elements, foster the life of the forest, and protect them all from the danger of fairy circles. Yet, she finds herself aching for more. After the first man she has ever seen stumbles into her meadow, she begins to wonder questions that she should have had answers to all along: Where are her parents? What are her aunties hiding? And is there more out there for her after all?

When the fairy returns for revenge, Killian must overcome his fears and fight for his father, his throne, and the woman he loves. He cannot afford to fail now, or he will lose them all.

Book Review:

What an exciting fairytale inspired romance! Killian feels like he has failed in every attempt to prove his worth, leaving his betrothal contract the only reason his father tolerates him. Uniting the kingdoms will save their struggling lands, but the princess he is supposed to marry has been hiding from a wicked fairy for almost 18 years- or she might be missing for good. Desperate to escape, Killian trespasses into the Forbidden Forest, where he finds magic, mystery and a beautiful woman who embodies both As a Guardian of the Forest, Raela’s duties are clear: honor the sentient elements, foster the life of the forest and protect them all from the danger of fairy circles. Yet, she finds herself aching for more. After the first man she has ever seen stumbles into her meadow, she begins to wonder about questions that she should have had the answer to all along: Where are her parents? What are her aunties hiding? Is there more out there for her after all? The re-emergence of the evil fairy means that Killian must overcome his fears and fight for her his father, his throne, and the woman he loves.

Wow! This was quite the retelling! It was exciting and full of adventure! Killian was very stuck in his head. He had tried over and over to prove himself and felt the weight of his father’s disapproval.. He was quite in his head and I was frustrated with him at times. He was a bit emotion-led at times. It was lovely to watch him settle into himself and to find his confidence. He was so focused on the expectations of others. Raela was a sweetheart. As expected with her upbringing, she was quite innocent. I enjoyed seeing the magical world Ms. Carter has created through her eyes. Both were learning about the secrets and mysteries of their past and the magic it all held.

The story was exciting while sticking to many of the elements of the classic fairytale. There was action and danger, as well as fantasy romance. It did take me a bit to get invested in the story, but once things started picking up I was racing through! This is a fairytale inspired romance with some fantasy action and only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.