I received a digital and audio ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
This book was wonderful. If you like me and you drawn in by lore and myth this is a great book. This is also filled with political intrigue as our main character Katyani, the queens bodyguard, is framed for the murder of the royal family. Katyani not only has to uncover what really happened and what motivated someone to kill her beloved queen and the family she was raised with. As the story unfolds there are so many other things at play that she had no knowledge of and she must use all of her skills as a warrior and those that she's learned during her time with the local spiritual leader to thwart the real villain.
This was was so well written and developed. The world building was so well done. Each of the monsters was well described as was the setting. The magic was based on spiritual power and time spent in spiritual learning so it was fairly straight forward. I loved all of the characters and felt they had great development. I thought the pacing was really well done too. This started off slow, but once you get past the initial set up things pick up nicely. I really enjoyed the aspect of the Indian lore and the medieval setting.
Like other readers I felt the romance aspect could have used a bit of work. It was a bit under developed compared to the rest of the plot. While you knew it was there and there was something developing between Katyani and Daksh there wasn't enough of it on the page for their relationship to really develop. I think the author did a good job wrapping it up in the end though. This certainly wasn't your typical YA romance with all the emotions and feelings though. The focus was more on the action side of the plotline.
I believe this is a standalone. It ends as if it is a standalone and I thought the ending was perfect, but I wouldn't be surprised if we get another book. Either way I loved this and can't wait to read more from this author!
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was an awesome love story! This has a little bit of everything I love about romance. Hallie is a little bit ridiculous at times. She is a people pleaser, so she often finds herself caught in hilarious and embarrassing situations because she doesn't want to upset anyone. Chris has recently retired from NASA and the Air Force after returning from the International Space Station. How are he and Hallie connected? Hallie is planning his ex-girlfriend Darcy's engagement party and wedding, and ended up watching the video diaries he sent to Darcy while he was in space. Hallie wasn't supposed to watch them, and now she feels guilty so she films her own video diaries and sends them to Chris. As both of them are struggling with a sense of "what do I do now?" they find comfort in each other's words from afar. When they finally meet they feel like they've known each other forever. Once they finally meet they take their time getting to know each other and support each other through some family drama and baggage they each have to work through. This unlikely couple was so fun to get to know and watch blossom!
This had some great moments of humor, some wonderful character development, and it was fairly low angst. While there was some conflict between the two main characters, you knew it wasn't going to last long. For the most part they had great conversations with each other despite the fact that Hallie is a bit self-conscious and a little insecure after many years of being treated poorly by the people that are supposed to love her. She is always worried she said the wrong thing, fortunately Chris is there to reassure her that he loves her honesty and wants her to speak her mind. This has some emotional moments and just the right amount of steam to balance everything out.
I do have one minor complaint regarding the reference to Chris making Captain in the Air Force in 4 years being a really big achievement. That is pretty standard practice in the military, and basically an automatic promotion for most officers. I also feel like he would have been at least a Major or Lieutenant Colonel after 15 years, especially if he had enough time to retire. As someone who served, I'm being picky about the details here. Do they really have any impact on the plot or the story, no not really. Most readers probably won't notice and it doesn't take away from the story at all.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish!
He needs to get her out of his system. Just once...
Folk Around and Find out, a small town, second chance contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Penny Reid is now available!
Hank Weller doesn’t help people. He leaves that do-gooder nonsense to his best friend, Beau Winston. Hank does what he wants, when he wants, with whomever he wants—and Hank does not want to hire Charlotte Mitchell to be an exotic dancer at his club, The Pink Pony. Sure, he can’t help noticing the dips and curves of her, how shrewd, smart, and funny she is, the fire in her hazel eyes. He's always noticed. She’d probably draw a crowd and entice the regulars. But after Charlotte's messy, public divorce made Hank’s club out to be the culprit—and made her the single mother of four kids—he doesn’t need or want any additional bad press courtesy of Charlotte Mitchell. Or the distraction. Unfortunately for him, the town’s prettiest charity case doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the words nope, no, and never.
Charlotte Mitchell doesn’t much like Hank Weller. Once upon a time, she used to. Years ago, she liked him a whole heckofalot despite other folks in town labeling him as “eccentric” and “nonconformist,” which were polite southern alternatives to "filthy rich" and "self-centered douchebag." Her opinion of him changed dramatically after he volunteered to be her date to junior prom and then promptly stood her up. They haven't so much as acknowledged each other in over a decade. But a sudden family emergency means Charlotte needs access to Hank’s club ASAP. Unfortunately for her, the narcissistic fancy-pants doesn’t seem to understand the meaning of the words help, generosity, and compassion.
But he’s about to find himself schooled. Charlotte is going to teach Hank a lesson once and for all about basic human decency, whether he likes it or not.
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
Knock Out, an all-new grumpy sunshine small town romance from Jiffy Kate, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!
In the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA.
Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley. Her strategy works until one fateful phone call initiates a series of events that shakes up her quiet existence.
Tattooed adventure-seeker Ozzi Erickson goes where the wind takes him. When he blows into Green Valley for his big brother’s wedding—and to figure out his next move—he isn’t prepared for the knock-out punch coming his way.
With Ozzi sticking around the Tennessee mountain town, his brother gives him a temporary assignment as Willow Bernard’s trainer.
His job is to teach her how to fight. But will she have the skills required to protect her heart?
'Knock Out' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Fighting for Love series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Jiffy Kate is the joint pen name for Jiff Simpson and Jenny Kate Altman. They’re co-writing besties who share a brain. They also share a love of cute boys, stiff drinks, and fun times.
Together, they’ve written over twenty stories. Their first published book, Finding Focus, was released in November 2015. Since then, they’ve continued to write what they know–southern settings full of swoony heroes and strong heroines.
Architecture and Artistry, an all new opposites attract small town romance from Nora Everly, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!
Sadie Hill has a lot going on.
New job, twin boys, deadbeat ex, and a mother from hell.
Her life is chaos and no matter how hard she holds on, every plan she makes flies straight out of her grasp.
The last thing she needs is for her devastatingly hot co-worker to become her new neighbor. A distraction like Barrett does not fit into her precarious plans for the future.
Barrett Monroe has got it going on.
His wicked ex-wife is nothing but a memory, his daughter is back home where she belongs, and he loves his job.
His control-freak ways have paid off and he can finally relax into his perfectly scheduled life—alone, just how he wants it.
The last thing he needs is an irresistible single mom and her adorable kids to move in next door. Sadie was hard enough to stay away from when she was just his co-worker.
But one night spent stranded in a snowstorm together finds these two sneaking around, sharing stolen kisses, and losing their hearts.
Will they give into the flying sparks between them?
Or drive each other crazy fighting their feelings instead?
'Architecture and Artistry’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #11 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe
Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.
Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.
Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.
Not Since Ewe, an all-new heartwarming second-chance romance from Susannah Nix, is available now in Kindle Unlimited!
Tess McGregor doesn’t need anyone.
So what if she doesn’t have any close friends or family anymore? Her successful consulting business keeps her so busy she barely has time to be lonely. She’s got her life organized exactly the way she wants it.
Until the daughter she gave up for adoption 30 years ago tracks her down.
Tess doesn’t know anything about being a mother, but now that she’s met Erin, she’ll do anything to stay in her life.
Even if it means facing the life-ruining jerk who got Tess pregnant in high school and broke her heart.
Donal Larkin would do anything for a second chance.
He’s divorced, his kids hardly talk to him, and he works so much he barely has time to eat. But when he’s united with the daughter he never had a chance to know, he vows to make up for past mistakes.
Step one is proving to Tess he’s not the same unreliable kid she knew 30 years ago.
And maybe if he’s lucky he can win back the heart of the girl he never got over…
Not Since Ewe is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #4 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
“I’m just nervous.” Admitting that to Donal took a lot of effort. “Opening up to people isn’t exactly my strong suit, and I’m taking my insecurity out on you.”
He surprised me by pulling me into a hug.
Wow. The man really knew how to give a hug. I wasn’t generally a big hugger, but just like the other night when he’d held me in his arms, I didn’t hate it.
In fact, it felt amazing. A few more hugs like this, and I’d be a dedicated convert to the holy sacrament of hugging. I’d be going door to door proselytizing on the spiritual benefits of embracing physical embraces.
“I promise I’m on your side.” Donal’s voice was low and rough, his breath a warm caress against my hair. “I’m not going to say or do anything to damage your relationship with Erin. You’ve got to trust me on that.”
It was difficult to talk with my heart lodged in my throat and my face pressed against his astonishingly firm chest. “I want that for you too. I’ll try to be a better teammate.”
He pulled back to look at me, and my stomach did another one of those unsettling flips under his up-close scrutiny. “We’re really bad at this, aren’t we?”
I was so flustered, I thought he was making fun of my poor hugging skills and stiffened. “I—what?”
“Being friends.”
Oh. There went my heart, right into my throat again. “Is that what we are?”
“I’d sure like us to be.” His eyebrows notched up a few millimeters. “Wouldn’t you?”
Damn the man for being so likable. How was I supposed to protect myself when he kept being all vulnerable and appealing?
And handsome. Don’t forget the handsome.
Shit, did I really want to be friends with Donal Larkin again?
Yes.
Even with our poor track record, I wanted that. Maybe it could be different this time. We were both mature adults now. Surely we could handle it. We wouldn’t make the same mistakes.
“I’d like that too.” I sounded out of breath, like I’d just done a hill ride on the stationary bike.
“Good.” Donal’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Can we go sit down and eat now? Because I was too nervous to eat much at lunch, and I’m seriously hangry.”
About Susannah Nix
Susannah Nix is an award-winning author of contemporary romances featuring smart women and swoony men, including the Chemistry Lessons series of romcoms about women who work in STEM fields and the Starstruck series of movie star romances.
Susannah resides in Texas with her husband, two ornery cats, and a flatulent pit bull. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, knitting, watching stupid amounts of television, and getting distracted by Tumblr. She is also a powerlifter who can deadlift as much as Captain America weighs.
Lost Track, an all new friends to lovers slow burn romance from Heidi Hutchinson, is available now in Kindle Unlimited!
Sabine Debois likes her wine pink and her life predictable. As a private tutor for the rich and famous, she doesn’t get starstruck. But when a tattooed espresso fiend saves her from death by sweater, she’s a little bit… grateful. That’s all. Just grateful.
Sunshine Capone just had the best album of his career, and then his girlfriend burned down his house. Well, his ex-girlfriend now. So he moved to Chicago to focus on his music and avoid the drama of relationships.
He should not be creating any excuse to hang out with the sweet teacher with the hazel eyes and bright smile. She doesn’t need his kind of confusion in her life.
But Sabine’s about to teach this superstar a thing or two about peace, love, and understanding.
Lost Track is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #5 in the Common Threads series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
She wasn’t an overly anxious person. She liked to think of herself as fairly Zen.
But whatever piece of plastic or thread or glue that had tormented her all day long had driven away her sensibleness and she was now gulping for air, trapped in a jumper.
A prison of her own making.
New fear unlocked: small, confined spaces.
No.
Nope.
She would not die here.
Not like this and not this day.
The studio wasn’t devoid of human life. She’d passed at least two sound engineers on her way to the lounge.
Sure, she didn’t know their names, but she could ask them to help her. Maybe Nikki was working. Nikki seemed nice those two times they had almost interacted. Maybe she would rescue her.
She took a tentative step in the direction she hoped was the door. Another step.
Okay, so far, so good.
Another step and her hip bumped into the edge of the table.
Or was it the counter in the kitchenette?
She tried to rub her hip and butt along the edge to orient herself.
The sound of a door opening spun her around and she almost lost her balance.
“Hello?” she called, hearing the tremor in her voice.
“Hello?” a male voice replied and there was no mistaking the amusement in his tone.
She exhaled loudly and tried to walk toward his voice but collided with the table again.
“You are all turned around,” he said, coming closer. “Just wait.”
“Please help me,” she said. “I’m stuck and I can’t—” She wiggled her arms above her head uselessly. Her fingertips tingled. That couldn’t be good.
“What can I do to help?” he asked, now standing in front of her.
She hinged forward at the hips. “Can you pull the sweater off?”
Silence for a beat and then a deep breath.
He smelled like coffee and fresh air. She wondered which engineer this was. His voice didn’t sound like Johnny, the owner of the studio, and it definitely wasn’t Johnny’s younger brother Shawn because he would have just started laughing and wouldn’t have stopped.
“Okay, I’m going to have to touch you. Is that okay?”
“Yeah,” she replied, slightly confused by his statement. Because it was pretty obvious that if she’d asked him to help her, he was going to have to touch her.
But when cool fingers brushed against the exposed skin near her armpits, she flinched.
Oh, now that made sense.
He tugged on the fabric around her armpits and it didn’t budge.
“Hm,” he said to himself and she sensed him step back. “It’s really stuck.”
She bobbed her upper body in agreement.
Because, duh.
He stepped closer and tried again in a slightly different place.
Nothing changed.
“I don’t want to ruin your sweater,” he said, sounding distressed.
“And I don’t want to die dressed like a traffic cone,” she replied a little more hotly than she should have.
He chuckled and tugged at the sleeves over her head.
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
“You do not have to apologize.” His voice moved like he was walking a circle around her. “Though I don’t think you look like a traffic cone. I actually saw you as one of those inflatable tube man things you see outside car dealerships.”
She laughed despite herself. “That’s not better.”
“You think if I pull straight up, we’ll end up with a finger trap situation? Because that’s what I’m afraid of.”
“I am very willing to risk it.”
“Okay.” He fiddled with the top of the sweater. “Stop me if it hurts.”
She braced.
The fabric tugged, pulled and smashed her face as he worked it off of her. She held her breath, like that would somehow ease the progression. The hem pinched and rolled over her armpits and then…relief.
She sagged forward and then cried out.
“Earring! Earring!” She moved her head with the sweater. Her hands, newly free, gripped his wrists. “Stop!”
He already had stopped. The moment she had cried out he froze.
She let go of him and dove her fingers beneath the loosened fabric to detangle her earrings.
“Okay,” she said, wincing in preparation for more pain.
But the pain was over.
The sweater came away and she took her first full breath in what felt like hours.
“Oh, thank you,” she said, finally getting a look at her rescuer.
Sleepy indigo eyes met hers, and the smile on his face crinkled the stem of the rose tattooed near his right eye.
Here was the thing about working with famous people and their kids, they were too often hypersensitive to people’s attention. She’d learned early on that most didn’t like to be stared at. And because they were hyper-aware of being watched, any kind of eye contact could feel like it was staring.
Rational?
No.
But she understood it enough that looking around them instead of at them was a safe option. At least until new expectations had been established.
So, it was very off-brand (again) for her to have full eye contact with a rock star.
She immediately looked down, but not before she’d clocked the dove tattoo near his hairline and the words “As Yourself” above his left eyebrow. Her gaze dropped to his neckline where a large black and gray tattoo of the sun on his throat was just barely visible from the collar of his gray hoodie.
Sunshine Capone.
So… not really a rock star.
But kind of.
Pop star?
He was more hip-hop, right?
Why was she trying to specify what kind of star he was?
A star was a star.
“Thank you,” she said again.
“Not a problem,” he replied, and his tone caused her eyes to jump back to his, even though it went against all her instincts. He was still smiling. “Are you okay?”
She nodded and chuckled at her own circumstances. “I am now, thanks to you.”
About Heidi Hutchinson
Heidi Hutchinson creates funny, clever, slow burn romance for readers looking for a guaranteed happily ever after.
She hopes the stories she writes inspire her readers to take their hearts on one more adventure.
She lives in the Black Hills with her alarmingly handsome husband, their fearless child, and a rather large and spoiled dog.
She is fueled by her unwavering and perfectly normal devotion to Dave Grohl and coffee.
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
