THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS By Chloe Gong

September 5, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS By Chloe GongThese Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
Series: These Violent Delights #1
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books on 11/17/20
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 463
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Short and Sweet Review

These Violent Delights follow Juliette and Roma in the year 1926 in Shanghai. Both Roma and Juliette are involved in their families gangs and are the heirs, Juliette belongs to the Scarlet Gang and Roma to the White Flowers. Something strange is happening in Shanghai and people are claiming there’s a madness going around that’s causing people to kill themselves. Roma and Juliette have a history they were in a forbidden romance that ended in betrayal, now they spend their days staying away from each other. As the death toll increases Roma and Juliette realize they’ll have to work together to stop whatever is happening before neither of them can be the ruler of Shanghai.

This was such a different a unique take on Romeo and Juliette but it worked. I wasn’t sure how much I would like the gang aspect but I think with the setting and time it worked.

Juliette is the heir of the Scarlet gang and she’s sometimes not taken seriously by her family members mainly because of the fact that she’s a girl but she’s tough and willing to do what she needs to for the gang. Over the course of the book she kind of drops the ball on her duties but only because she’s out investigating the madness. Juliettes right hand women consist of her cousins, Kathleen and Rosalind although Kathleen seems to be more of a ride or die kind of person while Rosalind questions Juliettes choices.

Roma is the heir of the White flowers although his dad prefers someone else in the gang. Roma’s right hand guys are his cousin Benedikt and his friend Marshall. Roma is more willing to work with Juliette than she is to work with him. After Romas sister Alisa gets infected with the madness its basically a race against the clock to find who’s causing the madness and to find a cure. I will say that reading about these people ripping and tearing at their throats was brutal and kind of graphic.

I liked seeing Roma and Juliette sneak around the city so that their gangs wouldn’t know their working together. It also gave us an insight on their past and what went wrong but they really do make a good team. I liked seeing their right hands go on separate missions to follow other leads. The ending was so good and it just makes you want the second book in your hand to find out what’s going to happen next. I love these two characters but after this ending I wonder how they’re going to handle everything and I can’t wait to find out!

Filed Under: Reviews

THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD By Tiffany D. Jackson

August 29, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD By Tiffany D. JacksonThe Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 9/6/22
Genres: Horror & Ghost Stories, Mystery & Detective, Retellings, Thrillers, Young Adult
Pages: 411
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

When Springville residents—at least the ones still alive—are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.

An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she's dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.

After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High's racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school's first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it's possible to have a normal life.

But some of her classmates aren't done with her just yet. And what they don't know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.

Short and Sweet Review

The town of Springville, Georgia is small and doesn’t have a lot of residents and the number of residents is about to get smaller after Maddy is through with them. After prom the only thing that people remember is that Maddy did it, but what led her to cause all of that destruction?

Madison Washington is biracial but she’s light enough that she can pass as white and that’s exactly what her father wants, and her years of hiding that she’s black are about to come to an end when a rainstorm shows the actually texture of her hair. Maddy hasn’t been treated well by her fellow classmates but things get worse after it comes out that she’s black. Madison is mainly tormented by Jules and her friends one of them being Wendy. Wendy has a black boyfriend named Kenny and I think he only fits into their friend group because he’s the star of the football team. Anyhoo Wendy starts to feel a little bad but she still has her own motives to make herself look good so she decides to suggest that for this years prom instead of their usual segregated prom they throw an all together prom and that Kenny should take Maddy. Maddy obviously think she’s being punk’d these kids have been awful to her and all of a sudden they want her to go to prom. Maddy has also been working on learning how to use her telekinesis which usually comes into play when she’s in fight or flight mode. Maddy has had a difficult life, her mother is gone, her dad is super religious and abusive, and she’s been hiding who she really is. So its easy to see why Maddy is the way she is. As the story progresses we see Kenny start to fall for Maddy which I didn’t like because first of all, he already had a girlfriend and second, it just seemed like he was infatuated with Maddy and it got a little weird. Well at prom we see that some kids have one last prank in store for Maddy, but little do they know its going to be the straw that broke the camels back.

This was such a good book! I loved the podcast aspect and the interviews and how Michael the host of the podcast was trying to piece everything together to see what took place on prom night. Maddy is a good character you just want to root for her and see her win because she did not deserve the way the kids at school were treating her. This is a carrie retelling and we all know what happened there and I was just waiting for Maddy to get her comeuppance. The book has a few different POVs but it doesn’t take away from the book it just adds to the story telling. This book had so many layers and the build up had me on the edge of my seat. The Weight of Blood does not disappoint, run to your nearest book store and get this book in your hands immediately!

Filed Under: Reviews

FEATHER AND FLAME By Livia Blackburne

June 3, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FEATHER AND FLAME By Livia BlackburneFeather and Flame by Livia Blackburne
Series: The Queen's Council #2
Published by Disney-Hyperion on 6/14/22
Genres: Fairy Tales & Folklore, Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 307
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

She brought honor on the battlefield. Now comes a new kind of war... The war is over. Now a renowned hero, Mulan spends her days in her home village, training a militia of female warriors. The peace is a welcome one, and she knows it must be protected. When Shang arrives with an invitation to the Imperial City, Mulan's relatively peaceful life is upended once more. The aging emperor decrees that Mulan will be his heir to the throne. Such unimagined power and responsibility terrifies her, but who can say no to the Emperor? As Mulan ascends into the halls of power, it becomes clear that not everyone is on her side. Her ministers undermine her, and the Huns sense a weakness in the throne. When hints of treachery appear even amongst those she considers friends, Mulan has no idea whom she can trust. But the Queen's Council helps Mulan uncover her true destiny. With renewed strength and the wisdom of those that came before her, Mulan will own her power, save her country, and prove once again that, crown or helmet, she was always meant to lead. This fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior blends fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist.

Short and Sweet Review

Feather and Flame shows Mulan’s life after fighting the war, now she’s back home and training a militia of female warriors. Shang comes bringing news that the Emperor wants to see Mulan. While in the Imperial City the Emperor announces that he wants Mulan to be his successor and become the Empress. When Mulan takes the throne it becomes evident that not everyone is happy to see her there, now Mulan has to navigate this new life in power and figure out who she can trust.

I love how this series shows us the possible futures of our Disney characters. I can definitely see Mulan having her own militia who are as fierce as she is. We follow Mulan from her village to the throne and see her try to figure out if she can handle this new position she’s been put in. We also see the Huns and they’re ready to spot out any weaknesses. Mulan also has to deal with advisors who aren’t quite trustworthy and have their own agenda. The book really starts picking up when Mulan figures out that someone in the palace is not to be trusted. My favorite thing about this book was seeing Mulan go from doubting herself to fully believing she has the ability to be a great empress and be the leader China needs, she also had a great support system behind her. I do think the ending was a bit rushed but nonetheless this was a great book! If you like Disney Princesses and want a glimpse into what their futures could be like after what we’ve seen in the movies than this series of retellings is for you!


Filed Under: Reviews

SENSE AND SECOND-DEGREE MURDER By Tirzah Price

April 1, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

SENSE AND SECOND-DEGREE MURDER By Tirzah PriceSense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price
Series: Jane Austen Murder Mystery #2
Published by HarperTeen on 4/5/22
Genres: Historical, Mystery & Detective, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

When eighteen-year-old aspiring scientist Elinor Dashwood discovers her beloved father slumped over the desk of his office study, she knows his death means dire straits for the Dashwood women. To make matters worse, an outdated will entails his estate—including Norland & Company, the private investigation firm where her younger sister Marianne worked as her father’s partner and protégé—to their half-brother and his haughty wife, who waste no time in forcing the Dashwoods out of their home and into a cramped apartment on London’s Barton Street.

But before they go, the Dashwood sisters make a startling discovery: a suspicious substance in their father’s teacup—one that can only be described as poison. And poison, as Marianne’s father taught her, always points to murder.

It could be dangerous; it could ruin their reputations; and most importantly, it won’t bring back their father. But if the Dashwood sisters can combine their talents and bring their father’s murderer to justice, it may bring them all some comfort—and it might even lead to love.

Short and Sweet Review

When Elinor Dashwood finds her father dead at his desk she knows that hardships are coming. The Dashwood sisters and their mother are forced out of the house by John, their half brother and his wife. Before they leave their house the girls discover a substance in their father’s teacup and now the girls are searching for a murderer.

Elinor and Marianne are our main characters here and we also see their younger sister Margaret in the mix. Elinor is the eldest and she likes to shield her family from things she thinks would be too painful for them to bear, she also the most responsible. Elinor wants to be a scientist she just hasn’t found something that she wants to specialize in. Margaret is the middle sister and she was working as her father’s partner at Norland & Company, the family’s private investigation firm. But when her brother and his wife take over Norland & Company, Marianne has no choice but to find new clients and prove herself as a worthy investigator. Once Marianne learns that her father could have possibly been murdered she and Elinor take this as a chance to investigate and find out who could have wanted their father dead. Margaret is the youngest sister and an aspiring writer. She’s younger and doesn’t always get to go out with Elinor and Marianne but she does provide them with good insight. There’s a few other characters we meet like Brandon, Edward, and Willoughby.

I liked that the girls had different interest like Science and Investigating. Both Elinor and Marianne were pivotal in solving what happened. It was fun following the girls around while they found clues and tried to decipher what they meant and how everything fit together. I will say that the culprit wasn’t who I was expecting. The ending was great but my favorite part was the epilogue. I’m excited to read the next book. Sense and Second-Degree Murder had me hooked from beginning to end, the characters are great and so is the mystery!


Filed Under: Reviews

HEARTLESS By Marissa Meyer

March 23, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Reviewer Purchase in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

HEARTLESS By Marissa MeyerHeartless by Marissa Meyer
Published by Feiwel & Friends on 11/8/16
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 464
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

Short and Sweet Review

Before Catherine became the Queen of Hearts she was just a girl who wanted to love and bake. Catherine has grand ideas of opening up a bakery in Hearts with her best friend who is also her maid Mary Ann, unfortunately Catherine’s parents won’t allow this they want bigger things for her. Catherine has also caught the eye of the King of Hearts and she knows she’ll have to accept his proposal to make those around her happy. But then Catherine meets Jest the King’s Joker and she starts to fall for him even though she knows that she shouldn’t.

Catherine was a good character, she was ambitious and she cared for those around her, she knew what she did and didn’t want. The King of Hearts though nice wasn’t what she wanted. When she meets Jest, Catherine is genuinely happy and ready to risk it all. In the land of Hearts we see characters for Alice in Wonderland like Hatta and the Cheshire Cat. The story progressed at a decent pace, there were balls, a beast attacking the people of Hearts, and we see Catherine struggle with her love life and trying to follow her dreams of baking. In the end we obviously see how Catherine becomes the terror of Wonderland, and even though I knew it was going to happen I hated it. The girl that I followed for 90% of the book who dreamed big and was sweet and loved her friends did a 180 degree change. I think that’s why my rating of the book went down. Overall its a good book it was just hard to see how all the pressure and expectations of Catherine eventually changed her and not for the better.

Filed Under: Reviews

MY FINE FELLOW By Jennieke Cohen

January 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

MY FINE FELLOW By Jennieke CohenMy Fine Fellow by Jennieke Cohen
Published by HarperTeen on 1/11/22
Genres: Historical, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 343
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

It’s 1830s England, and Culinarians—doyens who consult with society’s elite to create gorgeous food and confections—are the crème de la crème of high society.

Helena Higgins, top of her class at the Royal Academy, has a sharp demeanor and an even sharper palate—and knows stardom awaits her if she can produce greatness in her final year.

Penelope Pickering is going to prove the value of non-European cuisine to all of England. Her contemporaries may scorn her Filipina heritage and her dishes, but with her flawless social graces and culinary talents, Penelope is set to prove them wrong.

Elijah Little has nothing to his name but a truly excellent instinct for flavors. London merchants won’t allow a Jewish boy to own a shop, so he hawks his pasties for a shilling a piece to passersby—but he knows with training he can break into the highest echelon of society.

When Penelope and Helena meet Elijah, a golden opportunity arises: to pull off a project never seen before, and turn Elijah from a street vendor to a gentleman chef.

But Elijah’s transformation will have a greater impact on this trio than they originally realize—and mayhem, unseemly faux pas, and a little romance will all be a part of the delicious recipe.

Short and Sweet Review

The year is 1830 and culinarians consult with society’s elite to create amazing food. Both Helena and Penelope are in the top of their class at the culinary school. One night both of the girls meet street vendor, Elijah, Helena makes a comment that she can make Elijah a gentleman chef. This becomes Helena’s end of the year project and she know’s if she succeeds only greater things will come in the future. But Elijah’s transformation may be more than the girls originally expected.

We get all three characters POVs and I will say I enjoyed Penelope and Elijah’s over Helena. Helena is one of those people who’s really passionate about what she’s doing but she’s off-putting and I think because she’s higher in society she looks down on people below her. Helena’s goal is to be the best culinarian England has seen. Penelope is half Filipina and she wants to show England that other cuisines have value. Penelope was just an easy character to like she was so nice to everyone and tried to mediate when Helena came off too harsh. Elijah is the street vendor trying to become a gentleman chef and maybe in the end own his own shop if he can impress the right people.

When Helena and Penelope meet Elijah, Helena is not impressed and says she can make him an even better cook and a gentleman. Elijah takes her up on her offer and he begins his lessons in cooking and learning manners to impress society’s upper class. Helena is a tough teacher she wants perfection, when Helena loses her patience Penelope steps in and this is where we see some sparks fly between Penelope and Elijah.

Most of the book involves Elijah’s training and then halfway through we see Elijah show off his training at fairs and cooking for the Princess. I liked seeing the dishes that the trio would prepare.

This retelling was engaging and descriptive. The characters represent different classes and races and it’s just so well done. I couldn’t put this book down!

Filed Under: Reviews

RED WOLF By Rachel Vincent

July 20, 2021 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

RED WOLF By Rachel VincentRed Wolf by Rachel Vincent
Published by HarperTeen on 7/27/21
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 367
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

For as long as sixteen-year-old Adele can remember, the village of Oakvale has been surrounded by the dark wood—a forest filled with terrible monsters. A forest that light itself cannot penetrate.

Unlike her fellow villagers, Adele cannot avoid the dark wood.

Adele is one of a long line of guardians: women who secretly take on the form of a wolf, in order to protect their village.

But when accepting her fate means giving up the boy she loves, abandoning the future she imagined for herself, and breaking her own moral code, she must decide how far she is willing to go to keep her neighbors safe.

Short and Sweet Review

Adele lives in the village of Oakvale, Oakvale is surrounded by the dark wood which is filled with monsters. Unlike the other villagers Adele can’t avoid the dark wood, she’s a guardian, she can transform into a wolf to protect the village from the dark wood. When Adele learns everything that comes with being a guardian she isn’t sure this is the life she wants.

Adele just recently turned 16 and when she goes to visit her grandmother in the dark wood she learns that she’s able to transform into a redwulf. Adele passed her trial and now she’s going to learn how to be a guardian and protect her village from the dark wood like her mother and grandmother have done before her. Adele learns that there’s sacrifices she has to make like giving up Grainger a boy she likes because he wouldn’t understand the life she’s going to live, she also learns that she already has someone she’s supposed to marry named Maxime.

There’s a lot of focus on Adele becoming a redwulf, the love triangle, and what could be terrorizing the village. Adele was an okay character I didn’t connect with her or agree with the decisions she made. She often thought she was right and would ask for advice and do the exact opposite. The love triangle was obnoxious, Adele has known Grainger longer so she prefers him, she was so rude to Maxime it was just awful. I’m surprised anyone wanted to be with her.

I liked the retelling aspect it was different from the normal Red Riding Hood we know. The ending was strange, I feel like things could have been avoided if Adele would have just listened but she ended up making a mess out of everything. With the way things ended I’m not sure if this is supposed to be a stand alone or a series.

Filed Under: Reviews

MY CONTRARY MARY By Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

July 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

MY CONTRARY MARY By Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi MeadowsMy Contrary Mary by Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows
Series: Mary #1
Published by HarperTeen on 6/22/21
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 512
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Welcome to Renaissance France, a place of poison and plots, of beauties and beasts, of mice and . . . queens?

Mary is the queen of Scotland and the jewel of the French court. Except when she’s a mouse. Yes, reader, Mary is an Eðian (shapeshifter) in a kingdom where Verities rule. It’s a secret that could cost her a head—or a tail.

Luckily, Mary has a confidant in her betrothed, Francis. But things at the gilded court take a treacherous turn after the king meets a suspicious end. Thrust onto the throne, Mary and Francis face a viper’s nest of conspiracies, traps, and treason. And if Mary’s secret is revealed, heads are bound to roll.

Short and Sweet Review

We’re in the time of the Renaissance France and Mary Queen of Scots has lived in France since she was a young girl. Mary has always known she was going to marry the Dauphin Francis, but Mary has a secret she’s an Eðian. This gives Mary the ability to change into her spirit animal which is a mouse and she uses this ability to learn things about the other royals living in the castle. Unfortunately there’s a lot of scheming going on and soon Mary and Francis are going to be thrust on the throne and even sooner someone is going to try to get them off.

There’s a lot of characters in this book we have Mary and Francis and we have Mary’s four ladies in waiting also all named Mary so they all go by nick names and we have Ari Nostradamus and Catherine De Medici and King Henry, oh and Mary’s uncles.

Anyway the book started off a little slow which I suppose was to build everything up and things did pick up halfway through the book after King Henry met his end. Catherine De Medici is up to no good and so are Mary’s uncles but they’re not working together so at some point Mary and Francis do end up splitting up and Mary goes to Scotland and Francis is in France dealing with his mother. Ari Nostradamus was an okay character she was hired by Catherine to spy on Mary and I feel like she started the ball rolling with the trouble that came to Mary after her and Francis’s marriage. I guess Ari was useful because she could make potions but some of the things she did were annoying. Mary was an a good character she didn’t want to believe that her uncles would plot against her and Francis felt the same about Catherine.

Overall this was a good book. It definitely got better during the second half when things started to pick up and more of the plots against Mary and Francis were revealed. I’m excited to see what the next installments in the Mary series will bring!

Filed Under: Reviews

PRIDE AND PREMEDITATION By Tirzah Price

April 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

PRIDE AND PREMEDITATION By Tirzah PricePride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Series: Jane Austen Murder Mystery #1
Published by HarperTeen on 4/6/21
Genres: Historical, Mystery & Detective, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

When a scandalous murder shocks London high society, seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer Lizzie Bennet seizes the opportunity to prove herself, despite the interference of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the stern young heir to the prestigious firm Pemberley Associates.

Convinced the authorities have imprisoned the wrong person, Lizzie vows to solve the murder on her own. But as the case—and her feelings for Darcy—become more complicated, Lizzie discovers that her dream job could make her happy, but it might also get her killed.

Short and Sweet

Lizzie Bennet wants to be a lawyer at her fathers firm, so when a murder takes place in London’s high society Lizzie knows this is her chance to prove herself. The only thing that’s standing in her way is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a solicitor that works for a firm that rivals her fathers. Lizzie is convinced that the wrong person is being blamed for murder and she’s determined to find the actual culprit.

Characters

Lizzie: Lizzie prefers to spend her time at her fathers firm than with her mother and her sister doing social calls. Lizzie was a good main character. I just loved her! Lizzie wasn’t perfect but it was easy to relate to her. In the time that this book takes place in women aren’t seen in the law and order scene. But Lizzie is good at what she does on the down low she looks into some cases for her dad, and she just wants to prove herself and eventually get a position at their firm, Longbourn and Sons. Lizzie is determined, smart, and good at putting the pieces together.

Darcy: Darcy works for his father at their prestigious firm Pemberley Associates. Darcy is a solicitor and was formally hired by the accused. Darcy is determined to prove his clients innocence and he thinks that Lizzie is just getting in his way. Darcy comes off as cold but he takes his job seriously and is also trying to prove that he’s good at his job.

Romance

Lizzie and Darcy: There’s some tension her mainly because Darcy was actually hired and Lizzie is kind of consulting, but Darcy feels like he doesn’t need Lizzie interfering with the case. I liked these two they had good banter between them and when they actually put their heads together they made a good team. Perhaps a great crime solving duo in the future?

Lizzie and Wickham: I’m not really sure if I saw a relationship between these two looking back. I think maybe they were better as friends but there was some flirtation going on. Wickham is a runner that Lizzie meets after she gets caught for “breaking and entering” but is it really breaking and entering when someone lets you in? Anyway after that encounter Wickham and Lizzie follow some leads together and they get along great.

Lizzie and Collins: Collins works at Longbourn and Sons, and is expected to get the firm if and when Mr. Bennet dies. Lizzie absolutely despises Collins. Collins thinks that he’s better than everyone and honestly he’s not that great at his job. Collins is also expected to propose to Lizzie but Lizzie can’t stand the thought of being married to him.

My Thoughts

Lizzie wants to be a solicitor at her father’s firm so when he asks her to prove herself she decides to take on a murder case. Mr. Charles Bingley is accused of killing his brother in law, but he maintains his innocence. Lizzie decides to offer her expertise, but is stopped short when she finds out that Bingley is to be represented by Mr. Darcy. But Bingley likes Lizzie so much that he accepts her help also. Lizzie realizes that solving this case would give her the chance to be hired by her father and maybe inherit Longbourn and Sons. Lizzie had more of an investigative way of going about things while Darcy thought that Mr. Bingley’s good reputation would save him. I loved following Lizzie around London and seeing how she would follow leads. I also liked how she was friends with Fred, someone who would get information for her. While Lizzie is out and about she’s avoiding her mother and sisters while they go on social calls. Lizzie’s mother is trying to marry her and her sisters off but Lizzie can think of better ways to spend her time. Lizzie did a great job following her gut and piecing things together, though some of her leads did get her into some trouble. I loved Lizzies relationships with her sister Jane, her father, and her friend Charlotte. This was a good mystery I wasn’t sure who the murderer actually was. The ending was great and just leaves you wanting more!

Overall

This was a book I could not put down! I found the characters funny, there was a great plot, and I honestly did not mind following Lizzie around. Lizzie is such a determined character but she also has her faults, its hard not to root for her! The ending just made me want more and I can’t wait to see what Lizzie’s next adventure has in store!

Filed Under: Reviews

ROMAN AND JEWEL By Dana L. Davis

December 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

ROMAN AND JEWEL By Dana L. DavisRoman and Jewel by Dana L. Davis
Published by Inkyard Press on 1/5/21
Genres: Contemporary, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway’s hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead…and Jerzie is her understudy.

Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea―especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.

Short and Sweet

Jerzie wants to land a lead role in Broadways newest show, Roman and Jewel, a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Jerzie gets a role as an understudy and she’s the understudy for Cinny a megastar. On set Jerzie meets Zeppelin Reid, the actor playing Roman. It’s like love at first sight but Jerzie knows she doesn’t have time to fall in love, or does she?

Characters

Jerzie: Jerzie is our main character and she’s insanely talented. I loved everything about Jerzie especially her dialogue she’s funny and smart and you can’t help but to root for her. This is her first broadway show so everything is relatively new but she’s learning a lot along the way and I love that she doesn’t lose who she is even though she’s about to be in a big show.

Zeppelin: Zeppelin is the leading man in the show. He’s a ladies man and most of the girls are trying to get his attention. Zeppelin is actually very sweet and he has manners. I loved Zeppelin he was everything you’d want in a guy.

Cinny: Cinny is a megastar and she has the role of Jewel in the play. Cinny is sweet in front of people but behind closed doors she’s awful. I could have done without Cinny but every book needs a villain and she just happens to be ours.

Romance

Jerzie and Zeppelin: These two are just so cute together, love was in the air! Its almost like they knew each other from a past life, the chemistry between the two was just there. I loved the scenes with these two and how comfortable they were with each other!

My Thoughts

Roman and Jewel is about to be Broadways hottest new show and Jerzie has a part as the understudy for the role of Jewel. Jerzie is mainly on set or with her Aunt Karla traveling around New York. On set Jerzie meets Zeppelin and even performs a scene with him, some how their rehearsal gets leaked online and people think that Jerzie should have the lead role instead of Cinny. This is where the trouble begins. Jerzie decides that it’s probably better to stay away from Zeppelin but finds that it’s easier said than done. We see Jerzie learn that the price of fame is rough, but she does have a good support system her family is amazing. At one point something does happen and my heart hurt for Jerzie. I did enjoy going around New York and following Jerzie to rehearsals.

Overall

I loved the plot and the pacing of the book was great. The dialogue was amazing it had me smiling, laughing, and crying. I loved everything about this book and it quickly became one of my favorites for 2020. The ending was great, and honestly I just fell in love with the characters. Definitely do yourself a favor and pick this book up!

Filed Under: Reviews