Review: Tear Down the Throne

Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gemma has matured and become an outstanding heroine. She has grown more comfortable with her power, adept at her spycraft, and improved her fighting skills. The last thing left to master will be her emotions, particularly where her feelings of adequacy and Leonidas are concerned. I'm a sucker for a forbidden or enemies-to-lovers romance, and Gemma and Leonidas couldn't be any more at odds. Though Leo does seem to have a greater grasp on his feelings for Gemma.

This installment brings us to another summit, and I was very interested to see all the royals gathering again. (Although I did miss Everleigh and am curious why she didn't attend). I absolutely loved the idea of the Gauntlet, and couldn't wait to see how it would effect everyone. There was SO much action and drama in this one, I felt like the book flew by and was sorry to see it end. I especially enjoyed the introduction of Otto and Violet, and I hope they continue to play a part in future stories. I also have an inkling of where our next spinoff will occur, and who that heroine may be.

View all my reviews

ARC Review: The Cowboy Says I Do by Dylann Crush

Series:	Tying the Knot in Texas #1
Pub. Date:	Aug. 4, 2020
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	332 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

As I just moved to Houston, I thought this would be a good choice. I don't, Texas is a tiny town somewhere between Houston and Dallas. There are quirky small town residents and family-driven politics and economics. That's how we get our main characters, the newly elected mayor (despite a lack of qualifications) and the deputy sheriff (despite questionable business activities by his family). This is a good story for those fond of sweet romance without a bit of small town drama.

ARC Review: Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton

Series:	Anita Blake #27
Pub. Date:	Aug. 4, 2020
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	496 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

This was quite the different kind of book for Anita and the Marshalls, one where they were trying to save a life instead of take it. I don't know if it was the rush to beat the clock or just the different situation, but the investigation didn't seem to fall into place well for me. There also wasn't the thrill of the hunt of the defeating of the big bad villain, so it just wasn't as exciting overall.

ARC Review: Spells for the Dead by Faith Hunter

Series:	Soulwood #5
Pub. Date:	July 28, 2020
Publisher:	Ace
Length:	384 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I so enjoy spending time with Nell Inghram, our widder-woman who liberated herself from a cult in East Tennessee. Oh, and a yinehi with unique powers and abilities. I have loved watching her come into herself as the series has progressed. As Nell's experiences have grown beyond pizza and Krispy Kreme, she has amassed a family through blood and the land. So Nell is no longer our loner against the church, but now has a team to help fight battles both personal and professional. Her common sense approach to life and solving crimes is endearing and inspiring. And her relationship with Occam, the werecat, is so dang cute that I can't help but smile at their interactions.

ARC Review: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

Series:	Devil You Know #1
Pub. Date:	Aug. 27, 2019
Publisher:	St. Martin's Press MacMillan Audio
Narrators:	Derek Perkins
Length:	440 pgs 13 hrs 4 min
Source:	NetGalley / Publisher

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first installment of the brand new Devil You Know series by Kerrigan Byrne. I could not wait to get my grabby hands on this new series, particularly with the teaser that these men are "dark, bold and brave." Kerrigan is exceptional at writing these types of heroes, and I couldn't wait to embark on a new adventure after the Victorian Rebels series.

ARC Review: The Lost Daughter by Gill Paul

Pub. Date:	Aug. 27, 2019
Publisher:	William Morrow
Length:	496 pgs
Source:	Publisher

This was my first read from Gill Paul, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, I was intrigued by the concept of a historical fiction concerning the Romanov family, whom I was only vaguely familiar with before embarking on this reading venture. I have always thought the Romanovs were fascinating, but it just wasn't something we studied much in school. I have not read The Secret Wife, but I definitely have added that earlier story to my TBR after finishing The Lost Daughter. 

Audiobook Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau

Series:	Beast Charmer #1
Pub. Date:	June 25, 2019
Publisher:	Sourcebooks Casa Recorded Books
Narrators:	Brian Pallino Jennifer O'Donnell
Length:	438 pgs 12 hrs 43 min
Source:	NetGalley / RBDigitial

Kingdom of Exiles is a creative debut from one Sourcebook's newest authors, Maxym M. Martineau. I got to meet Maxym at Book Lovers Con this year, and she was lovely. I am stoked she has decided to write in my favorite genre - fantasy romance - as it seems the books in this genre are fewer and far between these days. I can definitely say that this author has been added to my auto-buy list, and can't wait to see where she takes this series in the future.

ARC Review: Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews

Series:	Hidden Legacy #4
Pub. Date:	Aug 27, 2019
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	352 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

Sapphire Flames is the first full novel in the Hidden Legacy series transition from the story of Nevada Baylor, to that of her younger sister, Catalina Baylor. I do recommend that you read the novella, Diamond Fire, first. The novella serves as a nice bridge between the two series arcs, and we get to see Catalina before she becomes the Head of House Baylor, while she is still growing into her confidence and power.

ARC Review: Diamond Fire by Ilona Andrews

Series:	Hidden Legacy #3.5
Pub. Date:	Nov. 6, 2018
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	160 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

This is a major blogger shame review - I totally forgot I had a copy of this ARC. How could I miss Nevada and Rogan's wedding?!?! Gack! Anywho, Diamond Fire is a novella in the Hidden Legacy series that serves as a bridge to transition from the story of Nevada to that of her younger sister, Catalina. Because this is a novella, this is going to be a mini review so I don't give away any spoilers.

ARC Review: The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Series:	Girl Meets Duke #3
Pub. Date:	Aug 13 2019
Publisher:	Avon
Length:	368 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

I'm a bit behind on my Tessa Dare books, so I haven't read the first installment of Girl Meets Duke. A problem which I intend to rectify as soon as possible. I really liked Chase and Alexandra from The Governess Game, but I think that Ash and Emma are going to have quite interesting stories of their own in The Duchess Deal.

Audiobook Review: In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston

Series:	Honey Badgers #2
Pub. Date:	March 26, 2019
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Narrator:	Charlotte Kane
Length:	13 hrs 43 min
Source:	Hoopla

Shelly Laurenston's honey badgers are a ridiculously good time - and whether you are reading or listening to them, they can't help but make you smile. It's hard to believe this is only the second book in the series, because these seem like beloved characters that have been around for a while.

A Beggar's Kingdom by Paullina Simons

Series:	End of Forever #2
Pub. Date:	July 23, 2019
Publisher:	William Morrow
Length:	656 pgs
Source:	Publisher

A Beggar's Kingdom is the second installment of Paullina Simons' End of Forever series, an epic romance saga spanning time and distance. Phew, this second book put me through the ringer! If you are looking for a happy-go-lucky romance story, this definitely is not it. But if you want to get emotionally invested in your lead character, this is the story for you. 

Audiobook Review: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

Pub. Date:	July 16, 2019
Publisher:	MacMillan Audio
Narrators:	Stephanie Willia Bethany Lind Nicholas Techosky
Length:	11 hrs 46 min
Source:	Publisher

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is my first read by Heather Webber, and it certainly won't be my last. I found this to be a sweet story with touches of romance and mysticism, and I loved the small town southern setting of Wicklow, Alabama. (Can I get one of those t-shirts???)

Audiobook Review: Under Currents by Nora Roberts

Pub. Date:	July 9, 2019
Publisher:	MacMillan Audio
Narrator:	January LaVoy
Length:	14 hrs 36 min
Source:	Publisher

Wow, Nora Roberts certainly knows how to create character connections. This book grabbed my emotional strings from the first chapter and just would not let go. I will put a little warning out there that this book may have triggers for abuse victims, but it was a wonderful story of survival, resilience, hope and family. It was definitely an audiobook that I didn't want to put down, and I found myself stealing a minute here and there so I could find out what happened next.

ARC Review: Fire & Earth by A.D. Starrling

Series:	Legion #2
Pub. Date:	July 25, 2019
Publisher:	Self-Pub
Length:	280 pgs
Source:	Author

I've been a huge fan of A.D. Starrling and her brainy books for a while now, so I'm always happy when a new one lands in my inbox. The Legion series is technically a spinoff of the Seventeen series (one of my favorites), but I don't think its absolutely necessary to start with Seventeen. Honestly, I can't exactly remember how it spins off, but I know I realized it in the first book... my brain is just getting too old to remember details in between book releases. I obviously need to take and keep better notes! You will need to read this series in order, however, as there is a continuing story arc that needs to be followed closely.

ARC Review: Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep

Series:	Crown of Shards #2
Pub. Date:	July 2, 2019
Publisher:	Harper Voyager
Length:	448 pgs
Source:	Edelweiss

Magic. Murder. Mayhem. Romance. That certainly sums up this series in four words. When I started Protect the Prince, I was a little worried that I wasn't going to remember enough of what happened in Kill the Queen to enjoy the story. However, Estep did a good job at putting in subtle (and not so subtle) reminders so that everything started coming back to me fairly quickly. This is definitely a series that must be read in order, as it's a continuing story arc. So this review will contain spoilers for the first book, Kill the Queen, so proceed at your own risk. 

ARC Review: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Series:	Psy-Changeling #18 Psy-Changeling Trinity #3
Pub. Date:	June 4, 2019
Publisher:	Berkley
Length:	416 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

I don't think I've ever read a bad, or even mediocre book in the Psy-Changeling series, or by Nalini Singh in general. The Psy-Changeling Trinity series has been extra interesting as we navigate the alliance among the Psy, Changelings and Humans. I have enjoyed expanding into some of the different changeling groups... but also loved coming back to our favorite wolf pack with this latest installment, Wolf Rain.

ARC Review: The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

Pub. Date:	July 18, 2017
Publisher:	St. Martin's Press
Length:	337 pgs
Source:	Publisher

I have been a fan of B.A. Paris from the outset, with her debut novel Behind Closed Doors. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that really turn your head upside down, I highly recommend this author. I'm only sorry that it's taking me so long to read her subsequent works, and that this one sat on my shelf long enough to constitute a blogger shame book. So I apologize to both the author and the publisher here for getting so far behind!

Audiobook Review: Fireborn by Katie MacAlister

Series:	Born Prophecy #1
Pub. Date:	Nov 20, 2018 June 11, 2019
Publishers:	Tantor Audio Kensington
Narrator:	Zehra Jane Naqvi
Length:	10 hrs 1 min 298 pgs
Source:	Hoopla / NetGalley

I had this book in my TBR on Hoopla when I saw it come across my NetGalley feed, and realized that Kensington was doing a re-release this past June. That having renewed my interest, I decided it would be a good time to do an audio/print read along, so I snatched this one up. Unfortunately, life and work travel got in the way that prevented me from getting the book read (and reviewed) prior to that re-release date... which seems to be the story of my life this year. But I'm glad I finally got to enjoy the story and meet a new cast of characters from Katie MacAlister.

ARC Review: The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter

Series:	Forest of Good and Evil #1
Pub. Date:	June 25, 2019
Publisher:	Inkyard Press
Length:	544 pgs
Source:	NetGalley

The Evil Queen is the first installment of the Forest of Good and Evil series, which will apparently be a retelling or reimagination of our favorite fairytales a la Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, etc.