The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen

The Kiss Thief  - 4 Stars

Synopsis

They say your first kiss should be earned. Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky. They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred. Mine were broken before we left church. They say your heart only beats for one man. Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end. I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage. They say that all great love stories have a happy ending. I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter.

One kiss.
Two men.
Three lives.
Entwined together.

And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.

Review

This was a enjoyable sexy time read. This was my first time reading anything by L.J Shen and defiantly will not the last. 

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel - 3.5 Stars

Synopsis

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length…everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world…and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Review

This was an enjoyable continuation of the Shadowhunter world. I did like the Victorian aspects of this story. 

One Tough Cowboy by Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick

One Tough Cowboy - 4 Stars

Synopsis

First in a brand-new series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lora Leigh and Veronica Chadwick about one man’s pursuit of justice—and unbridled desire.

LAW AND ORDER.
For as long as Samantha can remember, Hunter—a man as strong as steel, with a heart of gold—has been her hero. It came as no surprise to Samantha when she found out that the ranch-hardened cowboy who always protected her from bullies went on to become the town’s sheriff. What does surprise her is how incredibly hot he still is. And how much she still wants him…

PRIDE AND PASSION

And, lo and behold, Hunter still has feelings for Samantha. The long-smoldering heat of their innocent flirtation has grown into a full-raging fire. But when tragedy strikes, and their small-town community is shattered, Hunter vows to do everything he can to keep his childhood sweetheart safe. But can Samantha trust that Hunter has her best interests at heart…and that, after all these years, his love is true?

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of One Tough Cowboy from St Martin’s Press and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of One Tough Cowboy by Lora Leigh & Veronica Chadwick. This was published on 29^th January 2019

I do love a cowboy romance and this was just the ticket. I cannot put in words how sweet and adorable this was. I do love a tough cowboy and Hunter was the man for me. I loved his story and romance with Samantha.

Would recommend if you love a good contemporary romance with cowboys.  

The Duke I Once Knew (Unlikely Duchesses) by Olivia Drake

The Duke I Once Knew (Unlikely Duchesses) - 4 Stars

Synopsis

When two childhood sweethearts find themselves together after years apart, does their romance have a chance to be rekindled now that he’s a duke and she’s a governess? Olivia Drake’s new Unlikely Duchesses series begins with The Duke I Once Knew, where first love is always the sweetest...

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children. Now, eager to create a life of her own, Abby seizes upon a position as a governess on a neighboring estate. Unfortunately, her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the notorious rake who once broke her youthful heart. But since he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years, Abby assumes she’ll never have to lay eyes on him ever again. Then, from out of nowhere, Max appears. He is stunned to come face to face with the girl next door he fell for years ago—before he went away, and she stopped writing to him. . .even though Abby swears that he is the one who left her without a word. Could it be that this spirited, witty spinster has won Max’s heart all over again—and that they may have a second chance at love?

Review

I received with thanks an ARC copy of The Duke I Once Knew from St Martin’s Press and Netgalley.

This is my true and honest review of The Duke I Once Knew by Oliva Drake. This was published on 31^st December 2018

This was an adorable romance done by the queen of historical romance Oliva Drake. I loved the tale of Abby & Max. If you have not yet picked up an Oliva Drake novel, I highly recommend that you do.

If you love historical romance then you will love this story.

The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium #2) by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

The Copper Gauntlet - 3.75 Stars

Synopsis

Callum Hunt’s summer break isn’t like other kids’. His closest companion is a Chaos-ridden wolf, Havoc. His father suspects him of being secretly evil. And, of course, most kids aren’t heading back to school in the magical world of the Magisterium . . .

It’s not easy for Call . . . and it gets even harder after he checks out his basement and discovers that his dad might be trying to destroy both him and Havoc.

Call escapes to the Magisterium but things only intensify there. The Alkahest - a copper gauntlet capable of separating certain magicians from their magic - has been stolen. And in their search to discover the culprit, Call and his friends awaken the attention of some very dangerous foes - and get closer to an even more dangerous truth.

As the mysteries of the Magisterium deepen and widen, bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare take readers on an extraordinary journey through one boy’s conflict -and a whole world’s fate. 

Review

I am enjoying this series and at times in dark but not unpleasant.

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

The Queen of the Tearling - 3 Stars

Synopsis

Kelsea Glynn is the sole heir to the throne of Tearling but has been raised in secret by foster parents after her mother – Queen Elyssa, as vain as she was stupid – was murdered for ruining her kingdom. For 18 years, the Tearling has been ruled by Kelsea’s uncle in the role of Regent however he is but the debauched puppet of the Red Queen, the sorceress-tyrant of neighbouring realm of Mortmesme. On Kelsea’s 19th birthday, the tattered remnants of her mother’s guard - each pledged to defend the queen to the death - arrive to bring this most un-regal young woman out of hiding...

And so begins her journey back to her kingdom’s heart, to claim the throne, earn the loyalty of her people, overturn her mother’s legacy and redeem the Tearling from the forces of corruption and dark magic that are threatening to destroy it. But Kelsea's story is not just about her learning the true nature of her inheritance - it's about a heroine who must learn to acknowledge and live with the realities of coming of age in all its insecurities and attractions, alongside the ethical dilemmas of ruling justly and fairly while simply trying to stay alive... 

Review

This was okay but I was not blown away by this story. I might have given a higher rating but did not like Kelsea always putting herself down, because she found herself overweight or not a pretty as the other women of her kingdom. For me this was not necessary and took me a few times out of the story. 

Repeat by Kylie Scott & Andi Arndt (Narrator)

Repeat - 4 Stars

Synopsis

From Audie Award winning, New York Times best-selling author Kylie Scott comes an irresistible new romance - available in audio first!

When a vicious attack leaves 25-year-old Clementine Johns with no memory, she's forced to start over. Now she has to figure out who she was and why she made the choices she did - which includes leaving the supposed love of her life, tattoo artist Ed Larsen, only a month before.

Ed can hardly believe it when his ex shows up at his tattoo parlor with no memory of their past, asking about the breakup that nearly destroyed him. The last thing he needs is more heartache, but he can't seem to let her go again.

Should they walk away for good, or does their love deserve a repeat performance?

Review

I have loved all of Kylie Scott's books and put this on my TBR as soon as I heard this was a thing. I loved that this was first an audiobook before a kindle / paperback release. I have loved the other collaboration by the author and the audiobook narrator. This did not disappoint and was enjoyable to listen too. Really enjoyed the story of redemption, memory loss and second chance love. Highly recommend this audiobook. 

Fence (Fence issue #10-12) by C.S. Pacat (Author), Johanna the Mad (Illustrator), Joana LaFuente (Illustrator), HamletMachine (Illustrator)

Fence (Fence issue #10-12) - 4 Stars

Synopsis - Issue #10

Nicholas is determined to get Seiji to focus on him and him alone. 

Synopsis - Issue #11

It all comes down to this—the final match that will determine who makes the team, and who gets left behind.

Synopsis - Issue #12

Tryouts are coming to a close, and the three available spots on the Kings Row fencing team are almost all locked up. It’s just a question of whether or not Nicholas can push through and earn a spot for himself—or if he’ll have to leave Kings Row altogether. 

Review

This was such a fun and interesting series of graphic novels. Really loved the writing and the artwork.

How to Speak Dragonese (How to Train Your Dragon #3) by Cressida Cowell

How to Speak Dragonese - 5 Stars

Synopsis

A Viking lesson in pirating takes a strange turn when Hiccup and his best friend, Fishlegs, accidentally raid the wrong ship while trying to escape Sharkworms. The two lads rescue a tiny yet arrogant nanodragon named Ziggerastica, but then they are kidnapped as part of a vicious plot to steal every dragon on the Isle of Berk! Hiccup must rely on his tiny new friend, and his ability to speak Dragonese, to save the day ... again! 

Review

Once again another hit from the HTTYD series. This one we get to meet an old enemy and meet new foes. I loved the inclusions of new characters including a funny female Viking and the notorious Romans. Highly recommend the book and the audiobook.  

How To Be A Pirate (How to Train Your Dragon #2) by Cressida Cowell

How To Be A Pirate - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Follow the further adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as his Viking training continues and his father leads a stranger and the Hairy Hooligans to the Isle of Skullions in search of a pirate's treasure. 

Review

This was another adorable and funny tale featuring our heroes in training, Hiccup, Toothless and Fishlegs. Once again would highly recommend reading this via audiobook. The narrator is David Tennant who does an awesome and amusing job.

How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) by Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon - 5 Stars

Synopsis

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is a truly extraordinary Viking hero known throughout Vikingdom as "the Dragon Whisperer"...but it wasn't always so. Travel back to the days when the mighty warrior was just a boy, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans. Can Hiccup capture a dragon and train it without being torn limb from limb? Join the adventure as the small boy finds a better way to train his dragon and become a hero!

Review

This was so funny and adorable. I cannot recommend this book enough. I love Toothless, he so tiny and funny. I loved the HTTYD movies but this gives the tale of Hiccup and Toothless another prospective. Highly recommend the audiobooks, narrated by David Tennant. 

The Wizards of Once (The Wizards of Once #1) by Cressida Cowell

The Wizards of Once - 5 Stars

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon comes an exciting high-adventure series - set in an ancient, magical time, full of Wizards, Warriors, Giants and Sprites. #1 Sunday Times Bestseller Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award This is the story of a young boy Wizard and a young girl Warrior who have been taught since birth to hate each other like poison; and the thrilling tale of what happens when their two worlds collide. Perfect for boys and girls who love fantasy adventure. . . Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests. Until the Warriors came. . . Xar is a Wizard boy who has no Magic, and will do anything to get it. Wish is a Warrior girl, but she owns a banned Magical Object, and she will do anything to conceal it. In this whirlwind adventure, Xar and Wish must forget their differences if they're going to make it to the dungeons at Warrior Fort. Where something that has been sleeping for hundreds of years is stirring. . . 

Review

I adored ever minute of this funny and engaging tale. I read this via audiobook and I would highly recommend this. David Tennant narrates this tale and he does the voices to perfection. Also this book has the occasional sound effects which make you even more engaged within the tale.

I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 4: Sadly Never After (I Hate Fairyland #4) by Skottie Young

I Hate Fairyland, Vol. 4: Sadly Never After - 5 Stars

Synopsis

What started as a normal, everyday, child-sucked-into-a-magical-land-to-fulfill-an-inane-quest has changed Fairyland forever. In the continuation of SKOTTIE YOUNG'S saccharine fantasy-satire, Gertrude hands over the spotlight to Larry, Duncan Dragon, and some of Fairyland's other supporting cast, misfits, and forgotten threats.

Collects issues 16 through 20.

Review

Fluff my life, I cannot believe this series of graphic novels are over. I have loved each and every volume of this amazing series. I will miss Gert, Larry and the gang. This was a bittersweet goodbye to a series that has made smile from ear to ear from start to very end. Will defiantly pick up Skottie Young's next series.

A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole

A Princess in Theory - 4.25 Stars

Synopsis

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

Review

This was a adorable fun read. I loved the main characters, but the side characters help make this great. The authors writing style in fun, quirky and enjoyable to read. Would highly recommend this one. Cannot wait to start book 2.