A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. ArmentroutBlood and Ash #2

 

Title: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire 

Series: Blood and Ash #2

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Blue Box Press

Release Date: September 1st 2020

A Betrayal…

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret…

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

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As soon as I finished the first book, I had to open book two. 

Poppy is taken against her will by Castiel. She has been deceived and now she’s in the arms of the Dark One. The one she was never to meet. 

Poppy wants her freedom, she wants to find her brother and find out what happened to him. Has he ascended? Will he still care for Poppy? Or instead, a cold and flat stare is all that awaits her? Nonetheless, she is forced to go with Castiel away from the only family she has left. 

Traveling to Atlantia is not easy. Many things happened on the way. Many are not happy to see the Maiden in their territory and trying to dispose of her and what she represents is always lurking in the shadows.

Castiel has promised to protect her from everyone but can he go against his family and subjects?

The second installment was a little more predictable. I still love Poppy and Castiel together. I also love Kurien so much. I do worry about the joining and I hope it’s a tasteful one. 

As much as I liked it, I didn't enjoy how repetitive it becomes in certain aspects. Example: Poppy trying to stab Castiel all the time. It got quite old. Her behavior was immature and she was acting without thinking first. 

I didn’t care when they made fun of Poppy for asking questions. She was entitled to knowledge. Otherwise, there were none better than the Duke and Duchess.

Lastly, some parts were not exactly boring but less exciting. It made me feel like nothing was happening. 

The ending is another cliffhanger but It’s an amazing one. 

I want the third book in my hands now. I’m desperate to read it and see where it leads.

I’m going to predict that Allistar is evil. Who’s with me ??

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. ArmentroutBlood and Ash #1

Title: From Blood and Ash

Series: Blood and Ash #1

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Blue Box Press

Release Date: March 30th, 2020

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor-bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

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Well, can I say that expected to love this book? 

Of course, it’s written by JLA. One of my favorite authors. I probably own all her books in kindle and paperback. 

The main characters were well developed and intriguing enough. 

The romance dance was superb! 

The intrigue everything I need it to be.

The ending, although I knew where it was going, didn’t make me love it any less.

So what’s the book's premise?

We are introduced to Penelope (“Poppy" to her friends), the Maiden. The one chosen by the gods. She’s the one who will be responsible for the ascension of so many when she turns nineteen. 

However, in the meantime, no one can talk to her. No one is allowed to see her face. No one can touch her. Yet, Poppy craves independence. She craves freedom. She’s not thankful to be the Chosen One. She wishes she could instead be fighting side by side with her guards. 

When she was little the cravens took her parents from her. They were murdered and her face and body were scarred for life. As an adult, the last thing she wants is to be defenseless. Covertly, her guard (and the only father figure she has known) Víctor, has trained her in all possible ways to fight and to win.

Hawke, her new Royal guard with the golden eyes is something she was not expecting. He understands her. He also drives her mad and she had some violent tendencies toward him. He sees too many things she wants to hide from him and all others.

From Blood and Ash is a great beginning to a new series. There was plenty of action and romance. The world-building was done well and the take on supernaturals was a pretty cool one too. Of course, the best part was the ending. 

Was it a cliffhanger? 

Yep. 

5/5 Fangs

Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst

Title: Our Italian Summer

Author: Jennifer Probst

Publisher: Berkley Books

Release Date: January 12, 2021

From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new women's fiction novel featuring three generations of Ferrari women who need to heal the broken pieces of their lives...and one trip of a lifetime through Italy.

Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother's wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime. . . .

Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.

Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it's too late.

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I have always liked Jennifer Probst's romance novels but this one feels more like a women's fiction. Yes, there is romance but the most important part is the relationship between the 3 women.

Three generations of women decided to take a trip to Italy for the summer for different reasons. 

Francesca has a successful business. She is a workaholic and puts her job first. She has missed so many events her daughter has participated in and her daughter is starting to resent her for it. She also doesn't have a great relationship with her mother, Sophia since her mother only wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and her father who passed away was just like Francesca. Taking a trip to Europe is the last thing she wants to do but maybe she might not have a choice.

Allegra is eighteen. She has one more year of high school and then she wants to do anything but what her mother wants her to do. She is tired of her mother making excuses for never being present. She's tired of feeling like she's second-best. On the other hand, she loves her grandmother. Sophia has always been there for her and they shared their love for cooking. After Allegra gets in trouble with the law, she doesn't have a choice in taking the trio.

Sophia can see how Francesca and Allegra are becoming strangers. She knows Allegra is unhappy with her mother and how much hurt she carries with her. She knows Francesca needs to put Allegra first and she thinks the trip to Italy can bring them all together. She's also keeping a secret from both and she wants to see the place where her parents were born. She has always dreamed of this trip and she finally has a chance to do it.

The story is told from Francesca, Allegra, and Sophia's points of view.  Is a great way to get to know them better and in my case to like all three of them.

Our Italian Summer was the best escape I needed. I love traveling to Italy through their eyes. I've been to Italy a few times and I was lucky to recognize almost all the places they visit. Although, my favorite place remains the south of Italy. I'd go back to Positano in a second. 

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Is Killing

Author: Elle Cosimano

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Release Date: February 2, 2021

FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT . . . except, she’s really not. The new book she promised her literary agent isn’t written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head.

When Finlay’s overheard discussing the plot of her new novel with her agent over lunch, she’s mistaken for a contract killer and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet . . . and she soon discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart.

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What a delightful and innovative storyline! Nothing like an assassin who doesn't want to be one.

Finlay Donovan is going through a rough time. Her ex-husband cheated, got engaged to their realtor and now it’s trying to take custody of their two kids. Finlay's financial situation is dire. She can’t pay her bills!

Finlay is a writer but since her divorce, she has not been able to write a word. She already used the advance she was given. If she doesn't deliver a new book, her suspense writing dream is over and she will lose her kids for sure. 

Then while meeting her literary agent at Panera, the woman next to them (Patricia Mickler) started eavesdropping on their conversation and she misinterprets what Finlay and her agent were discussing. Next thing you know, Mrs. Mickler leaves a message with a phone number. When Finlay calls, Patricia is offering fifty thousand dollars in exchange for Finlay disposing of her husband. 

This book was unputabledown. It was refreshing. I was entertained throughout!

I was also anxious about Finlay getting over her head. The one saving grace was Vero. I want a Vero in my life. She was the perfect babysitter and friend anyone should have.

I love Finlay too. She was stuck in a hard place and did what she thought needed to be done. Of course, her decisions were mostly wrong and led to even more trouble for her and Vero.

The best part was the ending. I loved it. 

Grab this gem when you need a distraction, it will make laugh and hopefully root for her as I did.

I can't wait for the next one.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley

 

Title: The Invisible Husband of Frick Island

Author: Colleen Oakley

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 25th, 2021

Sometimes all you need is one person to really see you.

Piper Parrish's life on Frick Island—a tiny, remote town smack in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay—is nearly perfect. Well, aside from one pesky detail: Her darling husband, Tom, is dead. When Tom's crab boat capsized and his body wasn't recovered, Piper, rocked to the core, did a most peculiar thing: carried on as if her husband was not only still alive, but right there beside her, cooking him breakfast, walking him to the docks each morning, meeting him for their standard Friday night dinner date at the One-Eyed Crab. And what were the townspeople to do but go along with their beloved widowed Piper?

Anders Caldwell’s career is not going well. A young ambitious journalist, he’d rather hoped he’d be a national award-winning podcaster by now, rather than writing fluff pieces for a small town newspaper. But when he gets an assignment to travel to the remote Frick Island and cover their boring annual Cake Walk fundraiser, he stumbles upon a much more fascinating tale: an entire town pretending to see and interact with a man who does not actually exist. Determined it’s the career-making story he’s been needing for his podcast, Anders returns to the island to begin covert research and spend more time with the enigmatic Piper—but he has no idea out of all the lives he’s about to upend, it’s his that will change the most.

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Oakley delivers an unforgettable love story about an eccentric community, a grieving widow, and an outsider who slowly learns that sometimes faith is more important than the facts.

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Bittersweet story with a good message!

Anders is a reporter but he wants to become a famous podcaster like the one who made Serial. He goes to Frick Island on an assignment. It’s the yearly Cake Walk. After doing his interviews, he stops by the One-Eyed-Crab to get a bite to eat when a beautiful young woman enters the place. After arming himself with courage, he walks toward her and asks her if he can sit with her. The woman's name is Piper and she tells him absolutely not. She is married. 

After leaving the island, Anders gets an email from someone who tells him that he missed the Island's big story. He returns to the island and he learns that Piper's husband, Tom is dead but that Piper believes he's still with her. The whole island is happy to continue her delusion and they continue to talk or say hi to "Tom". 

Anders spidey senses go crazy, he knows he has hit the jackpot of a story. He hopes that doing a podcast about Piper is going to make him get more listeners and finally his podcast can take off. 

But what happens when your subject starts captivating your heart? 

And what will happen when Piper finds out the truth about what Anders is really doing?

Just as Anders, my notions and objections about Frick Island started melting away. The island and its occupants were quite entertaining. A tight group of people who knew everything about each other. I like how Anders started gaining the favor of the island inhabitants. He started doing things for others and they went from tolerating him to actually looking forward to seeing him. 

It was so sad to see Pipers' denial. It has to be devastating to lose your partner, your first and only love so young. I felt sad and my heart broke for her and her loss. I wasn't sure how much her denial was going to affect her psyche. 

Also, I learned to love Anders. I loved his quirkiness. In general, he was a nice guy and his shortcomings made him more real to me. His character development was well done. 

I liked many of the messages the author gives us: To learn about other people before scratching them from your life. To be more tolerable. To be more helpful. Understand that people grieve in different ways.  To open up to others. After all, "no man is an island".

4/5 fangs 

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall KellyLilac Girls #1

Title: Lilac Girls

Series: Lilac Girls #1

Author: Martha Hall Kelly

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Release Date: April 5, 2016

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades. 

On the eve of a fateful war, New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.

An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she sinks deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspect neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.

For ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. But, once hired, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.

The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious female-only Nazi concentration camp. The tragedy and triumph of their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, and Germany to Poland—capturing the indomitable pull of compassion to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.

In Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly has crafted a remarkable novel of unsung women and their quest for love, happiness, and second chances. It is a story that will keep readers bonded with the characters, searching for the truth, until the final pages.

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What an interesting story!

Caroline Ferriday was a real person. A devoted philanthropist who felt compelled to help others. One of the most important achievements of her life was to help with the ones called "Rabbits".

The Rabbits were the Polish women who were taken into the largest all-female concentration camp in  Ravensbrück and who many surgical procedures were performed against their will. Many different surgeries were done including sterilization and introducing different materials like dirt, glass, and bacterial cultures into their legs to promote infection and to test the efficacy of sulfa drugs. More than half of the Rabbits died from these experiments. The 35 Ravensbrück Rabbit survivors suffered from chronic pain, infections, and inability to walk. After the war and over the years, no one helped them until Caroline Ferriday learned about them and she made sure the USA learned about them too.  Then, the Rabbits came to America and got the reconstructive surgery and treatment they needed all at no cost to them.

I was so engrossed in the story and it's three narrators.

Caroline Ferriday: almost as her true self. A socialite who dedicates her time to a cause while working (for free) at the French Consulate in New York when the war begins. She helps deliver packages for children in different orphanages in France.

Kasia: A young Polish girl at the beginning of the war who as part of the underground resistance is found out and is taken to Ravensbrück in the company of her mother, a nurse, and her sister, a physician. 

Herta Oberheuser: she's a german surgeon who believes blindly in Hitler. She takes the job at Ravensbruck and despite being the only female doctor she has no qualms in running the experiments on the Polish women. 

Lilac Girls was sad and horrifying but it also exhibited hope, love, empathy, and the will to survive against all odds.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon

Title: The Drowning Kind

Author: Jennifer McMahon

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press

Release Date: April 6th, 2021

Be careful what you wish for.

When social worker Jax receives nine missed calls from her older sister, Lexie, she assumes that it’s just another one of her sister’s episodes. Manic and increasingly out of touch with reality, Lexie has pushed Jax away for over a year. But the next day, Lexie is dead: drowned in the pool at their grandmother’s estate. When Jax arrives at the house to go through her sister’s things, she learns that Lexie was researching the history of their family and the property. And as she dives deeper into the research herself, she discovers that the land holds a far darker past than she could have ever imagined.

In 1929, thirty-seven-year-old newlywed Ethel Monroe hopes desperately for a baby. In an effort to distract her, her husband whisks her away on a trip to Vermont, where a natural spring is showcased by the newest and most modern hotel in the Northeast. Once there, Ethel learns that the water is rumored to grant wishes, never suspecting that the spring takes in equal measure to what it gives.

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Creepy. Oh so creepy!

Usually, when I read a book, I read it all in one sitting. I like to know what happens. Well, this is one of those few times when I had to put the book away. It happened around the 50% mark. I got so spooked that I couldn’t continue reading. 

The story is an interesting one. Famous springs that are whispered to grant wishes. Sick people getting better after bathing or drinking the spring water. However, there is a price to pay. 

Are you willing to pay the price?

The Drowning Kind has two timelines. 

One is told by Ethel O' Shay Monroe. Ethel is a young woman who recently married a doctor. She has a happy marriage except that she's having fertility issues. She wants nothing more than to become a mother but despite trying, no baby is making an appearance. Her husband plans a visit to a grand new hotel and their miracle springs, Brandenburg Springs Hotel and Resort in Vermont. Ethel starts to believe that the springs could be the answer for them.  

The other timeline is told by Jax in 2019. Jax is a social worker who has to travel to her grandmother's home, Sparrow Crest, after finding out that her estranged sister, Lex, has drowned in the pool. Jax feels guilty since she purposely stayed away from her sister who was bipolar. 

Eery and suspenseful is the best way I can describe this novel. I was wondering how the two timelines could intersect. 

Many times, I found myself thinking get away from the freaking water!! Why won’t they listen??

After reading this, I think I might not go into my pool for a while. Never in the dark. Never along. 

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.