The Cruel Prince

I’m a few years late on The Cruel Prince train, but it’s better late than never when it comes to The Folk of the Air series by Holly black.

• Genre: YA Fantasy
• Heat Level: ❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Jude and her sisters lived a normal human life until a man broke into their home one day, killing their parents and taking them away to a land across the water that they’ve only dreamed of. The man, Madoc, is a fairy, and her oldest sister Vivienne’s real father. He raises Jude and her twin sister as his own, but there’s no place for humans in the beautiful, dangerous world of Elfhame.

As Jude fights to earn her place as one of the royal knights, she also fights the young Prince Cardan and his friends, who delight in torturing mortals. But as much as her mortality is a curse, it’s also a benefit when the elder prince Dain, next in line to the throne, welcomes her into his underground network of spies. After all, humans can lie, making her mortality a very useful thing to have.

Jude longs to fit in and finally find where she belongs, but even her own family seems to work against her. As she unravels court secrets and tries to keep herself alive, it seems she might belong in the fairly world after all.

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I wasn’t sure how I would like this book. I’ve heard mixed reviews and didn’t know how the book being YA would affect my score. But I was pleasant surprised by how much I enjoyed it, even without the dramatic romance I was promised. That is literally the only thing I felt was missing, but it is a YA book, so I didn’t expect Jude and Prince Cardan to get freaky in fairy land right off the bat.

The world building was amazing. I grew up on books like The Hobbit, Abhorsen series, and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, so I appreciate the level of care and creativity Black put into this book. But it’s clear she also did her research into real fairly lore to build her characters and the rules by which they live by. She showed the fae as beautiful but dangerous, tricky and deadly. Perfection.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and have already begun book two. I recommend it to all fantasy fans who love strong female characters, lovely world building, and court intrigue.

Cold Case True Crime

Like some romance with your mystery? A bit of love with your thrills? Then check out Cold Case True Crime by Denise N. Wheatley. Which is available HERE.

True crime is her beat.

But this cold case is personal…

Samantha Vincent has turned her fascination with true crime into a popular blog. When an old friend asks her to investigate a murder the police couldn’t solve, she begins to suspect that the cops want this case to go cold. Sam is confident she’ll catch the killer when Detective Gregory Harris agrees to help her, but everything changes when she becomes a target…

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Discover more action-packed stories in the An Unsolved Mystery Book series by Denise N. Wheatley. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

• Book 1: Cold Case Colorado by Cassie Miles
• Book 2: Cold Case Reopened by Caridad Piñeiro
• Book 3: Alaska Mountain Rescue by Elizabeth Heiter
• Book 4: Cold Case Flashbacks by Janice Kay Johnson
• Book 5: Cold Case True Crime by Denise N. Wheatley

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About the Author

Denise N. Wheatley is a lover of happily-ever-afters and the art of storytelling. She has written (and ghostwritten) numerous novels and novellas that run the romance gamut, from contemporary to paranormal, sweet to steamy. Denise strives to pen entertaining stories that embody matters of the heart, while creating strong characters who are colorful and relatable. 

She is an RWA member and received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago, the city where she was born and raised. When Denise isn’t sitting behind a computer, you can find her at home reading a great romance novel, on a tennis court, watching true crime television or chatting on social media.

Speaking of social media, here’s where you can find her:

Instagram: @denise_wheatley_writer
Twitter: @denisewheatley
Facebook: @DeniseNWheatley
BookBub: denise-n-wheatley
Goodreads: Denise_Wheatley
Writer’s Blog: http://www.denisenwheatley.com

French Finds

French historical pieces are so decadent and theatrical. They always make me want to go back to the palace of Versailles in a billowing gown so I can run down the Hall of Mirrors or through the lavish gardens. The drama and costumes are just beyond, when done right. I also think we could all use some grand parties and grander wigs in our lives as we continue to cozy up and stay safe. So, here’s a list of movies and shows that’ll make you long for France.

This movie, starring Kirsten Dunst, is a personal favorite, flashy and sharp, it’s a delightfully dramatized look into the life of an often misunderstood queen. Casted wonderfully with an end that made you feel the doom, it will remain firmly on my rewatch list.

This is a fictional retelling of the life of famed composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s sister Maria Anna as she befriends the sister of the future King of France. Her musical talent draws his eye, but romance at the French court can be deadly, and there are little life choices for a woman in the shadows of Versailles.

Part drama, part documentary, this ones great for those looking for more fact than fiction when it comes to the infamous Sun King Louis XIV and his dreams of grandeur. But the show doesn’t end with the death of King Louis, as the palace and gardens live on in their splendor.

I touched on this dramatic series in my post Winter Watches, but it deserves a place on this list as well. It has all the glitz and glamour of Versailles King Louis XVI could dream of with the added bonus of sex, lies, and treachery.

On the eve of the French Revolution, the royal family is holding on to the last bits of power and normalcy their position has. The final days of Marie Antoinette are told through her servant, monarchist Sidonie, who doesn’t believe the time of the royals will ever end.

As the Palace of Versailles comes to fruition, the gardens also need to be created. King Louis XIV tasks royal gardener Andres with hiring a team and creating something magical. Andres employs an unlikely gardener, Sabine, a woman with creative ideas and little interest in court life. Drama, betrayal, and love are all themes in this movie starring Kate Winslet.

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When I Was You

I’ve been really into thrillers lately and have been binge reading and watching things focused on crime and missing people. Realistic pieces are the scariest to me, since they could happen to anyone. What real people can do to another human can be really messy. So I’d like to chat about When I Was You by Amber Garza, a book I can’t stop thinking about.

• Genre: Psychological Thriller
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

Kelly Medina is an empty nester, her son off at college and her husband always busy with his work as a professor. One morning, she gets a call from a pediatrician’s office about a newborn checkup. The mother’s name? Kelly Medina. The elder Kelly wants to meet the younger woman who shares her name. They both have sons and live in the same small town. Surely it’s fate they meet.

Kelly #1 meets Kelly #2 by chance and becomes enamored with the young mother who, in her opinion, isn’t prepared for the reality of being a single mom. Kelly #1 begins to shower her with gifts, meals, and advice. What begins in friendship starts to morph into obsession. But soon it’s revealed there’s been a terrible tragedy. Though who’s to blame? And where does reality and pretend overlap?

This book was a maze of mental gymnastics coordinated by Kelly #1. We begin to question everything she’s told us as a narrator as the story goes on. We’re not even sure who is real and when isn’t as the people in Kelly #1’s life begin to ask questions.

I read this book in one day over the summer and just read it again to get my fix of a scary story straight out of a Dateline episode. I really didn’t expect the last third of the book, and Garza did a wonderful job of keeping me on my toes. I recommend this book to all readers who want a little uncertainty and a lot of twists in their read.

Halloween Tales

Happy Halloweek to all my reading friends! The holiday may look different for some of us, but there’s no reason to not have any spooky tales to dive into. Here are a few magical, scary, or twisted reads to spice up your weekend.

Halloween at the Grand by Sinclair Jayne

Walker Wilder isn’t pleased at the idea of starting over in a small town, but a new job at the oldest hotel, and a visiting ghost hunting TV host, might just make this Halloween the best one yet.

From Smokeless Fire by M.A Guglielmo

Sahara, a paranormal party girl, joins forces with a fallen angel and has to choose between two magical sides before the forces of evil win.

The Witches Daughter by Paula Brackston

1628 is no time for a young witch like Elizabeth, orphaned and on the run. She makes a deal with warlock, but immortality is a steep price to pay for safety.

Sweet Pea by CJ Skuse

Rhinannon didn’t mean to kill anyone else, but the funny thing about killing is it never seems to be enough. Though certainly she won’t do it again…right?

Zone One by Colson Whitehead

After a zombie plague decimated the world, a provisional government begins to rebuild, using civilians to draw out the dead. Mark Spitz hates the dirty work, but thinks it’s the only way to get back to real life…until things go wrong.

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Everyone knows the tale of the doomed Donner Party, but was there something more sinister at plan than just starvation?

The Wolfe Creek Series by Kaylie Newell

The Wolfe men have a hidden secret that keeps others at arms length. But each time they grow close to a woman, their dangerous truths threaten to be revealed.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

Students at the prestigious Catherine House are trapped within its walls for three years with no contact with the outside world. Even when things begin to go wrong, the gilded doors stay locked.

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

Some couples will do anything to keep their marriage going…even murder.

Slow Burn by Bobby Adair

Many didn’t know about the undead side effect the new flu strain had. So when Zane is arrested for murder and the world begins to crumble, self defense becomes survival.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Hunger Games is a comfort read/watch for me. I really loved the apocalyptic setup author Suzanne Collins created. So when The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes came out, I snagged my copy right away.

Overall Rating: 4/6 Glass Slippers

Coriolanus Snow was born in the Capital of Panem to an old Capital family. He had the name and the prestigious penthouse to ensure all doors were open for him. But his parents are dead, leaving him and his elder cousin Tigress to care for their ailing grandmother and make sure no one knows how impoverished the once noble Snows have become.

As the 10th annual Hunger Games draw bear Coriolanus and his classmates are giving the chance to mentor a tribute. He’s given the girl from District 12, a slight against him, as it’s the poorest and weakest district. But his tribute Lucy Gray Baird is a born performer, and soon captures the heart of the capital.

While preparing for the games, Coriolanus and Lucy Gray find they have more in common than they knew, and soon they’re falling fast. From snake bites to escape plans, Coriolanus must decide if he should take of the mantle of the Capital or throw it all away in the search for love.

When I first heard about this book, I was skeptical. We know Coriolanus Snow as a villain, a sickly, evil poison or without a good bone in his body. Collins promised us a new look at the president, one that would make us think differently. I found myself reading, looking for fault in the unsure, charismatic boy who worked day and night to keep the snow family in line with the rest of the capitals elite. I was even rooting for him to come out on top, some thing I didn’t think I would do.

I was completely ready to adore this book, even though some parts were slower than I would’ve liked. But the ending made it difficult for me to love it. It was sharp and sudden, leaving so many unanswered questions that made me close the book with frustration. I know not every book is tied up in a neat bow at the end, but I have to say that I was truly disappointed.

One thing that didn’t disappoint, was the look at the formation of the capital, the way the districts interacted, and the lives of every day citizens. Before, we only knew what Katniss, an uneducated girl from District 12 knew. But Coriolanus was the son of a war hero, a scholar, someone who had an idea of how the larger world worked. Getting the extra locks into peace keepers and what led to the formation of the Hunger Games and beyond was really exciting.

Overall, I liked the book, but didn’t completely love it. Although, if Collins comes out with a new story set in Panam, I will be the first one in line to buy it.

The House on the Hill

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Irina Shapiro. From the first page, I know there will be heartbreak, betrayal, and a story that will twist through time. So today, I’d like to introduce you to The House on the Hill.

• Genre: Historical Fiction and Contemporary and Historical Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

In the modern day, Laura has recently been widowed, having lost her husband in Iraq. She leaves their apartment in the heart of Boston for a summer of healing in an old house on the shores of Cape Cod. She’s hoping to leave her ghosts behind and perhaps find new inspiration for a book. But a ghostly visitor shows her there’s something different about the Holland House.

In the 1700s, Sophie is on the cusp of adulthood, counting the days until she can marry Teddy, a boy she’s loved for years. Her book maker father has his sights set on a man with a title or some money, and forbids his only daughter from following her heart. When her hand is forced and she must make a decision to save herself, her life begins to unravel.

While Laura works to learn more about her ghostly visitor and sort out her feelings about the handsome vet she met in town, Sophie’s charmed world shatters. Both women are trapped in webs of lies and grief woven hundreds of years apart, but inexplicably tied.

Every time I read something by Shapiro, I’m instantly on edge. I know terrible things will happen, but I savor the slight feeling of apprehension. Wondering who will be the one to stab the man character in the back is something I’ve come to expect and thoroughly enjoy.

My historical specialty is European-based, so having American history tidbits was very welcome. I live on the East Coast and admittedly don’t know a lot about colonial life other than what’s taught in basic classes. I always like how Shapiro brings in facts to give her books a level of realism that inspires me to explore the themes more on my own.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction and romantic suspense.

After Anna

I love horror and thrillers. Something about zombies and midnight murders really pull me into stories. But nothing gets to me quite like books with realistic bases. Nothing’s scarier to me than what people can to do to each other. I recently read After Anna by Alex Lake and I have a lot to say.

• Genre: Thriller
• Overall Rating 6/6 Glass slippers

Julia’s life isn’t perfect. She and her husband are separating, her mother-in-law hates her, and her meetings at work often run late. The one shining spot is her five year old daughter Anna. But one day, another meeting runs late and she doesn’t get to the school in time to pick Anna up. When she arrives, the school is empty and Anna is gone.

A week later, Anna returns. Julia thinks the nightmare is over, but maybe it’s only just begun.

What follows is the harrowing reality for Julia that she has become part of an international news story, the kind she used to read with her morning coffee and think, that would never happen to me. I wouldn’t be so negligent. I wouldn’t make the same mistake as those parents. I would find my daughter.

I have a five year old daughter, so this book hit particularly close to home for me. It mirrored some of my own fears about raising a child in a world so large, it’s scarily easy to disappear. The author did a fantastic job of bringing those feelings to the page in an uncomfortable, winding way that made my skin crawl.

Another element that was particularly jarring was the glimpses into the kidnapper. They had a plan, they were too smart for police, they would never get caught. They were so sure that everything would go just as they hoped, failure was not an option. This little peeks into their thoughts were just enough to drive home how deranged this person was, and how meticulous they were.

Overall, I really enjoyed the chilling tale, even if it had predictable moments. They really caught the terror one small mistake can ultimately bring.

The Fae King’s Curse

I’m back to chat about The Fae King’s Curse, the second book in the Between Dawn and Dusk series. If you remember, I actually read and reviewed Between Dawn and Dusk already and it got my fantasy romance seal of approval!

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 6/6 Glass Slippers

The firstborn children of all Fae king are blind and can only regain their sight when they meets their fated mate, or soul mate. If they do much as kiss someone else, they will remain blind forever. Kirian, the prince of the Night Realm is no exception. Though he wishes he were as soon as he meets Quinn, a human girl who saves his life when he’s just a child.

Quinn is twelve when she meets Kirian, an odd boy she fishes out of the water. He promises to come back through the timed portal and see her the next day, but a day in the human world is a year for a Fae and she nearly doesn’t recognize him. This continues for years of daily meetings for her and centuries of yearly meetings for him until Quinn is eighteen.

Quinn’s loved him since childhood and fears one day he won’t appear in the woods near her house and he’ll be off with his true fated mate. Before she’s set to leave for college, she tells him she can’t meet him anymore. Loving him and knowing he will one day leave her forever kills her. Then, Kirian does the worst thing possible…he kisses her.

With one kiss, the pair is woven into a tapestry of curses, stardust, and fate.

This is what I was missing in Between Dawn and Dusk. I adore first meetings and Schlosser gave me a good one when a lavender eyed Fae prince and a small town girl in overalls met beside the river and felt sparks. The slow burn was perfect.

I love, love, loved this book and I’m not a huge fantasy romance fan, usually steering more towards the JRR Tolkien vein of elves and dwarves. But the way Quinn and Kirian’s relationship developed and the small quirks they each have had me swooning. I literally read it it one siting with a single break to make whipped coffee and turn on a light. It was funny and heartwarming, but steamy and dark all at the same time.

Congrats, Jamie Schlosser, you just created a fantasy romance fan.

My Fav Podcasts

With the quarantines and social distancing , we’re all looking for ways to escape a bit. While I love reading and writing, I always adore a good podcast. I’ve compiled a list of shows I really enjoy, so while you’re working out, taking walks, driving, cleaning, whatever, you can immerse yourselves in some awesome stories. I listen strictly on the Apple Podcast app, but these shows are usually available on all podcast platforms.

Crime Junkies

Crime Junkies is a true crime series hosted by a pair of best friends who lay out the facts about murders, kidnappings, and missing people in a way that really pulls you in. While they cover the big stories, they also dive into the lesser known cases that might be new for you. It’s great for true crime lovers who aren’t looking to be bogged down with too much back story. The hosts are also really good at connecting with their fans and have active blogs and Facebook pages so you can double down. You can listen on any podcast platform HERE.

Tumanbay

This podcast was inspired by the Mamluk Slave Dynasty of ancient Egypt and pulls historical themes and all new elements in to build a sweeping story. It follows the intertwining lives of several people, including the nephew of a Sultan, a king turned slave, a slave trader’s daughter, and a mysterious queen with a vast network of spies. It really feels like you’re listening to an episode of Game of Thrones without the dragons. Really, the narration and the background noises are insanely good. From BBC Radio, it’s available HERE or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

History Extra Podcast

A podcast that follows the stories published in BBC History Magazine, it delivers bite sized facts for any history lover. From war to food to famous figures, there are dozens of episodes that cover a multitude of themes and periods. History fans really shouldn’t miss this informative show, which has taught me quite a few lesser-known tales from bygone ages. You can begin listening HERE.

Dateline

This one is exactly what you think…Dateline shows turned podcast episodes. Watching Dateline was never my thing, but I really like true crime and enjoy how each Dateline episode is folded into a neat story. It’s edited in such a way that not seeing the evidence and photos doesn’t complicate things. You can start listening now HERE.

Noble Blood

Noble Blood is a new favorite of mine. It lays out the darker stories of the kings, queens, and other blue bloods who had less than picture perfect lives…or ends. It’s sparked more than a few midnight Google searches, which is basically what we all need right now. History and royalty lovers will adore listening to tales of poison, jilted lovers, and missing gems. Dive in HERE.

The White Vault

A fictional found footage drama, each season follows a new cast as they explore and unearth ancient secrets that are more dangerous than they could ever imagine. The cast is amazing and the storyline is detailed, but easy enough to follow, even if you’re multi-tasking. Fans of horror and sci-fi will probably really enjoy following the repair team to an arctic outpost or a team of archeologists as they explore hidden caves. Start listening on any platform HERE.

Stuff you Missed in History Class

This show is a lighter look at some of the stranger pieces of history, like the Victorian Orchid craze or the haunted Flannan Islands. Of course they cover some of the basic historical themes like World War II, but from new angles that are great for old fans of specific eras or newbies interested in learning some fun facts. It’s a nice way to learn a fun fact or two incase Jeopardy ever calls. They’re on all platforms, so start listening HERE.

We’re Alive

Set in the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, it follows a ragtag military team as they try to contain an outbreak and pick up civilians along the way. Each character has their own voice actor and the stories, while deep, are easy to follow. The story continues for decades with the cast aging, dying, having kids, and exploring new ways of finding out how to rebuild in a post-undead world. Horror and sci-fi fans will declare this one a hit. Start listening HERE.

Blackout

Rami Malek is the star host of this apocalyptic drama where he plays a small town radio DJ who watches as the world goes dark. As his teenage son and his friends try to make their way home from a camping trip, Rami’s character tries to stick to the facts on his radio show as things around him fall apart. Part thriller, part drama, it’s a must for lost who enjoy heart racing stories. Begin episode one HERE.

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I’m always on the lookout for something new. If you have a podcast to share, please let me know! And Sarah and I both hope that you and your families stay safe, happy, and healthy in this difficult time.