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 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 Tangled Souls by Denise D. Young

My Review

There’s a reason for everything under the sun and moon. In a witch’s life, there are no coincidences.

Tangled Souls is a great addition to the Tangled Magic series. We get different characters, but the same world filled with danger, secrets, and magic. Denise D. Young excels in writing vivid, descriptive imagery that leaves the reader feeling like they’re walking through the book themselves, hearing, tasting, seeing, and touching as if they were a character in the story.

I found myself really liking Evan and Bailee, as they both had great talents and personalities to bring to the coven table. Although we only get a glimpse into Nick and Evan’s brotherly relationship, I loved the dynamic between them.

The author leaves off in an interesting place, making the reader wonder what will happen in the next book. If you like witches, shifters, fae, and magic, Tangled Souls is a great read for you.

My rating: 4.5 stars

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Rise for Me by Kristal Dawn Harris

My Review

Vampires. Modern-day gypsies. Two people destined for love. Rise for Me is the perfect blend of paranormal and romance, with a mix of vampires and darkness. I loved everything about this novella. It was perfectly paced, the details really pulled me into the story, and the stakes were high.

Kristal Dawn Harris excels at making exciting, sexy, and swoon-worthy heros. It was far too easy to love both Mariah and Roman, and effortless to immerse myself in the world the author created. If you love paranormal stories with a bit of darkness, you’ll love this novella like I did.

My rating: 5 stars

January 9, 2021 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Capturing the Last Welsh Witch by J. M. Davies

My Review

He was a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with when it came to getting what he wanted and he didn’t play fair.

I read the prequel before this book, and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the reveals that happened in this book that started in that one. Marcus and Ella complimented each other very well, and the dangerous adventure they went on together often had me on the edge of my seat. I never knew what would happen next. The author did a great job at continuously surprising me.

Capturing the Last Welsh Witch set up an interesting plot for the rest of the series, and I’d be interested to know how the rest of it unfolds. For those who like a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist, this is a great book for you.

My rating: 5 stars

December 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Magic, Witches, and More: Denise D. Young’s Tangled Magic Series

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Tangled Roots (Witches of Willow Creek: Tangled Magic #1)

I showed up on his doorstep. At midnight. Missing 45 years’ worth of time.

I’m Cassie Gearhart, and the last thing I remember, I cast a spell in 1974. Then, I woke up on a rainy July night to find it was 2019. And the entire Willow Creek Coven—my coven—was gone.

Well, there is one witch left in Willow Creek, Virginia: Nick Felson, the grandson of my high priestess, a brooding farm boy with magic in his blood and a chip on his shoulder.

Every time we get too close, love—the most powerful of magicks—draws us together. The passion? It threatens to be our undoing.

There’s a whole host of other problems, though. For one, Nick wants nothing to do with magic—and therefore, with me, a witch lost in time.

For another, the sinister magic that took the coven? It’s not finished with us.

It’s barely getting started.

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Becoming the Witch by J. M. Davies

My Review

I love paranormal stories, and one set in a historical setting sounded intriguing. However, I had a hard time reading this book because there were a lot of disturbing scenes. The husband was a well written and believable villain. I was sad Elizabeth had to endure a marriage to him.

The writing style and descriptions are well done with a story that has a good flow. The next/first in the series has a promising premise, so I’m planning to read it. This prequel would definitely hold more weight to a reader who has read the other books in the series, and it would be interesting to look back and see what the heroine’s past looked like.

My rating: 3 stars

November 5, 2020December 15, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Spellbound After Midnight by Jenna Collett

I’ve included both covers because I just love both versions for different reasons!!

My Review

A bit of murder. A bit of mystery. A bit of romance. This book caters perfectly to everything I love in a book. The romantic tension is drawn out so well, with the perfect amount of romance to keep the reader interested and wanting more. I loved the characters. Tessa and Derrick had great chemistry. I absolutely loved Tessa’s personality. She’s fiery, confident despite her shortcomings, and her humor is so entertaining.

This book has been on my to-read list for the better part of a year, and I’m SO glad I ended up picking it up. I seriously loved everything about this book. It was perfect. I haven’t read a Cinderella fairy tale retelling quite like this where it’s from the witch’s point of view, and there is a murder mystery to solve.

Loved this book! Looking forward to reading more from this author.

My rating: 5+ stars

September 16, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Tangled Fates by Denise D. Young

My Review

“The only way to get to dawn was to pass through the night.”

What a great introduction to this author’s work!

The first chapter really sets up the mood for the rest of the book. Lots of tension and suspense, so much packed into those first several pages in a masterful way. I loved each protagonist the moment they were introduced. Aiden the shifter who breaks away to find his own path. Vivienne the witch who has to face her fears and the pain of her past.

The author painted a vivid world with incredible descriptions and detailed characters. I definitely enjoyed reading this!

My rating: 5 stars

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Maraschino Marriage Pact by Tamela Miles

My Review

From the very first page, Maraschino Marriage Pact hooks the reader and makes them want to know what happens next. The characters were interesting, each with a backstory about how they got to where they were. I would love to delve deeper into this world the author created and explore the magic and characters.

A dance of hearts and magic, this book was an enjoyable read!

Blurb

Mikayla DiAngelis has spent the past two years traveling the world and avoiding the demands of her overbearing warlock father. A confusing kiss from her former bodyguard is yet another reason for her to stay two steps ahead on the run.

Warlock bodyguard Austin Luca will stop at nothing to bring Mikayla home. His loyalty belongs to her family, but his heart belongs to her, even though he has ties that bind him to his own family responsibilities.

Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin’s passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

September 4, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward