Wow, what a week! From mysteries, to pirates, to historical love and arranged marriages, this week's ARCs pulled out all the stops.
(All Amazon purchase links hyperlinked in title)
This week started out with Mystery Mondays, 2 mystery/killer novels.
The Quiet Dead by NJ Mackay
Release Date: September 8, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a ride! I enjoyed the dual POV (though 3rd person), one the victim Hayley’s perspective, and the other, the detective Sebastian Locke’s perspective; it was interesting to see both sides and how they were working through the investigation and uncovering (or in Hayley’s POV— remembering) the past. The writing was gripping, and held my attention as I tried to figure out who did it— to no avail— the “whodunnit” took me by surprise. I also enjoyed the background we got on the characters, so that it wasn’t completely focused on the crime; for example, Detective Locke, who is a single dad of his daughter, Tilly, who is starting her teenage years without the help and guidance of her mom.
Thank you to Niki Mackay and Love Books Tours for the early copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blurb 🔎
Fifteen years ago, he confessed to the murder of his wife and children.
As a teenager, Hayley DaSilva walked into a nightmare; discovering the bodies of her mother, twin brother, and friend all brutally slaughtered in her home… and her nine-year-old brother missing. Her father, Leonard DaSilva, confessed to the murders, but Ethan was never seen again.
He lied. But why?
Now, Hayley has fled her dreadful past in Thamespark - until the call from Detective Sebastian Locke. Little bones uncovered in a shallow grave belong to Ethan… and the investigation reveals holes in the case that prove Leonard’s confession was false. He didn’t kill his family. So why did he say he did?
As DI Locke and the squad realise that a killer has been hiding in plain sight in the sleepy commuter town of Thamespark, the previously cold case becomes an urgent investigation. But as the squad gets closer to the truth of who really murdered the DaSilvas, it becomes clear that the culprit won’t hesitate to spill blood to keep their shocking secrets hidden…
An absolutely unputdownable police procedural with a shocking twist, introducing Detective Sebastian Locke. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Cara Hunter and Sharon Bolton will love this.
2. Killing Me Softly by Guy Hale
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions, and if he was going to hell, he intended to take as many scumbags with him as he went.”
Wow I really loved this book, I finished it in a day! I’ve never read a book from a serial killer’s perspective, let alone a funny one and also with a moral compass. He didn’t set out to be a murderer— Jimmy Wayne is just a washed up musician who never made it big. Until he accidentally killed his girlfriend, Wendy, and then wrote a complete banger. The idea of it all is hilarious, like wow that’s really what it takes huh? But also kind of makes sense— good, soul-wrenching songs come from deep inside. It helps that the “victims” deserved it anyway (except poor Wendy). Strange to be rooting for a serial killer to come out on top, but here I am! I can’t wait for the next installments of these, and hopefully ghost sidekick Wendy makes a reappearance.
Also, the title? In context with the book? — Hilarious.
Thank you for the copy of this Guy Hale and Love Books Tours! I definitely treasure my copy!
Blurb ☠️
In the town of Blackjack, Nevada, washed-up singer Jimmy Wayne is down on his luck, playing covers to a limited and uninterested audience in a third-rate casino. One morning he awakens to find that everything has changed. Not only has he accidentally murdered Wendy, his girlfriend, but he's also written the best song he's ever produced. Is it the act of killing that helps him create his finest work? And if it is, should he go for a full album? Wrestling for his desire for success, his grasp of morality and haunted by his past mistakes, Jimmy starts searching for the most terrible people he has ever known.
Buy Links
And onto Romance Tuesday!
3. The Widow Queen and her Lover by Alan Gold
Released July 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Would people around him in the court of England, or even people in the future, ever come to know the name Tudor?”
I’ve been blessed with these arcs that are so good!! I read this one in one sitting— it’s an easy read, and I flew threw it. Admittedly, I do not know much about the Tudor dynasty, or much about the history of all the kings and queens. I find that my memory mucks up the names and dates and then I just get confused. But this story captivated me. I read that the main character, Queen Catherine (Catherine of Valois), was the start of the Tudor dynasty, so to see her take the center stage in this novel, and just how fierce, loyal, and overall badass she is, was a joy. I say this as most of the time, these focus on the male. The romance was background, and the politics was at the forefront, but it was enough of a balance that I didn’t find myself feeling like I was missing anything.
Now if you’re just looking for spice, then yes, it leaves more to be desired. But if you’re just looking for a good read, and especially if you like reading about this era, or historical romance in general, then you’ll love this one! The writing and the story are wonderful. Also the brief history lesson at the end of what became of the Tudor dynasty was most helpful. I knew bits here and there, but it definitely helped put it all into perspective in my head!
Thank you Alan Gold, Romaunce Books, and Love Books Tours for this copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blurb 👑
No longer one of the spoils of war, Catherine, Queen of England and France, resolves to fight for her new life – on her own terms
Catherine of Valois, daughter of the defeated king of France, looks down from the battlements as her future rides to greet her.
As one of the spoils of war, she is to be married to her father’s enemy, Henry V of England. She is prepared to do her duty – what could be worse than continuing to live with her ailing father and cold mother – but she wasn’t prepared to fall in love.
Henry is everything that she wanted in a husband, and a king. In him she finds a devoted lover and inspiring ruler. When he dies, shortly after she has delivered his heir, her future and that of her son is in doubt. Not only must she protect her baby, the young Henry VI, she must protect his legacy from the grasping and scheming of his uncle and protector.
When Owen Tudor -- Welshman, commoner, troublesomely attractive -- stumbles into her lap, she sees her future. A man who will not lead armies, nor rule kingdoms. Instead, one who will devote himself to protecting what is hers. But he must sacrifice everything he has in order to marry her, and even that may not be enough to keep them all safe
4. Fighting the Pull by Kristen Ashley
Released: September 12, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
When I tell you, this book had me BLUSHING. I too was fighting the pull. I’m not talking spice either, though that was pretty ace, but just the banter or the smoothness of his lines when he was trying to woo her… phew. I was roped in from the first chapter.
The book also touched on some serious topics too and I was glad that it wasn’t all just fluff. I definitely could tell I was missing some context, as this is the 5th book in the series, but it can still be read as standalone. I read it as such, and still thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be putting the other books on my backlist though to catch up on. Also, this book had a brief bout of fake dating, which is my favorite trope, so that is another check in the win column for me!
Thank you Blue Box Press for the early copy of this book.
Blurb 💋
Hale Wheeler inherited billions from his father. He’s decided to take those resources and change the world for the better. He’s married to his mission, so he doesn’t have time for love.
There’s more lurking behind this decision. He hasn’t faced the tragic loss of his father, or the bitterness of his parents’ divorce. He doesn’t intend to follow in his father’s footsteps, breaking a woman’s heart in a way it will never mend. So he vows he’ll never marry.
But Hale is intrigued when he meets Elsa Cohen, the ambitious celebrity news journalist who has been reporting on his famous family. He warns her off, but she makes him a deal. She’ll pull back in exchange for an exclusive interview.
Elsa Cohen is married to her career, but she wants love, marriage, children. She also wants the impossibly handsome, fiercely loyal, tenderhearted Hale Wheeler.
They go head-to-head, both denying why there are fireworks every time they meet. But once they understand their undeniable attraction, Elsa can’t help but fall for the dynamic do-gooder.
As for Hale, he knows he needs to fight the pull of the beautiful, bold, loving Elsa Cohen, because breaking her would crush him.
Wednesday was also a double feature day!
5. Tender Hearts by Kris Kassady
Released: September 1, 2023
These are short and sweet love stories, 6 collected into this one book. For those who used to (or currently) read fanfiction, it felt akin to oneshots. It’s basically a glimpse into their lives; since it’s novella length, there isn’t the normal build up and play out of how it would be in a full length novel. This isn’t a bad thing per se, it just depends what you’re looking for!
For example, in “Miranda”, she is a chronically underweight 31 year old trying to gain weight to get herself at a healthy level. By night, she works as a dishwasher at The Pig Bar, and is completely enamored by one of the local musicians, Mack Montana who has a steady gig there. They both have physical attributes that make them insecure but find love in each other.
Blurb
Tender Hearts is a collection of Kris Kassady's six best-selling low-angst romance novellas that are sure to leave you breathless.
Each story in this collection is about real people—no vampires, werewolves, aliens, or billionaires here. Just worthy people in a spicy romance.
From Sebastian and Mackenzie’s fiery adventure in The Affair, to Miranda and Mack’s intense encounter in Miranda, to the unexpected romance between Carter and Drew in The Appointment, these stories are full of passion and guaranteed happily-ever-after’s.
The Affair
Miranda
The Appointment
The Gypsy
The Quiet Lady
The Nanny
With charming characters, sizzling chemistry, and engaging storylines, Tender Hearts is the perfect collection for readers who love heart-warming contemporary romance without unnecessary drama or tension.
If you like your romance full of heart, humor, and steam, you’ll love this collection of spicy reads—each perfect for a cozy read on your favorite couch.
6. This Wicked Curse by Amanda Aggie
Released: August 31, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is SO GOOD. Such an easy read in that you just get completely captivated in it. Also imagining Hook as Hook/Killian from Once Upon a Time.. 😚👌 . I am definitely going to go back and read the first book in the series, This Wicked Fate. This Wicked Curse can be read as standalone, so no worries if you have not read it yet.
It’s got all the goodies though: arranged marriage (he fights in a gauntlet to win her hand in marriage), one bed, lots of monsters, and pirates! Also, in case it wasn’t obvious by ‘Hook’; it’s Peter Pan inspired.
Thank you RR Book Tours and Amanda Aggie for the early copy of this book!
Blurb ☠️
A cursed princess, a soulless pirate, and a deal that could change both of their fate. In a realm full of monsters, shadows are stolen, and promises are bound with blood… and sometimes marriage vows.
Princess by birth and sacrificial lamb by royal decree, Scarlet Midicious is ready to face her fate. She’s known her entire life that this day would come. Her wedding… The gauntlet… and likely her funeral.
Each time one of the king’s daughters turn twenty-three years of age, he hosts a gauntlet–a cruel fight to the death where one ruthless winner earns the title of prince and is rewarded with a bride. This year will be no different. It’s necessary to unite the clans of misfits and monsters within the realm, even if it means she’ll likely die at the hands of her soon-to-be husband.
However, on the night of the gauntlet she meets a mysterious man with striking green eyes and a sin-worthy smirk. He has no knowledge of what her gift is–that she’s of siren and witch blood, nor that she houses extraordinary magic that allows her to control the living like puppets–but he knows the king’s daughters are gifted in some way or another.
He offers her a deal. If she helps him win–so he can be pardoned of his crimes when crowned as a Prince of Solaria–then he’ll make sure Scarlet has a peaceful life. In the face of a gruesome future, she accepts his terms. How much worse can it be?
Little does she know, Sebastian Hook is a notorious pirate, wanted for murder and crimes beyond her imagination. The Dark One is as deadly and lethal as they come, and there’s only one thing he hates more than Pan. Witches.
All aboard the Jolly Roger–if you dare.
Add to Goodreads
Available on Amazon
This Wicked Curse is an enemies-to-lovers tale featuring a slightly unhinged, shadow daddy with a broken moral compass. The world is dark, but it’s also full of adventure and magic. This story is a spellbinding fusion of Peter Pan and Greek Mythology, reimagined into a dark pirate fantasy romance, and takes place within Amanda Aggie’s Seven Realms World.
AUTHOR NOTE: Please know This Wicked Curse predates the events of This Wicked Fate. It is a standalone, like the rest of the Realm of Monsters series, and you do not need to read any of Amanda’s other books to understand or enjoy This Wicked Curse.
No Thursday ARCs for today! It's my birthday so I'm taking a day break. Hope you find your new favorite read among these!!
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