Tag: 4.5 Stars

REVIEW – Gaslamp Fantasy // The Case of the Dragon-Bone Engine by Galadriel Coffeen

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The Case of the Dragon-Bone Engine
by Galadriel Coffeen

Apparently this is the author’s debut novel and what a great read it is. The story held my attention throughout and I found myself not wanting the story to end. In Beka and Donovan (I have to say I would have loved at least a few chapters from his point of view) we have to finely crafted protagonists who I quickly found myself warming too. It took most of the book for us to witness real character growth, but since this seems to very possibly be the start of a series there needs to be something left in reserve for future books!


The setting has a wonderful Edwardian steampunk-with-magic feel to it and had subtle elements of oppression of both women and minorities, in this case fairies. The author carefully and cleverly included elements that reflected some issues of our modern world, adding depth and texture to the story but without unwelcome political overtones. The plot was very satisfying, the pieces of the mystery fit together well with the unwrapping of the mystery feeling unforced and believable. The author’s world building was also excellent, balancing perfectly the need for providing information without overwhelming, losing pace or becoming repetitive.


I liked that neither Beka, who is the sole narrator of the story, nor Donovan were perfect or too good to be true. Beka is unusual in that she is a trailblazer in terms of female emancipation and whilst she does feel empathy for the much mistreated fairies, she condemns those who feel breaking the law is the only way to fight this oppression. Her empathy only stretches so far!


I am very much looking forward to seeing more of this eminently delightful pair, along with their colleagues, friends and family. I recommend this to all fans of steampunk/gaslight fantasy.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Gaslamp Fantasy Mystery

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56171699-the-case-of-the-dragon-bone-engine

Synopsis
Dynamite couldn’t cause such a big explosion. It must be something worse, Agent Beka Finley is sure of it. As she and her partner investigate the devastating train crash, she’s convinced the train was sabotaged.

But everyone seems bent on persuading her it was an accident.

Just like the crash that killed her father six years ago.

 Determined to protect more lives from the growing unrest between humans and fairies, Beka puts her own life and reputation on the line to find the truth. But that truth might lead to more questions than answers.

Acknowledgements –
Photo #1 by Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

REVIEW – DD/lg Romance // Baby Her by Markie Morelli

Louise H


Finn’s Plan Book 3:
Baby Her
by Markie Morelli


There is so much I want to say about this final book, and all of it positive.  Before I launch into it I do need to say that whilst the author gives some back story, so that you might be able to read this stand alone, but for the best reading experience I do massively recommend reading the books in order.


Despite some possible misgivings whilst reading this, ALL of those potential concerns were examined and dealt with during the course of the story.  At times I expected this to proceed along some very standard (and what to me would have been disappointing) lines, instead it actually took a surprisingly pleasant and very satisfying path.  In fact throughout the series the author has continually amazed me with how each character has grown, adapted and evolved.  I like that whilst the age play aspect is central to the book, there is still plenty of other story to round out the plot.

There was so much potential for Finn to have overwhelmed Trisha with his dominance and power.  She wasn’t “in the scene” and had no experience in domestic discipline or BDSM when she met Finn.  He had already decided he wanted a wife who would also be “his little girl” – purely in an age-play way, not a creepy way.  I’ve read too many books where the inexperienced, naïve, young woman is overwhelmed by the older, dominant male.  Where she as swept into a power exchange and does all the giving whilst he does all the taking.  I dislike those intensely so appreciated that whilst Finn never apologised to Trisha when he expected too much, he did make mental adjustments to ensure not going too far in the future.


The fact that Finn and Trisha self-reflected both on their relationship and on their own feelings was another big positive of the book.  They examined what did and didn’t work along with the why, not in overly tedious detail but through little thoughts, words and actions.  It was very refreshing to see genuine compromise from both characters, to read a power exchange story where they both gave a little on their own desires, to secure mutual happiness.   By the end of the story I genuinely felt that this was a relationship which, in real life, would survive the test of time.


This trilogy has managed to constantly surprise me because whilst it is about a very rich man finding, marrying and enjoying DD/lg play with a woman, it is also so very much more than that. I found myself both happy and satisfied with the ending and am very happy to recommend the series.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

New Adult Erotic Romance
Goodreads –


Synopsis
Billionaire Finley Tremont has it all planned. He’ll find the perfect girl, marry her and they’ll live happily ever after, all while he explores his passionate desire to be a Daddy Dom.
Step by step he moves forward, creating the perfect nursery, falling in love with the adorable Trisha, and convincing her to marry him.  Trish even agrees to indulge the man she loves and let Finn try to be her daddy/husband, a stunning concession he was never certain of receiving.  He’s carefully researched every available source for information and guidance on the proper care and discipline of a little, spoken with other Daddy Doms, and is convinced he’s ready to take on this exciting and challenging new role.
On top of the world, Finn is delighted, assuring himself it would be clear sailing from here on out.  His bride is the perfect combination of naive and naughty. What could possibly go wrong at this point? Only everything!
It seems his charming little bride has some ideas of her own and despite his carefully laid out plans’ things are about to get complicated as the babying begins. Apparently, Finn is not quite as prepared as he imagined and Trisha is not as compliant as she seemed.  Their new dynamic is going to take some work if they want to merge their desires and personalities into a lasting and loving marriage.

REVIEW – Urban Fantasy/ Mythology \\ Chase The Dark

Louise H1 Comment

Chase The Dark
(Soul Eater #2.5)
by Pippa DaCosta

Short stories don’t usually wow me as much as this one did. I guess it helps that I’ve already gotten to know Ace, Shu and all the supporting characters. I liked how the story focused very much on the action, there were no unnecessary fillers, everything had it’s role to play.


Like the previous books this leaves you with as many questions as answers, though in a way that does make you feel as though progress is being made. I wouldn’t say you could read this stand alone and get the full benefit, it is very much a part of the series. You could read the series without having read this, but why would you want to miss out on the fun? 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Urban Fantasy
Goodeads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34953901-chase-the-dark

Synopsis
New York’s sewers are infested with gators. As Ace Dante investigates, it becomes clear there’s something far worse beneath the streets, and it’s out for revenge.

(Chase The Dark is Soul Eater Series side story. It can be read as a stand alone or at any time during the series).

REVIEW – Urban Fantasy/ Mythology \\ Hidden Blade by Pippa DaCosta

Louise H

Hidden Blade
(Soul Eater #1)
by Pippa DaCosta

Second Reading
Oh the feels I got from this book, you can’t help but love the very broken and on the wrong side of the line Ace. I loved his banter with Shu. I loved his tender moments with Bast. And that restaurant scene at the end – yeah, I may have shed a tear or two. I’m off to read Witches’ Bane….

First Reading Review
Wow, this is so much darker than The Veil series and Girl From Above, however it is just as good. For some reason it took me a little while to get into the book, it might just have been my state of mind because when I picked it up for the second time I was soon into the story and didn’t put it back down until I had finished it.

The book is entirely from one point of view, the male main character called Ace Dante – well that’s what he’s called in New York, elsewhere he goes by The Nameless One or Soul Eater. There are so many mysteries about Ace to learn and I am sure Ms DaCosta will slowly reveal the answers as the series continues. I liked Ace, he has a darkness to him but you can sense that he does have some goodness hidden inside him somewhere. He reminded my a little of Akil, The Prince of Greed from the Veil series, at times. I did struggle a little with the references to all the Egyptian gods – perhaps a little personal research would have made things clearer.

The story jumps right in from the off, with the action and pace continuing non-stop until the end. You can tell that there are a multitude of schemes being plotted by the various gods, one or two are revealed in this part of the story, but I sense that there is something SO MUCH BIGGER lurking in the background. This book focuses on Ace’s connection with Bastet, the goddess of cat’s and pregnant women, and why her ‘followers’ are being murdered. There are lots of other sub-plots too, some of which are not resolved in this book. That being said this could be read as a stand-alone, rather like you can watch the first Star Wars film or the first Hunger Games film and not need to watch the rest. However you just know you are missing out on more wonderfulness, as well as seeing the bad guys get their comeuppance and the hero get resolution.

I really like Pippa DaCosta’s writing style, it has such depth and complexity and it is so very difficult to guess what will happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Urban Fantasy
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30031040-hidden-blade


“They call me devil, liar, thief. In whispers, they call me Soul Eater. They’re right. I’m all those things—and more.”

Kicked out of the underworld and cursed to walk this earth for all eternity, the soul eater known as “Ace Dante” finds solace in helping others avoid the wrath of the gods.
But when warrior-bitch, Queen of Cats, and Ace’s ex-wife, Bastet, hires him to stop whoever is slaughtering her blessed women, Ace is caught between two of the most powerful deities to have ever existed: Isis and Osiris.

The once-revered gods aren’t dead. They’re back. And Ace is in their way.

Welcome to a New York where the ancient gods roam. 

REVIEW – SFR/ Space Opera \ Overload Flux by Carol Van Natta

Louise H

Overload Flux
(Central Galactic Concordance #1)
by Carol Van Natta

Oh that epilogue! All those hints, clues and teasers! That was a great move to have me needing to read the rest of the series as soon as I possibly can Ms Van Natta.


Overload Flux is a well paced, action packed mystery tied up in a space opera bow. The story had so much depth, complex interwoven strands that together formed a wonderful whole. The world building was excellent, exposition guaranteeing that the prose flowed evenly, whilst understanding of the complex world and it’s inhabitants was always maintained. I adored Luka and Mairwen these were two immensely likeable protagonists, each with their own secrets, who somehow managed to be perfect for one another. The way Luka managed to draw Mairwen out of her shell, to show her how to live, how to laugh and how to love, was simply wonderful.


This was also a story of how it can be the little things that truly make for a great love story. From the noticing of expressions, to food choices and grounding one another, it was never difficult to believe in the depth of feeling between Mairwen and Luka. There are adventures to partake in, puzzles to solve, danger to avoid and friends to be found in this delightful book that will definitely be one I will read again.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33012415-overload-flux
Genre – SFR/ Space Opera

Synopsis
The Central Galactic Concordance has been stable for two centuries, but trouble is brewing. A pandemic is affecting hundreds of civilized planets, and someone is stealing the vaccine…

Brilliant investigator Luka Foxe’s hidden mental talent is out of control, making him barely able to function in the aftermath of violence, and the body count is rising. The convoluted trail leads to a corrupt pharma industry and the possibility of an illegal, planet-sized laboratory. In the face of increasing threats, he must rely on an enigmatic, lethal woman he just met, but she has deep secrets of her own.

Mairwen Morganthur hides extraordinary skills under the guise of a dull night-shift guard. The last thing she wants is to provide personal security for a hot-shot investigator, or to be plunged into a murky case involving sabotage, treachery, and the military covert operations division that would love to discover she’s still alive.

Two more lives in a rising death count won’t bother their enemies one bit. Their only hope for survival lies in revealing their dark secrets and learning to trust one another.

REVIEW – Viking/Fantasy Romance \\ Stolen by the Wolves – Lyx Robinson

Louise H1 Comment
Photo by Gioele Fazzeri

Stolen by the Wolves
(Viking Omegaverse #1)

by Lyx Robinson

This is a new-to-me author, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Definitely not an utterly captivating, well researched and brilliantly written historical fantasy, set amidst the Viking occupation of Alba. Make that doubly surprised when one considers this is a debut novel. Clearly the author has taken the time and effort to practice and hone her craft before publishing, since the quality of her storytelling was outstanding. I actually feel as though the title, Stolen by the Wolves, doesn’t do justice to this richly woven tale. To me that title is reminiscent of those mass produced, generic and bland PNR stories, which is about as far from the truth as one can get.


I adore omegaverse stories but, if we’re being totally honest here, they aren’t generally the most literary of stories. However this was a class above, the world building quickly drew me in and this felt much more like reading viking fantasy. All the classic omegaverse elements appeared to be contained within the tale, though we didn’t get to see nesting and knotting as this is a slow-burn romance. And that is the only time I could use the word “slow” about the story, with it’s well-paced, intricate and engaging plot.


Not only do we get to know the two main protagonists, we also see them grow as characters. Thankfully both Tamsin and Thrain were eminently likeable individuals, adding to the sheer pleasure to be found when reading this opening episode of their story. They were real and imperfect in that can’t-get-enough-of-them way. This was backed up with a good supporting cast. I would have liked a little more depth in some of these secondary characters, though that didn’t spoil my enjoyment in any way.


The exposition was perfectly balanced, enough so that the world building was solidly achieved but without unnecessary information dumps disrupting the flow and pace of the story. As the first part of a potential six part series, there is a good amount of character building and scene setting performed. However this was achieved whilst still providing a powerful read that has totally hooked me in. So much so that I have pre-ordered this book and will be buying the rest of the series too. 

Photo by Maycon Marmo

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57046173-stolen-by-the-wolves
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WJMH3R9

Once the wolves of Dublin take control, who knows what they plan to do with us? They are savages. And we are at their mercy.
It is the year 870. Hordes of Vikings sweep through the green lands of Northumbria and Ireland, raiding and pillaging. Soon, no kingdom will be safe from their bloodlust.
Tamsin has always been safe behind the walls of her sanctuary. Safe enough to yearn for a glimpse of the world beyond. But with the Viking threat looming, even her secretive kingdom must open its gates to invite allies.
And she gets far more than a glimpse.
The three lords of Dublin are on the hunt for women of her kind. Thrain Mordsson, youngest of the three and bent on a personal vendetta, doesn’t take much stock in the ancient prophecies. He marches into battle for the glory rather than the spoils.
Until he finds himself standing right in front of a fiery-haired princess. And the touch of her hand wakes an ancient magic in them both, one that neither could’ve anticipated.
The wolves plan to besiege her sanctuary and steal her fabled kinswomen for themselves. But the legends state that to harm these women would anger the gods. And now that Thrain has earned Tamsin’s trust, now that he has tasted her in the darkness of her godhouse, his loyalties begin to splinter.
All he knows is that he must protect her from the coming storm at any cost.

This is the first tome of Thrain & Tamsin’s story. In this new omegaverse series, kingdoms break apart and ancient magic is rediscovered. If you like your romance with a plotty medieval backdrop like Kushiel’s Dart or Game of Thrones, you’ll love this series.
STOLEN BY THE WOLVES is a fantasy non-shifter omegaverse romance that is based loosely on real historical events. It is the first of a 6-book series, slow-burn with eventual Reverse Harem romance. This novel contains some non-consensual situations, though they are not between the hero & heroine. The Viking Alphas revere their Omegas, and while they live in a cruel and unforgiving world, they do their utmost to keep their Omegas from harm.

// REVIEW \\ Protecting His Brat

Louise H

Protecting His Brat
by Sorcha Black

You’ve been warned by the title that this features a brat, and what a brat Deen was. However there was just something so sweet and cute, so helpless kitten about her personality, that it was only too easy to fall in love with her. Protecting His Brat is quite simply one heck of an amazing book, a well written mix of all things naughty but fun. The dynamic between Deen and Blue just made me melt whilst their journey to a HEA gave me all the feels, the story had me giggling one minute and sobbing my heart out the next.


There are so many aspects of the story that probably shouldn’t work, but somehow Sorcha Black rewrote the rules so that they did. Then again she took what could have been a fairly lightweight and kitsch trope and created a book with charm, wit and great characterisation. Aberdeen was so incredibly blinkered and naïve, yet not once did she irritate or annoy me. In fact I rather enjoyed her cheekiness and the way that she teased Blue, because there wasn’t a mean or selfish bone in her body. She used all her feminine wiles, which admittedly was mainly puppy dog eyes and teasing bratiness, to push at and pursue Blue, careening haphazardly through all his barriers and defences. Blue was all tall, dark and moody but once he succumbed to Deen’s charm(s) there was no way I could resist him in all his manly, Daddy-Dom swoon-iness.


Even the sex scenes were threaded with gentle touches of humour, as well as being rough, dirty, naughty and incredibly hot. For a very innocent little thing, Deen definitely had a very vivid imagination, along with either no sense of self preservation or an incredibly adventurous streak! The imbued sense of fun was used incredibly well to contrast with the more serious moments, adding depth in all the right places. There was also wonderful foreshadowing throughout, though my initial guess as to the attempted kidnappings was waaaaaay off the mark – turns out it wasn’t her “real” family trying to get her back!


My only problem with the book is that it didn’t last forever – I don’t think I’m ready to let go of Blue and Deen quite yet. Please Ms Black, may we have some more?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Genre – Contemporary BDSM Romance
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57102313-protecting-his-brat

Synopsis
Aberdeen
It’s ridiculous, but at almost twenty-two, Mother still controls what I wear and what I read. So, when my childhood bodyguard retires, of course Mother chooses his replacement without consulting me. I need someone to protect me from the kidnappers who always seem to be lurking, but huge, quiet, Mr. Köhler, with his jaw like stone and mashed nose, is not what I have in mind.
The man seems like he’s going to be dull, but the first time I get sassy with him, his intensity steals my breath.
Teasing him is the most fun I’ve ever had.

Blue
Before I can stop her, the bratty little tease I’m protecting gets under my skin…and that’s before she starts calling me Daddy. Although she tests my patience and self-control, I can’t bring myself to resign.
As the danger escalates, I’ll do anything to keep Miss Kincaid safe…but keeping her safe from me is the most difficult assignment I’ve ever had.

// REVIEW \\ An Alpha’s Grace

Louise H2 Comments

An Alpha’s Grace
(Omegas of the New South #3)
by Sharilyn Skye

An obviously broken Omega, an Alpha whose damage is carefully hidden, a claiming without choice and consent, yet against all odds this unlikely pairing works.


Sharilyn Skye blew me away with her impeccable characterisation, intricate story weaving and ability to demonstrate substantive character growth whilst retaining an air of credibility throughout. Characterised by powerful writing and insightful moments, An Alpha’s Grace took me on an amazing, tumultuous and heart-warming journey, an exploration into the healing power of love. This is a rich and unique story, where the sizzling heat of desire and warmth of adoration is carefully balance against the darkness of despair. I found myself quickly drawn into this tale, unable to put it down and rooting for Grace and Darrian to succeed in finding their HEA.


First impressions of Darrian were that he was a very put together, suave and in-control Alpha, dare I say a metro-alpha? Grace herself was very clearly a shell of a woman, terrified, over-whelmed and so very afraid. Holding on to sanity by the very tips of her ragged fingernails. Yet as the story progressed we discover that these two seemingly diametrically opposite characters are more alike than could ever have been guessed at.


I felt Graces pain, her confusion, her soul adrift on a sea she did not understand and had no clue how to navigate. Darrian had turned his pain into a finely crafted shell, one that hid the true man inside, hid the Alpha even from himself. It takes a soul shattering moment of inattention to turn this mild mannered man into the Alpha Grace actually needs him to be. Personally would have liked that event event to have played out a little longer, for the tension to have been built higher and the emotions to have been more fully explored. However I fully appreciated it for the pivotal moment it was, the one that finally, truly bonded this pair together. Earlier in the book Darrian felt almost beta-like, he himself references his behavior as akin to that of an omega. Don’t worry though he was always the man, and Alpha, Grace needed.


The book totally reads as a stand alone, and I can say this because I haven’t had the pleasure of reading books #1 and #2 yet. I will be adding those to my TBR. Would my appreciation of the subtle nuances have been greater, would I have had a deeper understanding of some aspects of the story, and the world, had I read those two books? Without a doubt I would, and I look forward to re-reading this once have read the first two.


There were parts of this where my personal preference would have been for something a little different. The, at times, slightly narrated feel of the prose would have had more impact for me personally had it focused more on emotion and feelings BUT – personal preference. And the sheer magnificence of how the author convinced me not only of Grace’s mental state at the beginning but also of the bond she developed with Darrian and her progress back to “normality” fully deserves praise and recognition. Many authors have failed to convince me of the connection between the hero and heroine, Sharilyn Skye managed it with a heroine who was barely above catatonic, almost non-functioning. Yet, where others would have fallen, the author had a credible explanation at each turn.

I’m happy to say that this book can very definitely be chalked up as a win. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Genre ~~ PNR/Omegaverse

Goodreads ~~ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56794526-an-alpha-s-grace

Grace had no past and no future.
Darrian was more broken than anyone knew.

Together they work to fix the damage that life has dealt. But Grace is a valuable commodity, and once she heals enough for her dynamic to emerge, the traffickers that stole her life will stop at nothing to get her back. When Grace’s connection to Atlanta’s brightest star and most eligible bachelor becomes public knowledge, the pressure mounts. Darrian will do anything for Grace, including drop the mask of civility he’s worn for over a decade. To save them both, he must embrace himself.

An Alpha’s Grace is a Dark Dystopian Omegaverse Romance that contains content that may be triggering for some readers. If such material offends you, please do not purchase.

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// REVIEW \\ Mister Baby Daddy

Louise H

Mister Baby Daddy
(Bad Boys In Love #3)
by Cassie-Ann L. Miller

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Hence forth this shall be know as “The book which pulled me out of a reading slump.”

I seem to have spent the few weeks struggling to stick with a book, and even when I have it hasn’t touched my heart and soul in the way that a great book did. Mister Baby Daddy took that poor reading streak, stomped all over it and tore it into tiny pieces with it’s great writing, amazing characters and emotional depth. Even though there is nothing particularly ground breaking or new within the plot, the quality of writing, the sheer amount of feels this book gave me, along with how much I found myself caring for both Walker and Penny, made it a wonderful read.

Whilst I wouldn’t class this as a rom-com, the author does thread humour throughout the story. She balances some very sad and difficult situations with moments of levity and fun. And did I mention just how great Penny and Walker are? It would be easy to become frustrated with the pair, but I couldn’t because the author created two very “real” people who I simply fell in love with.

It was great to catch glimpses of previous couples, and we got to know just a little bit more about Jessa, our next heroine. Based on this series so far I am really, really, REALLY looking forward to reading her and Eli’s story.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Genre- Friends-to-Lovers Contemporary Romance

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53571712-mister-baby-daddy

All my life, I’ve been in love with my best friend. All my life I’ve waited for him to notice.
I’m done waiting. I’m moving on with my life…I’m having a baby.
I really need to get over Walker Kingston.
My lifelong infatuation with my best friend is sort of embarrassing. The tall, broody hunk of farmer has always been my fierce protector, my constant hero, my knight in flanneled armor. But to him, I’ve never been more than a friend, the girl he saves from trouble in the middle of the night.
This whole damsel-in-distress thing is getting kind of old. I’m tired of being a burden on Walker. I’m ready to stand on my own feet.
I may never win his love but I’m ready to focus on the other things I want in my life. And what I want most? A baby.
I’ve practically got one foot inside the sperm bank when the overprotective farmer intercepts my plan. Now he says he will father my child.
Nope. Nuh-uh. Absolutely not.
I’m trying to get over the guy. So letting him be my baby daddy is low-key dysfunctional. But Walker insists it won’t affect our friendship. Plus, he has all these amazing qualities that make his offer super hard to resist. He’s strong and charming and fine as hell. And he’s the only person I really trust.
Okay. Fine. Grab the specimen cup. Off to the fertility clinic we go.
Except nothing ever goes to plan.
Now I need rescuing–again. And Walker has made it his mission to take care of my every need–again. And when the ever-grumpy cowboy introduces me to his soft, nurturing side, I’m a goner.
Well, damn. How the hell am I supposed to get over the man now?

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// REVIEW \\ Radical by Colleen Cowley

Louise H3 Comments

Radical
(Clandestine Magic, #2)
by Colleen Cowley

description

This started a little slowly, but I think it needed to because once it picked up steam it went supersonic. The plot twists – oh yeah, they totally took me by surprise and yet I can see how there was some foreshadowing of them. There was just SO MUCH going on with Plan A’s and Plan B’s and even Plan C’s and D’s. However all those plans were useless when… well you’ll have to read it and find out but OMG talk about bluffs, double bluffs and triple bluffs.


Before I go any further I need to tell you that this is NOT a stand alone book. You need to read Subversive first, as well as being aware that this ends on a cliffhanger. I have absolutely no idea where the author plans to take us next. Though based on this and Subversive it’s going to be one heck of a ride!


The discoveries made, the secrets revealed, the implication of the vows and of using magic, there is just so much packed into these pages. However Colleen Cowley does it all in a way that allows you to keep pace of every startling revelation. I continued to adore both Peter and Beatrix, I also felt that we got to know some of the supporting characters in more depth too. The conversation towards the end between Rosemary and Beatrix was so full of emotion – I may have required a tissue or two for that, and I most certainly needed them for some of those ends scenes between Peter and Bea.


This book crosses the genres and I hugely recommend giving the series a try, hopefully you will love it as much as I am.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Genre- Fantasy/ Alternative Reality

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55359252-radical

Women have no ability to cast spells. That’s what wizards have said for generations—and it’s a lie.
In this second book of the Clandestine Magic trilogy, Beatrix Harper wants to expose that lie to protect her sister’s life. Her desperate plan: Train tens of thousands of women in secret, then shock the nation with a display of their magic. She thinks it will work—if only she can keep the details from her town’s wizard, Peter Blackwell.
But that’s nearly impossible thanks to their unwanted magical connection. Peter, meanwhile, fears that his own desperate goal—to counter the terrible weapon he should never have invented—is doomed to fail.
Their plans are about to collide. Disastrously.

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