#steamy content

Emelle is back! Her goal? To save her three handsome genfins from the Culling. A set of trials that could lead to their death if not successful at working together. On top of this, she also has a fae prince still out to get her, his princess who isn’t as she appears, a lamussa fae who claims to be her mate, and a fae rebellion on the horizon.

Nevertheless, none of this will prevent her from doing what needs to be done in making sure her guys come back to her, safe and sound.

Finally got around to reading the second part of this series… and just…wow!!!

While one has the book summary to go from when deciding to read a novel or not, it cannot be said how and what will happen based on or surrounding those said events.This was the case for this book in the best way possible.

I don’t want to spoil the story too much by getting into any of that, but I will say that there’s a lot of depth that takes place between the characters and the world building. Though, it’s the characters that amazed me more as I got to learn more about some that were briefly introduced (ex: Princess Soora), characters that I thought I already knew (ex: Ronak), and met some new ones altogether (ex: Okot).

Also, enjoyed the fact that we (the readers) got to leave the island where we first met Emelle’s guys and explore more of the fae realm where the events of the Culling Trials take place. Some of the issues within these events are similar to those mentioned in the Hunger Games as well as occurred in a few other well-known stories; done so in a way that seems familiar but also like its own thing.

Seems this series has only gotten better since the first book. Therefore, I hope this will be true for books 3-5.

Links to book:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4ep0FIe

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4f3777R

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Don’t let the name fool you, this series has nothing to do with any works written by Sarah J. Maas. Instead, this author uses this series to write retellings of classic stories/tales and for this one she chose the nutcracker.

In this story, two sisters Claire and Louisa enter into the fae world on a journey with a cursed nutcracker prince and a sugarplum fae in the hopes of saving the prince from being a nutcracker permanently as well as stopping the rat king from his evil deeds. Along the way, both sisters experience a romance and make discoveries about themselves that they may have not been aware of in their own world.

Tune in to find out more in this well-known story as it takes on a new dimension regarding misogyny/sexism, sex positivity, and more.

The only thing that I wished was that the pov’s for the male main characters (Lir and Fin) were present like they are in the hardcover version. Guess that means I’ll have to consider making this purchase in the near future 😊.

Link to book: https://amzn.to/4pj5mFU

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Upon reading the book, I was shocked by how much dedication the author put into this book. From having name pronunciations of characters and places to trying to give as much information about the relationship between characters as well as the various realms mentioned, the reader can easily tell that the author is passionate about what she does as well as her readers.

Without further ado, this novella centers around Sariel and Elowen. A daemon male and human female destined to be mates. However, a mad scientist is who keeps them apart throughout the duration of the story.

Loved the contrast that was shown between Sariel and the mad scientist regarding their relationship to Elowen. While one loves and nurtures her, the other tries to keep her within his grasp through various forms of manipulation made to look caring.

The only thing that was a bummer was not having all my questions answered. Nevertheless, that’s what book two is for. Just hope it comes out sometime soon.

Link to book: https://amzn.to/44ZCzyq

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As someone who is not familiar with fox-shifters (not until Lucien from A Court of Thorns and Roses whom I adored 😌), the book was a pleasant surprise. To the point that this is up there as one of my favorites in this series.

The seventh and most recent of Grayson’s Once Upon a Romance series follows Rapunzel living in an isolated tower with her cute little animal friend, a squirrel named Finick, living day to day in her tower. Though, with no previous memory of her life before her time in the tower.

When a fox-shifter prince named Ren comes to her tower to seek his fortune, he finds Rapunzel and is eager to help her gain her freedom as well as her memories. From the first time our two characters meet, the both of them can see that there is a connection between them. However, Rapunzel is conflicted as she continues to grapple with gaining her lost memories as she feels she cannot get close to Ren without fully understanding whether who she is is who she once was. Nevertheless, all this angst makes their ending worthwhile.

It was also interesting to see that Grayson wrote a male character with insecurities surrounding a physical disfigurement he has. As we often see this written in female characters and not enough in male, showing that men can be vulnerable and allowing for there to be awareness regarding the gender stereotypes that we still see in today’s society.

*Remember, all these books in the series can be read as standalone if you decide to do so. I just read them in order because I like to be chronological.

Link to book: https://amzn.to/3TcgaHF

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Another Beauty and the Beast Retelling from Grayson. The only difference? The “beast” is a cursed vampire lord that has recently been wed to his beauty or “Ashaya” (fated one). There is also more than one setting (Lord Greyvale’s castle), allowing for the main couple to discover more about each other and the future of their relationship in various settings and in front of others.

Despite it being written after Taken by the Dragon: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling from Grayson’s Once Upon a Fairytale Romance series, this is far from a repeat of that story as there is much more depth to the story and its characters. As a result, I recommend that any Beauty and the Beast fan (who happens to love vampires, though I haven’t seen or read Twilight) should read this.

And after, perhaps decide on which of Grayson’s two stories are your favorite. Would love to hear your thoughts/opinions on it.

Taglist:

@missdictatorme @iolaussharpe-24 @11pinkblue @wareagleofthemountain @dmnflynsqrrl @bryandechartisasmolbean @mellsfern @monstersflashlight @monstersholygrail @kayanig @soarinknight @slightly-knot-insane @dencat108 @tearstoshed4ever @traxtonnight @fishefaye @sugarumcherry @gulnarsultan @mintoblobo @wolf-tail @thebookclubreviews

Links to book:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4hC3xRC

Physical copy: https://amzn.to/4hVgdTX

The third book in this series beautifully exemplifies Feyre’s newfound self-confidence, showing how the right person (and people) can bring out the best parts of themselves. Though at the same time, Maas also does a good job of showing how the healing of trauma is far from linear as some days will be worse than others, whether they are fighting war physically, mentally, or emotionally.

While I most certainly am not someone who is a vengeful person, it truly was interesting to see Feyre take a stand against Tamlin, Ianthe, and the Hybern army. Despite the fact that she was wanting justice from those who had a direct impact on her own and her loved ones' pain, Feyre was still aware of the fact that there were still innocents among these crowds (a lesson once taught to her previously).

Also, it was interesting to learn more about Armen’s history regarding her past as well as see/read more about Azriel and the type of personality he has beyond being the silent yet resourceful spymaster. Though, this can truly apply for the majority of the characters in the book. Especially Mor and the relationships she held with Cassian and Azriel.

Lastly, it was interesting to see/read the rest of the courts (Day, Dawn, Winter, Fall-in more depth) that were once mentioned in passing as they are now preparing for the upcoming battle against Hybern.

Yes, this book is a long one but it is so worth reading. This along with ACOMAF is one of my favorites in the series so far.

Taglist:

@gretavankleep37 @11pinkblue @wareagleofthemountain @missdictatorme @iolaussharpe-24 @princessbadassofbadassia @alicenchanted @illyriassweetheart @mintoblobo @soarinknight @tearstoshed4ever @traxtonnight @cuntomoxetine @wolf-tail @musiclover2 @thebookclubreviews

Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VNl27r

Target: https://www.target.com/p/a-court-of-wings-and-ruin-court-of-thorns-and-roses-by-sarah-j-maas-paperback/-/A-79680383

Snow’s third book in this series goes back to its fairytale/fantasy (perhaps medieval is more appropriate) roots. Though this time, the story is centered around Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Not too familiar with harem arrangements/love stories, so I had no idea how it was going to be reading it. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised with how much the three main love interests—Bear, Bruin, and Ursid—were with Goldie. Very protective yet loving and wanting the best for her.

(Yes, the two other names of the male love interests are literally just saying bear in a different way/form.😂)

Overall, this story is well-written as it has a proper beginning and ending with almost all questions answered. A big improvement from the last book I read in this series.

Link to book: https://amzn.to/4eDwRFQ

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Grayson did a good job of keeping the Snow White character (Lyana) feminine as well as ensuring that she is a fighter for her kingdom in her own right. Nevertheless, she’s ready to accept help from those around her—especially her newly married elf husband (Caelen). It was also interesting to see how elements such as the mirror and the apple were utilized in this unique retelling.

Also, loved the continuous call and interactions backs to the main characters from the previous stories. For I can never get enough of Alana and Vernon (the main reason I was able to get into this series in the first place).

Link to book: https://amzn.to/3Sjl0m4

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