Review: A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own. The narrator was wonderful and really brought the characters and story to life.

This is told from the perspectives of Arthie, Flick, and Jin who all play parts in this YA fantasy heist novel. There are also some very important side characters that play a part in their group as they navigate the underbelly of vampire politics and polite society. By day Arthie and Jin run a tea house, by night it turns into a haven for vampires. At any time a of day Arthie is always collecting secrets that she can use to her advantage at a later date. When their establishment is threatened and they are soon to be without a place to call home, Arthie and Jin devise a plan to steal valuable information that will upset the ruling powers. To do so, Arthie must put together a crew to make the heist go smoothly, but she doesn't trust everyone in the crew and must stay 2 steps ahead of everyone. I loved Arthie, and the King Arthur aspect of her character. I can't wait for more of her in book 2. All the characters bring something to the table that make you want to get to know them more.

This has everything you want from a good novel. It has action, twists and turns, betrayal, and a hint of romance. Some of the twists you see coming and they are pretty obvious, while others are a little more subtle and you don't quite see them coming. Each of the characters has their own motivations and growth arc which is very well done.

This ends on a pretty big cliffhanger, but the audiobook contains a lovely interview with the author and her husband. I'm not sure if it is included in the print version, but it was really enjoyable to hear about her writing process, why she chose to tell the book from 3 POVs, and her love of tea. Their interaction was really enjoyable and they play off of one another so nicely. It is full of spoilers so you will want to have read the book first before listening or reading the interview. I loved hearing her discuss about why she chose to do certain things with certain characters and while she doesn't give much away for book two, she gives hope that all will be answered in the next book.

This really is perfect for fans of Six of Crows. This also has the same sort of found family vibe, but the characters are vastly different. I loved it and I can't wait for book 2! This is my first book from the author though I can quickly see her becoming a favorite! It was so refreshing to pick up such a fun book with a unique take on the heist and political intrigue aspects.

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Release Blitz: Rebel Romeo by Katana Collins

 

Holden didn’t set out to betray me… but that’s just what he did.

Twice.

Rebel Romeo, an all-new enemies to lovers, second chance romance, and the second book in the Shattered Hearts series from USA Today bestselling author Katana Collins is now available!

They say history repeats itself. Same Holden. Same me. Same heartbreak and betrayal. Only this time, I’m not the same shattered college freshman who runs away from a fight broken-hearted. I’m not going to fall on my knife, like Juliet.
This time, I stay. And I fight.

It’s bad enough that my director is my first love and the guy broke my heart. But now his most recent ex-girlfriend, the stunning Tony-Award winning actress, Missy Howl, is my producer on the show.

I have one more chance to prove to everyone that I deserve this lead role on Broadway. Everything’s on the line: my career, my apartment... and my heart.

I know falling for Holden again would be nothing short of a tragedy, but I can’t help the spark of hope that maybe we can rewrite the script for ourselves. But when it comes to star-crossed lovers, Shakespeare said it best himself: “These violent delights have violent ends.”

Start reading today!

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https://katanacollins.com

Review: Rebel Romeo by Katana Collins

Rebel Romeo by Katana Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

This picks up where Broken Romeo leaves off, so you really can't read this as a standalone. You may also want to start with Shattered Juliet as that has some extra info that will lead into the story that picks up in this book.

Kate has finally gotten a part in a show that might be her big break on the Broadway scene, the only catch is her ex is the director. Kate has everything to lose, and she feels like she is reliving the play they were in together in college. The story is told from Kate's perspective in the present, and Holden's perspective 5 years in the past during her freshman year and his senior year. Just like in their college days, the current production appears to be mirroring the same antics. Holden has nothing to lose, and Kate is being used as a pawn for others gain and amusement. Holden's politician of a father has been meddling in both the current production, and there are hints that he meddled in their college performance as well leaving Kate betrayed and embarrassed. There are quite a few players that don't want to see Kate and Holden succeed as a happy couple, and quite a few more that don't want to see Kate become the successful actress and performer that she has always dreamed of becoming. Unfortunately tragedy has struck and she is forced to choose her personal life over her career, and she isn't sure who she can trust Holden when she needs someone in her corner.

As I mentioned this is told in alternating POVs and alternating timelines. As Holden's POV progresses toward the final act, we get closer and closer to finding out what really happened to the production of Remy and Julie that they were rehearsing for in college and the betrayal that split them apart so catastrophically. In Kate's POV, there are quite a few characters that want to rip her to shreds and upend everything she has worked so hard to achieve. As she and Holden finally begin to reconcile there are several people willing to stand in the way of their happiness. I am anxious to find out if the show will go on or if our leading lady completely breaks after the final reveal. There are still so many unanswered questions, but I don't think this story will end in complete tragedy.

This book has quite a few heavy moments and some very emotional ones. Kate is forced to face her emotions and vulnerability, while Holden is forced to face his own actions and motivations. There is a lot of angst in this installment, caused by a lot of obstacles placed in the way of our star crossed lovers. There are quite a few supporting players, some good and some villainous.

Like Broken Romeo, this does leave off with another major cliffhanger. When I first started this series I thought it was a duology, so I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually a trilogy. I got to about the 80% mark and realized there was no way things were going to wrap up in a satisfying way in the remaining chapters. When I got to the final pages I realized there had to be another book because Katana would not do this to us, and indeed there is another book. Ruined Juliet is out in April and Forbidden Romeo the conclusion to the is out in July. I cannot wait to find out what happened 5 years ago between Kate and Holden and what is going to happen present day. With all of these actors around it is sure to be nothing less than dramatic.

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Review: Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke

Nothing But It All by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided both the print and audio ARCs of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.


The narrators were fantastic, they really captured the emotion of Lauren and Jack. This is a fairly emotional storyline and good narration is key. Both narrators really brought through the pain, uncertainty, and love the couple is feeling!

If you have been married for a significant amount of time this will really resonate with you. It isn't easy to make a marriage work, especially if one of you is the default parent like Lauren. When communication between you fails, it makes this really hard to keep going especially when the role of primary care giver falls on the shoulders of one partner. That is the situation between Lauren and Jack. After 20 years of being the primary caregiver for their two kids, while Jack spends all of his time at his auto shop Lauren has had enough. She's given up trying to communicate with him because he gets defensive and shuts down. They aren't making time for each other or themselves, so their teenagers decide it is time to intervene because they know their parents still love each other. The kids concoct a plan to get their parents together for one last family vacation, and Lauren and Jack have to decide if their love is worth fighting for or are they willing to throw 20 years away?

I really loved Lauren and Jack. As someone who has also been married for 20 years I've had similar conversations with my husband about work, kids, and balancing the load around the house. You don't get to your 20 year anniversary without having some hard discussions over the years some really good and some really unpleasant. There were so many situations that I found relatable. I liked that their relationship was already established so we didn't have an insta-love situation, we had a realistic married couple that loves each other but has let life get in their way. They have to make the conscious decision and effort to spend time with each other, have the conversations and listen to one another (which isn't always easy in reality). They have to take interest in each others passions while still finding balance with their family and business commitments and their commitment to each other.

I loved this, it is relatable whether you are married, in a relationship, or not. I love the author's standalones just as much as I love her series. This standalone is perfect if you love second chance romances, family dynamics, and all the emotions. This also has great side characters to support the main characters as they rediscover each other and what is truly important.

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Review: What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher

What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided both a print and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Easton has returned home to Gallacia for some rest and relaxation after their time as a soldier and the terrifying ordeal with the Ushers. Upon arrival at their lodge, they find it in disrepair and the caretaker missing. Easton and his attendant Angus quickly come to find that the caretaker has passed and a superstition surrounds the lodge. Easton isn't much for superstitions, but when they being experiencing strange dreams and symptoms there might be some validity to the lore.

I loved this. The gothic creepy vibe where excellent! If you loved What Moves the Dead you will loved this! Kingfisher does a great job with the worldbuilding and atmosphere. I loved the folklore aspect to the book and the heed the townsfolk give to all of their superstitions. It really enhanced the creep factor especially when Easton started having super vivid dreams. The dream sequences were exceptionally spooky and the descriptions make it really easy to visualize what was going on. You feel as disoriented as Alex does, and you aren't really sure what is happening.

While this is the second book in series, I think you can read it as a standalone. There are references to things that occurred in What Moves the Dead, and I highly recommend reading that first, but the main plot of this doesn't rely on you knowing the outcome of that book for you to follow this one. This reads more as a companion novel than a direct sequel. I do feel as if you will get a richer reading experience if you read them in publication order though.

This is a wonderfully strange novella and perfect for fans of gothic horror.

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Review: The Ultimate Glow Up Guide: A Guide to Self Growth, Self Care, and Becoming the Best Version of You

The Ultimate Glow Up Guide: A Guide to Self Growth, Self Care, and Becoming the Best Version of You by Elicia Goguen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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

This initially appealed to me because as a middle aged mom of two, self-care is something that always falls to the wayside.    I'm not typically one who turns to self-help books but this was a short audiobook and sounded promising.  Who doesn't want an empowering book about how to stick to the plan and become the best version of yourself?  I've really struggled to get back in the routines I had pre-pandemic and I can contribute all of those things to stress as the author points out.  Unfortunately the focus of this book is mainly how to deal with negative self image, unhealthy relationships with food, and delving into potential trauma in your early life that may have caused those things to develop.  

This has some nice tips about facing the the reasons you may want a glow up or issues you may have with your own body image.  She makes some good points about stress and developing self soothing activities and how to develop good behaviors and identify potential unhealthy behaviors.  She gives journaling activities to help with your journey.  I'm not a journal person, so I'm not sure how helpful those are.  She points out that you should seek a glow up for the right reasons not because you are trying to please someone else or conform to unattainable social media standards, and on that we agree.  I'm looking to restart my exercise routine and eat better to be healthier so I can walk my dog when spring comes and keep up with my kids at amusement parks on vacations.

Overall, I think this book may helpful to younger readers.  I think for me, this isn't what I was looking for to empower me to restart my self-care journey.  My reasons aren't the same as the author's nor are my experiences.  I don't have a negative self image or an unhealthy relationship with food.   The author does make some good points and I do have some takeaways, however I think I am not the target audience for this particular book. 

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RELEASE BLITZ: Through the Glen by Samantha Young

 

Through the Glen by Samantha Young is now live! 

He’s a cynical, world-weary Londoner. She’s a shy Scot. They might seem like opposites, but a few weeks in the Highlands will bring them together in ways they can’t imagine…

Theo Cavendish is the second son of a British viscount, and he’s spent years running from the aristocratic world he grew up in. Betrayal and loss taught him lessons he’s not quick to forget. As an award-winning screenwriter and creator, Theo prefers to throw himself into the world of film and television. He moves from one project to another, never really letting anyone truly know him.

As a housekeeper at the exclusive Ardnoch Estate, shy Sarah McCulloch feels invisible most days. No one really knows her, and they definitely don’t know she’s a bestselling crime writer. She dreams of seeing her series on screen and believes only one person can develop it for television. On the day she quits the estate for good, she shares her secret with club member, Theo, and asks him to consider her books.

Sarah never expected him to say yes or to show up on her doorstep ready to write with her. Or that weeks spent locked up in her cottage would lead them to form an intense but undeniable connection. A bond that Theo is not sure he’s ready to accept, even though he can’t bear to be without her.

However, when they finally venture out of their bubble, Theo finds he’ll have to battle more than his own demons to protect Sarah from hurt. For he has another fan, one intent on bringing the darkest elements of his most famous script to life. And unless he can figure out this real-life antagonist’s next move, Theo could be in danger of losing Sarah forever.

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Meet Samantha

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She's been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.
She resides in Scotland.

 

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