Betting on the Brainiac

About the Book:

Title: Betting on the Brainiac
Series: Betting on Love #3
Author: Melanie Jacobson
Release Date: May 1st, 2024
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I have twenty million reasons to marry the nerdiest coder in Austin for a year…

When my roommate bets that she can find me true love, it’s the easiest bet I’ll ever take. Her first pick is a software developer with a hoodie habit who thinks I’m a party girl airhead. Yeah, mark me safe from Ruby’s schemes.

But when she pitches a plan to let him work on his software in my empty night club during the day, I say yes. It’s easy cash for my secret passion project, plus Oliver is zero threat to my single status.

Except Oliver turns out to be funnier than I expect, and a better listener than I’m used to. It could be a problem–until a mysterious stranger crashes an exclusive masquerade party at the club. He knocks my stilettos off with the hottest kiss of my life, and I’m all in on the hunt for the identity of the man who made me go literally weak in the knees.

Oliver is forgotten until my mother descends from her ill-gotten mansion for her annual guilt-trip about “wasting my privilege.” But my trust fund will only hand her the reins to control me, and that’s a hard no.

Oliver comes up with a plan to unlock my enormous inheritance, balance my parents’ extremely bad karma, and make my passion project a reality…for the price of three million dollars. Oh, and marrying him for a year.

It’s almost worth it. If only he could find my kiss-and-run Romeo, I could be on the verge of everything I’ve ever wanted…

Book Review:

I really loved Madison, and her character arc. She was so interesting with lots of layers especially around her family past. I love how Jacobson writes flawed female characters who are genuinely trying to do the right thing but also learning what that right thing is. Madison was figuring herself and her family out. Thankfully, she had Oliver to help her.

Oliver was such a sweetheart! He was an interesting one because he seemed super quiet, but he had a ton of wit in him. He was falling hard for Madison, but he wasn’t about to settle for anything other than love. I loved seeing him and Madison grow closer together, and their banter was hilarious. They were both so quick witted, and their conversations always made me smile. I really liked how they became friends first.

As always, the roommates are crazy but so much fun! The whole apartment complex is hilarious, and we get to see more of Josh and Joey in this book which I loved. And some hints of a future HEA for Ruby. 

I loved this book so much! It made me laugh out loud a couple of times, and I couldn’t put it down. While Madison and Oliver’s romance is fast, it doesn’t feel rushed at all. This is a closed door rom com with innuendos, a toxic family relationship, and a club scene. I would recommend it for older teens and up. It’s part of a series, but it can be read standalone.

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.

To Forge Her Faith

About the Book:

A Noble Inheritance (Castles & Courtship) by [Kasey Stockton]

Title: To Forget Her Faith
Series: Hearts of Harewodd #1
Author: Kasey Stockton
Release Date: March 11th 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

Eliza Rose is the perfect lady—accomplished in pianoforte, riding, and multiple languages—until a scandal disrupts her privileged world. The fallen Rose family has struggled to regain their standing until a fortuitous connection helps Eliza re-secure her family’s place in Society, giving her everything she believed she wanted.

Eliza’s return comes at a bittersweet price, however, as she unexpectedly loses her heart to the town blacksmith. She yearns to follow her heart, but fears condemnation. Her mother would give anything to remain among her friends—and Eliza cannot be the reason her family falls from grace once again.

Jacob Ridley is a humble blacksmith, haunted by a past betrayal from a lady he thought he loved. He has come to Harewood to begin anew, with a rule to guide and protect himself—he will avoid women of quality. But Eliza is impossible to ignore, forever needing his help. He might not be a gentleman by Society’s standards, but he cannot refuse her when she is in need.

As their feelings mount, they must confront an impossible choice—remain loyal but lonely in their disparate spheres, or bravely come together despite the formidable barriers, threat of scandalous gossip, and pain of family objection. These two unlikely hearts are torn between love and obligation. Will the right choice come at too dear a price?

Book Review:

I was so excited for this! I love Ms. Stockton’s historical romances and this one was no different! 

Eliza was so lovely! She felt very real as she struggled with the expectations of others and even of her parents. She wanted to support her family and help them into Society, but she felt the whispers and ridicule of the people around her. Eliza was finding for herself where happiness came from, whether she could be satisfied with a life spent constantly considering Society. Her friendship with Ruth was so lovely. I love female friendships and they really supported one another, even if they didn’t always agree!

Jacob was so sweet! He was very thoughtful and even though he had troubles in the past, still sought to be kind and generous. I loved how considerate he was of Eliza, even as they grew closer. His relationship with the Thornes was also so sweet. They were so warm and I loved the way he sought to show the same type of kindness he found with them!

It was so intriguing to watch the story unfold! Secrets were being revealed and it was so exciting! While they were certainly surprising, it never felt completely out of left field. I loved seeing Harewood and getting to know everyone. There were so many interesting and compelling characters. I am so excited to read more! This is a sweet historical romance with 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. 

Miles Bailey Gets Down on One Knee

About the Book:

Title: Owen Bailey Gets Down on One Knee
Series: Another Bailey Brother #3
Author: Jen Atkinson
Release Date:  April 29th, 2024
Genre: Romantic Comedy

I am Delaney Jones, courageous enough to defy my mother, fearless enough to leave my successful rock band, and daring enough to propose to a perfect stranger.

Delaney:
Miles wasn’t planned.
Which kind of made him perfect.

Sure, I’d just said no—to a load of handsome men on a reality show designed to find me a husband, but I didn’t want any of them.

I don’t want Miles either—at least, I think I don’t. It’s the perfect scenario because, unlike all those guys on that show, he doesn’t want me either. No broken hearts.

Can’t we all just play nice? A convenient, image-building marriage without all the bitter rejection? That’s all I’m asking.

Yep, Miles is perfect for the job.
Or at least he would be if my heart would stop betraying me every time he walked into the room.

Miles:
She gave me one job.
One.
Don’t fall in love with her.

That’s all I have to do and my stagnant career is going to take off, like a rocket.
As long as I follow the rules.

But Delaney never mentioned how very difficult those rules would be to follow. She makes them difficult. If I’d known I wasn’t just entering a marriage of convenience, but a DEFCON two marriage, I may have thought twice before slipping that gold band on her finger.

Marry the girl. Check.
Be seen with the girl. Check.
Don’t fall in love with the girl. Crap.

Book Review:

This was such a cute read! Marriage of convenience is an adorable trope, and Atkinson pulls together the romance well. I loved watching Miles and Delaney connect and fall in love.

Miles was a sweetheart! I loved him right from the start, and his clear love for his family and students was adorable. I really liked his more gentle spirit, but he was still willing to stand up for Delaney. They were really cute together!

Delaney was a fun character! I had a hard time understanding her character at first, but I realized part of it was some past hurts. She was a fighter, and I liked how willing she was to support Miles. She wanted to help him the way he helped everyone else. Miles and Delaney were super sweet, and even though their romance was fast, it didn’t feel rushed.  

The Bailey family was one of my favorite parts of Owen’s book, and I loved them in this book too! They’re so close with one another, and the sister in laws fit in perfectly too. The plot in this one is well paced, and the story made me want to keep reading. I would definitely recommend this closed door romcom!

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 Breakup Project

About the Book:

Title: The Breakup Project
Series: The Original Six Hockey Romance Series #1
Author: Carolyn Miller
Release Date: December 29th, 2021
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

New Year. New Resolution. New Romance?
What happens when the best-laid plans break a friendship?

As the twin sister of hockey’s hottest forward, romance-loving Bree Karlsson is used to being ignored, leading to a New Year’s resolution to not date any athlete in her attempt to find Mr. Right. But what happens when the man who might prove to be her personal Mr. Darcy is her brother’s hockey-playing best friend?

Mike Vaughan might be happy playing in Boston, but he’d be even happier if Bree could one day see him as more than a good friend. He agrees to help Bree with a special project in the hope she’ll finally see him as something more. But when a misunderstanding ends in a Valentine’s Day disaster, Bree realizes that her breakup project may have broken her friendship with Mike in two. Can she ever redeem her mistake?

Book Review:

Sweet and slightly sporty, The Breakup Project is a lovely Christian romance. As the twin of hockey’s hottest forward, romance-loving Bree Karlsson has felt ignored one too many times, leading to New Year’s resolution of no athletes. But what if her Mr. Right is her brother’s hockey playing best friend? Mike Vaughan is happy playing in Boston, but he would be even happier if Bree would see him as more than a friend. He agrees to help Bree with a special project, hoping he will see him as something more. But a misunderstanding turned Valentine’s Day disaster, Bree realizes her breakup project may have broken her friendship with Mike. Can she redeem her mistake?

This was a fun book! Overall I enjoyed it and appreciated the Christian elements. Bree was a relatable character and I loved her growth. She was a bit frustrating at times, but it made her feel very real. Although she was thoughtful and willing to help, she could be self-centered and stubborn. Seeing her POV, I understood her and was hoping she would figure things out. I really liked how Bree learned from God’s teaching and how other believers spoke into her life. Her family was so fun, even if they were certainly involved! I really felt like they loved one another and wanted the best for each other, although it sometimes manifested itself in gentle meddling!

Mike was a sweetheart! I found him so earnest and I really appreciated how he consistently sought the Lord’s leading throughout the book. His faith impacted his whole life and it was so inspirational to see his ministry! It made me consider my own faith and how I view things like worldwide missions. I liked how they appreciated one another’s character and supported each other. It took some time for them to find their way together and it did feel a bit long at times, but I think it was good for their character development and for the readers to understand them. 

This is a sweet Christian romance with some sports influence! It has only kissing, but has some innuendo discussions. There are also discussions of poverty, natural disasters, and the effects of both.

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.

Keep It Together

About the Book:

Title: Keep It Together
Series: Sworn to Loathe You #4
Author: Rachel John
Release Date: November 1st, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy

It’s not awkward unless we make it awkward.

Carmen… I’ve forgiven Isaac for being a jerk to me when we were kids, but while my grudge against him is gone, my fears are alive and well. I don’t care how much chemistry there is between us. I’m done with guys and their commitment issues, and I’ve found a way to make life a whole lot easier.

I friend-zone them. Every single one.

It’s worked super well. Until now.

Isaac isn’t like other guys. He knows all about the friendship-only box I’ve shoved him into and constantly teases me about it. It’s not the elephant in the room. It’s his favorite joke.

The line between goofiness and flirtation is growing thinner with every interaction. Isaac hasn’t just charmed my parents and all the senior citizens we pick up for bingo night. He’s also winning me over, and I’m terrified.

Isaac… I couldn’t have designed a person more perfectly apt to make me lose my mind than the grown-up version of Carmen Ortega. I already knew she was funny, adventurous, and kind to a fault. But adding attraction to that is like pouring lighter fluid on a campfire.

Telling her how I feel will send her running in the other direction, so I make jokes. If she wants to see the truth in the words, it’s right there.

She can try to set me up with her friends, sic her neighborhood matchmaker on me, and ban me from bringing her flowers. For now.

I won’t step a toe across the line without her permission, but I’m not afraid of the long game. Carmen is the goal, and I plan to show her what being friends forever really means.

Book Review:

This was such a fun read! I love friends to lovers, and this one does not disappoint.

I loved Carmen from the beginning. She had so much fun quirkiness in her, and it was interesting to read about a character who embraced her quirkiness but still struggled with insecurities. That felt really real and relatable to me. And her family was so much fun! I wish we could have seen more of them, but they were all hilarious side characters that were very overly invested in her life.

Isaac was a sweetheart! He adored Carmen, and it was clear that he loved her and wanted to be with her. I really liked how their relationship felt balanced. Isaac was a people pleaser, but Carmen forced him to express himself when he otherwise would have kept quiet. And his family was so sweet! I’m hoping for some other books about them.

I would definitely recommend this sweet, closed door romcom! It’s a slow burn romance with no third act breakup. It’s a fairly relaxed read, but you might be screaming at the characters to kiss already 😉 Perfect for fans of friends to lovers!

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.

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. 

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 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.