The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall - Lotte R. James (Review)

Date of Reading: 14/7/2021

Author: Lotte R. James

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Publication Date: July 27, 2021

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

 She arrived as a housekeeper

Will she leave as a countess?

To some, Thornhallow Hall might be tarnished by tales of vengeance and ghosts, but to new housekeeper Rebecca Merrickson it represents independence and peace from her tumultuous past. Until the estate’s owner, William Reid, the disappeared earl, unexpectedly returns… After clashing with him over the changes she’s made to the house, Rebecca slowly unearths the memories that haunt brooding Liam—and her defiance gives way to a shockingly improper attraction to her master!

Review:

        As you can see from the blurb, the story resembles 'Jany Eyre' a lot, which is one reason that tempted me. Well, there is a bigger hurdle here since our hero is an Earl and heroine a common girl with no hidden inheritance to dream of. As they say, love conquers all and so it happens.

        I loved Rebecca from the start. Her confidence in her own abilities is admirable and the same goes for that liberal attitude (a bit too liberal considering the time period). Will any virtuous female dare to have tattoos? Good for you girl!

        The death in the castle and the mystery surrounding the vanished Earl contributes much to the gothic atmosphere. There are no ghosts but the creepy atmosphere haunts you throughout. Apart from that nail-biting climax which I found out of place, I found the story quite enjoyable. The slow-burn romance, the community that creates a world of its own inside this castle and the beautiful writing all makes it an endearing read.

Meet the author:

Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she’s not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration or nestling with coffee and a book.

A Bargain of Blood and Gold - Kristin Jacques (Review)

Date of Reading: 1/7/2021

Author: Kristin Jacques

Publisher: City Owl Press

Publication Date: June 15, 2021

Source: BookSirens

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

A novice hunter with a mission. A five-hundred-year-old vampire with a strong sense of irony. A town plagued by creatures in need of saving.

When Johnathan Newman arrives in Cress Haven, the last thing he expects is for his life to be irrevocably changed. Sent by a clandestine league of vampire hunters to investigate a string of murders, signs point to a vampire lurking amid the townsfolk. Johnathan’s attempt to enlist the locals leads him to an unlikely partnership with Vic, the town's most eligible, enigmatic bachelor.

As the pair work to solve the mystery, Vic’s secrets come back to bite him. Revealed, the vampire fights his attraction to a man trained to destroy him, while Johnathan’s emotions land him in the middle of forbidden desires. Even if Vic isn’t the murderer, how can Johnathan yearn for his natural enemy?

As Vic leads Johnathan into encounters with terrifying beings straight from children’s nightmares, Johnathan learns that not only is the world stranger than he knew but that those he once trusted have far darker intentions that will place hunter and vampire at the centre of a conflict between realms.

Cress Haven holds more sinister secrets than its resident vampire, a secret so great, it could unleash Hell itself.

For fans of Gail Carriger’s Supernatural Society, The Charm of Magpies series by KJ Charles, Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh, and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee.

Review:

        I have been on the hunt for an mm paranormal romance and chanced upon this accidentally. I was sceptical at first since it is the first book in the 'Midnight Guardian' series. A cliffhanger is not something everyone is fond of. But rest assured, even though the story is not complete, it doesn't leave behind that much of a suspense . . . just the right amount so we can peacefully wait for the next one without going bonkers.

        From the very beginning, the story focuses on Jonathan and Vic's attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding the murders in Cress Haven. Sure, they get close with so many near death experiences, but romance takes a back seat most of the time. I can only hope that the author has reserved all the funny bits for the next book. What we witness here is the start of a very promising relationship and I can't wait to hear more.

     I should not be forgetting my favourite character though. She might be intended as Vic's sidekick, but she had outlived her role and I don't think she is planning to remain as a supporting cast. Brave, spirited, sharp tongued Alyse, let's see how the outside world treats you. Maybe you get to have your own story this time.

Meet the author:

Mother of two, caffeine addict, sleep deprived book eater, Kristin Jacques writes primarily speculative fiction, dabbling with dark adventures, monsters, mayhem, and the occasional sarcastic zombie. When not at her computer spinning tales she is generally herding cats or snuggling with her gremlins.

Six Crimson Cranes - Elizabeth Lim (Review)

 

Finished Reading: 3/7/2021

Author: Elizabeth Lim

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: July 8, 2021

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.

Review:

        You got it right. I fell for that stunning cover. Maybe it's a good thing that the review copy didn't include the cover, else I would never have finished the reading. Well, what else is there? A princess forced to be mute, a dragon, magic and fairytale vibes . . . did I tempt you enough?

        I have seen some rave reviews about Lim's "Spin the Dawn" duology but never got around to reading it (my bookish radar seems to be malfunctioning these days). Now I have gotten used to the incredible world created out of that brain, nothing is going to stop me from adding them to the ever-growing TBR pile.

        So here are the things that I loved: The well-developed characters, especially Shiori and her stepmother Raikama, the nameless queen. Being a fan of fairytale retellings, the ending was something that I anticipated. It didn't spoil anything though; rather it was quite gratifying to see that somewhat tragic ending. Bitter yes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

        There is romance for all those looking for it (a really slow burn one) but the story more or less concentrates on our princess with the voracious appetite. She is brave, humorous and in her mother's words 'the knot' keeping together the family. I was expecting more magic and . . . dragon though. Well, looks like Lim has reserved all those for the next book. Looking forward to your adventures in the dragon world, Shiori. Happy reading!

Meet the author:

Elizabeth Lim grew up on a hearty staple of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Her passion for storytelling began around age 10, when she started writing fanfics for Sailor Moon, Sweet Valley, and Star Wars, and posted them online to discover, "Wow, people actually read my stuff. And that's kinda cool!" But after one of her teachers told her she had "too much voice" in her essays, Elizabeth took a break from creative writing to focus on not flunking English.

Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer, and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing, and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel -- for kicks, at first, then things became serious -- and she hasn't looked back since.

Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the colour turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.