five stars – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Hometown by Wendy Rich Stetson

My Review

Two different men. Two different lifestyles. An impossible choice.

Who’s now a fan of Wendy Rich Stetson? This gal! I just love the way the author writes. The details immersed me in the story. The characters were layered so well and dusted with fine powder. Several intense scenes had me holding my breath, and the rest had me swooning. The romance was built up very well, and I found myself looking forward to each new chapter.

Did I just add this author to my 1-click list? I sure did! I loved this book and I’m looking forward to more.

My rating: 5 stars

August 9, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Stolen Thorn Bride by Kenley Davidson

My Review

Stolen Thorn Bride was absolute perfection!

Ah! I just want to read it again and again until the amazingness finally sinks in. The characters were perfection. The setting was perfection. The romance…perfection. I absolutely loved Kasia and Dechlan. I enjoyed her fierceness and stubbornness. She never backed down, especially when it came to those she cared about. And Dechlan! I loved watching a wounded character heal and learn to love again.

Once again, Kenley Davidson blew me away with her world building and the characters she created. The book was a great mix of action, humor, and romance. I can tell right now that it’s going to be one of those books I think about for a long time after I’m done reading it. I definitely recommend this book!

My rating: 5+ stars

July 14, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Bjerner and the Beast by Miranda Grant

My Review

Wow! I really enjoyed this book.

What better match could you have for a woman who can turn people to stone with a single look than someone who is blind? Greek mythology mixed with Beauty and the Beast made for an interesting tale of love and heartbreak. Not only did this story contain some really funny dialogue, but I found myself near to tears on multiple occasions when the story took a sad turn.

Miranda Grant has a talent for weaving an incredible story and hitting the reader right in the feels. Bjerner and the Beast is the perfect mixture to make a heartbreakingly amazing love story.

My rating 5 stars

June 5, 2021June 5, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Moonfire Bride by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

A year and a day. That’s how long Valera must stay with the fae man who has stolen her away to be his bride. But if she can’t see him and she doesn’t know if she can trust him, will she be able to keep herself from finding a way to see his face?

The Moonfire Bride was everything I hoped it would be and more. I loved the story and the style of writing. I especially enjoyed every scene Erolas and Valera had together. I couldn’t help but wonder… Who was this mysterious fae man and what curse was he under?

The story was perfectly paced, perfectly spun, and the ending left me eager to start reading the second in the series.

My rating: 5 stars

May 4, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Shatter the Dark by Jenna Collett

My Review

The tale of Hansel and Gretel has never been one of my favorites, but in Shatter the Dark, Jenna Collett managed to create something unique, entertaining, and above all, romantic. I ADORED this mashup of Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast. Both Liana and Bowen are such a great match, each a little bloodthirsty in their own ways and out for revenge. Despite their dark pasts, they bring out the best in each other and I loved seeing how each character transformed into something strong at the other’s side.

Once again, Jenna Collett has weaved an incredible fairy tale retelling, one that brings back other characters in the series while maintaining that fun, humorous tone I like so much. This book is definitely worth a read for those who love fairy tales, humor, and unique retellings.

My rating: 5 stars

April 27, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward: Prisoner by Sylvia Mercedes

Book Review

At book one, I craved more. At book two, I can say I might actually be addicted to the world Sylvia Mercedes has created in The Scarred Mage of Roseward series. In his past, Soran Silveri was not a good guy. He was arrogant and selfish. But in this book, I truly got to see the beauty deep within his soul. His dedication to keep others safe. His need to protect Nelle from the dangers she faces each day. I couldn’t help but fall a little more in love with Soran, and I can’t wait to see how he continues to grow in the next and final book.

My rating: 5 stars

April 16, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Scarred Mage of Roseward by Sylvia Mercedes

My Review

A thief. A mage. An unforgettable tale.

The feels! I adored this book. It was one of those stories where you don’t realize you’re reading a fairy tale retelling until you’re about halfway through the book. I really enjoyed the writing, the characters, and the hard choices they have to make for other people.

Soran Silveri is a different kind of beast, mostly of his own making. He’s scarred, trapped, and tells himself he deserves the fate wrought upon him each and every night. But as a reader, I can’t help but hope there’s another way. Nelle is a unique kind of beauty. She has dangerous, coveted skills, a sharp tongue, and I absolutely loved her. I’m not sure where book #2 in the series is headed, but I’m looking forward to finding out!

My rating: 5 stars

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr

My Review

I did not see that coming.

Anyone who has read Round of Applause by Marilyn Barr will know what I’m talking about. The author did a great job at keeping me guessing throughout the entire book, and when the twist popped up in the story, boy was I surprised! The dynamic between the heroes and heroine made sense, and I appreciated how carefully the author crafted the story.

I love how strong Aurora was as a character. She wanted to travel the world to find herself, and she found more than she thought possible in a little town called Strawberry. I loved watching her own up to her mistakes and her past and become stronger because of them.

One of my favorite characters in the story despite how little screen time he had? Ryan. What can I say? I love vampires! I loved his snarky attitude in both Bear with Me and Round of Applause, and I hope I get to see more of it in future books in the series. Other than him, Nate quickly found a place in my heart. He was so fun and hilarious! I enjoyed his sense of humor and the silly relationship he had with Gran.

The characters were great, the story awesome, and the world building fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

My rating: 5 stars

February 21, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Soul of the Wolf by Judith Sterling

My Review

This book surprised me. After reading the first book in the series, I expected Soul of the Wolf to be just as serious and intense as Wulfstan’s character, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be quite the opposite. Jocelyn and Wulfstan were such a funny, well-suited pair. They had me laughing throughout the entire book. Especially where all of Jocelyn’s antics were concerned when trying to gain the attention of her new husband.

One of my favorite parts of this book was Jocelyn. She was fiery and headstrong, not afraid to go after what she wanted. She drove Wulfstan crazy in all the right ways. I seriously loved this book, and I’m looking forward to finding out what the next book in the series has in store.

My rating: 5 stars

February 4, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Witch in the Woods by C. M. Adler Book Tour-Review

“Once upon a time, there was a young girl who lived near an enchanted forest with her sister and her father. One day, while her father was gone selling firewood to the neighboring villages, her sister fell ill. Out of desperation, the young girl ventured into the forest for help and there she found a woman who gave her everything her soul desired…

Ambrosine lives next to an enchanted wood, which is no big deal when you know how to spot a magic hoax nest and trap nasty little night fairies.

And certainly no big deal when there is not even a witch in the woods.

When her little sister Rosaline encounters a strange new creature, she falls asleep and a dangerous fever dream threatens her life. With their mother dead and their father gone, Ambrosine gambles with the deepest desire of her soul as she fights to save her sister.

Based on the Grimm fairy tale, The Tale of the Rose, this is a highly entertaining and bone-chilling story of the first Witch in the Woods.”

November 7, 2020November 7, 2020 by Sydney Winward