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.

Perception

Congrats to Amélia Cognet on the release of her debut novel Perception!

After escaping an abusive relationship that nearly killed her, Parker tries to build herself back up the best she can, forced to live with the terrible memories that plague her.

She has found love again and believes she can move on with her life, but her relative happiness is short-lived when she starts having visions of other women being abused. After questioning her sanity, Parker decides to do whatever it takes to help the victims, desperate to save them from a fate that could have been hers…

And could still very well be.

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About the Author

Amélia is an emerging suspense and horror writer who loves anything creepy and has always been drawn to the supernatural in particular.

Although from France, she lives in Huntington Beach, CA, with her husband Christophe and her daughter Kara. The years spent living in New England before moving to California are a great inspiration and often impact her writing.

• Follow Amélia on Instagram HERE
• Follow Amélia on Facebook HERE

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

The Fae King’s Prize

Oh, look, it’s the latest addition of the Fae romance series that got me back into fantasy! Jamie Schlossler has graced my kindle today with her new release, The Fae King’s Prize, Between Dawn and Dusk book 3. As always, I devoured it in two days, which was both a blessing and a curse, as I’m still on bed rest!

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

There’s been a shortage of women in the Day Kingdom for years after a deadly plague. Since then, the male population has resorted to kidnapping and bride auctions to find wives…or breeders. It’s at one of these auctions that the human Maelyn finds herself after being snatched off the street. She decides to play along with her unusual captors until the moment she can finally escape. But who will make the winning bid on her?

King Zander of the Day Kingdom has been blind since a curse plunged all princes of Valora into darkness until they find their fated mates. The only clue he has to go on is the cryptic phrase, You’ll know her by her voice. She won’t be with you by choice. The last place he expected to hear her is at a the very bride auction he’s working to destroy. His own mother was one a victim of that very type of auction, and he’s vowed to be a different ruler than his cruel father, with Maelyn as his queen.

At first, Zander hopes Maelyn feels the same magnetic pull, but when she makes it clear she’s only interested in going home, he feels he has no choice but to pull a Fae trick. Now with a new, reluctant, queen and a kingdom to run, Zander has his hands full…and when the truth of what he really is comes to light, will he lose every chance to win over his new bride?

Ugh, as an Irish person with some knowledge of the Fae, I feel like a traitor adoring these books so much, but I can’t help it! It makes me want to find a mushroom circle and offer some honey and gold to lure them to me. It’s something I never considered until this series.

We get into the action on page one and it literally doesn’t stop. There’s old curses, shifting, kidnapping, quicksand…and that’s only in the first few chapters. This book keeps you seriously invested from the beginning, especially where the romance is involved. In the first books, the pull of the fated mates are paired perfectly and there’s no question that the couple are made for each other. But with Zander and Maelyn, it’s messy and there’s no instant connection on her side, which keeps readers on their toes.

Overall, this book was another amazing hit for me, and I’m still a solid fan of this series. While it is a series, each of the books can be read on their own, but starting at the beginning is always the best. Seriously, pick up the entire series today.

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.

The Fae King’s Prize

I think Jamie Schlosser’s Between Dawn and Dusk series is the only Fae-themed collection of romance novels that can get me to count down the days. Now there’s a new book coming on April 8th, just in time for me to have something lovely to read when I’m up late with a new born!

When I wake up at a female auction in a world I don’t recognize, all I can think about is getting back home to Texas. I want absolutely nothing to do with a realm called Valora, magic, faeries, or being sold to the highest bidder.

But the Day Realm king has other plans.

Zander says I’m his fated mate. I don’t believe him. That doesn’t stop him from tricking me into marrying him, though. It doesn’t matter if I argue or run—he won’t let me go.

I should hate him. Instead, I find myself ridiculously attracted to the stubborn, broody man. Sometimes he terrifies me, so I don’t know why his rare smiles give me warm tingles or why his arms make me feel safe.

Everything about Valora is confusing, but after just a short time here, I realize something—this place is full of dangers that are way more frightening than my new husband, and staying by his side just might be my only option.

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PreOrder Links (Kindle Unlimited):

• Universal: mybook.to/thefaekingsprize
• Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3aJhfQE
• Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3oS09Fa
• Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3pZDoAr
• Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/39WTW6L

I’ve already read The Fae King’s Curse and The Fae King’s Dream and could not put either one down as soon as the books hit my kindle. I’m even grabbing the paperbacks as they come out, because look at those covers! See my full review and pick up your copy of The Fae King’s Curse HERE and The Fae King’s Dream HERE!

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Jamie Schlosser writes steamy new adult romance and romantic comedy. When she isn’t creating perfect book boyfriends, she’s a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.

Winter Watches

It’s freezing in New Jersey, so I’m staying cozy while editing my upcoming book and binge watching some old favorites. In the wake of Bridgerton on Netflix and the pause between seasons of Outlander, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite shows that you might not have heard of.

Dickenson

Who knew Emily Dickinson’s life could be made into the kind of dark comedy where Wiz Khalifa plays Death, Billie Eilish hits play against the backdrop of Massachusetts, and the norms of the times are playfully picked apart. I went in expecting a biographical drama and a lot more than I bargained for. The show is still coming out with more seasons, which means more to watch in the long run.

Versailles

I love glitz and glamour with my historical dramas, and nothing screams opulence like the place of Versailles. Give me wigs, give me gold, give me outlandish balls and the sort of skirts that any modern fireman would classify as a serious safety hazard. This show follows King Louis XIV and his flock of friends, mistresses, courtiers, and enemies as the palace is being built. The show has ended, making it perfect to binge, although you may need more than just one chilly weekend.

The Great

This is a show for basically everyone, regardless of their historical prowess. My husband doesn’t give much thought to who Catherine the Great was, or her role in shaping Russia, but he enjoyed the show as much as I. With a delightfully dumb King Peter and a sharp witted Queen Catherine, their hysterical moments were liberally spread between actual events. Was it a stretch on facts? Sure, but it’s all in good fun. watch, enjoy, and spend some time googling if peeing on wheat is an accurate way to tell if one is pregnant. Here’s to hoping season two comes soon!

Barkskins

This Canadian gem is one I didn’t expect to enjoy, as I haven’t studied Canadian history outside portions of the Algonquin speaking indigenous tribes. It follows French colonists as they try to build a world in New France where they’ve been promised milk and honey but end up with much less. It’s less funny, more dramatic, as they war with the indigenous population whose land they’re stealing and fight over the few French women who have been sent to help build a new nation. Season two comes out this summer, so watch now to familiarize yourself with the whole cast.

The Paradise

This charming drama is set at the fictional shopping mall The Paradise, which is based on the very real Le Bon Marché, the first modern department store in Paris. In this show, a small town girl arrives to work at the prestigious store where rules are strict and the boss is trapped in a loveless bond to keep The Paradise afloat. With two seasons of backstabbing, romance, and drama, it’s a cozy watch.

Harlots

There is a distinct ranking system of ladies of the evening in 18th century London. There are the ones who beg in gutters, those with the security of being in a good brothel, kept women who become the mistresses of important men, and many layers in between. But murder, sabotage, and a thirsty need to rise above their station drives one family of self proclaimed harlots to bring their brothel from a middling business to the house of choice for the rich and famous.

So there’s you have it, my short list of what to watch if you have a snow storm coming your way this weekend. Of course, there are other shows I adore, like Vikings, Black Sails, The White Queen, and The Borgias, but maybe I’ll save those shows for their own, special posts. Happy watching!

Cupid Claus Christmas Sale!

Hi everyone! We have a special sale going on just in time for the holidays. Our sweet Christmas romance Cupid Claus is currently on sale for only $.99 from now until the 19th.

When mistletoe is not enough…

With her only son still single, Mrs. Claus is rolling up her red sleeves and playing matchmaker. With a little advice from Cupid and a list of potential brides, she’s convinced a dash of magic will get the snowball rolling. There’s just one problem, Nick isn’t looking for love. All he wants to do is fill his father’s boots as he prepares to take over as Santa Claus.

While Mrs. Claus is scheming away, Nick meets Heather, a charming artist with a giving heart and a loving smile. Preparing for her first Christmas alone, Heather is looking for adventure. Nick becomes a kindred spirit as they both remember what it’s like to live in the moment. Just as they think they found a fairytale romance, Nick discovers his mother’s magical meddling.

With Christmas Eve quickly approaching, Nick must decide if his love for Heather was the real magic all along or if it was just the work of Cupid Claus?

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You can snag Cupid Claus for only $.99 on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble’s Nook HERE!

Hanukkah Romances

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah! This global celebration holds special meaning for the Jewish faith and brings families together. But what about romance? We’ve compiled a mini list of some Hanukkah romances we love or are excited for this year.

Miracles and Menorahs by Stacey Agdern

Sarah needs a centerpiece for the town’s Hanukkah festival fast. Her dreams of having a giant menorah to showcase the holiday are on thin ice, and the only man who can save it has little interest in lending his metal work talents. Will Issac come around to a new way of celebrating, or will Sarah’s big plans fall apart?

Eight Cozy Nights by Julia Wolf

Larissa is beyond busy studying for her PHD, and is nearly ready to skip Hanukkah completely when a near death experience, courtesy of her hot new neighbor, makes her think she might want to find her menorah. Yo is taking time off for his favorite holiday to relax, but when a new, curvy neighbor falls into his life, relaxation is the last thing on his mind.

An Open Heart by Caroline Warfield

In 1813, Esther is hoping for a holiday romance as she prepares to attend a prestigious party. But whatever man she chooses must be able to both live up to their Jewish traditions and branch out of their small community to learn new things. Adam enters the season looking for a docile future wife, but the outspoken Esther is the one he can’t stop thinking about. Can the ball bring them together?

Lights, Latkes, and Love by Peggy Bird

David adores the holidays, especially when it comes to making the season brighter for the children in need at his nonprofit. Hannah, on the other hand, sees it as a waste of time. But she needs to put on a smile as her boss puts her in charge of a charity event to benefit David’s nonprofit. Can David make this holiday one to remember or will both spend New Years alone?

Lighting the Flames by Sarah Wendell

Genevieve and Jeremy have attended the same Jewish summer came for years, first as campers, then as staff. Now they’re all grown up and helping to host a special family winter camp for Hanukkah. are they destined to spend one last stay together as friends, or will they leave as something more?

A Whole Latke Love by Jodi Payne

To Matthew, there’s nothing worse than an office holiday party where the only holiday present is Christmas. Luckily, a plate of latkes saves the evening. The holidays are a busy time for caterer Ethan, but when he sees a blast from the past enjoying his latkes, he can’t stay away. Will the Hanukkah staple help to bring them together, or are they destined to be nothing more than a fling?

Revving up the Holidays by A.S Fenichel

There are only two pluses for Isaac coming home for Hanukkah; his motorcycle and his sister’s best friend Giada. But Giada isn’t the carefree girl he remembers. Giving up her career to care for her dying parents has been hard. While neither can open up their hearts, their bodies are fair game this holiday.

Eight Kisses (an Anthology)

This anthology features eight Hanukkah romances featuring hometown visits, regency Scotland, online dating, and tales that are super sweet or super spicy. There’s a story for each night of light!

Happy Hanukkah and happy reading!