Book Review: Daisy Darker - Alice Feeney

 

Released: 30th August 2022   Pan Macmillan Australia  RRP: $34.99

The New York Times bestselling Queen of Twists returns…with a family reunion that leads to murder.

After years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker's entire family is assembling for Nana's 80th birthday party in Nana's crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. Finally back together one last time, when the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

The family arrives, each of them harboring secrets. Then at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows…

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide comes in and all is revealed.

With a wicked wink to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, Daisy Darker's unforgettable twists will leave readers reeling.

Review:

I find mystery/thrillers to be a bit of hit and miss with me. I" m either gonna love it or be so bored that I struggle to finish the book.

I'm happy to say that Daisy Darker was one of the best books in this genre that I have read n a long time.

I've discovered that murder mysteries that are in a setting when people are isolated and can't leave where they are for whatever reason seem to work the best for me,

Now I do have to say that I guessed the twist ending, all of them actually early on, but dismissed the ideas thinking that surely that wouldn't be it, but lo and behold was I shocked when I discovered I was right.

Still, that didn't take away from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I felt terrible for Daisy and the family she was born into, especially her awful sisters; her parents weren't that great either.

I enjoyed the descriptions and idea of Seaglass, the house that leaves the family isolated while waiting for the tide to go out; this story was atmospheric and was interspersed throughout with flashbacks to the past, which explains a lot about the family.

While this was my first book by Alice Feeney, it certainly won't be my last, especially if they are anywhere as good as Daisy Darker.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.

This book was sent to me to review from Pan Macmillan Australia; all thoughts are my own.

Book Review: Tokyo Dreaming (Tokyo Ever After #1) - Emiko Jean

 Pan Macmillan    Released: 14th June 2022   RRP: $19.99

Return to Tokyo for a royal wedding in Emiko Jean's Tokyo Dreaming, the sequel to the Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Tokyo Ever After

When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true. Only...

Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game.

But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?

Review.

Tokyo Dreaming is a continuation of Princess Izumi's story and her newly discovered life of being a Princess of Japan.

With her parents now engaged and a royal wedding on the horizon, life would seem to be perfect, but when the Imperial Council won't approve of her parents getting married, Izumi decides that she will do whatever it takes to make herself into the kind of Princess that the Council approves of in hopes it will help her and her Mother be accepted.

While I did enjoy this book. I found myself torn between Izumi's two relationships and I even preferred the newest one more than her old one (I don't want to spoil the plot, hence the vagueness), and I think that's the main reason I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book 'Tokyo Ever After'.

I recommend this series for those that enjoy a really good YA contemporary series, they're quick reads and lots of fun.

I received a copy of this book to review from Pan Macmillan, all thoughts are my own.

Book Review: Realm Breaker (Realm Breaker #1) - Victoria Aveyard

 Hachette Australia     Released: 4th May 2021     RRP:$22.99

Save the world or end it.

A strange darkness is growing in the Ward. Even Corayne an-Amarat can feel it, tucked away in her small town at the edge of the sea.

Fate knocks on her door, in the form of a mythical immortal and a lethal assassin, who tell Corayne that she is the last of an ancient lineage—with the power to save the world from destruction.

Because a man who would burn kingdoms to the ground is raising an army unlike any seen before, bent on uprooting the foundations of the world. With poison in his heart and a stolen sword in his hand, he'll break the realm itself to claim it. And only Corayne can stop him.

Alongside an unlikely group of reluctant allies, Corayne finds herself on a desperate journey to complete an impossible task, with untold magic singing in her blood and the fate of the world on her shoulders.

Review.

"No mortal alive had ever seen a spindle'.

So begins Realm Breaker, the first novel in a new epic fantasy series.

After loving the Red Queen series, I was excited to discover this new world that Victoria had created.

The first couple of chapters had me trying to wrap my head around all the characters that had been introduced and who was who; once I got past that, I found myself pulled into the story and all the adventures that took place throughout.

I appreciated having multiple POVs throughout the book; I feel it adds more depth to the story.

I adored Dom, he's like a big teddy bear, and I really hope he and Sorasa end up together; I found their interactions and entire relationship funny, which was a favourite part of the book for me.

I can't wait for book two, 'Blade Breaker,' to again follow our ragtag group on their mission to save the world.

A big thanks to Hachette Australia for sending me this review copy; all thoughts are my own.

ARC - Book Review: Between A Fox And A Hard Place - Mary Frame

 Amazon  Released: 3rd June 2022, Kindle $5.99 & Paperback $20.89

She's determined to keep her family home. He won't let his friend down. Will conflicting interests shatter their chances of happily ever after?

Finley Fox refuses to give up her life's work. With her family's cabin rental business at risk of going under, the eldest of five has been laboring for years to care for the property, not to mention her now grown siblings. But when a New York billionaire makes a play for the ailing resort, Finley struggles to resist her attraction to the handsome man sent to secure the deal.

Archer Weston craves stability. With his best buddy since childhood in need of a favor, the lonely businessman heads to the mountains to convince the owner to sell. But his mission hits a hurdle when his heart melts in the presence of the hardworking, beautiful woman.

With debt and sibling drama piling high, Finley fears that leaning on her irresistible guest for support could end in her own heartbreak. But as their relationship grows and intensifies, Archer is caught between his long-term loyalty and his one shot at finding his forever…

Can this unexpected couple keep both their dreams alive?

Between a Fox and a Hard Place is the first book in the Fox Family romantic comedy series. If you like swoon-worthy men, witty dialogue, and enemies-to-lovers antics, then you'll adore this sweet and steamy tale.

Review.

Between A Rock And A Hard Place was such a delight to read; I sat and read this within four hours; I couldn't put it down; I loved it!

I really enjoy reading series that are based on siblings who will all end up with their own book and love story.

The family dynamics and heartwrenching history make for an emotional but uplifting story that tugs at the heartstrings; Jacob will break your heart; I can't wait for his book and for him to finally feel at peace and to find happiness.

Finley and Archer have such great chemistry and were great main characters that kept me thoroughly engrossed throughout.

I get quite excited discovering new authors which Mary Frame was to me and to discover her back catalogue as well, while I await book two.

I was sent this book to review from BookSirens; all thoughts are my own.

Book Review: Tokyo Ever After (Tokyo Ever After #1) - Emiko Jean

 Pan Macmillan Released 25th May 2021, $18.99

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club YA Pick!

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean is a hilarious and heartfelt novel perfect for fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before and The Princess Diaries.

Izumi Tanaka has lived an uneventful seventeen years in her small town, keenly aware of all the ways in which her family is different from most of her classmates. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father's identity . . . and he's none other than the Crown Prince of Japan.

Soon she's traveling overseas to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she's only dreamed of. But being a princess isn't all ball gowns and tiaras. There are conniving cousins, a hungry press, a scowling but handsome bodyguard who just might be her soulmate, and thousands of years of tradition and customs to learn practically overnight. Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself – back home, she was never "American" enough, and in Japan, she must prove she's "Japanese" enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?

Review.

Tokyo Ever After is one of those YA books that is a joy to read, one of those feel-good stories that, while it's not all happiness and sunshine all the time, still leaves you with a smile on your face.

I really love a good YA contemporary, which this was, add in a whole secret royalty storyline and you have yourself a funny, exciting and intriguing story with an atmospheric setting in Japan.

What made this story so enjoyable was our main character Izumu (Izzy); I loved her; she was so interesting and quirky and just so much fun.

I don't think there was really any characters that I disliked, except maybe The Shining Twins (read the book, and you'll understand).

This book definitely had The Princess Diaries vibes, which is certainly not a bad thing.

I look forward to book two; I can't wait to see what's next for Izzy and the whole cast of characters.

A big thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for this free review copy.

All thoughts are my own.

ARC: Book Review: Stone Cold - Winter Renshaw

 

Released: 14th May 2022

Amazon

The most humiliating moment of my life begins with an early morning message from my ex’s notoriously heartless best friend.

Jovie—

In no way does this mean my opinion of you has changed.

I’m reaching out because sometime in the middle of last night you tagged yourself in Jude and Stassi’s engagement photo.

I don’t care if you were drunk or it was unintentional. I suggest you remove it immediately since the wedding is in two months (which I’m sure you know since you were clearly FB stalking them). The damage is done, but no reason to make things more awkward.

You’re welcome.

Stone

I waste no time removing my accidental tag before the sharp-tongued novelist in me fires off a response to the man who harbored extreme and inexplicable hatred of me during the three years I dated his best friend in college.

Only I didn’t expect him to respond.

And nothing could have prepared me for what he would say …

… or for all the ways this gorgeous villain with cruel icy blues would become the biggest plot twist my life had ever known.

Review.

I'm hitting the jackpot this year when it comes to great five star reads; Stone Cold is no exception.

This was a fun, quick, contemporary romance that I didn't want to end; I loved Jovie and Stone, both together and apart.

I also really appreciated the dual POV'S, I wish every romance writer did that; I think this story needed it, especially with the flashbacks.

Stone Cold is one of those books that, if you're having a bad day it would lift your spirits; it's cute and sweet, with great characters and an intriguing storyline.

It had me reading till after two in the morning; while I could have finished reading it then and there, I made myself put it down so I'd still have seventy pages left for the next day because I wanted to delay getting to the end.

This was my first Winter Renshaw book, and it certainly won't be my last.

I received this book to review from Hidden Gems; all thoughts are my own.

Head Stuck In A Book: Book Review: The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood

 

Buy Here

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Review.

The Love Hypothesis has two of my favourite tropes that I love to read about in my romance books, the fake relationship and grumpy/sunshine tropes.

This story was such a delight to read; the number of times I sat there reading with a smile on my face or an aww said out loud was too numerous to count.

It's one of those books where I found myself

struggling to put it down, and then when I finally did, I ended up picking it up again straight away.

I can say nothing negative about this book; I loved everything about it; I'm also quite annoyed at myself for taking so long to pick it up.

For anyone who enjoys a fantastically written romance, please pick this up; it's amazing.

Head Stuck In A Book: ARC Review: Mirrors And Ashes - Cat Bowser

 

Releases: 27th April 2022

Buy From Amazon

Mirror Mirror on the Wall—because of you, a kingdom falls.

When Ember’s mother makes a deal with a fae, she betrays
her own people and puts a death mark on her daughter’s head.
Ember has nowhere to hide.
Her life falls on the kindness of dwarves.

But while she finds sanctuary with the underground folk,
her people suffer, and will eventually succumb to the painful
death that the price of magic demands—
where even the soil of the earth turns to ash.

Unless Ember can save them.

Armed with only the life lessons from her Dwarven family,
Ember must overthrow her own mother and discover
where true love and loyalty lies. 

Review.

I'm a big fan of fairytale retellings, so when I saw that Mirror And Ashes was a new Snow White interpretation, I was quick to grab a copy to review.

This story is a unique concept for a Snow White tale; I enjoyed the different takes of the characters we all know and some newly introduced to this story.

I did find that this book dragged a bit in some parts, and I did find myself a bit bored.

But for the die-hard Snow White fans, they should really like this version.

I received a copy of this book for review from Book Sirens; all thoughts are my own.

Head Stuck In A Book: Book Review: Queen By Blood (Lost Thrones #1) - D.H. Gibbs

 

Released: 21st April

Buy From Amazon

The survival of an entire race or the freedom she desperately wants.

Held captive by an unknown assailant, Nika is thrust into a dark and mysterious world. Desperate to reclaim her freedom, the young orphan fights to regain a morsel of the life she once led. Soon, though, her plight reveals startling information about who she is and what she’s destined to become.

Demyan’s centuries-old search finally ends when he finds the rightful ruler of his race. Unfortunately, she knows nothing about her true identity or the great powers she possesses. But the clock is ticking. If he can’t convince her to claim her throne, her brother’s plan to extinguish the Immortal race will be fulfilled.

Can Demyan convince Nika to accept her destiny before it’s too late?

Fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout will devour this introductory novella to the Lost Thrones series.
One-click your way into this epic adventure.
*This book was previously titled Nika and has since been updated and rebranded for the release of additional titles in the series.* 

Review.

Queen By Blood was a one sit read that had me intrigued from the start.

I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the whole world it was set in; being only a novella-length story, I flew though it in no time and then wished I had the next book on hand to keep going on with.

The whole idea of the story was original and fresh, and I cannot wait for the next book, especially after reading the small sneak peek for book two that was at the end.

A great start to what seems to be a really exciting series.

I received this book for review from Booksprout; all thoughts are my own.

Head Stuck In A Book: ARC Review: The Resurrected Queen (Nemesis #2) - Jayce Carter

 

Released: 19th April 2022

Buy From Amazon

Revenge is dangerous, but love is a far more lethal game.

Only one of the people who betrayed me is still alive—my father. Nothing matters more to me than making him pay and saving my sister from his influence. But my attempts to rescue her only made him paranoid, and now the sister I wanted to save is being forced into marriage with an associate of his, all because of me.

I tried to keep the Quad, the four men I can’t stop falling for, at a distance, but the temptation they offer is more than I can resist. I tell myself I can enjoy their bodies while refusing to trust them, but, as the days pass, keeping those lines straight becomes harder.

I’m in more danger than ever and my enemies are closing in on me. I don’t believe in happily ever after, and the further I go, the surer I am that this will end with me dead—this time, for good.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of murder and attempted murder, violence and bloodshed, and a morally gray heroine. 

Review.

The Resurrected Queen was a satisfying end to the Nemesis duet series.

Continuing straight on from the first book's events, we return to Nem and her plans for revenge against her Father for arranging the murders of her and her Mother, with Nem being the only survivor and her plans to rescue her younger sister Kenzi.

With the help of the Quad, Nem's plans and purpose in returning finally come together in this conclusion.

While I definitely enjoyed this final instalment, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first book, 'The Corpse Princess'; I can't quite put my finger on why I just know that I prefer the first book more.

I would have liked an epilogue set a couple of years later, just to see what had happened to these characters after the events in this story, but I'll have to use my imagination.

All in all a fantastic series that I highly recommend.

I received this book via Booksprout for review; all thoughts are my own.

Head Stuck In A Book: ARC Review: A Beautiful Liar (Hades And Persephone #1) - Beena Khan

Released: 8th April 2022

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I gave Hades a fake name at the club, and now, he's chosen me as his mate.

Once upon a myth...
I've always been sheltered by my overprotective mother, hence the nickname given to me by my tormentors. "The nun." As a geeky scholarship student at the ancient and prestigious Saint Eudora Academy, I craved freedom, so, I sneaked out into the nightlife for the first time to mend my broken heart. There, I met a pair of alluring blue eyes and our worlds collided leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

It was a single night, and we both wanted to forget someone. He said, I have six months before he returns. Six months to tell my old life goodbye. In my drunk state, I agreed, and he declared us as betrothed. The next morning, I ghosted him.

Imagine my surprise when I see him at my academy six months later. He's returned like a raging inferno to claim me.

The connection and recognition are still there. He was supposed to only be a myth. The man I meet now is different. He's tortured, dark, and deadly like Hades. A sense of danger surrounds him, trapping me toward him. I don't know what he is capable of until a favor from the reaper and a chilling murder forces us to bond.

I fear the unknown ahead of me when I finally unmask him. I'm entangled in a web of secrets and lies where money and power rule in his dark world. He says he collects souls, and now he is here to take mine.

Valerius Vitalli will never let me go.

Loosely based on the myth of Hades & Persephone. 

Review.

A Beautiful Liar is a Hades and Persephone based dark academia, mafia story set in an atmospheric world perfect for this kind of story.

What drew me to this book was the myth of Hades and Persephone; I'm definitely not someone that will turn down anything Greek mythology related.

I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about this book, I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it either; in saying that, I will read the next book so I can see how it all ends.

I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems; all thoughts are my own.

 

Head Stuck In A Book: ARC Book Review: Savage Princess (Savage Kingdom #1) - Jennilynn Wyer

 

Released: 5th April 2022

Buy From Amazon

One strong-willed woman set on revenge.
Three childhood friends who are now her enemies.
Get ready for Alexandria to create chaos.

My name is Alexandria Donatella McCarthy, daughter of the don of the Rossi syndicate. Abused. Neglected. Underestimated. I'm about to unleash hell on this town. Keane Agosti, Rafael Ortiz, and Jaxson West don't know it yet, but I am the devil who will bring that hell to their doorsteps—and take my father down right along with them.

I was born into a life that showed me nothing but pain. A toy, a pawn, to be used by my father, Maximillian Rossi. My brother, Kellan, was the only bright light in my dark world. Then one day, he was gone. Taken from me. And it's their fault. My brother's three best friends. Keane, the leader of the group whose quest for power will be his undoing. Jax, the twisted psycho who lost his soul a long time ago. And Rafe, my ex-boyfriend who shattered my heart and left me when I needed him the most.

Now it's my turn to descend into the darkness. I will destroy them all, burn the Rossi house to the ground, and then rise from the ashes.

Are you ready for me, boys? This savage princess is coming for you.

Reader's Warning: Savage Princess is a dark, enemies to lovers, Mafia, reverse harem romance and contains scenes that may be triggering to sensitive individuals such as blood, violence, scenes depicting torture, foul language, consensual sexual content, and references to past sexual abuse/trauma. If you are not familiar with reverse harem romances, this troupe is where the female protagonist has more than one love interest and is in an intimate relationship with more than one man. Savage Princess is book 1 in the Savage Kingdom three-book series and ends with a cliffhanger. Recommended for mature readers.

Review.

When I was offered this book to review, the description sold me straight away; I wasn't expecting to find what may just be my book of the year.

What Jennilynn has written is so well done I couldn't put it down, but now I'm sad because I've finished and now I'm left desperately waiting for book two to be released, to return to this world that I've fallen in love with.

This book had amazing characters, a great plot, and twists; it was just fantastic.

One of the worst things for people who have no patience is reading a spectacular book that ends on a huge cliffhanger and then having to wait till July for the next book.

I think if I was being tortured by the Mafia to get me to talk, all they'd need to do was offer me the next book; I'd tell them whatever they wanted to know.

With all the twists, I have some theories, one that may be a bit far-fetched but I think would be a great twist is that Kellan is still alive somehow since Jax, Keane, and Rafe have a different story as to what happened; it just seems a bit iffy to me, I could be completely wrong, I could even be reading too much into it, but it's just a theory,

I'm also intrigued as to who Sarah's Mother is and why it was so hush hush; I just have so many questions; with two books still to go, I'm expecting many more twists and turns.

I cannot wait!

I received this review copy from Hidden Gems; all thoughts are my own.