Memories of You

About the Book:

Memories of You: A Sweet, Amnesia, Military Romance (San Diego Marines Book 4) by [Jess Mastorakos]

Title: Memories of You
Series: San Diego Marines #4
Author: Jess Mastorakos
Release Date: July 22nd, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A mind might forget but a soul remembers everything…

When you get married, you make so many vows.

For better or for worse. I’m a Marine with a wicked scar from the 50-cal round that almost took me out, so check that box.

For richer or for poorer. We’ve been together forever, me and Cat, so check that one too.

In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

If I’d known the sickness part had the power to do us in, I would have laid down some prep work. I would have come home earlier and stayed up later, spending hours memorizing her laugh and tracing the patterns of her curves.

The car accident might have taken my wife’s memories but she’s alive and she’s physically whole. The fact that she thinks we’re broken up from a fight we had ten years ago means I have a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time.

But how do you convince someone they love you as much as you love them? How do you expect them to honor the vows you remember making but they don’t? And to what lengths would you go to try?

Memories of You is a clean, standalone romance told from both POVs in the first person. You’ll find sizzling chemistry, swoony kisses, but no steam.

Book Review:

Memories of You is the first book that I have read by Jess Mastorakos and it was simply amazing! I liked it so much that I am now reading the whole series. Memories of You is the fourth book in Jess Mastorakos San Diego Marines series. US Marine Travis Brooks is living a good life, he has a job that he loves and his wife by his side. But a bad car accident changes everything. Cat wakes up from the accident with post-traumatic amnesia, and she has an incomplete memory of their relationship. Catherine Brooks can’t remember the last eight years and she has no idea why her ex-boyfriend would be sitting by her bedside. Will Cat and Travis’ marriage survive Cat’s lost memories?

Cat was a strong woman and she stood by her husband while he served in the Marines, she was content with her life. But the accident changed everything. She no longer remembered her husband and her life felt out of order. I liked Cat and I felt bad for her, her life felt all out of whack. She couldn’t remember her husband and she didn’t understand what was going on. However she also knew in the back of her head that her husband loved her and he was worth fighting for. Cat learned to find herself as she tried to remember her life.

Tarvis was a sweetheart, he loved Cat so much and he really wanted to make their relationship work. I really liked how he didn’t try to push Cat, but instead he just tried to love her at her own pace. It was so hard for him to give her space, because he truly loved her and he wanted to be with her. He worked at his marriage, but he was also struggling with coming to terms that he may never get the “old Cat” back.

It was such an interesting concept and I really liked the development of the story. Travis and Cat really loved each other, but they had to figure out how to live with Cat’s lost memories. They not only had to figure out how to work through their marriage but they had to deal with Cat’s unreasonable parents and figure out their life goals. It was hard work as they learned what it meant to be married all over again. Cat had to learn to trust Travis and Travis had to be patient with Cat. I really enjoyed reading Memories of You! I am super excited to read the other books now, I can’t wait to read about the Cat and Travis’ friends. I would definitely recommend this book. Memories of You is a clean, Marine romance book!

Believing in You

About the Book:

Believing in You: A Sweet, Brother's Best Friend, Military Romance (San Diego Marines Book 3) by [Jess Mastorakos]

Title: Believing in You
Series: San Diego Marines #3
Author: Jess Mastorakos
Release Date: May 28th, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Dating online should come with a warning.

This is my last deployment before I get out and become a civilian contractor in Texas. I’m already there in my mind. That’s why I changed the hometown on my online dating profile. Fresh start in a new city. I liked how it sounded.

When cute kindergarten teacher, Ivy, slides into my inbox, we hit it off right away. We flirt like two people who have nothing to lose. I show her all the sides of me and she seems to like them. I like her too. And I can’t wait to return stateside so we can explore this connection in real life.

But.

It’s like stepping off the edge of the world when I find out my Ivy is also my best friend’s little sister. When I try to break it off, I just can’t do it. So I don’t.

And now I have a decision to make. Step things up with a woman who could be ‘the one’ and risk alienating myself from my fellow Marines, or, end it and know that while it’s the right thing to do, I’d be saying goodbye to a future that looked a lot brighter with her in it…

Believing in You is a clean, standalone romance told from both POVs in the first person. You’ll find sizzling chemistry, swoony kisses, but no steam.

Book Review:

Ivy and Jake never meant to fall in love but when they meet on a dating app they can’t help but be attracted to each other. Ivy had dated one of her brother’s friends before and never again. However, they ended up really connecting, and before they knew it they had fallen head over heels.

This was a great book! I loved reading about Ivy and Jake’s relationship as it grew. They were super sweet together. I liked how they became friends first and then fell in love. I don’t know if I agree with the fact that they kept their relationship a secret, but I liked how they went about it. They tried their best to be honest and they both cared about Travis, Ivy’s brother. Ivy was weary of dating because of a past relationship, but Jake was perfect for her. I liked that Ivy was a teacher and it was fun to read about her interacting with her kids. Jake was funny to me, and I enjoyed reading about his perspective and seeing Spencer and Matt again.

I always love seeing old characters, and I really like how Ms. Mastorakos puts old characters in new books. It was fun to see so many cameos, but a focus on a different couple. Ivy and Jake had to learn whether or not they were willing to make their relationship work, even though Jake was one of Travis’ close friends. Were they willing to take the risk for love?Believing in You was a great book! I really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean, sweet Marine book.

A Proper Charade

About the Book:

Title: A Proper Charade
Series: Proper Scandals #2
Author: Esther Hatch
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: October 24th, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance

Does love have a chance if she doesn’t play by the rules?

Lady Patience Kendrick was born to a life of privilege, and with the London Season looming, she finds herself facing unprecedented pressure to adhere to the rules of society. Unfortunately, the free-spirited young woman is anything but proper. Patience’s elder brother, a former military man, bemoans his sister’s antics—but when he accuses her of incurable frivolity, it is simply more than she can bear. Determined to prove her brother wrong, Patience undertakes a drastic experiment: she will disguise herself as a maid and demonstrate her ability to work as hard as anyone.

Taken on as household staff by her brother’s former general, Patience soon learns that willingness and ability are two very different things. While her plan sounded promising in theory, the reality is that she is out of her depth—and the irresistibly charming son of the house isn’t helping matters. Patience soon finds herself embroiled in a charade far more complicated than she imagined. With both her pride and her heart at stake, she is determined to prove her brother wrong—even as her plans spiral delightfully out of control.

Book Review:

I have heard so many good things about Esther Hatch’s books and I knew that I had to try it myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. A Proper Charade is the second book in Esther Hatch’s Proper Scandals series.

Lady Patience Kendrick just wanted to prove to her brother that she was reliable. Determined to show him that she can work hard, she disguises herself and goes to work as a maid in her brother’s formal general’s home. While there Patience finds her plan getting more and more complicated. Will she be able to prove to her brother that she is reliable and able to work, as her plans spiral out of control?

I really liked Patience, she was quirky and fun. I liked how she said whatever came to mind, she was honest to a fault. Patience endeared herself to me pretty quickly, and I just really enjoyed reading about her and her adventures. She was different from the other ladies of her time, and it made it hard for her. She so wanted to prove herself to her brother, and she wanted to be better and do more.

Andrew was so serious, but he was also such a sweetheart. I really liked him also and I felt bad for him. He tried so hard to live up to his father’s expectations, but he felt like he would never be enough. I also liked his quirks. He made lots of lists and he was so orderly, but he was also kind.

Patience and Andrew were perfect together. They balanced each other. He helped her stay focused and she helped him relax. I loved reading scenes about them together. The charades that happened during this book were hilarious, nothing was quite as it seemed. Patience was a horrible maid, but she tried her best. And Andrew needed a way to prove to Miss Morgan that she was the right woman for him. I found myself bursting out laughing while I was reading this book

I also really enjoyed the side characters, Mr. Gilbert was super nice. Andrew’s family was the sweetest, I loved his niece and nephew, they really added to the book. Also his sister was amazing! Patience’s brother was kind but strict, and I really want him to have his own book now!A Proper Charade was amazing and I really enjoyed it! Once I got into it, I didn’t want to put it down. I would definitely recommend it. A Proper Charade is a clean historical romance book.

The Connection

About the Book:

Title: The Connection
Series: The Blood-Light Trilogy
Author: Dana Claire
Release Date: November 25th, 2020
Genre: YA

Beatrice Walker thought she lived in a normal world—that is until she learned she’s a living hostel for an alien energy source, and apparently the answer to preventing extinction. Bea has no memory of her last moments with her mother. The week they’d gone missing is a complete mystery. Suddenly moved back to her hometown with her father, Bea has rekindled her friendship with her two best friends—and seems to have caught the attention of an arrogant, yet gorgeous boy named Cash Kingston. But there’s more to Cash than his annoying attitude and good looks. Cash isn’t human, and he’s now in charge of protecting Bea from those who know what she keeps safe inside her: the energy source that once belonged to his murdered girlfriend. Tensions mount as Bea learns her energy source must be paired with the one Cash holds to protect both their planets from an imminent threat. But what Bea doesn’t realize is there’s more to her than being human a host, that her feelings for Cash are not just a prophetic plan that will save their planets, and that the fate of everything lies in her choices.

Book Review:

An exciting and quick-paced read, The Connection is the 1st in Dana Claire’s YA series. Beatrice is just trying to finish high school after her mom’s death in an accident she cannot remember. Back in her hometown, she finds solace in her best friends and running track. The arrival of Cash Kingston, who is gorgeous and arrogant, and his attention to her is yet another thing in her life she does not understand. But Cash is not human, he is an alien and he and his team are tasked with protecting an alien energy source. An alien energy source that is hosted by Bea, and one that used to belong to Cash’s murdered girlfriend. As Bea learns more about the reason she holds the energy, she discovers that there is more to her than just as a human host and the fate of planets are in her hands.

This was super fun and exciting! Like many YA books, it was easy to read and quickly pulled me in. I liked Bea and understood what she was going through. While I did not always agree with her choices, I could see her struggle. She had so much thrown at her, at an already trying time in her life. I also felt for her as the revelations and plot twists kept coming! As the reader, you learn most of what’s going on alongside Bea. The first couple chapters I was flying through trying to figure out what was happening! I honestly didn’t know what to think of Cash at first! He had a lot on his shoulders, but at the same time he was a bit irritating. As Bea gets to know him, it is easier to understand some of his motives. I appreciated the dual perspectives too. It was clear who was who and allowed different sides of the story to be seen.

Overall, it was a great start to the series! Upon starting it, I did not know it was part of a series, but now I am really excited to read more! I felt like I have an investment now in the story! I need to know what happens next! This was a sci-fi/fantasy YA book. It was mostly clean, though there was some cursing and a few innuendos. I think it is suitable for most teens, though I would suggest it for older ones.

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.

Rebelwing

About the Book:

Title: Rebelwing
Author: Andrea Tang
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: February 25th, 2020
Genre: YA

Things just got weird for Prudence Wu.

One minute, she’s cashing in on a routine smuggling deal. The next, she’s escaping enforcers on the wings of what very much appears to be a sentient cybernetic dragon.

Pru is used to life throwing her some unpleasant surprises–she goes to prep school, after all, and selling banned media across the border in a country with a ruthless corporate government obviously has its risks. But a cybernetic dragon? That’s new.

She tries to forget about the fact that the only reason she’s not in jail is because some sort of robot saved her, and that she’s going to have to get a new side job now that enforcers are on to her. So she’s not exactly thrilled when Rebelwing shows up again.

Even worse, it’s become increasingly clear that the rogue machine has imprinted on her permanently, which means she’d better figure out this whole piloting-a-dragon thing–fast. Because Rebelwing just happens to be the ridiculously expensive weapon her government needs in a brewing war with its neighbor, and Pru’s the only one who can fly it.

Set in a wonderfully inventive near-future Washington, D.C., this hilarious, defiant debut sparkles with wit and wisdom, deftly exploring media consumption, personal freedoms, and the weight of one life as Pru, rather reluctantly, takes to the skies.

Book Review:

Rebelwing, set in a future Washington D.C follows Prudence (Pru) who is attending a school alongside children and siblings of the leaders of that time. A part-time media smuggler, she is thrown into government intrigue when she bonds with a mechanical dragon. From there, she is engrained in a battle for freedom and life.

This was super fun and exciting! I was originally drawn to this book because of the conver. On the cover was an Asian girl and a dragon! In looking further, I learned that Pru was of Chinese descent. It is always cool to read books about Asian characters, as an Asian-American myself. There are not as many books with Asain main characters, though more are definitely being written. Pru was determined and stubborn, quick-thinking, and a bit snarky. She has grown up in the aftermath of a war. The society she is within has many of features of our own, so in some ways it feels familiar. I didn’t feel lost. It is sci-fi just enough to be imaginative, but close enough to be easily understood.

I loved Alex, Cat, and Anabel, and all the other side characters. They all felt so real and human. It was a really tragic story with issues that felt very relevant to today. The struggles with freedom of speech and expression, access to art: written, visual and auditory. But back to the characters, Prue and Anabel’s friendship was so nice! They argued, poked fun, but they stood by each other. There were definitely struggles in their relationship, however, they were still friends. Alex and Pru were so cute! I loved how she was kind of brought into their family. The other three, Anable, Cat, and Alex had bonded in different ways and I loved seeing their connections. I am not super into technology, so I do not know a lot about the newest advances or how realistic the technology is in here. However, I thought that a mechanical dragon just seemed really cool, even though the dragon in this book had a bit of an attitude. It was just so cool!

I am honestly hoping for a sequel, but I do not know what the author has planned. It was not a very satisfying ending, though few endings are. A lot of questions were answered, but it felt like there was more to come. I really hope so! I would love to see more! This was a YA novel, so I would take that into account with recommendations. It has some language, some LGBTQ representation, and deals with some heavy topics including war and death. I would probably generally start recommendation with older teens, though it definitely depends on the person!

Court of Midnight

About the Book:

Crown of Moonlight: Magiford Supernatural City (Court of Midnight and Deception Book 2) by [K. M. Shea]

Title: Crown of Midnight
Series: Court of Midnight and Deception
Author: K M Shea
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Genre: Urban Fantasy

I thought becoming Queen of the Night Court and marrying the deadliest fae assassin in the supernatural community were the biggest dangers I’d ever face. Hah!

Once I meet the fae monarchs of the other local Courts, I realize the good times are only just beginning! They hate my guts and don’t even bother to use their fae tricks to hide their disgust of me and my human blood.

At least I know where I stand with them, which is more than I can say for my husband, Rigel.

My relationship with Rigel is…complicated. We married for political reasons—my greatest desire was that he wouldn’t kill me after the ceremony. But now that he’s saved me from countless attempts on my life and joked with me through boring Court socials, my thoughts about him have veered into uncomfortable territory.

Not that I have time to think about all of this.

Those attempts on my life I mentioned? Yeah, they’re getting bolder and a lot harder to survive. I’m confident one of the other monarchs is behind it all, but I don’t have the power to make them stop.

So far, my wits and Rigel’s blades have gotten us through everything. But if something BIG gets dropped on us, will we survive?

Court of Midnight and Deception is an urban fantasy trilogy set in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards! This complete trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

Book Review:

This is the second book in K.M. Shea’s Court of Midnight and Deception series, and it is even more amazing than the first! If you have not read the first book, I would not recommend reading this series out of order. But there are quite a few other K.M. Shea books that are more stand alone. The Court of Midnight and Deception is the second series in the Magiford Supernatural City series. Wow, I think I used the word series more in these 3 sentences than I did in my first review! They are all set in the same city, and while all the characters interact, they can be read apart.

Leila has finally won the respect of her court, and she’s now married to the assassin who once tried to kill her. But of course, it’s impossible for life to be peaceful for this half human and half fae queen. She has to deal with the other fae monarchs next, who are about as fun as you would expect. Not only that, but the attacks on her life are getting bolder and bolder. Luckily, she has Rigel, but things are starting to get more and more confusing as she sees a different side of him. What’s a girl to do with annoying fellow monarchs, attacks on her life, and a brooding but surprisingly kind husband?

This book even begins off with a bang! We got to see a bunch of cameos right from the start which was super fun. I love seeing Hazel and Killain again and a lot of Medeis wizards and Drake vampires. And the book just gets better and better. While all of Leila’s fellow monarchs are basically jerks except Solis, they do provide some hilarious interactions.

And I love how there was always those hints that there’s more going on under the surface. The fae are not all bad, and their monarchs reflect that. Most of them are simply trying to survive one more day, but the only way they know how to do that is through power games. But it’s clear that people can always change. One character in particular made a complete turn around that was amazing to read! I am trying so hard not to give any spoilers, so let’s just say that there are some redeemable qualities in everyone.

And Rigel is one example of the fact that people can change I can talk about! Leila only married Rigel for political purposes, and I loved seeing them move to friends and eventually something more. You got to see a bit more of Rigel in this book, and it’s clear that there is a lot of nobleness in him. He protects Leila multiple times, but he also goes along with her crazy schemes. He has a secret pleasure in messing with people too, but it’s a lot more hidden than Leila’s. And he calms her down when she’s freaking out from everything. But even though Rigel and Leila are forming a connection, they have a long way to go before it’s actual, true love.

They don’t have a lot of time left though as the threats against Leila get more and more obvious. There are some hints in here of who could be behind the attacks, but I promise you will be shocked when you read book 3. At least I was super shocked! But I am always happy how the plot doesn’t take away from the lightheartedness of the book. All of Ms. Shea’s books always make me laugh, and I think we all need laughter in the world. This is also a clean romance and action read, and there is nothing inappropriate even though Leila and Rigel are married.

Crown of Shadows

About the Book:

Crown of Shadows: Magiford Supernatural City (Court of Midnight and Deception Book 1) by [K. M. Shea]

Title: Crown of Shadows
Series: Court of Midnight and Deception
Author: K M Shea
Release Date: November 22, 2020
Genre: Urban Fantasy

The fae of the Night Court are desperately searching for a new monarch to crown before the Court collapses.

I couldn’t care less.

I’ve done everything I can to bury my fae blood and embrace my human half. That changes when some fae nobles show up on my doorstep and announce that I’m the next Queen of the Night Court.

Becoming an unwilling fae queen? Check. Inheriting a terrible mess? Double check.

The Court is almost bankrupt, my citizens’ favorite hobby is backstabbing one another, and I don’t know who I can trust since someone keeps trying to assassinate me.

Speaking of assassins, I get introduced to the best in the business—a fae lord nicknamed the Wraith. His deadly profession means he fears no one. The only reason he doesn’t kill me on the spot is he’s also a member of the Night Court and the Court’s magic protects me. But that doesn’t prevent him from trading verbal barbs with me whenever we meet.

And if cat herding all these uncooperative fae and chatting with assassins wasn’t enough, I’m required to get married as part of some archaic Court law. This “queen” gig is the worst!

Supposedly I can choose anyone to marry, but with all the infighting I need someone who is neutral and won’t provoke more political power struggles.

So, why do I keep thinking of a certain assassin?

Court of Midnight and Deception is a complete trilogy that takes place in the Magiford Supernatural City universe. It features fae, werewolves, vampires, and wizards! This trilogy is packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a reluctant fae queen and the assassin who tried to kill her.

Book Review:

This is the first book in the Court of Midnight and Deception series, and I absolutely loved it! I am slowly making my way through all the K.M. Shea books. I have adored every single one of them and Crown of Shadows was no exception. This book is set in the same world as Hall of Blood and Mercy which I would definitely recommend reading first. It’s an urban fantasy where paranormal creatures are in the real world and humans know about them. I loved the aspect of the book because I have not read a lot of urban fantasy. It was interesting to see all the interactions between normal, modern humans and these more fantastical beings.

Crown of Shadows is the perfect example because Leila, the main character, is half human and half fae. But she hates her fae side, and she is not pleased when she is forced into the role of Queen of the Night Court. Now, she has to deal with backstabbing citizens, a murderous assassin, and the fact that her court is on the brink of death. Plus, because of an ancient law she has to choose a husband before she can lead. She needs someone with no political ties, but for some reason she’s drawn to a certain assassin.

Leila was such a fun character! Her voice is hilarious, and I loved how sarcastic she was. It was nice because while she definitely wasn’t happy to be queen, it was obvious she wanted to fix her court. Even if she did have compassion for her court, she never lost that bit of sarcastic complaining which I thought was super realistic. And I loved the beginnings, we can see the beginnings of a relationship with Skye, Indigo, Chase, Rigel, and Lord Linus.

Skye was definitely a needed addition to Leila’s life. She helped her learn how to deal with the fae around her. And it was hilarious to see how stressed out she got with every crazy thing Leila did. Indigo was such a fun part of the book. Her loyalty to Leila is so strong, and I loved the reason why she became Leila’s companion. I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s so funny. And a nice change from the super angsty reasons.

Chase was a super serious character, but he was perfect for Leila’s chief of security. And it was cool to see a werewolf come onto the team. Werewolves were not really in Hazel’s series, so it was fun to see more of this race. And finally we have Rigel! He seems like a horrible person, but he’s actually a sweetheart. It’s so funny to see his interactions with Lord Dion who is his best friend. And I loved the subtle hints of romance coming out with him and Leila!

While all the characters were wonderful, I loved the plot that was coming along too. There’s a lot of set up going on in the first book, but it’s amazing to me how K.M. Shea always manages to entertain even with a lot of set up. It’s never too boring, but I still managed to learn about the fae world. Leila has a lot to learn about the intricacies of the fae world as well which is hard for her as she tries and wins her court. But she never gives up even as she walks the balance between discipline and kindness. This is a hilarious, wonderful, adventurous book that I would recommend to everyone. It’s super clean, and it’s so so good. Just read it because I’m sure you’ll love it!

The Lily Gate

About the Book:

The Lily Gate: A Retelling of The Frog Prince (Faerie Tale Romances) by [Hanna Sandvig]

Title: The Lily Gate
Series: Faerie Tale Romances #3
Author: Hanna Sandvig
Release Date: December 7th, 2020
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

One princess, twenty princes, and one…frog? The path to true love isn’t always what you might expect.

All my life I’ve been waiting for my prince charming, but you can’t just leave these things up to chance. There are plenty of princes in the Seelie kingdom, but I’m the princess of the Lily Court and someday I will rule. Just because a prince is handsome, or an excellent swordsman, it doesn’t mean he’s going to be a good co-ruler.

Obviously my fairy godmother agrees, because she gave me the christening gift of true love. If I organize a set of challenges for the potential future husbands to tackle, she’s promised that I’ll find my perfect match.

So that’s just what I have planned, and when a talking frog offers to help me find out what the princes are really like, who am I to argue? Honestly, he’s pretty good company, even if he keeps stealing pastries from the castle kitchen.

Is there truly a prince out there that will meet all the criteria on my very comprehensive list? Or will I find that true love has been waiting for me all along?

Book Review:

The Lily Gate is a novella in the Faerie Tale Romance series about Princess Tuala of the Lily Court. When Tuala was born, her fairy godmother said she would find love through a series of competitions. She follows her godmother’s advice, but how is supposed to find not only love but a good co-ruler. So when a talking frog offers to help, who is she to argue? He makes pretty good company, and she will be able to find out what the princes are actually like. But will she actually find true love or will it be alongside her all along?

This was such a cute novella. Obviously, the storyline progressed quickly, but you were able to see Grenie, the frog, and Tuala’s love story quite nicely. It was also sweet that they were friends before, and then they fell in love. I liked seeing their banter, and Tuala’s practicality. Her tests for the princes actually made a lot of sense, and I loved all the little bits of her personality like her love of lists and baking. Grenie was also trying to look out for Tuala. Even if he couldn’t tell her why or who he was, he was trying hard to woo her. This was an adorable love story. I would definitely recommend it, and all of the books in the Faerie Tale Romance series!

The Prince’s Bargain

About the Book:

The Prince's Bargain (The Elves of Lessa Book 3) by [K.M. Shea]

Title: The Prince’s Bargain
Series: The Elves of Lessa, Book 3
Author: K M Shea
Release Date: July 20, 2020
Genre: Fantasy

When Prince Arvel was declared the heir to the throne, he was ignorant of all the forthcoming unpleasantness the title would bring him. Nobles who used to ignore him now seek to manipulate and control him. Even worse, his attendance is mandatory at every social function and party.

Every. Party.

So when the time comes for an elf translator to be assigned to him, Arvel jumps at the chance to get closer to the beautiful female translator he has seen studying in the library at all hours of the day.

Myth, a mere translator with a knack for languages, never expected to be yanked into the secret power struggle between the human nobles. But once she is given the assignment of Translator to Prince Arvel, she discovers danger can lurk in dazzling ballrooms and inane social exchanges.

As an elf ignorant to human customs, Myth feels woefully unprepared for her new role. No matter how much she studies, books can’t tell her how to survive a prince who is too charming and warm, or the traitorous nobles who seek to harm him.

When Myth is attacked, Arvel realizes there’s nothing he won’t do to see that she is made safe again. But to outwit his enemies, he’ll need Myth’s help and language skills.

They have gone through their lives being competent and self-reliant. But if they can work together, they and their people will never be the same.

Book Review:

I loved this book so much because it was just so amazing. I completely agree! It was a wonderful addition to the series. I know! We all loved it, and usually if one person really likes it, the others are more eh.You know I love books that are funny, but this one balances the humor with heart and adventure. And I enjoyed the characters so much because you have all of the characters from the old book plus one new one. Myth! Totally! Characters are always my favorite part. Though I have to remind you of another new character, Blaise! She is so fun and interesting, I hope to see more of her soon! Oh my gosh, I loved the new characters! It was so cool to read about Arvel. You’re so right. I can’t wait for the next book about her.

Myth was so great especially because she was such a different character from Tari and Fyn. Myth is more of an intellectual. She fights with her words instead of her fists, and I loved that about her. It’s so refreshing to have a character that is not physically strong because not a lot of people can run marathons and fight with swords. She is much more like me and you than the others. She loves books and realizes that she is not really a warrior. Though she would love to help in battle, she realizes that she is better suited elsewhere. I don’t usually like characters like Myth because she isn’t a lot like me. But I adored her. And Arvel was so sweet. Ms. Shea did such a great job of fleshing out his character more. Yeah, I really enjoyed reading about him. He was so funny, especially how he tried so hard to run away from social events! Yes, Arvel was a great character, I loved everything that made him different from the other heroes. He was more thoughtful instead of just rushing into battle and I loved how he loved to read. But his interactions with Ben were still hilarious! I feel like they really were like brothers! So different and yet so connected! They reminded us of how we interact with each other. 🙂

Okay, and the love story between Myth and Arvel was so cute! Oh they were so adorable. I think that something that was really sweet was how he noticed her. Any bookworm can say that noticing someone because they are in the library is the cutest thing ever. I loved how Arvel decided that Myth had to be a nice person because she spent so much time in the library. That was so cute! And very complimentary to bookworms like us! We want to meet someone like Arvel, who will fall in love with us because of books and loves books just as much as we do. I am always willing to read a book about a fellow bookworm, especially about two bookworms who fall in love. I love how they help each other and support each other. They could stand by each other. They also were interested in the same things and I have no doubt that trade will flourish with them! I love how the plot was moving through this book! They really complemented each other and I loved how they helped each other out. Oh, and this is so unrelated to the whole plot, but I was overjoyed that Queen Fiera showed her ferocity when she stood up to Queen Lucia. I was excited to see Queen Fiera, she really wasn’t in the other books. Maybe in the next couple books, we will be more in the elf world. But Queen Lucia definitely showed her true colors in this book. She was so mean to Arvel and Ben, her kids! She just seemed really cold. I am so glad that Queen Lucia finally got what she deserved. Eh, I felt more sorry for her. She was cold to everyone and never seemed happy. She was just making it hard for everyone else, because of her problems. I really wanted to know more of what made Queen Lucia tick, but it was really interesting to learn a little more about her. The only thing that I was sad about was that there was not enough of King Petryll. Who is hilarious! And a secret mastermind, which I vaguely suspected. I know King Petryll made this book so funny! I loved his interactions with King Celrin. But other than that this was another amazing K.M. Shea book, and I can’t wait for the next book! Seriously, I am not sure I can wait.

Thursday’s Child

About the Book:

Title: Thursday’s Child
Author: Noel Streatfeild
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
Release Date: April 2, 2020
Genre: Children’s Fiction

A thrilling, classic children’s adventure with a courageous heroine, from the beloved author of Ballet Shoes.

Margaret Thursday was named after the day she was found on the church steps as a baby. But she isn’t really an orphan – each year a bag of gold coins is left at the church for her keep. However, when Margaret is eleven years old, the money suddenly stops and her guardians have no choice but to send her away to an orphanage.

The orphanage is worse than they could have imagined. The children are poorly treated and barely fed, and fearless Margaret soon makes herself the enemy of the evil matron who runs it. Vowing to protect her new friends, Peter and Horatio, Margaret plans their daring escape . . . but she’ll have to outwit Matron at every turn.

Margaret’s action-packed adventure, set in turn-of-the-century England, takes her from orphanage to canal boat to the world of the theatre. Through it all, Margaret is propelled by her unwavering sense of self and determination.

Book Review:

Thursday’s Child is an adorable historical fiction book following orphan, Margaret Thursday by Noel Streatfeild. I knew Noel Streatfeild from her “Shoes” books. I had read Ballet Shoes, Dancing Shoes, Theater Shoes, and Theater Shoes. They were some of the books I really enjoyed reading in elementary school, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read Thursday’s Child! Margaret Thursday is an orphan, who finds herself at an orphanage after the money supplied for her keep runs out. The orphanage turns out to be awful, with a harsh matron where the children are badly treated. Along with her friends, Margaret must find a way of escape!

Margaret was such a fun character! She was very confident and had such drama in her! She was also really kind and connected to people easily. And I loved her friends. They were all so sweet and seemed very realistic. Lavinia, Peter, Horatio and all the rest of the characters really made the story so interesting. I did not relate to Margaret as much, but I could empathize with her and relate to the other children in different ways.

The story was very interesting. I liked watching the progression and it felt well-paced. Within a few chapters, I was already invested in the story! It is not a very action-packed book, but more an unfolding of the story of Margaret’s life. It has an older style of writing, with 3rd-person narrative and slightly different language than young readers may be accustomed to. It is also set in turn-of-the -century England, so there may be some unfamiliar references there as well. This story is the first in Margaret’s adventures, so while it offers some conclusions, not everything is made clear.

Overall, this was a really fun and cute book that I would suggest to readers in mid-to late elementary school, who enjoy historical fiction!

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