Release Day! Book Review: The Endurance of Wildflowers

 Title -  The Endurance of Wildflowers

Author - Micalea Smeltzer 

Genre - 

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 17th 2023 

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Synopsis

When I met Thayer Holmes, I had no idea how much he would single-handedly change my life.

Our journey hasn’t been an easy one, but it has been ours.

We’ve fought through the impossible and come out stronger because of it.

But happily-ever-after isn’t a destination. It’s a never-ending road trip with bumps along the way.

Some bumps are bigger than others, but none of it matters as long as we have each other, right?

Review

I received The Endurance of Wildflowers in return for an honest review from Valentine PR. 

Salem and Thayer have come so far to get to this point life is perfect for them. They've been trying to get pregnant but it hasn't happened yet. Caleb is still living next door they are co-parenting perfectly and while life is full of bumps things are going really good for them all. 

I love Salem and Thayer they ripped my heart to pieces and mended it in the duet.The Endurance of Wildflowers is a continuation of their sweet love story. It's just as beautiful as the duet and I love being able to revisit some of my favorite characters. I love Salem she's one of my favorite characters to this day.

I ended up devouring The Endurance of Wildflowers in one quick reading session and as I turned the last page I wasn't read for it to end. I loved my time with Salem and Thayer it was a beautiful continuation of the story. The authors done a beautiful job creating a story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. Highly recommend taking a chance on the series it's one of my top 5 of 2023.

Book Tour: Review: The Secrets of Jane

Seriously, how gorgeous is this book?! Have you read The Secrets of Jane yet? We highly suggest you do! Read on for more details, and visit one of Bookstagram hosts to win 1 of 2 book boxes.

The Secrets of Jane: Forgotten (Improper Bastards Series #1) 

  Publication Date: September 19, 2023

Genre: Dark Romantasy 

 🗝️ Enemies-to-Lovers 💀 Empath Daddy 🗝️ Everyone is Morally Grey 💀 EPIC Pirating World 🗝️ Secrets and Mysteries 💀 One bed/ One Horse 🗝️ Captor becomes Protector 💀 Steamy, Angry Scenes until Alphahole Catches Feelings First

  “I’m a disciplined man, Jane. I can stay here for as long as you need before the lesson sinks in that you don’t run from me while in my charge." -- Soren.

He's a Mercenary with powers that allow him feel the hearts/desires/fears of others. She's his target, and must guard her identity at all costs.

My village is aflame, and a deadly legend becomes my captor.

 I’m to appear before the most elite faction of mercenaries and warlords, commanded to answer for a crime they refuse to explain. Even if my only guess for why they want me is wrong, they cannot have me. I’ve sworn to never return to Skull’s Row, home to thieves and killers; the graveyard of my childhood.

  He plans to unbury every memory until my soul is stripped bare: Soren, my captor, is strangely fascinated by me. By what I hide. Of the scars I have. 

 I’m unwillingly drawn to him. To his brutality. He harbors the same viciousness that coats my veins. He even seems persistent in taking me for himself… 

 He’ll either be my reckoning, or my undoing.

  The Witcher Meets Pirates of the Caribbean

This Dark Fantasy Romance is a Duet full of foul language, sensual scenes, and improper bastards.

Content Warning 18+: This series contains explicit scenes (3.5 chili peppers), depictions of war, battle violence, abduction, graphic depiction of violence, drugging, and overall a very crude world.

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  Available on Amazon

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Review

I received The Secrets of Jane in return for an honest review from R&R Book tours. 

Jane has been on the run most of her life hiding but now her village is on fire and a stranger with a mask has arrived in town determined not to leave without her. Soren is on a mission capture the auburn haired beauty at any cost. However, she's not what he expected and the spark is instant for both. The more he learns about her secrets the more he's not willing to give her up yet if at all. 

I love Jane she's an awesome character she has her softer compassionate side but is always willing to risk it all for her friends and doesn't back down. Soren is swoon worthy for a morally gray guy who's been working for the council. The have this instant little spark that grows as the book progresses and starts to sizzle.  I love the relationship between Jane an Soren they have this steamy chemistry that just works.  I also like the few side characters we had the chance to get to know Bones and Kathleen. 

I devoured The Secrets of Jane in just one afternoon I was captivated by Jane's story right from the start I had to know what was going to happen next. I love that it's written in a dual pov because I really liked getting to see what Soren was thinking and going through. I really loved that I was able to connect with both characters they are engaging and I just love them together. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm obsessed with her storytelling style. The Secrets of Jane is a captivating whirlwind action packed adventure that keeps you drawn in till the very end. This is a cliffhanger but don't let that keep you from diving right in. It's a unique story that mixes magic and pirates in a dark gritty world. I loved The Secrets of Jane its a beautiful story that I can't wait for the sequel to get my happy ever after. In the meantime I'm going to work my way through the authors other books. Highly recommend. 

About the Author

 

 Charlotte Mallory is eager to share her love for Dark Fantasy Romance stories, and dabbling in a few Contemporary Romances. What she enjoys most is taking well loved tropes and adding her own take on them. Right now, she greatly enjoys anything with Fantasy or Contemporary with an Alpha male lead, paired with a female lead that can absolutely handle her own! In her spare time, she enjoys nature, bonsai trees, coffee, and taking random art classes. 

  Charlotte Mallory 

  Book Tour Organize by R&R Book Tours

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

 Hosted by The Book Date 

New week new books. I'm all over the place with my reading tastes at the moment. I've got a few review books to read as well as some on my Dusty TBR list. I've been on a manga kick recently. 

October is flying by it's almost Halloween. 

Finished 

The Secrets of Jane by Charlotte Mallory (Review to come later in the week)

Arrived by Ashley Jacobs & S.S. Rich (Review) 

Court of Moonlight and Shadows by Poppy Ireland (Review)

The Curse Keepers by D.G. Swank (Review) 

Prince of Never by Lorelei Johnson & Hailey Jade (Review) 

Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun & Laura Watson (Review) 

Dirty Letters by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward (Review to come) 

Currently reading list for the week. 

I still need to finish off these two before the end of the month. 

I'm buddy reading A Soul of Ash and Blood with my bestie. 

Still working on Beach Shots & Monster Knots by multiple author anthology (Goodreads)

What are you reading this week? 

Book Review: Arrived

Title -  Arrived: A Billionaire Rivals to Lovers 

Author - Ashley Jacobs & S.S. Rich

Genre - Rivals to lovers, Workplace romance , One night of passion / One night stand

Secret billionaire cinnamon roll, Mile high meet cute , Different worlds , High banter, medium angst , Spice in the first act , He falls first, Guaranteed HEA

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 14thh 2023 

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

Laura Beth

He was a charming stranger.

A business trip hook-up.

Then, suddenly, my competition.

Parker Brooks. Gorgeous, confident, wildly successful. And the one thing standing in the way of my landing the deal that would secure my hard-earned promotion and future.

I didn't care how good he looked in a suit. If achieving my dream meant going through Parker Brooks, so be it.

Parker

She was a southern spitfire.

The star of the hottest night of my life.

And my self-proclaimed rival.

Laura Beth Calhoun. A small-town transplant with enough confidence and sass to turn even my jaded head. And the first woman to make me question if love was more than just a story my grandfather told me.

I didn't care about the deal. Laura Beth was mine. She just needed to arrive at the same conclusion.

Arrived is the first full-length standalone in the South Bay Billionaires series. This story features a strong female lead and a charming, charismatic billionaire who sweeps her off of her feet. It's medium angst, high spice, with a guaranteed happily ever after. Recommended for 18+ only.

Review

I received Arrived in return for an honest review from the authors. 

Laura Beth is determined to to close her first solo deal and land her dream job that she's been work towards no one is going to get in her way. With a chance meeting on a flight she encounters Parker as they both fly back and forth for work. While she planned for it to be a one night things spiral out of control when they are both trying to woo the same client. 

I love Laura Beth as a character she's just great I instantly was able to connect with her. Even though her focus is full on her job she noticed Parker right from the first flight he instantly sparked her interest. I liked the snarky banter and chemistry between them. Parker is just so swoon worthy he is perfect for Laura Beth. I really like that Parker was the one to fall first and that he chose love over the job very refreshing.

Arrived captured my heart right from the start I live in South Bay area and grew up in Boise Idaho which is where the client is located. It was fun to see the characters moving back and forth from my current home to my home town as I don't see books with Boise as the destination very often. I love Billionaire romance novels it's one of my favorite tropes so I couldn't pass up the chance to read Arrived and I'm so glad I did because I loved it. 

Arrived is a fast paced workplace romance that captures the heart as well as the imagination. I devoured Arrived in one reading session I couldn't put it down I had to know how it was all going to play out in the end. The authors did a wonderful job creating engaging characters you can't help cheering on through the whole book. I love the banter between Laura Beth and Parker even the little prank war. This is my first book by the authors but I'm hooked. I loved Arrived it's a cute story perfect for fans of billionaire romance. I can't wait to read the next couple in the South Bay Billionaires series. 

Book Review: Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Title -  Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Author - Joey Benun & Laura Watson

Genre - Picture Book

Format - Hardback Book

Published - January 31
th 2023 

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Synopsis

Even the youngest children know big numbers: a thousand, a million, even a billion! But what comes next? A curious butterfly named Pebbles wants to know, too.

Follow Pebbles' globetrotting adventure and meet animal friends in exotic landscapes. From idyllic butterfly fields to scorching deserts, vast oceans, and the splendors of space, Pebbles is always eager to explore. This fact-filled science book for kids is overflowing with vibrant illustrations that pull the story forward.

Even as the numbers grow to unimaginable sizes, author Joey Benun finds imaginative ways to help kids grasp the concept. Big ideas feel manageable when compared to relatable, everyday objects, like sand and stars. Reading about math is even more fun with 'Did You Know?' trivia, 'Number Notes', and 'Science Spots' on every page!

Pebbles and the Biggest Number is perfect for independent elementary readers or a read-with-me introduction to toddler math. Plus, there's so much to re-read and explore after the story. Dig deeper with a kid-friendly science glossary, fascinating number visualizer, and supplemental online activities.

Will Pebbles ever find the biggest number? Flutter in and find out!

Review

I received Peebles and the Biggest Number in return for an honest review from the author. 

Pebbles is a butterfly who loves to count but counting everything in his home never get's him very high. So he sets off on an adventure to find the biggest number he can find. Along the way he makes new friends and finds many new large numbers. 

I don't have any little kids in the house just my teenager but we quickly found someone who would enjoy listening to the story. I read the story to her and our kitten Seaweed the first time and she's read it to him multiple times before bed. He snuggles up in her arms as she reads to him it's super cute he just loves being the center of her attention. 

I've never been a huge math person in school it was always my least favorite class but I love science. I love learning new facts and this book was perfect for that full of fun interesting facts. My favorite is the malamute fact as we do have a big fluffy malamute though he has never seen snow.

 I absolutely loved Pebbles adventure as he hunts for the biggest number. The art work is beautiful but it's the story that captured my heart. I had no idea numbers went so high to be honest of course my daughter seems to know how high they went. I honestly think this is a great story to read to kids because they will love the story and all the fun facts. My daughter is still reading it to our kitten before bed since she enjoys is so much. She said it was really cute and loves all the adorable artwork. I think it's a must have for every classroom perfect for kids to learn and enjoy the story. We loved every moment of Pebbles story. 

 

Book Tour: Review: Court of Moonlight and Shadows

Title -  Court of Moonlight and Shadows

Author - Poppy Ireland 

Genre - Dark Academia, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Fae Courts, Gothic, Secret Society

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 10th 2023 

Buy it on (Amazon) 
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis

For those enticed by forbidden desires and secrets that demand a price...

Nightshade University was supposed to be a land of opportunity, a haven of knowledge. A prestigious institution catering to the elite Fae of all four courts:

The Dawn Court: Defenders of justice and honor.

The Dusk Court: Agents skilled in secrets and espionage.

The Demon Court: Bringers of chaos, reveling in destruction.

The Moon Court: Mystics wielding celestial magic and divination.

As a freshman, navigating power and politics was not on my syllabus, but now it's a game I'm forced to play.

At the heart of the intrigue stands Lysander Thorne. Our connection is electric, an attraction that's as forbidden as it is undeniable. With him, I'm drawn into a world of shifting alliances and treacherous loyalties.

But as I delve deeper, I discover more than just courtly schemes. A darkness looms, one that ties my fate to the very soul of Nightshade University. I might be the key to unearthing a malevolent spirit, but at what cost? My heart, my future... or perhaps even my life?

In a world where secret societies rule, and passion intertwines with politics, trust is a luxury and every decision, a high-stakes gamble.

Review

I received Court of Moonlight and Shadows in return for an honest review as part of the tour hosted by Chaotic Creatives Influence.

Sarielle's life has been planned out for years she would follow in her parents footsteps but when she assigned the Moon Court everything changes. Now she's in a new court with all new friends and new abilities. Her unique mark has drawn some attention from a elite group and she can't deny her connection with Lysander even if he's betrothed to another. Will she make it through school or will the darkness that is looming over the school be to much. 

I love Sarielle she's a sweetheart and such a great character I really connected with her right from the start. She's total kicks butt when it comes to protecting herself and those she cares about. I love Lirien her new friend who sees the future and adds just the right amount of humor to the story. Than we have Lysander her love interest they have this steamy chemistry even though he's betrothed to another. I don't want to like him but the more we see of him the more I do. 

I really enjoyed Court of Moonlight and Shadows I ended up devouring it in one afternoon because I had to know what would happen next with our girl. I love the idea of the different courts each bringing something to offer even if they shouldn't be mixing. This is a fast paced action packed steamy romance that keeps the reader on their toes till the very end. I really enjoyed every moment of the book it's filled with my favorite tropes. 

This is my first book by the author who is actually a duo of very talented authors that I haven't read yet. CoraLee June and Laura Lee both new to me and I'm hooked on their storytelling style I plan to check out their other books while I eagerly wait for the next one in this series. I can't wait to see what's going to happen with Sarielle and Lysander and what the future holds. Perfect for fans of Dark Academia novels with just the right amount of romance with the story. I truly enjoyed everything about it. 

 

New Release: + Review: The Curse Keepers

Title -  The Curse Keepers

Author - D.G. Swank 

Genre - Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Format - Kindle Review Copy  

Published - Published October 10th 2023 

Buy it on (Amazon) 
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Synopsis

When the keepers meet for the first time, the gate will be opened.

Two little rules have kept me safe since my mother died protecting me: always trust your instincts and forget everything about the curse.

But when I accidentally activate an ancient catastrophe I’ve spent my life running from, breaking the seal on the gates of hell and ripping the lost colony of Roanoke back through time and getting the attention of a vengeful god in the process, rules go out the window.

I can barely keep myself alive, and now somehow, it’s my responsibility to save all of humanity?

We’re screwed.

My only hope is to learn everything I can—everything I should have already known—from my fellow Curse Keeper—Collin-effing-Daily. Collin can lay on the charm when he wants to, but he’s made it clear he’s not happy I’m a novice at all of this. Unfortunately, I feel a pull to him I can’t chalk up to supernatural powers. My instincts beg me not to trust Collin, but I’m out of other options.

We have seven days to save the world, and the clock starts now.

**This book was previously published, but this edition edition has significant changes.**

Review

I received The Curse Keepers in return for an honest review from the Valentine PR as part of the upcoming release. 

Ellie grew up knowing one day she may have to save humanity but based on the past the odds were slim until a chance encounter with Collin another Curse Keeper sets everything in motion. Now they are on a timetable to save humanity and close the gate before it's to late and they can't stop what's been set in motion. 

I liked Ellie a lot right from the start she's just a girl trying to do what she can to survive and when a chance encounter with Collin changes all of that. Collin took a little longer to grow on me but it's because he's so mysterious but he also was very frustrating. However, the more time they spend together they start forming this connection and neither one can deny the attraction to each other. 

I haven't heard a lot of the Lost civilization of Roanoke except for a briefly touching on it in history and America Horror Story. I found the concept for the Curse Keerpers interesting that it's passed down from oldest child in each generation. I ended up devouring The Curse Keeper in just a couple of reading session I was invested in Ellies story and couldn't wait to see how the story would play out. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked D.G. Swank created a captivating adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat till the very last page. The author did a beautiful job creating a whirlwind story with just the right amount of romance. The characters are all lovely some you cheer on others you want to smack with the book. I really enjoyed the authors writing style it just flowed along so well. I'm looking forward to finishing this series and seeing what happens next. I need to check out her other series too.