New book review, some of my end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 reads! Definitely got hooked by the cover on most of them lol. Remember to check out my GoodReads to see current reading updates and other books I didn't get to review on here.
As always, ya'll can shop each of the books by clicking on the image or title OR at the scroll bar down at the bottom.
Precious Stone Trilogy by Kerstin Gier: Overall 5/5 ⭐
Starting off, this was actually a reread of the series for me, but I enjoyed it even more this time! Book 1 Ruby Red follows Gwyneth Shepard as she finds out she shares her family's magical ability to time travel. She was always regarded as the plain and mundane girl next to her cousin Charlotte, the star child of the family who was thought to inherit the time traveling gene. However, when Gwen finds herself in a different era, she has to join a mysterious society made to control time travel and work together with the handsome yet arrogant Gideon de Villiers on missions the society sends them on. Though, as they work together traveling to the past, they uncover the truth behind the society, Gwen's infamous 'magic', and their complicated feelings for each other. Overall, I love this series!!
This is book 2 in the Shadow and Crowns series; can't give too much of a summary here since this is the second book, but my full review and synopsis of book 1 is here. This book follows Casia as she accepts the magic that has awakened inside of her and Elander who thought he was perfectly content with his life and mission, until he met the mysterious Casia. I know, gave so many details about the book lol, but I remember really liking this book as I was listening to it on audio. The ending is kinda a cliffhanger though, so be warned....
Voyage by Camille Peters: 4.5/5 ⭐
Voyage was such a quick and sweet read, honestly loved the relationship between Seren and Ronan. Voyage follows Princess Seren, who has always expected her marriage to be one of convenience to her family and her life devoted to her duties. The marriage alliance made to the crown prince of Bytamia was something she was numb about, but as she sets sail to Bytamia, she has the most unexpected and magical voyages she could have ever imagined. Away from duty in the vast sea, she meets a charming captain, who seems to be determined to get Seren out of her shell and is able to see behind the cold front she puts up. As she balances this infuriatingly amazing captain, magical maps, enchanted islands, and sweet friendships, Seren starts to realize that maybe love and happiness can exist even with the duties she must uphold. Enjoyed the read and have gone back several times to reread my fave parts! Technically book #6, but all books are standalones.
Honestly, this would have been such a great read but it was just toooooo long. Natasha feels like a burden and after getting kicked out of school and arrested she cant help but feel betrayed. However, this fateful encounter leads her to be accepted into Gray Wolf Academy, a remote, off-the-grid school owned by a billionaire. There she learns she has a rare gift that will be explored at this academy and the fact that she won't be missed in her old life makes her the perfect candidate for the school. Thrown into a world she can't believe, she meets this anachronistic yet beautiful guy, Braxton, who she doesn't know wether to trust or keep her guard up around him. But, as she stays and trains at the academy, she learns that maybe there's more that meets the eye...and maybe everyone's intensions are not what it seems on the outside. There was so much potential with this plot but got so overwhelmed by the amount of fluff there was. (SPOILER ALERT: just had to rant, there was so much intrigue with her father's mysterious disappearance and his warnings about her powers but not enough was mentioned to keep the curiosity in me. Also, a love triangle...SERIOUSLY?! Did not care for the addition of the new guy at the end; again, was a great idea of who he is but, focusing on the Braxton or Killian drama for the next book will be so annoying).
This was such a cutie and quick read. This book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling...but with a twist. Felicity has spent her life struggling with her grief-stricken father and clueless brother after her mom pasted away. But when her dad enters a forbidden castle to honor a promise, he ends up getting locked in a dungeon by an actual beast. Prince Justin feels just as beastly on the inside as he looks outside. But all he needs is one yes to his question in order to be freed of his curse. When Felicity realizes where her dad is, she gives up her freedom for her dad's and decides to stay in the castle until Justin lets her go. As the pair spend more time together, they realize that maybe this beast is a lot more human than he looks. Beauty & the Beast is one of my fave movies, so I knew this book was going to be a hit.
Have ya'll read any of these books? Let me know your recent reads in the comments!