A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan presents itself as a dark and gripping fantasy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of its ambitions. It leaves one feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its lack of originality. The story follows the tired tropes of the fantasy genre without bringing anything new…
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The Housekeeper’s Secret
The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Housekeeper’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey promised an intriguing premise: a tale of secrets, lies, and the complex dynamics between the classes in post-war England. However, despite its potential, the novel falls short of delivering a satisfying reading experience. The Details One of the major drawbacks of The Housekeeper’s Secret is its lackluster characters. The protagonist comes across as clichéd and one-dimensional, with her inner turmoil feeling forced…
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The Princess of Selgovae and the High King
The Princess of Selgovae and the High King by Bryce Gibby My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Princess of Selgovae and the High King in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Princess of Selgovae and the High King by Bryce Gibby is a spellbinding tale of royalty, power, and forbidden love set against the backdrop of a richly imagined medieval world. Gibby effortlessly transports readers into a realm filled with court intrigue. The Details At the heart of the novel is Princess Eira, the headstrong and courageous daughter…
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The Wife in the Photo
The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shriner My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Wife in the Photo in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shiner is a exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, it’s a tale that transports readers into the lives of her characters. The Details At the heart of the novel is the protagonist. Her mysterious disappearance years earlier continues to haunt her husband and their…
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The Indigo Girl
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Indigo Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Indigo Girl is a historical novel written by Natasha Boyd. The book is inspired by the true story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a young woman in colonial South Carolina in the early 18th century. Eliza is known for her remarkable accomplishments in agriculture, particularly for her successful cultivation of indigo, a valuable cash crop. The Details The novel revolves around Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s life and her determination…
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The Goblins of Bellwater
The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Goblins of Bellwater in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist While The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle has its merits, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, earning it a 3-star review. The Details One aspect that may contribute to a middling rating is the predictable nature of the plot. The storyline, while engaging, follows some well-trodden paths in the fantasy romance genre. Readers who are familiar with common tropes in these types of…
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Three Kisses, One Midnight
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Three Kisses, One Midnight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Three Kisses, One Midnight by Chockshi, Menon, and Skye is a whimsical journey into a world of enchantment and romance. While the novel offers moments of magic and charm, it falls short of achieving a perfect spellbinding experience, earning a modest three-star rating. The Details The plot revolves around the protagonist, whose destiny is intertwined with three magical kisses beneath the…
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The Night She Went Missing
The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night She Went Missing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird presents a solid mystery that captivates with its premise but falls short of reaching its full potential. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Emily, unraveling a tale of secrets and suspense. The Details One of the strengths of the novel lies in its atmospheric storytelling. Bird skillfully…
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The Women of Pearl Island
The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Women of Pearl Island in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby offers a nuanced exploration of women’s lives and relationships against the backdrop of a charming island setting. While the novel has its strengths, it falls short of delivering a truly captivating experience. The Details The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of diverse female characters, each facing her own set of challenges and joys. Crosby excels in…
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The Sunken City
The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sunken City in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes is a spellbinding journey into the depths of imagination, where an ancient city and its secrets come to life beneath the waves. Noyes crafts a fantastical tale that seamlessly blends magic, mystery, and adventure, creating an enthralling reading experience. The Details The narrative unfolds as the main character with a thirst for discovery, embarks on a quest to unravel the…
