ash-and-books

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you.

Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.

Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?

At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.

This retelling of Beauty and the Beast incorporates themes and motifs from Phantom of the Opera, and is set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. It should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber.

While this is book 4 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales series, it can be read as a standalone.

Review:

A talented flutist who secretly plays music on her rooftop is suddenly drawn into the mysterious life of a reclusive duke with a monstrous secret. A unique twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast story with hints of Phantom of the Opera! Ceridwen plays her flute at night on her roof, in spirit of her mother who died. Yet on one fateful night when she is attacked she is rescued by a monster... or so she thought. The next day the famous reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne offers her a deal: if she agrees to live in his manor and play music for him for one year he will provide her poor family with money to support them. It's too good of a deal but Ceridwen wants to provide for her family, so she agrees to the deal. Drystan might be a bit unkept and have a bit of a harsh demeanor... yet he is passionate about her music for some reason and she knows he is hiding a secret. Drystan is has only a few rules: do not enter the tower, never leave the grounds, and make sure to be in her room at night least the monster come for her. Drystan has a secret: he is the monster, or rather, one of the monsters in the town. He was cursed after being gifted with magic and now turns into a wolflike creature that he can barely control... the only thing that eases it is Ceridwen's music. Yet if he tells her the truth he risks losing the only thing that is keeping the beast at bay. Ceridwen and Drystan may be falling for each other, yet with the Drystan's many secrets... can their romance really survive when the truth gets out? I've loved reading Megan Van Dyke's reimagined fairy tale series so much and I have found that each one of them is such a unique and fun twist. I loved the gothic atmosphere and story in this on with the monster twist and the romance was sweet. It's definitely a fun read for fans of reimagined fairytales and I would absolutely recommend the series!

*Thank you Megan Van Dyke for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #fairytale reimagined #beauty and the beast #phantom of the opera #megan van dyke #the musician and the monster

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: After missing his flight back to Seoul, a disillusioned K-pop idol finds love, acceptance, and the strength to fight for his own happiness at last. As a member of the internationally beloved K-pop group Apollo, Eunjae has learned firsthand that fame and fortune come at a steep price. But leaving it all behind is easier said than done, and it seems Eunjae has no choice but to continue… until he steps through the orange door at Wanna Waffle on the way to the airport, fails to catch his plane to Seoul, and upends his entire existence. Jiyeon and her family don’t know the truth about this quiet, handsome stranger who stumbled into their restaurant. Regardless, it’s clear that he needs them. And the longer he stays, the more Eunjae realizes that he might just be willing to trade the adoration of millions for home, family, and even one chance at true love. But his powerful entertainment agency will never let him go without a fight, and Apollo’s fate hangs in the balance along with his own. If Eunjae hopes to win, he must stand his ground and fight back — not only for himself, but for the brothers who have loved and supported him all this time.

Brimming with warmth, waffles, and too many brothers, "This Place Is Magic" will resonate with any reader searching for a comforting escape. Debut author Irene Te delivers a cozy contemporary read interwoven with found family and gentle romance. Step through that orange door for a heartfelt, hilarious, and irrepressibly hopeful journey of self-discovery, perfect for fans of Axie Oh and Jenny Han.

Review:

When a famous K-pop star stumbles into a waffle house, the last thing he expects is to find happiness, found family, and possible romance... that is if he can remain hidden from his agency and his band. Eunjae is part of Apollo, an extremely famous K-pop band. Eunjae is tired, he wants to leave the band but he doesn't want to hurt his bandmates who he loves like brothers. Eunjae yearns for more, he wants freedom, he wants to escape the constant pressure, the fans, the spotlight, the grueling lifestyle that he never asked for and is afraid to leave in case he disappoints people. So when he stumbles across an orange door like the one in his favorite novel he goes inside... and is immediately warmly welcomed by a sweet waffle shop family. Eunjae meets Jiyeon, a sweet and beautiful girl who works in her families waffle shop. When it's time for him to leave he realizes he missed his flight and Jiyeon and her family welcome him to stay with them, no questions asked. The longer he stays the more he yearns to never leave. But his bandmates need him back, his company is threatening him, and his fans will come after him.... can he find a way to escape it all and hold onto this little bit of happiness that he's finally found? This was such a cozy little read, there was an adorable found family ( both Jiyeon's family and Eunjae's bandmates were all so sweet and cute), and the growth that Eunjae went through was a sweet read. This book really focuses on the struggles that many K-pop stars go through and I loved that this book was from Eunjae's POV. We get to see him dealing with so much and finding a way to go after his happiness and his own freedom, how he stands up for not only himself but for his bandmates. The romance was really light but it was sweet and cute, Eunjae and Jiyeon were a light and very supportive couple with cute moments. This book just felt like a warm hug, it's a cozy read that is perfect for reading at your favorite cafe (and with a waffle of course).

*Thank you to @irenewritesthings for this heartfelt story and @literaryinspired for bringing us together for this read. Ready for an escape into a world where authenticity shines? This novel is for you.  #LiteraryInspiredARCs *

#book review #bookish #cozy books #LiteraryInspiredArcs #literaryinspired #this place is magic #irene te

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, weaves a dreamy gothic romance worthy of the heavens in Song of the Six Realms. Xue, a talented young musician, has no past and probably no future. Orphaned at a young age, her kindly poet uncle took her in and arranged for an apprenticeship at one of the most esteemed entertainment houses in the kingdom. She doesn’t remember much from before entering the House of Flowing Water, and when her uncle is suddenly killed in a bandit attack, she is devastated to lose her last connection to a life outside of her indenture contract.

With no family and no patron, Xue is facing the possibility of a lifetime of servitude playing the qin for nobles that praise her talent with one breath and sneer at her lowly social status with the next. Then one night she is unexpectedly called to the garden to put on a private performance for the enigmatic Duke Meng. For a young man of nobility, he is strangely kind and awkward, and surprises Xue further with an irresistible offer: serve as a musician in residence at his manor for one year, and he’ll set her free of her indenture.

But the Duke’s motives become increasingly more suspect when he and Xue barely survive an attack by a nightmarish monster, and when he whisks her away to his estate, she discovers he’s not just some country noble: He’s the Duke of Dreams, one of the divine rulers of the Celestial Realm. There she learns the Six Realms are on the brink of disaster, and incursions by demonic beasts are growing more frequent.

The Duke needs Xue’s help to unlock memories from her past that could hold the answers to how to stop the impending war… but first Xue will need to survive being the target of every monster and deity in the Six Realms.

Review:

A heartbreaking magical story about a musician who finds her fate thrown in with gods, monsters, and secrets. Xue is a talented young musician who was orphaned at a young age and taken in by her kind poet uncle who arranged for her to get an apprenticeship at one of the most esteemed entertainment houses in the kingdom. Xue doesn't have a lot of memories of her youth before her apprenticeship at the House of Flowing Water, but when her uncle is suddenly killed in a bandit attack, she feels like she's resigned to a lifetime of servitude playing the qin for nobles. Xue is unexpectedly called in for a private performance for the mysterious handsome Duke Meng. Meng is oddly kind and shy, yet he makes her an offer: if she agrees to serve as his private musician at his residence for one he'll buy her contract from the house. Xue knows it's too good to be true and that the Duke is hiding something... like the fact that he knew her uncle and that he is actually a celestial being, the Duke of Dreams. Xue now finds herself encountering more celestial beings and gods as well as nightmarish monsters. Duke Meng tells her that he actually wants her to help him unlock Xue's memories of her past so that they can stop the impending war and free his wrongly accused father. But the gods can be cruel and the games and backstabbing is at every corner. Xue finds herself falling for Duke Meng but how can a mortal musician be with a celestial being? The closer they get to unlocking all her memories, the more danger they find themselves in... and there must be sacrifices made. This was such a bittersweet read but it was really good. I enjoyed the story and the romance was sweet. The mystery was what really did it for me and I liked how it played out. The ending was so bittersweet and I wish there was a bonus epilogue or something to just give me one more chapter of Xue and Meng together or reuniting... please I beg of you. Overall, it's a great standalone fantasy read that really builds the story well and is a easy fast read.

*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #song of the six realms

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

It’s an honor to bring light to the dark.

The nineteenth-century whaling village of Warbler is famous for its lucky ship figureheads—and infamous for people disappearing into the nightly fog. In this murky locale, the lamplighter is synonymous with safety and protection, and it’s a position Temperance assumes when her father is found hanging from one of the lampposts. Though Tempe proves competent, the town is still hesitant to let a woman handle this responsibility.

When a girl disappears after two lamps go out, Tempe’s ability to provide for her mother and younger sister hangs in the balance. She scrambles for answers, hindered at every turn by the village authorities’ call for her removal. As more villagers vanish under her watch, Tempe discovers unsettling truths about the famous Warbler figureheads and her own beloved father. But her warnings of a monster are ignored, even by her own family. Now she must follow the light out of her own fog of despair, as she faces the choice to look the other way or risk speaking out and possibly dooming herself and her sister to be among the lost.

Review:

A girl must face off against a dangerous monster of a man who is closing in on those she loves most in this horror story set in a 19th century whaling village. In the little village of warbler, famous for it's lucky ship figureheads, people have been known to disappear in the nightly fog. It is the job of lamplighters to light the lamps at night to guide people home. Temperance loves her job as a lamplighter, it lets her support her ill mom and her sister. After her father's suicide, Tempe has been trying to be everything for her family. The only thing that she hates is Gideon, the wealthy and respected individual man in town that her father had warned her about... and the very same man who had assaulted her when she was 16 and now is her sister's new fiance. Tempe wants to do everything in her power to save her sister but she refuses to tell her sister the truth about what he did. Tempe begins noticing more girls disappearing and finding a connection to Gideon as well... she knows she has to stop him but he might be more powerful and monstrous than she could have ever imagined. This book started off interesting but I just did not have a good time with it. I loved the premise and loved the setting, however, I did not enjoy Tempe as a protagonist and that ending just left a bad taste in my mouth. The characters were all so frustrating and it just does not end well. I love horror books, especially historical horror, and this one missed the mark for me. If you enjoy historical horror with women suffering, then this is for you, otherwise I would absolutely steer clear of this one.

*Thanks Netgalley and North Star Editions | Flux for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #the lamplighter

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb: A pro hockey player falls for an interior designer in this charming debut sports romance. For fans of Icebreaker and Set On You, this flirty workplace rom-com explores mental health, belonging, and finding your way in the world.

Nick Sorensen had once been one of the fastest men in hockey—until the devastating plane crash that took the lives of his best friends, leaving him the only survivor. Now he’s physically ready to get back on the ice, but his coach is concerned Nick isn’t doing as well mentally as he says he is. Case in point: Nick’s apartment is completely empty, apart from a single chair and a mattress on the floor.

To prove he’s fine, really, Nick hires Alyssa Compton, an up-and-coming interior designer, to decorate his space. Alyssa’s thrilled at the chance to prove herself to her demanding boss—with job security at last, maybe she can finally put down roots and create a home for herself too. But Nick turns out to be infuriatingly stubborn and impossible to work with, and just when Alyssa decides to throw in the towel on the whole thing, Nick shows up for her in a way she never could have expected.  

The icy path ahead of these two lost souls may be slippery and cracking, but when it comes to love, sometimes all you need is someone on your team.

Review:

A pro hockey player who is recovering from a traumatic plane crash finds himself falling for an interior designer who is trapped in a toxic company. Nick Sorensen is the sole survivor of a devastating plane crash that took the lives of his best friends. He's recovering and getting ready to get back on the ice... but his coach is concerned about his mental health. Although Nick might be physically fine, he is still dealing with the grief of losing his friends and has survivor guilt. Then there is Alyssa, a sweet and charming interior designer who is getting her clients stolen by her boss. Alyssa catches Nick's attention and he hires her to redecorate his apartment. Soon they find themselves spending more time together and finding someone to support them in each other. This felt like a hallmark-esque romance, but without the charm or depth of a good one. I just felt kind of meh about the two characters and their romance just felt kind of bland unfortunately. I wish I liked it more but it just didn't really catch my attention and I just found myself tuning out a bit. I finished the book and overall it just missed the romance aspect to me If you like fairly simple romances with a touch of sports and a bit of angsty backstory, give this a go, maybe you'll have a better time with it than I did.

*Thanks Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #hearts on thin ice

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl comes a YA murder mystery noir set in 1930s Los Angeles’s Chinatown.

“A captivating and crackling noir full of suspenseful twists. Readers will fall in love with the Chow sisters and their quest for the truth.” —Kathleen Glasgow, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and The Agathas

LOS ANGELES, 1932: Lulu Wong, star of the silver screen and the pride of Chinatown, has a face known to practically everyone, especially the Chow sisters—May, Gemma, and Peony—Lulu’s former classmates and neighbors. So the girls instantly know it’s Lulu when they discover a body one morning in an out-of-the-way stable, far from the Beverly Hills home where she lived after her fame skyrocketed.

The sisters suspect Lulu’s death is the result of foul play, but the police don’t seem motivated to investigate. Even worse, there are signs that point to a cover-up, and powerful forces in the city want to frame the killing as evidence that Chinatown is a den of iniquity and crime, even more reason it should be demolished to make room for the construction of a new railway depot, Union Station.

Worried that neither the police nor the papers will treat Lulu fairly—no matter her fame and wealth—the sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder themselves, and maybe save their neighborhood in the bargain. But with Lulu’s killer still on the loose, the girls’ investigation just might put them square in the crosshairs of a cold-blooded murderer.

Review:

A noir mystery about two sisters who must solve the murder of their starlet friend, set in 1932 Los Angeles... where the silver screen is a deadly place and filled with secrets. Lulu Wong is a starlet who is the pride of Chinatown, she was friends/neighbors with the Chow sisters- May, Gemma, and Peony before she made it big. The girls discover Lulu's body one morning while doing their job as flower market girls, and are convinced that her death was a murder. The police are not motivated to solve it so the girls take it into their own hands to figure out what happened... yet the more they dig into it the more the signs begin to point to a cover-up and that there are powerful people involved in it. All the while May and Gemma are dealing with their own perspective relationship drama, with May reconnecting with a suitor who she never considered and Gemma seeing a handsome doctor with secrets of his own. Lulu's killer is still on the loose, and the closer the girls get to uncovering the truth the closer they are to being the next target. This was definitely a noir mystery that I think people can have fun reading. It just felt a little slow and a bit flat to me, however I did love the cultural aspects and the sister relationship between Gemma and May. The historical setting was really well done and the overall mystery definitely fit the noir theme. Overall, it was an okay mystery read that I feel like other mystery lovers will have fun reading!

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #kill her twice

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb: "Omigosh! I've just found an author to put on my list of I've got to read everything they ever wrote! The Warden is a gem of the first order. Aelis is my hero."—Glen Cook, author of The Black Company, on The Warden series

"These books are addictive and I can’t wait to see what Aelis and the gang get up to next.”—C.L. Clark, author of The Unbroken

Aelis de Lenti, Lone Pine's newly assigned Warden, is in deep trouble. She has just opened the crypts of Mahlgren, releasing an army of the undead into the unprotected backwoods of Ystain.

To protect her village, she must unearth a source of immense Necromantic power at the heart of Mahlgren. The journey will wind through waves of undead, untamed wilderness, and curses far older than anything Aelis has ever encountered. But as strong as Aelis is, this is one quest she cannot face alone.

Along with the brilliant mercenary she's fallen for, her half-orc friend, and a dwarven merchant, Aelis must race the clock to unravel mysteries, slay dread creatures, and stop what she has set in motion before the flames of a bloody war are re-ignited.

Review:

Picking up where the first book left off, we are set on another with Aelis and her companions. Aelis is tasked with finding more magic to protect her village and along for the journey includes the mercenary she's fallen for, her half-orc friend, and a dwarven merchant. It's a good second book but I did end up preferring the first book. Aelis felt a bit more juvenile in this one, compared to the last one. Overall it is a good fantasy series.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#review #bookish #book

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Marry or lose his inheritance? That’s the ultimatum billionaire Damon Everett faces. There’s one problem. The woman he craves is his sunshine PR rep…who wants nothing to do with him.

Ruthless, arrogant, cold-hearted are some of the words I would use to describe my a**hole of a boss, Damon Everett.

That doesn’t stop the goosebumps from rising along my neck every time he says my name, or the way my pulse races when his stormy gray eyes pierce mine.

So, when he coerces me into a fake marriage to uphold his family's tradition, I can't resist pushing his buttons.

He's a walking red flag, and I should run the second this arrangement ends. But the very thought of losing him is suffocating - a dangerous addiction that I can't seem to break.

Is this really love or just a twisted desire to own me? And deep down, do I secretly crave to be possessed by him?

A Tempting Arrangement is a red flag billionaire, marriage of convenience, standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author, J. Wilder

Review:

Billionaire Damon Everett faces a dilemma: marry or lose his inheritance... and the solution, the one woman he's been in love with since he met her, his sunshine PR Rep for his hockey team, Misty Hart. Damon is a ruthless, arrogant, cold hearted boss. His one weakness? His PR Rep, Misty Hart. Misty with her beautiful bright hair, green eyes that captivate him, and her fiery angry that only comes out around him. Damon will do anything to make Misty his wife... including creating a fake inheritance issue and claiming that he needs a wife, but the only woman he'll have is Misty. When Misty's visa renewal has issues... the only person she can ask for help is her very hot boss who gets under her skin. Misty needs the visa renewal to go through, she wants to escape her traumatic past and is running away from her ex. Misty agrees to marry Damon, but can she resist him when he moves in and proves at every turn that he'll be there to support her and love her through it all? This book right here is all the shades of obsessed unhinged lover that I adore. Damon was so gone for Misty he was calling her his wife from chapter 1. Damon would do anything for her, kill for her, protect her, and give her everything she could ever ask for, all she has to do is ask. Misty is dealing with so much and is guarding her heart, but Damon's sincerity and actions, his persistence and adoration, have her ready to open her heart up again. I adored this book and I can't get enough of these two. I loved Damon's brothers so much and can't wait to read their books and see what romance awaits them!! This is such a fantastic spicy read and I would absolutely recommend it!!

*Thank you J. Wilder for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #j wilder #jessa wilder #billionaire romance #a tempting arrangement

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

Yasmine is a red wolf girl stuck in rural Alabama. Her world is small: pick up shifts at the greasy late-night diner and endure her pack’s petty squabbles. She’s not good at being a wolf or being human, directionless in life and disconnected from her ancestors.

Blessed by a century-old enchantment, the local red wolves have escaped extinction by blending into the human world. But with the old witches’ blessing wearing thin, the wolves face an uncertain future.

An answer arrives in the form of an exiled blood witch whose magic is steeped in reckless grief. Kalta rides into town in her dead brother’s truck, prophecy following on her heels. Despite the danger Yasmine can smell swirling around the witch, a fated bond tangles their futures—and those of all the wolves.

After an accident threatens the wolves’ secret, Yasmine has no choice but to join Kalta on the road, carving a path through the South’s backroads and hoping the magic brewing between them is enough to overcome their bloody pasts.

Review:

A werewolf meets her mate in a blood witch... and things begin to unravel. Yasmine is a red wolf girl stuck in a small rural town in Alabama. She spends her day working at a little diner and enduring her pack. She's never been really good at being a wolf or a human, she's just listless... and then she meets an exiled blood witch who she can't stay away from. Her wolf wants to be close to this girl... but this witch, Kalta, has a prophecy following her. Kalta and Yasmine can't seem to stay away from each other... but can their bond survive the prophecy that is closing in on them? This was a short paranormal sapphic romance read. It felt like it was missing something, and I guess I was hoping it would hook me in more. It might be a case of "its me and not you" but I just felt that this book was lacking a depth to it that could have made it perfect. Overall it's an okay read and if you are looking for a sapphic paranormal romance, then give this a go!

#book review #bookish #lgbtq books #sapphic reads #sapphic books

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb: A charming POC-led WLW romance where two new friends hit the road in search of the missing volumes of their favorite manga.

Neesha Sparks is a disabled, vocal community activist with a passion for costume design. Gabby Graciana is an optimistic surfer - and, like Neesha, a new kid at school. When the two girls discover that they like the same manga series, Navigator Nozomi, they become more than just fellow new kids. But it was more than just having read the same book series--neither of them had finished it! Soon, they become new friends on a mission - to track down the remaining Navigator Nozomi books. This slice-of-life romance follows the two girls as they adventure across North Carolina to find each book, with their story intercut with the tales of Navigator Nozomi. Neesha and Gabby find more than just the books though—they find acceptance, friendship, understanding, and love.

Review:

A charming and sweet story about two girls who find friendship and romance when they try and find the missing volumes of their favorite manga. Neesha Sparks is a disabled community activist with a passion for costume design. Gabby Graciana is a optimistic surfer, and both girls are new kids at school. When they both discover that they like the same manga series, Navigator Nozomi, they become friends. Neither of them has actually finished reading the series and decide to track down the remaining books together... and along the way find romance and friendship in each other. This was a really sweet read and the story was touching, I love the emphasis on friendship and the slice of life aspect of the story was great. I would absolutely recommend this book!

*Thanks Netgalley and Mad Cave Studios | Maverick for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #lgbtq reads #sapphic books #navigating with you

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: A charming fantasy set in an underwater world with magical academia and a heartwarming penpal romance, perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light, Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries and The House in the Cerulean Sea. “An underwater treasure-chest to be slowly unpacked, full of things I adore: nosy and loving families, epistolary romance, gorgeous worldbuilding, and anxious scholars doing their best to meet the world with kindness and curiosity.” —Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light

A beautiful discovery outside the window of her underwater home prompts the reclusive E. to begin a correspondence with renowned scholar Henerey Clel. The letters they share are filled with passion, at first for their mutual interests, and then, inevitably, for each other.

Together, they uncover a mystery from the unknown depths, destined to transform the underwater world they both equally fear and love. But by no mere coincidence, a seaquake destroys E.'s home, and she and Henerey vanish.

A year later, E.'s sister Sophy, and Henerey's brother Vyerin, are left to solve the mystery, piecing together the letters, sketches and field notes left behind—and learn what their siblings’ disappearance might mean for life as they know it. Inspired, immersive, and full of heart, this charming epistolary tale is an adventure into the depths of a magical sea and the limits of the imagination from a marvelous debut voice.

Review:

A delightfully cozy story told through letters, part penpal romance, part mystery, and a all around cozy time. The story is through 100% epistolary (writings and letter correspondence). The story revolves around two scholars that share an interest in marine life, who begin sending slightly flirtatious letters between each other while trying to solve an under sea mystery (they also live in separate pressurized spheres under the ocean in the year of 1002) and we flash forward to 1003, where both of them have suddenly disappeared, and a correspondence between their siblings begins, as they try and piece together what happened between them. Henry and E are both introverted individuals who are socially awkward but find a blooming pen pal relationship growing between each other. They are so sweet and their romance was adorable. Sophy (E's Sster) and Vyerin (Henry's brother) begin a correspondence with each other in which they read their siblings letters to each other as they try and figure out what happened to E and Henry. The book is the first book in a duology! This is an extremely cozy slow build book, it builds a beautiful deep sea life and the loneliness and depths of the ocean are so beautifully detailed. I had fun with this one and enjoyed the various character dynamics and the letters were great. I am excited to see where the next book goes and what happens to E and Henry!

*Spoiler: it is revealed that E and Henry survived their departure together and landed somewhere. Sophy and Vyeryn both agree to go out and try and find them*

*Thanks Netgalley and Orbit Books | Orbit for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #a letter to the luminous deep

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: Ajax Dartham, the Duke of Jarrell, has a problem. And that problem is his future niece-in-law. When the clever and capable Lady Eleanor Vane—understandably—runs off into the night rather than marry his horrible nephew, the Duke has a choice. Should he catch Eleanor and return her to her fate—or make Eleanor his own instead?

Review:

When Lady Eleanor Vane finds herself in an unwanted betrothal, the last thing she expects is to fall for her betrothed's uncle. Eleanor has worked her entire life to be the perfect lady and when she finds out that her parents have arranged for her to be married off without her consent... she is already planning her escape. Her betrothed is a spoiled, petulant, heir to the Dukedom... and she can't stand him. Yet at the family dinner his uncle, Ajax Dartham, Duke of Jarrell, makes an appearance and turns Eleanor's world upside down. Ajax is everything Eleanor didn't even know she wanted, too bad he has sworn off remarrying after the death of his wife and is the one who arranged for his nephew to be married to Eleanor... that is until he met her and now he's beginning to question if he could even let her be anyone's wife but his. Can these two find a way to work out their relationship or will Ajax's fears cloud him from finding the one woman who is perfect for him and lose her to his nephew? This was such a fun spicy historical romance, it's short and sweet, and I adored Eleanor so much.

#book review #bookish #romance #the chasing of eleanor vane

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Blurb: Jackie Lau, author of the “full of heart” (Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author) The Stand-Up Groomsman, returns with a charming rom-com about a young woman’s desperate attempts to fend off her meddling mother…only to find that maybe mother does know best.

Mark Chan this. Mark Chan that.

Writer and barista Emily Hung is tired of hearing about the great Mark Chan, the son of her parents’ friends. You’d think he single-handedly stopped climate change and ended child poverty from the way her mother raves about him. But in reality, he’s just a boring, sweater-vest-wearing engineer, and when they’re forced together at Emily’s sister’s wedding, it’s obvious he thinks he’s too good for her.

But now that Emily is her family’s last single daughter, her mother is fixated on getting her married and she has her sights on Mark. There’s only one solution, clearly: convince Mark to be in a fake relationship with her long enough to put an end to her mom’s meddling. He reluctantly agrees.

Unfortunately, lying isn’t enough. Family friends keep popping up at their supposed dates—including a bubble tea shop and cake-decorating class—so they’ll have to spend more time together to make their relationship look real. With each fake date, though, Emily realizes that Mark’s not quite what she assumed and maybe that argyle sweater isn’t so ugly after all…

Review:

A writer with a meddling matchmaking mother insists she has found the perfect guy for her... so she decides to fake date him to get her mom off her back... except she might actually be falling for him. Emily Hung is a writer and a barista, she's chasing her dreams and just trying to get by. She isn't the daughter her parents hoped for and her mother is convinced that if she has a husband/boyfriend, she'll be perfect. Her mother is obsessed with getting Emily to date Mark Chan, the son of her parents's friends who is just so perfect. Emily just wants her mother to stop matchmaking her... so what better way than to get Mark to agree to fake date her after their very awkward first to meet ups. Mark surprisingly agrees, but with Emily's mother watching and having eyes everywhere to see all their dates... Emily and Mark have to actually go on the dates as proof. Yet the more time they spend together, the more Emily is beginning to realize that Mark might actually be the perfect guy (much as she hates to admit that her mother was right). Yet with Emily's family drama, a relationship that started out fake but is beginning to feel very real, and a book to be written, she's got her hands full and something might break. This was an overall pretty cute read. It's an easy read and the drama is fine, I think if you are looking for an easy contemporary romance read, this is for you. Mark is a sweet romance lead, I just was hoping for a bit more from their relationship, and I kinda wish Mark had more depth. Overall, it's a cute and fine read!

*Thanks Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #love lies and cherry pie

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book blurb: She has power over death. He has power over her. When two enemies strike a dangerous bargain, will they end a war . . . or ignite one?

Heroes die, cowards live. Daughter of a conquered world, Ruying hates the invaders who descended from the heavens long before she was born and defeated the magic of her people with technologies unlike anything her world had ever seen.

Blessed by Death, born with the ability to pull the life right out of mortal bodies, Ruying shouldn’t have to fear these foreign invaders, but she does. Especially because she wants to keep herself and her family safe.

When Ruying’s Gift is discovered by an enemy prince, he offers her an impossible deal: If she becomes his private assassin and eliminates his political rivals—whose deaths he swears would be for the good of both their worlds and would protect her people from further brutalization—her family will never starve or suffer harm again. But to accept this bargain, she must use the powers she has always feared, powers that will shave years off her own existence.

Can Ruying trust this prince, whose promises of a better world make her heart ache and whose smiles make her pulse beat faster? Are the evils of this agreement really in the service of a much greater good? Or will she betray her entire nation by protecting those she loves the most?

Review: A girl gifted with powers over death finds herself forced to wield it under the colonizer Roman prince who wants her to kill for him in exchange for the safety of her family... he promises that he will save her kingdom... yet the truth behind his actions is far different, but her heart can't help but be swayed... will it be too late when she finds out the truth? Ruying lives in a world that is being colonized by Romans. Her people are being killed, drugged, trafficked, and worst... all because the Romans want to take over. Yet her people were gifted with magical abilities, and Ruying's in particular is a deadly gift. Ruying has powers over death but every time she uses it, it shortens her own life. The only thing Ruying has is her sister and her grandmother, she'll do anything to protect them and to protect herself. Heroes die, cowards live, and that has been Ruying's motto to survival. Yet when she catches the eye of one of the Roman princes her life soon is in his hands as he tortures, kidnaps, and forces her to work for him in exchange for her life and the safety of her family. Yet the more time she spends with him the more she begins to fall for him and his pretty words, his promise of a world he is trying to create... of peace he promises to ensure the moment he takes over the throne... but what are pretty words when her people are dying and the more people close to her try to get her to see the truth of her Roman prince the more her heart will be tested. This was a strange book for me, especially knowing what I know about the background of the book and the author's own story. The book itself is about a young naive girl gifted with powers but being stockholm syndrome and the fact that she is falling for the foreign invader/colonizer who claims he is different when he is in fact much worse. See this book can be seen as problematic, yet it can also be seen as a case of "enemies to lovers" with problematic tastes. I can't fault Ruying because she is young, she's going through so much and she's barely given affection or love and after enduring so much, when someone promises her that they understand her, give her a bit of affection, and promise to give her everything she want's, she's bound to turn a blind eye to all the red flags. It makes you frustrated as a reader, it makes you want to shake her, just like everyone around her wanted to shake her and get her to see the truth. The book isn't terrible, it's just a weird one to read that kind of leaves you with the feeling of a bit of "eh" and "I don't know how to feel about this." As someone who reads a lot of "enemies to lovers" and dark romances, this one definitely toes in that line because she really is falling for someone terrible, yet at the same time she herself, is committing atrocities and you can sort of blame it on her environment, her situation, and who she is as a person... but it doesn't mean you have to like it or even really root for it. I can understand the complaints about this being considered a "colonizer romance" because honestly, it's not that far off but with the ending it has you questioning whether or not the author will lean into the romance in the sequel and how the author would redeem the love interest if they did. I honestly would have preferred if this was a straight up revenge/action story rather than having any romance in it at all. The romance aspect felt gross and unnecessary and I would have loved this more if it were about Ruying getting revenge rather than her falling for the guy colonizing her land.... so yeah. Honestly, if you like enemies to lovers in the truest sense, I guess I would recommend this to you.

*Spoiler: Ruying finds out that Anthony lied to her and has been experimenting on her people (he lied and said hed freed her friend but instead kept experimenting on her) she also finds out he killed all the people and kidnapped her in the beginning's raid because he wanted her and wanted to manipulate her to be his. They only get as far as kissing but they both fall for each other. That is until Ruying finds out all of the truth behind him and she begins working for the rebels instead.

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #to gaze upon wicked gods

[ash-and-books]

Just received my ARC for "This Place Is Magic," and I'm bubbling with excitement! A huge shoutout to @irenewritesthings for crafting this cozy contemporary gem set to release on April 30th and to @literaryinspired for the chance to be part of the ARC and Street Team. It's a story where disillusion meets discovery, featuring K-Pop idols, light romance, and the warmth of found family.  A must-read for fans of Axie Oh, Maurene Goo, and Jenny Han, this novel promises a comforting escape into a world where authenticity triumphs, and magic lies in the most unanticipated corners. Want to join the adventure? Sign-ups are still open, so don't miss your chance! #LiteraryInspiredARCs

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #aapi read #aapi books #this place is magic #book recs #arc

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: The next seductive, sweeping, action-packed installment in the addictive Sacred Stones trilogy. A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love. Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren’s Bay. Still reeling from the loss of her mother and the shock of her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.

But Kane’s presence is unavoidable as he leads Arwen and her friends on an expedition to recover the Blade of the Sun—a legendary weapon with the power to kill tyrannical Fae King Lazarus. Their uneasy truce proves difficult to maintain, as Arwen battles her unresolved feelings, and Kane is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.

Arwen knows failure to fulfill the prophecy will seal both her own fate as well as the fates of those she loves most. But as Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, her resolve is tested in ways she never could have foreseen.

Review:

Picking up where the first book left off, we are in for more romance, adventure, action, and new kingdoms! The story follows Arwen,Kane, Mari, Fedrik, Acorn, Leigh, Vaugn, Dagan, Halden, and Griffin (whew, what a large cast of characters). I love that we get to further explore the world and the secondary characters were more fleshed out in this one.The first book had a really strong plot but the sequel was a fairly fun read and I can't wait to delve into the finale of the story. I loved Kane and Arwen so much from the first book so getting to see them in the second one and seeing all the spice and fun, what a treat!~The ending is a huge cliffhanger but I'm already so ready for book 3!!!

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #a promise of peridot

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Blurb: Love and Vanity meets Succession in a clever, funny, and romantic uplit about wealth, power, family, and love from rising star Lily Chu.

For Dee Kwan, every day is the perfect day. No, really. She has a house she loves, a job she adores, and a ridiculously attractive “nemesis” who never seems to mind when she wins their favorite online game. How can life possibly get better? (It can’t, obviously. It can only get much, much worse.)

Soon Dee is forced to share her adorably cozy home with her parents and prickly estranged grandmother. Then she's tossed into the deep end, tasked with cleaning up a scandal for intimidatingly chic luxury fashion firm Celeste. If that weren’t enough, she discovers her hot-nemesis works there, too…and Teddy is nothing like the man she thought she knew.

Before she can cry foul, Teddy comes clean about his double life: he’s the heir to the CEO and he needs her help to make Celeste a better place—for everyone. But that means taking down the old guard—including his father—intent on standing in their way. Now in the center of a dizzying corporate coup, Dee is forced to decide whether she’s ready to stop watching the world through rose-colored glasses and instead face the truth: about herself, about her feelings for Teddy, and about what she’s willing to do to truly make a difference.

DEE KWAN’S SECRETS FOR A HAPPY LIFE:

Always remain positive, no matter the cost

Realize that every setback is a hidden opportunity

Accept compliments graciously, especially when given by mega-hot rivals

Never, ever question whether any of these mantras actually work

Review:

What happens when you start your new job you find out that the guy you're crushing on is actually the CEO's son and the company you are working at has a huge diversity and misogyny issue? Drama. Dee Kwan loves her life, she's got her dream job, she's got a house she adores, and a very hot "nemesis" on her favorite online puzzle game. Yet that all takes a turn when her job is shut down, her parents and grandma move into her house, and now at her new job she is forced to clean up a scandal for an intimidating chic luxury fashion firm... and to top it off, when she finally meets her hot nemesis and starts falling for him... she discovers he is the heir to the CEO of the problematic company she is working at. Dee wants so badly to make a change at the fashion firm Celeste, but with so many superiors who are standing in her way and the constant battle to even get change for the bare minimum... Dee is fighting a battle she never thought she'd face. From dealing with terrible superiors, secretly dating the one guy who is off limits, and trying to find a way to fix the diversity and terrible practices of the company, Dee has her plate full. Her positive optimism can only take her so far before the cracks begin to show and when things get worse... Dee will have to see if she's willing to risk her job and the guy she's falling for, to do the right thing. I loved the author's previous two books and this one felt like a departure from the other two as this one was less romantic and much more job drama. It started off really cute and I did love Dee and Teddy together, yet the romance kind of fell off into the background and took a step back to the job drama that Dee was going through. This didn't feel like a romance book, it felt much more like women's fiction and I feel like if I had known that going in I would have held my expectations more. The story itself was okay, I just felt like I was expecting a romance and I barely got one. I did like that the book addresses diversity issues in companies and the practices that some companies have, and I also had fun with the fashion industry element, I just kind of wish there was a bit more. It's a good contemporary book for sure, I just think you should know what to expect before going in so you don't get the wrong hopes up.

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca | Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

#book review #bookish #book #the takedown