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

REBEL ROSE By Emma Theriault

November 9, 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.

REBEL ROSE By Emma TheriaultRebel Rose by Emma Theriault
Series: The Queen's Council #1
Published by Disney-Hyperion on 11/10/20
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Historical, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

Happily ever after is only the beginning as Belle takes on the responsibility of becoming queen and learns to balance duty, love, and sacrifice, all while navigating dark political intrigue-and a touch of magic.

It's 1789 and France is on the brink of revolution. Belle has finally broken the Enchantress's curse, restoring the Beast to his human form as Prince Adam, and bringing life back to their castle in the province of Aveyon. But in Paris, the fires of change are burning, and it's only a matter of time before the rebellion arrives on their doorstep.

Belle has always dreamed of leaving her provincial home for a life of adventure. But now she finds herself living in a palace, torn between her roots as a commoner, and her future as a royal. When she stumbles across a mysterious, ancient magic that brings with it a dire warning, she must question whether she is ready for the power being thrust on her, and if being Queen is more than just a title.

Short and Sweet Review

In 1789 France is on the brink of a revolution. Belle and Lio have recently gotten married and are trying to realign themselves into society. After learning about everything going on in France Belle and Lio agree that they have to put their people first to prevent a revolution taking place in Aveyon.

Lio enlists the help of his cousin Bastien, who has been living in France and has more information on customs and laws that Lio would have missed out on while he was under the curse for the past ten years. Bastien is one of those people who seems like they’re helpful but they’re actually up to no good. Because he’s Lio’s cousin Lio tends to take his side but Belle can see that Bastien doesn’t have the best intentions. While trying to go about how to make Aveyon a better place Bastien suggests that they focus on noblemen while Belle wants to focus on commoners, this leads to tension between the two.

Lio ends up going to visit noblemen around the town and he ends up being gone for a while. Belle is still at the castle and though she doesn’t want to be called a princess or queen she still has the authority to make decisions. Most of the decisions she makes are shot down by the advisors, but sometimes the advisors agree because Bastien agrees first. Belle also stumbles upon a magic mirror which gives her warnings about what’s to come, one of them being a revolution is closer than she thought. While Lio is gone its almost like she has no friends which is why I’m glad when Marguerite comes to Aveyon. Marguerite is someone that Belle met at one of Bastien’s parties in France. Marguerite is someone Belle can confide in and is also very helpful in organizing the library and setting up a salon.

I did like the relationship between Belle and Lio, they have a closer bond then most people think, because of what they had to go through when the curse was still intact. Lio sometimes still has nightmares about the curse and it seems like Belle is the only one who can soothe him.

I loved how this was a retelling but also included actual history as well! We also get to see some familiar characters from Beauty and the Beast. Belle is everything you want in a heroine, someone who cares about people, someone who wants to do the right thing, and someone who trusts their gut. I’m so happy that I got to read this book and I’m excited to see what the next book in the series has in store! Definitely check this book out if you like retellings but with some history sprinkled in!

Filed Under: Reviews

THE BOUNDLESS By Anna Bright

June 3, 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.

THE BOUNDLESS By Anna BrightThe Boundless by Anna Bright
Series: The Beholder #2
Published by HarperTeen on 6/9/20
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 511
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

When Selah found true love with Prince Torden of Norway, she never imagined she’d have to leave him behind. All because the Beholder’s true mission was a secret Selah’s crew didn’t trust her to keep: transporting weapons to the rebels fighting against the brutal tsarytsya, whose shadow looms over their next port of Shvartsval’d. A place Selah hoped she’d never go.

But gone is the girl who departed Potomac filled with fear. With a stockpile of weapons belowdecks and her heart hanging in the balance, Selah is determined to see the Beholder’s quest to its end.

Short and Sweet

After finding out that the Beholder was storing weapons that she didn’t know about, Selah has to do the hardest thing ever and leave Torden behind. Now Selah is aboard the beholder transporting the weapons to rebels who are fighting Baba Yaga. Selah never wanted to go into Baba Yaga’s territory but now that she’s there she’ll have to learn how to be as cunning as Grandmother Wolf if she wants to see her home of Potomac again.

Characters

Selah: Selah grew so much, she became a lot stronger and realized sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to for the greater good. Selah had to go through a lot in this book, she had to leave her fiancé, she got captured and had to deal with the cruel conditions of being in Baba Yaga’s territory, she had to learn to be as cunning as the generals to win her freedom.

Anya and Cobie: Anya and Cobie made the decision to stay with Selah when she was being taken to Baba Yaga’s territory. I ended up loving these two girls more than I thought I would, the friendship between all three of them blossomed into something beautiful. They were strong and always stood by each others sides, when one had a weakness the other would provide strength, they were smart and just resilient.

Romance

Selah and Lang: Selah and Lang had a lot of tension between them one that could seem like it would blossom into a romance. There were a lot of moments when they would try to make each other jealous or just have a lot of arguments. I think these two were better off as friends but I wouldn’t have been upset if they did end up as a couple.

Selah and Torden: These two were so cute together I loved them! When they were apart Selah would think about how to get back to him and she kept his engagement ring and looked back to it for strength. Torden was amazing he was always looking out for Selah and he was just so caring and understanding! My favorite couple!

Quotes

~ “I would be a wolf so she could be a lamb.”

My Thoughts

~ The Boundless takes place right after the end of the first book, Selah is on her way with the crew to deliver weapons to the rebels. Unfortunately Selah ends up being captured after she does something risky and is taken away to Baba Yaga’s territory. The Boundless is very different from The Beholder, Selah is no longer looking for someone to marry now she’s helping the Beholder crew carry out their mission delivering the weapons. Selah ends up meeting Fritz who is a potential candidate to be her husband but instead he’s more of an ally and also one of the rebels. After helping Fritz and his sisters do something dangerous Selah is caught along with Cobie and Anya and taken away. I thought the book started off a little slow and I didn’t think it picked up until the halfway point. It was interesting to see Selah’s interactions with Baba Yaga mainly because she was always walking on eggshells around her. Selah, Cobie, and Anya were brave and smart and they did what most people wouldn’t do, they plotted against the Baba Yaga. The ending was more fast paced and I liked how all of the characters that we’ve seen before come together to complete a common goal. The ending was great and I loved that Selah took care of business back at home.

Overall

The Boundless shows us that we are always the author of our own fairytale. I loved seeing how much Selah grew as a character she was smarter and more ruthless than she was in the first book. I loved the characters and the interactions and the plot was great! This was truly an amazing end to the series!


Filed Under: Reviews

A DREAM SO DARK By L.L McKinney

January 3, 2020 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.

A DREAM SO DARK By L.L McKinneyA Dream So Dark by L.L. McKinney
Series: The Nightmare-Verse #2
Published by Imprint on 9/24/19
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 416
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

Still reeling from her recent battle (and grounded until she graduates high school), Alice must cross the Veil to rescue her friends and stop the Black Knight once and for all. But the further she ventures into Wonderland, the more topsy-turvy everything becomes. It’s not until she’s at her wit's end that she realizes―Wonderland is trying to save her.

There’s a new player on the board; someone capable of using Nightmare creatures to not only influence the living but raise the dead.

Dreams have never been so dark in Wonderland, and if there is any hope, Alice must confront the worst in herself―and in the people she loves―and face the very nature of fear.

Short and Sweet review

Not long after her last battle, Alice has to go back to wonderland to save her friends from the Black Knight one last time. Things are different than before and there’s new characters that Alice has to figure out. The more I read this series the more I fall in love! This version/retelling of Alice in Wonderland is so intriguing, I love it. Alice is back and this time there’s more at stake. Chess has been taken by someone in wonderland, and there’s someone in wonderland who’s trying to create an undead army. A Dream So Dark continues where A Blade So Black left off, so our characters are still looking for the Heart. What I loved was that everyone had to band together at one point Alice was split from the rest of the group but she did end up meeting Haruka which was another dream walker. I also loved how Courtney finally got to go to wonderland and see what Alice’s other life was like. There’s so much action and there’s kind of a mystery surrounding who the Black Knight is. We get a few different POVs which really added to the story. The ending was great and I’m really hoping this isn’t a duology because I would love to see more of these characters! If you’re in the mood for an Alice in Wonderland retelling put this series on your list!

Filed Under: Reviews

A BLADE SO BLACK By L.L. Mckinney

December 17, 2019 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.

A BLADE SO BLACK By L.L. MckinneyA Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney
Series: The Nightmare-Verse #1
Published by Square Fish on 9/25/18
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

The first time the Nightmares came, it nearly cost Alice her life. Now she's trained to battle monstrous creatures in the dark dream realm known as Wonderland with magic weapons and hardcore fighting skills. Yet even warriors have a curfew.

Life in real-world Atlanta isn't always so simple, as Alice juggles an overprotective mom, a high-maintenance best friend, and a slipping GPA. Keeping the Nightmares at bay is turning into a full-time job. But when Alice's handsome and mysterious mentor is poisoned, she has to find the antidote by venturing deeper into Wonderland than she’s ever gone before. And she'll need to use everything she's learned in both worlds to keep from losing her head... literally.

Short and Sweet Review

After her father’s death, Alice meets Addison Hatta. Hatta eventually trains Alice to be a dream walker and takes her into wonderland to fight nightmares. After Hatta ends up being poisoned Alice has to venture further into wonderland than she has before to save her mentor. A Blade So Black was an interesting take on Alice in Wonderland. Our Alice lives in Atlanta and she travels to wonderland through a gate that’s in a pub. It took me a while to get used to Alice and the way she talked but I eventually got used to it. Alice’s mom was very overprotective so she was usually getting yelled at for coming home late or not answering her phone. Alice was great she cared for those around her which made it hard for her to make decisions. The book started off a little slow for me but it picked up in the middle and I thought the ending was great. I loved each of the characters and how they have a distinct personality and how they reflect someone from the original Alice in Wonderland. I’m excited to see what will happen in the sequel!

Filed Under: Reviews

HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS By Erin A. Craig

July 31, 2019 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.

HOUSE OF SALT AND SORROWS By Erin A. CraigHouse of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
Series: Sisters of the Salt #1
Published by Delacorte Press on 8/6/19
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

ReviewedbyDani

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last--the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge--and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who--or what--are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family--before it claims her next.


Short and Sweet

Annaleigh lives at Highmoor a manor by the sea. Once it was filled with her 12 sisters but four of them have died and each death was more tragic than the last. When Annaleigh starts seeing the ghosts of her dead sisters, she starts to believe that their deaths weren’t accidents and something more suspicious is at play. The rest of Annaleigh’s sister sneak out at night to go balls and dance the night away, and Annaleigh doesn’t know whether to join them or stop them.

Characters

Annaleigh: Our main character. I really liked Annaleigh she was more cautious than her sisters and always suspected that something was off even while they were out having fun. She cared about her sisters and was always trying to keep them safe, all while trying to figure out if her other sisters were murdered or not.

Camille: Camille is the oldest Thaumas sister, and she’ll eventually inherit everything. Camille was more uptight about everything but she loved going to the balls and dancing. Annaleigh and Camille are close and I’m glad that when it came down to it Camille believed and trusted Annaleigh.

Fisher: Fisher is a friend from childhood who comes to visit and stay with the family. Fisher was a love interest for Annaleigh and he usually protected the sisters when they went into town.

Cassius: Cassius is someone Annaleigh meets while in town, and she tends to bump into him a lot. Cassius was mysterious and he did have a few secrets he was keeping so you never know if you can trust him or not.

Romance

Annaleigh and Fisher: Fisher is a childhood friend and there was a few moments when he would get jealous when Annaleigh would talk to Cassius. In the end I think Fisher was more of a brother figure in Annaleigh’s eyes than a romantic interest.

Annaleigh and Cassius: Cassius is mysterious and theres not much of a back story on him. He came to town to take care of his father who is sick and ends up meeting Annaleigh. I really liked these two together. Cassius would try to soothe Annaleigh, and helped her during a time when no one else would.

Quotes

~”Just push me into the sea and return me to the Salt.”

My Thoughts

~ The Thaumas twelve is now down to eight. Every surrounding village believes that there is a curse on the family and some people even avoid being around them.

~ The family usually mourns for six months but Morella, the girls stepmother believes that they should cut the mourning short to celebrate her pregnancy along with the triplets 16th birthday.

~ The book does start slow but things start to pick up around the 30% mark.

~ Annaleigh seemed to be the only sister that thought there was foul play in the deaths of her older sisters. But Annaleigh wasn’t the only one that could see the ghost of her dead sisters, her youngest sister Verity could see them too.

~ I liked the relationship between Annaleigh a Verity, Annaleigh always looked out for Verity and tried to make sure she was okay. Annaleigh also worried when Verity started sketching pictures of their dead sisters.

~ The visions of the ghosts Annaleigh would see were creepy. I was worried for Annaleigh that something may happen but she was fine.

~ I thought that Annaleigh looking for clues and following her gut feeling was great. She knew something wasn’t right and she kept going even when everyone doubted her.

~ The ending was perfect and everything was wrapped up well.

~ This is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, which is a story about twelve sisters who go out dancing every night and their dance shoes become worn out. Their father who is perplexed at this offers anyone who can figure out what the girls are doing their pick at which girl they want to marry.

Overall

I thought this book was great. I liked that there was a little bit of mystery along with the fact that this is a fairytale retelling that had its own spin. This was a great debut novel and I would definitely recommend it to those looking for a retelling with a chilling spin to it!

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Filed Under: Reviews

THE BEHOLDER By Anna Bright

June 7, 2019 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 BEHOLDER By Anna BrightThe Beholder by Anna Bright
Series: The Beholder #1
Published by HarperTeen on 6/4/19
Genres: Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

ReviewedbyDani

Selah has waited her whole life for a happily ever after. As the only daughter of the leader of Potomac, she knows her duty is to find the perfect match.

But after an excruciatingly public rejection, Selah’s stepmother suggests an unthinkable solution: Selah must set sail across the Atlantic to visit a series of potential suitors—and if she doesn’t come home engaged, she shouldn’t come home at all.

From the gardens of England to the fjords of Norge, Selah’s quest will be the journey of a lifetime. But her stepmother’s schemes aren’t the only secrets hiding belowdecks…and the stakes of her voyage may be higher than any happy ending.


Short and Sweet

After Selah is publicly rejected by a boy she thought she would spend the rest of her life with, Selah’s step mother comes up with the idea to send Selah across the Atlantic to meet potential suitors, and come back engaged or don’t come back at all. The only problem is Selah’s step mother isn’t the only one with secrets…

Characters

Selah: Our main character. Selah’s main goal is to stay in Potomac and look over her father because he seems to be getting weaker, but she knows she has no choice but to go and meet her suitors and come back to her father as fast as possible. Selah is naive and trusts people based on how they look. She’s an interesting character to say the least she kind of lives in a fairytale, except her life isn’t one.

Romance

Selah and Bear: Selah and Bear meet at her first stop and Bear is her guard. Selah ends up falling for Bear the more they spend time together and get to know each other but things get very complicated when something is revealed at the end of the visit.

Selah and Torden: These two meet during Selah’s second visit and I really liked them together. I’m not sure if it was exactly instalove or if they actually did take the time to get to know each other but they were compatible in my eyes. I think if the circumstances were different for the both of them then things could have been magical.

Quotes

~ “It was clear as day to me from the beginning that you were the one.”

My Thoughts

~ The book starts off pretty fast paced, and I liked that about the book, things start to slow down each time Selah makes her way to where her potential suitors are.

~ There were three stops and at each stop Selah was set to meet a suitor but there’s one stop Selah didn’t want to go to because of stories about Baba Yaga. But Selah is reminded that if she misses these meetings with her suitors it may offend the countries that are welcoming her.

~ I wanted to know more about Selah’s stepmother and what she was up to but we don’t get to know much because Selah is away.

~ I liked the crew of the Beholder each person on board had a different personality and Lang was great he was the captain of the ship and he made sure Selah made it to each of her stops.

~ Getting to meet Selah’s suitors was great to because you never knew what they were going to be like and the first stop had a big surprise.

~ The ending was the only thing I had a problem with because I wasn’t a 100% sure what exactly was happening or what the crew of the beholder was actually up to.

Overall

I thought this was a good book. I liked going across the Atlantic and meeting the suitors, I liked learning more about the crew. I think my favorite stop was in the fjords of Norge the characters there were vivid and I liked how close they were as siblings. Like I said I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next book but I’m excited to find out!

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Filed Under: Reviews

A QUESTION OF HOLMES By Brittany Cavallaro

April 1, 2019 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.

A QUESTION OF HOLMES By Brittany CavallaroA Question of Holmes by Brittany Cavallaro
Series: Charlotte Holmes #4
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on 3/5/19
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery & Detective, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 304
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

ReviewedbyDani

Charlotte Holmes and Jamie Watson finally have a chance to start over. With all the freedom their pre-college summer program provides and no one on their tail, the only mystery they need to solve, once and for all, is what they are to each other.

But upon their arrival at Oxford, Charlotte is immediately drawn into a new case: a series of accidents befell the theater program at Oxford last year, culminating in a young woman going missing on the night of a major performance.

The mystery has gone unsolved; the case is cold. And no one—least of all the girl’s peculiar, close-knit group of friends—is talking.

When Watson and Holmes join the theater program, the “accidents” start anew, giving them no choice but to throw themselves into the case. But as the complicated lines of friendship, love, and loyalty blur, time is running out—and tragedy waits in the wings.


Short and Sweet

Charlotte and Jamie are finally in the clear, they’ve left behind Sherringford and the Moriarty family. Now they’re both looking ahead to the future and they’ve started to take  summer classes at Oxford, but once Charlotte gets to the school she learns about accidents that have plagued the theater members, now Charlotte and Jamie have to stop the perpetrator before theres another victim.

Characters

Charlotte: Charlotte Holmes, our lovable main character, when I think about it she reminds me of Bones from the tv show Bones a little awkward socially but still smart and good at heart. I love Charlotte she’s been going to therapy and she’s trying to better herself and I like how she’s working on herself, she’s grown a lot over the series.

Jamie: Jamie Watson, I just like saying their last names. Jamie is still Jamie he cares, he’s still a little aggressive, and he’s just trying to focus on his future in this book. Where could taking summer classes take Jamie in the future? Well he wants to be a writer and I think he’d be great at it.

Romance

Charlotte and Jamie: So in this book Charlotte and Jamie are exploring and trying to figure out if a relationship would actually work. It’s cute they keep their boundaries but at the same time theres hand holding and kissing. I actually really liked this because they respected each other and never went beyond what the other was comfortable with.

My Thoughts

~ I feel like this book was a lot shorter than the other books in the series but it was still enjoyable I really liked the mystery in this book.

~ The book is told only in Charlotte’s POV which was different from all the other books, at first I was surprised but I really liked her narration.

~ I loved the new setting and I liked that these two were investigating accidents happening around the theater students. It was a good mystery because it was hard to tell who could have actually been causing the accidents.

~ I liked the banter between Charlotte and Jamie it was funny and cute and it was great.

~ By the way I think Leander should win uncle of the year. He cares so much about Charlotte and he keeps her safe and he’s amazing and I’m glad she had him around.

~ As much as I loved this book I didn’t like the epilogue, but I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just leave it at that everything was great except for the epilogue.

Overall

I’m so sad that this series is over, I liked this take on Sherlock Holmes. It’s been fun following Charlotte and Jamie and the mysteries they encounter. I thought this was a great book I liked picturing what life would be like for these two in college and the future too. I love this series and you guys should read it if you like mysteries and Sherlock Holmes because who doesn’t like Sherlock?

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Filed Under: Reviews

SHERWOOD By Meagan Spooner

March 12, 2019 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.

SHERWOOD By Meagan SpoonerSherwood by Meagan Spooner
Published by HarperTeen on 3/19/19
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Young Adult
Pages: 496
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon

ReviewedbyDani

Robin of Locksley is dead.

Maid Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on, but the people of Locksley town, persecuted by the Sheriff of Nottingham, need a protector. And the dreadful Guy of Gisborne, the Sheriff’s right hand, wishes to step into Robin’s shoes as Lord of Locksley and Marian’s fiancé.

Who is there to stop them?

Marian never meant to tread in Robin’s footsteps—never intended to stand as a beacon of hope to those awaiting his triumphant return. But with a sweep of his green cloak and the flash of her sword, Marian makes the choice to become her own hero: Robin Hood.


Short and Sweet

After the death of her betrothed Robin, Marian doesn’t know how she’ll go on. The people in Locksley are doomed to live in poverty or hang if they don’t do what the Sheriff of Nottingham requires. Marian is also faced with the fact that Guy of Gisborne now wants her hand in marriage. Marian isn’t sure what to do, because everything around her seems to be falling apart but when Marian puts on Robin’s green cloak and takes his sword and bow it isn’t what she was expecting at all especially when people mistake her for Robin. Now Marian disguised as Robin will be the hero that the people of Nottingham need and give them hope.

Characters

Marian (Robin Hood): Marian is our main character and she’s been through a lot, from losing her love Robin, to being asked to marry Guy of Gisborne not soon after, and seeing the people of Nottingham suffer due to the Sheriff. Marian is a strong character despite everything that has happened and she uses this strength to become Robin Hood and become the peoples champion because she thinks this is what her Robin would  want. I do think that Marian is skilled with the Bow but not so much one on one combat, she also risks a lot by going out as Robin because he is seen as being a vigilante and is breaking the law so if she’s ever caught that would be the end for her. Marian is also a caring character and will try to do what is right and fight for what is right.

Guy of Gisborne: Sir Guy is Marians love interest in this book, he is also trying to become the new Lord of Locksley. Sir Guy does what he thinks and right which is following the law and he follows the sheriffs orders. I liked Sir Guy mainly because he’s so guarded that you want to dislike him but once you peel back the layers you realize he isn’t so bad.

Elena: Elena is Marian’s maid and throughout the book we learn that Elena has been hiding a few secrets from Marian but the further we read Elena and Marians friendship develops into obviously more of a friendship instead of just a lady and her maid. Elena is also shown to be very loyal to those she loves.

Merry Men: There are three merry men and I decided to put them all in this category instead of giving them their own section because their isn’t much to say about them. The merry men consist of Will (Elena’s brother), John, and Alan (Elena’s fiancé). These three are outlaws that Marian meets in the forest and they become loyal to Robin and his cause to help the people of Nottingham.

Romance

Marian and Robin: So we don’t really know what Marian and Robin’s relationship is like because Robin has already passed, but we do get short flashbacks from his point of view. From these flashbacks it seems as though Robin would allow Marian to truly be herself and didn’t confine her to feeling as if she must do certain things like most women were expected to do during that time. Robin and Marian met as children and as they grew their feelings for each other have grown and developed and they can be themselves around each other such as when these two learn to shoot using a bowl and how to sword fight.

Marian and Sir Guy: There’s not a lot of romance between these two they have a very complicated relationship. Marian spends a lot of her time trying to avoid Sir Guy while he likes to seek her out. Marian doesn’t like Sir Guy and she definitely feels like he’s trying to take Locksley when it in her mind is still Robin’s.

Quotes

~ “But one thing you have never been, my dear, is weak.”

~ “Then this time, we’ll fight,” she said. “One more mission. Robin Hood’s last ride.”

My Thoughts

~ I liked the short flashbacks that gave us a bit of insight into Robin’s life and what he was like.

~ I think Marian had a great support system especially her father who loved her and cared about her wellbeing and put that above anything else.

~ Marian’s stable master Much, was a great character I liked how he knew what was going on with Marian as Robin Hood but he didn’t let her know that he knew but he did give her help about how to be more carful.

~ I felt that Marian went into most situations as Robin without really having a plan which put her at risk every time which was the one thing I didn’t like.

~ I will say that when Marian was staying at Nottingham thats when most of the plans to help the people took place and she got help from her merry men of course.

~ For me I thought that most of my interest was held 60% of the way into the book I think a lot more was happening at that point.

~ I thought that this was a great retelling of Robin Hood and I liked that Marian was a strong character and her strength wasn’t weekend just because she was a girl. It was also shown that the men took orders from Robin more easily than if the orders were to have come from Marian.

~ The ending had a huge twist and I didn’t see it coming but I loved it and it ended perfectly.

Overall

In the end I throughly enjoyed Sherwood. Following Marian on her journey as Robin Hood and learning to become a hero and giving people hope was great. I loved the characters they’re really what makes the book shine. Sherwood is a great book all around from the plot to the characters I do think that it took me a while to really get into it but once I did I couldn’t put it down.

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A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY By Brigid Kemmerer

February 20, 2019 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.

A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY By Brigid KemmererA Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Series: A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1
Published by Bloomsbury YA on 1/29/19
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Retellings, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 496
Format: Ebook
Source: Reviewer Purchase
Buy on Amazon

ReviewedbyDani

Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.


Short and Sweet

Prince Rhen has been cursed to relive his 18th year over and over, all he needs to do to break the curse is have a girl fall in love with him. Unfortunately that’s easier said than done because Rhen turns into a monster at the end of each autumn destroying anything and everybody in his path. Rhen knows that this is his last chance to find love or he’ll never break the curse. Harper has her own share of problems her mother is dying, her father is nowhere to be found, and her brother is trying to keep everything together. When Harper tries to help someone on the streets she’s suddenly not in DC anymore but in Emberfall.

Characters

Harper: Like I mentioned before Harper has a hard life back at home, her mother is dying of cancer, and her father left them in a lot of debt that her brother Jake now has to work for a crime lord to pay off. Harper also has cerebral palsy and she functions pretty well (I also had to google more about this and learned that there are different types.) Anyway Harper doesn’t let this get in the way of anything she wants which I like, so it bothered me that her brother thought she couldn’t do certain things just because of it because I learned that Harper is strong willed and capable of a lot.

Rhen: Rhen our prince, our beast, our cursed soul. Rhen also has a difficult life not only is he cursed but every season he relives his 18th year, he turns into a beast, a beast that killed his family and his people. It’s not easy for Rhen to see how much damage he has caused and he feels like he’d be better off dead so he can’t hurt anyone anymore.

Grey: Rhen’s guard commander, and the only person who has survived Rhen’s attacks. Grey is loyal and I like that about him he does his job and he does it well.

Lilith: The enchantress who cursed Rhen. Honestly, Lilith is a very evil person and likes to inflict pain on Rhen and watch him suffer and fail for her own amusement.

Romance

Harper and Rhen: This relationship did not start off well at all. Harper didn’t trust Rhen because he’s been getting Grey to bring back girls for him (that sounds awful) anyway so she’s trapped in Emberfall when she should be back at home with her family. Harper didn’t really like being around him which made it hard for Rhen because she was obviously his last chance to break the curse. When they did have their moments it was cute and made my little heart happy like when they danced together.

Harper and Grey: I didn’t really want to mention these two together because um she obviously needs to be with Rhen, but there were some sparks between these two. Harper trusted Grey long before she started to trust Rhen.

My Thoughts

~ So this was a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast and I suppose it was darker than usually but I liked it.

~ Harper had hard decisions to make, she could either stay in Emberfall and help things get better, or go back home to her family.

~ Harper is also very caring she helped a lot of the people in Emberfall. One of my favorites was Freya, who soon becomes Harpers lady-in-waiting.

~ Once Rhen begins to travel past his castle grounds he learns how much his people have actually been suffering and it effects him. He also realizes that another kingdom is trying to close in on his which makes him strategize about how to stop them and a war if possible.

~ There is a lot of representation in this book Harper with her Cerebral Palsy, Jake and his boyfriend Noah, and Noah is also black. I liked the amount of representation in this book it was nice and kind of unexpected.

~ One thing I didn’t like was how Harper assumed Rhen didn’t care for his people because he hasn’t gone to see them, but its only because he’s been hiding in the castle to protect them from the monster.

~ The ending made me sad like where is Grey and will he come back?

Overall

I loved this book and I’m so glad I read it. It was different from other Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve read. I thought this would be a standalone but I guess I was wrong and I look forward to seeing how things go. Overall it was a really good book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys retellings.

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