Magic in the Moonlight

We’re back today with Magic in the Moonlight by Jamie Schlosser, the book that follows directly behind Monster in the Moonlight. As always, it’s a treat to go back to Valora where fated mates and romance are overwhelming themes against the fight for good and evil.

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

This book picks up where the first left off, with Hannah and Ellister safe in the picturesque Day Court. A forging of new bonds promises renewed hope for the future, and the pair take advantage of their newfound freedom and powers to settle into their life together, even picking out a home. But a magical bargain still overshadows them both, and they just hope they can outrun it.

If they can’t, if they have to face it, how far will they go to keep not only their love but their lives intact?

Talk about a satisfying conclusion to a duet. And steamy! Schlosser always manages to surprise me with the way she writes intimacy. I’ve read all her fated mate and fae books, so it’s lovely how nothing’s ever gotten stale. Each couple, their romance, and their…tastes always come off as perfectly unique.

Enemies to lovers, touch her and I’ll kill you, fated mates, time travel, different dimensions, vampires, humans, and fae all have a place in this book, so I think it has something special for every fantasy romance reader.

Cosplay Worthy

I can never say no to an adorable cover, so when newly minted author Quiana Glide introduced me to her debut novel Cosplay Worthy, how could I say no at first glance?

• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 5/6 Glass Slippers

Layla Bennet loves the nerd scene. She can make cosplay costumes out of anything and knows all there is to know about her top super heroes. When she has the chance to meet her all time favorite comic author at a convention, she’s ready to let her fan girl side fly. Although it flies a little too high, and when face to face with famous writer Vic Williams, it’s hard to concentrate on anything more than her own excitement.

When she bumps into Vic later at the hotel bar, all embarrassment is forgotten as they bond over cosplay and her dreams to be a comic book artist. A chance encounter turns into Facebook friend requests and midnight texts when the weekend’s over. Soon the long distance friends become lovers and learn how to navigate their dreams, jobs, and the expectations of those around them. Until the stress of it all becomes a little too much to bear.

---

I loved Layla, and the fact that she was from Philly made me love her all the more as a South Jersey girl. She’s creative and bubbly, even if a bit awkward. She’s embodies the best the nerd fandom has to offer and really knows how to have fun. While she sometimes felt like she didn’t deserve a star like Vic, I was rooting for her to get the man and more.

For a debut novel, it was fantastic. Funny and steamy, it was an easily enjoyable book I was glad I had the chance to read. It did slow a bit in the middle, but sometimes some low bits make the book more lifelike. Glide should be commended for her first foray into publishing.

I recommend this book to all readers who like a little cosplay and a dash of steam with their romance.

The Fae Warrior’s Princess

It’s no secret that the Between Dawn and Dusk series by Jamie Schlosser is one of my favorite fantasy romances of all time. It’s good luck that it’s 20 degrees in New Jersey and The Fae Warrior’s Princess has just come out! While nothing can compare to the tale of Kerian and Quinn, each couple in this series is always a delight.

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

Princess Dani of the Night Realm knows why her father’s best warrior, Torius, left to go on an assignment in the human world. As fated mates, he feared what his king and best friend would think if he told him he was fated to be with his only daughter, the future queen. While the Fae aren’t considered old enough to wed until they’re 21, Dani decides 19 years is long enough, and hunts Torius down in the human world, looking to cement their bond once and for all.

Torius is overjoyed to see his mate and complete their bond…until he learns she’s not yet 21, making their joining a punishable offense. He reluctantly agrees to stay in the human world longer with her until everyone in the Night Realm forgets the pesky law that Dani calls antiquated. But a day in the human world is a year in the Fae one, and it doesn’t take long until someone comes to find them. But it isn’t to punish them, it’s to bring a warning.

The plague that once killed most of the young female Fae is back with a vengeance. Highly contagious and deadly, it also brought darkness with it that killed the crops. The curse is hard to break, nearly impossible, but the Night Realm king knows Torius can help end it. Now it’s more important than ever to keep the meeting bond a secret.

---

Torius has the ever popular “I’ll kill anyone who touches her” vibe I enjoy in my romances. I like when the male lead is completely and utterly devoted to his partner…and has many killed a few people, but you know how that is! I was also initially worried how the fated mate at birth scenario was going to shake out. If it was anything as terrible and awkward as the whole Jacob and Reconciliation mate thing in Twilight, I was going to cry. But lucky for me, Schlosser gave the pair literal worlds between them until Dani was old enough.

This book hits the ground running in a way the others before it haven’t. Not to say the others in the series weren’t fantastic. But we dive right into the heat, and the drama swiftly follows, giving us a lot to keep us hooked until the very end. Seriously, I read it in one sitting.

Overall, I call this another win for the fantasy romance lovers. Snag your copy of The Fae Warrior’s Princess asap so you don’t miss out on the fun.

The Cowboy Says I Do

He needs her to say I do…

When professional rodeo cowboy Beck Ballantyne returns home to Marietta, Montana, nothing goes as planned. His granddad, flanked by his three determined daughters, announces his plan to sell his legacy ranch after the rodeo. Hoping he’ll reconsider, Beck and his two cousins launch the Rodeo Bride Game. Beck initially has the advantage as he has a long-time girlfriend—except she’s just called it quits.

Ashni Singh has loved Beck since high school, but she’s done living out of a suitcase on the rodeo tour. She’s ready to put down roots and build her own career. Learning she’s unexpectedly expecting makes her even more determined to make a new life. So when Beck dutifully proposes, she does what any self-respecting, career-oriented, educated woman at the end of her patience would do. She says no.

The Rodeo Bride Game may have started as a fun challenge, but Beck has never been more serious about winning Ash’s heart and her hand.

Start reading The Cowboy Says I Do on any of your favorite platforms HERE

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.

---

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.

Ice Planet Barbarians

That’s right, I gave into Booktok peer pressure and read what’s basically being called the biggest book of 2021…although it came out years ago. Ice Planet Barbarians is in a class of its own, and with more than twenty books in the series, I’m still not entirely sure what to think…though for some reason, I can’t stop reading.

• Genre: SciFi Romance
• Heat Level: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
• Overall Rating: 4/6 Glass Slippers

Georgie awakens in the cargo hold of an alien ship with several other women. They’ve all been kidnapped in the dead of night by orange headed aliens who plan to sell them on the intergalactic black market as slaves. The women are scared, tired, and confused, feelings that get worse when the ship crashes into an ice covered planet. Georgie is tasked with looking for help and seeing where exactly they are, but her journey doesn’t last too long.

Vektal is huge, strong, horned, blue, and the chief of his people. While out hunting, the last thing he expects to find is a strange, pink creature who speaks a strange language and has no idea how to keep herself alive. But the pull he feels towards her is full animal magnetism and he knows he’ll do anything to keep her alive and with him.

---

So the main themes in this book are obviously aliens, but also soulmates, and breeding. I enjoy a good instant soulmate troupe when reading fantasy and sci-fi, so that was easy for me to enjoy. The breeding? Well, as someone who literally just had a baby, the idea of getting pregnant right now has me wishing for intergalactic condoms for Georgie’s sake. But the themes paired well together, making it an easy read. If you’re into breeding, I’m going to say this entire series is for you!

I also enjoy a good “himbo” main character. Give me muscles, a chiseled jaw, and an obsession with their love interest, and I’m happy. Vektal gave me George of the Jungle vibes which I thought was fitting, given Georgie’s needs. They paired well together, making the soul mate connection more believable. Something endearing about these aliens is that they worship women, almost literally. Sure, you’re going to live in a cave or hut, with no running water, but your mate will cut off their left arm if you asked.

As I’ve said, there’s more than twenty books in this series, but I’m not sure if I’ll review each one. Although a trip to NotHoth/Icehome is a nice change of pace when it comes to romance. They’re fast reads that work with a formula that makes them predictable, but not in a bad way. I will say I wished for more depth when it comes to background and history of the clan, but since I’m only a dozen books in, who knows what’s next? While I’m not saying this is the new great American novel, it’s worth a read if you’re into breeding, worship, and rugged living.

Foreplay on Words

Who needs summer when you have a book that really knows how to bring the heat? E.L Koslo’s debut novel Foreplay on Words doesn’t disappoint.

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

Chase Rodgers, also known as Chastity Rose on the romance novel scene, has just added something new to her schedule, helping a fellow author work on their sex scene writing game. They’re in a bit of a slump, and although Chase doesn’t feel like babysitting someone through their romance novel, her editor knows how to get her way.

Evan Stineman, pen-name Stone Evans, isn’t new to the writing world. With a few Time’s bestsellers under his belt, he’s well respected. But he doesn’t really know romance, mystery being his genre of choice. Though he knows exactly which romance novelist can help him through the sex scene slump.

Sparks fly between them as they put words to paper, but writing someone else’s love story is always easier than living your own. Is what the pair feeling really something more, or are the two authors just wrapped up in crafting the perfect romance?

---

As a reader (and writer) of romance, I was really interested in the premise of this book. It’s so easy to invest in characters and their emotions when writing, so I could see how Chase and Evan might get fiction and reality twisted. But as we all know as readers, sometimes the couple that doesn’t get along at first make for the best stories.

I loved the witty banter and sarcastic one liners that filled this book. Chase really knew how to dish it out and hold her own against anyone. And the heat jumped off the pages. The chemistry between Chase and Evan made for amazing sex scenes that Evan took more than a little inspiration from…not that I blame him!

Overall, I think this book would be enjoyed by all romance lovers who seek a little spice.

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.

---

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

To Wrangle a Rancher – $.99

Looking for a new ebook to add to your summer reading list? To Wrangle a Rancher, book one in The Hollingsworth Sisters series is on sale for only $.99!

They may have more in common than they ever imagined…

Olivia Hollingsworth is shocked when she’s passed over for VP at Hollingsworth Publishing in favor of her do-nothing cousin. She’s worked harder than anyone and decides to take her talent elsewhere—restoring the failing home improvement magazine that her grandmother loved and her father is axing. Olivia heads to Montana with a plan and a tight timeline…until she comes face-to-face with a sexy as sin cowboy who just might out-stubborn her.

Kit Granger’s family has lived on the same Marietta cattle ranch for generations. But his father ran their business into the ground, leaving Kit to sell off parcels of land to slowly rebuild his family legacy. For years he’s had an agreement to graze his herd on Hollingsworth property in exchange for caretaking duties. And then the eldest Hollingsworth arrives. Her first demand? Corral his cows.

Kit’s not about to let a beautiful heiress derail everything he’s worked toward without a fight. Can they reach a compromise so that they both win without falling in love first?

Start reading now on your Kindle for only $.99 HERE!

Island Charm

It’s summer at last, which means beach books and poolside reads. My first waterside reading was Island Charm by Audrey Wick.

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

Anna didn’t plan to end up going on her sister’s honeymoon in Key West, Florida alone. Her jilted at the alter twin sister ditched her at the airport, leaving her to visit the sandy shores and clear waters of the Keys. But a suitcase mixup left her with her heartbroken sister’s luggage, and vacation bucket list, which Anna feels she has to do. All she needs now is a local to help her find the perfect Key Lime pie.

Local Gunnar is on the hunt for his favorite pie when he, literally, bumps into a pretty, strawberry blonde. But his full time job has him running into beautiful tourists all the time, when he’s not literally running after his older friend, Jack, to make sure he isn’t causing any trouble. But thoughts of Anna are hard to shake.

What began with an accidental vacation and a bucket list turns into something more when Gunnar and Anna can’t seem to stay away.

---

My parents have lived in the keys for six years, so I’m pretty familiar with the ins and outs of Key West. I know where to get the best cupcakes, which for your information is Key West Cakes, and I know who has the best frozen drinks, that would be Flying Monkeys. I thought Wick did a wonderful job capturing the feeling of the Keys. It seemed like the only thing that was missing were the dozens of chickens and their fluffy, little babies who seem to be everywhere.

While this book is technically a Christian romance, it isn’t heavily religious, nor is it lacking in the religious undertones that makes it fit the genre so well. This story was cute, funny, and…well, charming. It would easily be enjoyed by those, like me, who don’t necessarily seek out Christian romances on a regular basis. Really, I recommend this book to all romance lovers looking for an easy read by the water this summer.