Review: Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young

Half-Light Harbor by Samantha Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is a new romantic suspense from Samantha Young.  It follows a New York socialite and heiress to a hotel chain looking to connect with her Scottish roots and recover from her grief after a tragic accident takes both of her parents.  Tierney Silver feels more at home on the remote island of Glenvulin than she ever did in New York and finds some peace and healing as she begins work on restoring an old guesthouse into a Bed and Breakfast.  Before leaving the states, she found out some disturbing information about her parent's accident and she is determined to find the truth with the help of an investigative reporter.  This puts them both in danger, but Tierney is sure that she will be find on the tiny isle so far away from the hustle and bustle of NY.

Enter Ramsay McRae, a surly contractor working on the B & B who is full of secrets.  He and Tierney are immediately attracted to one another despite their age difference, but Ramsay has a past he isn't proud of and he lives in isolation to keep his past in his past and the people of the island protected.  Finding comfort in each other as they hide their secrets and sort through their feelings of guilt and grief.  Their no strings attached situation turns into something more, but as the truth of Tierney's parents is exposed she is put in danger which sends Ramsay into a tailspin for many reasons.  Can their relationship survive all of the secrets and scandals that surround them or will they find their way back to one another?

I really enjoyed this new series and I'm excited to see where the series is headed.  I immediately fell in love with the island and the people.  This is a fast paced story with plenty of spice and several suspenseful plotlines that while seem unrelated eventually tied together.  While I'm not usually one for the lack of communication trope, it was always clear that Ramsay and Tierney were going to keep secrets when they started their affair.  It was part of their agreement that they didn't owe each other information or feelings.  I thought the author did a great job with their interactions and discussions about trust, and the later communications about trauma and their pasts.  This book does include physical and emotional abuse of Tierney's friend, so take care if that is a trigger for you.  While I initially couldn't figure out how that tied into the main plot, Young did a good job making sure that things came together.  She really kept us on our toes with this one and her skill with suspense writing has really expanded.  I'm really looking forward to spending more time on the island in future books!

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Review: The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch & Beth Revis

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  In full transparency I ended up listening to the audiobook while reading this.

This follows Alyth, half fae and half human, she is sworn to protect Scotland from the Red Caps and English fae clan.  In doing her duty, she has been Queen Mary's protector from both magical and human threats.  Enter Samson, a spy for the English serving Queen Elizabeth, who only wants to live a normal life.  To do so he must find someone to break the curse that has plagued him and hurt those around him for his entire life.  His latest mission to enter Mary's court and work with her wretched husband Darnley promises answers and a way to break the curse.  He meets Alyth and everything changes, while she doesn't initially trust him they can't deny that they are drawn to each other and to uncover the truth about the Red Caps and the plot against Scotland they will have to work together.

I loved how the authors blended history, fantasy, romance, and Celtic lore together.  The romance aspect takes a backseat to the history, fantasy, and court intrigue that is happening around Samson and Alyth.  If you are looking for a more spicy romantasy, this isn't the book for you.  I do like more developed romantic relationships, however the history, magic, characters, world-building, court politics and plotting more than made up for it.  I thought the authors did a good job describing the various types of fae and other magical creatures we meet throughout the book.

I'm loving what Raasch and Revis are doing as a writing duo.  I've really enjoyed their other works and this is no exception.  I really loved this and can't wait to see what happens in the next book as things heat up between the English and the Scottish and we get to learn more about the different types of fae.  I also look forward to seeing Alyth and Samson's relationship develop more and to see  how their powers grow as they work together.

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Review: Same by Hannah Rosenberg

Same by Hannah Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a lovely collection of relatable poems about life, motherhood, friendship, marriage, love, and relationships.

You really get to know the poet through her words in these poems and as a mom, it really took me back to when my now 17 and 15 year old were only a year old and liked to sit on the floor and play or read books. That time is precious, cherish it. I also say to her "Same", as I still having figured out how to do it all as we flit from event to event trying to survive until the weekend to recharge and recover from the week. I felt seen in these poems.

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Review: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and LiterallyYours PR, all opinions are my own.

You might be thinking it is far too early to be indulging in Christmas romcoms, but this was adorable.  I related to Luke so much.  I'm a bit of a grinch  myself.  Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Christmas the snow, the lights, the peppermint everything, but the holidays can also bring with it some bad memories and a lot of family drama.  

Eve is the queen of Christmas, she is home for the holidays from making Christmas movies in LA and she loves nothing more than helping her parents out at their during festival time.  Winning the festival's grand prize would really help out Eve's parents as their inn has been struggling since a chain hotel has moved into town, but Christmas and competition are what make Eve thrive.  Enter Luke, a local reindeer farmer who hates all things related to Christmas, and for good reason.  The holiday brings bad memories with it for him and while none of it is Eve's fault he associates her with that terrible time.  Something is different this year and if Eve wants to win Christmas and save the inn she is going to need Luke's help.  Armed with candy canes and cheer, Eve manages to melt Luke's icy heart and they both discover why their town and the holiday is so special.

If you love grumpy sunshine, friends to lovers, small town holiday romances this was so cute!  It embodied what Christmas and the holidays are all about!  Helping your friends and neighbors, making people smile, spreading joy,  spending time with the people you care about, new beginnings, and so much more.  I thought Eve and Luke had great chemistry, even better banter, and the humor was spot on.  I loved the meddling townsfolk and the chaotic reindeer.  

   

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Review: The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a delightful follow up to [book:The Teller of Small Fortunes|207611551], and can be read as a complete standalone.  Originally I thought the books were related, however they are not, which is why I make that statement.  It isn't a series, but if you have read and loved The Teller of Small Fortunes and loved it as I did, you are sure to love this one as well.  This has the same cozy vibe, a sweet romance, magical hijinks, and two witches who discover their true path and purpose along the way.

Certainty is a novice who desperately wants to rise to the ranks of Mage.  She showed promise when she entered the Guild for training, but she hasn't been able to pass the exams to become a full blown Mage.  Her magic allows her to speak with inanimate objects and determine their purpose, which isn't very useful to the Guild.  She is wearing out her welcome unless she can finish a task and be granted the title of Mage.  She will be assisted by a somewhat prickly Mage who is known for being unliked and icy toward her peers.  Mage Aurelia is all business as they set out to the small town of Shpelling to store unwanted magical artifacts in the unmagical town.  Upon their arrival the townsfolk are wary of those with magic and for good reason.  As Aurelia and Certainty work to make their lodgings livable and catalog the artifacts in their care, they learn why the people of Shpelling dislike magic and those who wield it.  Certainty is determined to sway them to her cause and uses her abilities and the slightly magical artifacts at her disposal to help instead of harm and bring the town back to life.  Aurelia is not onboard at first, but she quickly sees the good that can be done and her frosty demeanor quickly thaws and the two work hard to bring joy to the people of Shpelling and help wherever they can.

I loved the interactions between Certainty and Aurelia as they grew from prickly to friends to more.  The farmer and the aristocrat made for a nice balance as they learned from each other and Certainty gave Aurelia reality checks often but with kindness.  Their interactions with the people of Shpelling were humorous as were the conversations Certainty had with the artifacts.  I really loved watching the town bloom as the "lady mages" did their work.  I also appreciated that we get to see both girls interact with their parents and deal with their sense of self worth as part of the conflict resolution arc.  While they both had very different upbringings they both felt failure in different ways and their interactions with their families brought that to light.  

This was full of hope, garlic, magic, and all the cozy things.  There is a bit of romance but it doesn't overtake the book.  This is the perfect book for fall to curl up in a warm blanket with a warm drink and a snack.  I loved my time with Certainty and Aurelia and can't wait to read what Julie Leong comes up with next!

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Blog Tour: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

 

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. 

He’s one grinchy cowboy.

Rebel Without a Claus, an all-new grumpy/sunshine, second chance, small town romance novella from USA Today bestselling author Katana Collins is now available!

Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.

Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.

But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZU5GjY 

Add Rebel Without a Claus to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/rwacgr    

For more information about Katana Collins and her books, visit her website: 

https://katanacollins.com 

Release Blitz: Rebel Without a Claus by Katana Collins

 

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. 

He’s one grinchy cowboy.

Rebel Without a Claus, an all-new grumpy/sunshine, second chance, small town romance novella from USA Today bestselling author Katana Collins is now available!

Eve Winters lives for Christmas—the twinkling lights, the festive music, the over-the-top holiday magic. So when her parents need help running their Christmas-themed inn, she’s all in. The only problem? Luke Dawson—the town’s broody, flannel-wearing reindeer farmer who hates everything merry and bright. Unfortunately, he’s also the one providing the reindeer for the town’s biggest holiday festival, which means Eve is stuck working with Mr. Bah Humbug himself.

Luke has no patience for Christmas or the chaos that comes with it—especially when it involves Eve, the walking, talking embodiment of holiday cheer. He spent years trying to forget her, but now that she’s moved back to town—with her sharp tongue, city-girl attitude, and an unfortunate talent for getting stuck under mistletoe—forgetting her is impossible.

But between meddling townsfolk, mischievous reindeer, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded together, Luke is starting to wonder if maybe Christmas—and Eve Winters—aren’t so bad after all.

She’s all sparkle and Christmas spirit. He’s one grinchy cowboy. But when the festive sparks turn into a full-blown holiday inferno, will this rebel without a claus surrender to the season’s greatest surprise—falling head over boots in love?

 

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZU5GjY 

Add Rebel Without a Claus to Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/rwacgr   

For more information about Katana Collins and her books, visit her website: 

https://katanacollins.com