Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood Book Review!

 

Title: Within These Wicked Walls
Author: Lauren Blackwood
Publish Date: October 19th, 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

What the heart desires, the house destroys...

Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rochester reaches out to hire her, Andromeda quickly realizes this is a job like no other, with horrifying manifestations at every turn, and that Magnus is hiding far more than she has been trained for. Death is the most likely outcome if she stays, but leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option. Evil may roam the castle’s halls, but so does a burning desire.

Penelope's Review

This is a debut, standalone fantasy novel marketed as a Jane Eyre retelling. I have to be completely honest and let you know that I actually haven't read Jane Eyre yet (I know, I know... the classics are on my never-ending TBR list lol) so I went into this with a completely open mind and basically no back story. I ended up really liking this book, and am looking forward to whatever she comes out with next!

Within These Wicked Walls follows Andromeda (or Andi for short), a debtera hired to cleanse a house of the Evil Eye and all of its manifestations. I will admit, it took me a bit to wrap my head around what I was reading - we get off to a bit of a slow start in the beginning, but once things picked up and I really understood a debtera and their job, the book moved along much quicker! 

I loved Magnus and his humour, even when he wasn't trying to be funny lol! His personality was on point, and I really liked the conversations between him and Andromeda. I was also a fan of Jember, though I'm not sure I was supposed to be haha. I just felt like I really understood where he was coming from, and how he felt that everything he did was for the betterment of Andi. I don't want to say too much more, just know that I liked his character alot! And then of course, we have the main female lead Andromeda. It was great watching Andi grow into the character she becomes at the end. I tip my hat to the author for being able to write her changes throughout the book while keeping her core essence the same. It made her growth realistic and relatable.

The plot itself was quite interesting and unique in my opinion! Once the story really got going, I loved everything about it. I almost wanted to see and read about more manifestations! They were so cool! I feel like things ended the way they should have, and I love that this was a standalone that wrapped up nicely. Great debut!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor ARC Review!

Title: Rules for Engaging the Earl (The Widow Rules #2)
Author: Janna MacGregor
Publish Date: April 26th, 2022
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review!

Get ready for lost wills, broody dukes, and scorching hot kissing all over London.

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child―a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still―with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence―to their marriage ceremony―Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds―both on the surface and in their relationship―run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

Penelope's Review

This is the second book in the Widow Rules series but can be read as a standalone! I really liked the first book, so I was excited to delve into Constance's story in the second! Constance is the late Merriweather's second wife and is about to give birth to his child when she calls her childhood friend Jonathan for help. Jonathan was injured in the war and suffers from both the physical pain of the injury as well as the psychological damage that accompanied his circumstances. When Constance writes to Jonathan, asking him to be her husband and a father to her child, her friend reluctantly agrees due the affection he held for her when they were younger that he harbors still. 

I liked Constance and her optimistic, sweet disposition. Her love for Jonathan and her desire to see him happy were some of my favorite aspects of the relationship and the book in general. But there were times when she was simply too composed. I found myself frustrated at her lack of passion at times. Jonathan himself also wasn't my favorite character. He was very withdrawn and taciturn and it took almost the entire book for him to really show some growth. He was very snappish and unkind for much of the story and despite the reasons behind his behavior, it was a bit annoying. I will say that I liked his attitude towards the end however, and was happy with the conclusion to both their relationship and the book.

Overall, I found that the book got off to a very slow start. Despite there being a few different arcs to read through (the growth of their relationship, the difficulties Jonathan must overcome, a villain hanging over both of their heads), the whole story seemed to just meander along. There weren't really any points where I felt the need to read quicker, or stay up later to get through more. But that being said, there was a decent plot and very enjoyable side characters - we get to see Katherine and Beth for a little bit, and I loved the butler, Mr. North. I will continue to read this series as I am curious to see what happens with the third wife, Beth. I have a feeling I will love the story!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Hi everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE CRUISER by Rowan Rossler Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:

Title: THE CRUISER (The Hustlers Trilogy #1)

Author: Rowan Rossler

Pub. Date: March 7, 2022

Publisher: Free Form Productions Inc.

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 282

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

 From award-winning storyteller Rowan Rossler comes The Cruiser, a deliciously heartfelt millionaire playboy romp where navigating the choppy waters of desire is anything but smooth sailing.

 Morgan de Rohan-Chabot is Monaco’s most notorious yacht designer. A maverick playboy with a reputation for leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. Young, talented, not to mention sexy AF, he’s also got a boatload of attitude.

In other words, he’s my perfect public relations challenge. So what if he’s trouble with a capital T?

I’m a pro. Vandana Hillman: the Queen of Luxury PR.

My life’s just blown up, I need a distraction, and Morgan wants me to join him on the glittering shores of Monaco to help him land a conservative Saudi Prince as a client.

Ten days. In and out. No biggie, right?

What could possibly go wrong?

FULL-LENGTH MILLIONAIRE PLAYBOY ROMANCE SIZZLING WITH JET-SET GLAMOUR, WITTY BANTER, AND SLOW-BURN STEAM. PACK YOUR BAGS! THIS HAPPILY EVER AFTER IS THE ROMANCE READ OF 2022.

 

Book Trailer:

Series Trailer:

EXCERPT:

His finely curved mouth breaks into a smile that is both seductive and imperious. A story or three those lips could tell, I’m sure. Something about his specific brand of refined, European hotness intimidates me, and imagining his carved body without the sweater on isn’t helping. I place my handbag on the table as a barrier of sorts. Never before has three feet of wood-slat table felt so necessary. 

Any closer to him and I’m not sure what I might do. 

Focus, Vandana.

Folding both hands in my lap, I ease in with something neutral. “I appreciate you finding time in your schedule to meet. We’re very intrigued with your work.”

 He tilts his head, assessing me. “It’s quite all right to say you are intrigued. Since you’re the only one here.”

His blasé bluntness comes out of nowhere, and the electricity of it crackles on my skin. Blithe disregard for social niceties is so the opposite of ass-kissing LA.  

“It’s a euphemism,” I clarify. “The collective ‘we’?”

“Yes, I hear it all the time,” he says, with an air of dismissiveness. “Odd, considering how independent Americans like to be.” 

If there’s a slag in his observation, it’s buried deeply by that very charming accent. Chip on his shoulder? More like an old-growth Redwood. 

“Well, I’m sure the French have a far more lyrical way of expressing business speak,” I counter. 

He wordlessly studies me during a pause that seems to go on forever, and I realize that being countered is foreign territory. But I hold my ground, and his eyes are breathtaking as they fixate on mine. Dark caramel with flecks of gold. There’s a restlessness in them, a fire I imagine is eternally stoked. 

I shift on the sofa and hope it looks nonchalant instead of uncertain.

It’s been a long time since I was this self-aware around a man.

About Rowan Rossler:

Hello Romance Lovers!

I am an award-winning storyteller whipping up contemporary romance tales. My goal is to make the world a better place one love story at a time!

The Cruiser is book one in The Hustlers Trilogy, a jet-set romance series where three BFF’s navigate dreams, desires, and all the beautiful complications of falling in love. Loosely interconnected, each book reads as a standalone. My signature combination of heat and heart make these mid-steam romps the perfect sizzling beach read.

If you like glamorous destinations, brilliant, sexy minds, and juicy plots with just the right amount of spice stirred in to kick things up a notch, it might be love at first bite!

Rowan Rossler Romance
Where heat meet heart

Sign up for Rowan’s mailing list!

 

Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | Twitter  | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win THE CURISER swag, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/14/2022	Rockstar Book Tours	Kickoff Post
3/14/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
3/15/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
3/15/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
3/16/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt
3/16/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/IG Post
3/17/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
3/17/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
3/18/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
3/18/2022	The Momma Spot	Excerpt

Week Two:

3/21/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
3/21/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post
3/22/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
3/22/2022	Writer of Wrongs	Excerpt/IG Post
3/23/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
3/23/2022	@meetcuteromancebooks	Excerpt/IG Post
3/24/2022	Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	Review
3/24/2022	The Reading Devil	Excerpt/IG Post
3/25/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
3/25/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review/IG Post

These Walls Were Never Really There by Bryan Blears Blog Tour!

Hi everyone! Today is my stop on the These Walls Were Never Really There by Bryan Blears blog tour! This tour is hosted by The Write Reads! 

Title: These Walls Were Never Really There
Author: Bryan Blears
Publish Date: April 1st, 2022
Publisher: 2QT Limited

Based on the author's own experiences of leaving home and travelling across Europe on less than a pound a day, These Walls Were Never Really There is a compelling true story described by publishing editors as ‘immersive and moving’ and ‘a potential prizewinner in the making’.

Initially set in the heart of Manchester's homeless community, These Walls follows twenty-year-old Cameron, who is propelled on a physical and spiritual journey which will take him far from the life he once knew.

A surprising story about mental health, friendship and redemption, this compelling debut will take you on a journey across Europe and beyond, as Cameron and his travelling companion Jacob navigate perilous border crossings, packs of wolves, and the harsh realities of life on the road.

Set against the backdrop of the emerging Arab Spring, Cameron and Jacob will have their friendship pushed to its limits as they find themselves trapped thousands of miles away from home…

About the author:

Bryan Blears is an author of contemporary literary fiction from Salford, Manchester. He has written for the Huffington Post, the New Statesman and the Philosophical Society of England, among others.

Focusing on social issues, mental health and overcoming personal adversity, his fiction has been compared to George Orwell, Sylvia Plath and Donna Tartt. His debut novel, These Walls Were Never Really There, has been described by critics as an 'immersive and moving true story' and 'a fantastic talent, and a potential prizewinner in the making.'

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/These-Walls-Never-Really-There/dp/1914083385/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60212102-these-walls-were-never-really-there 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Hi everyone! Happy Monday! I am currently writing this blog post from a chalet at the bottom of a ski hill! I absolutely love snowboarding, are any of you skiiers or snowboarders? We're getting to the end of the season here in Ontario which is sad, but it means summer is coming so that's always nice! I completed my second interview for a medical school in England and I will hear their final decision on my acceptance on March 24th!! Please pray and cross your fingers for me lol! But I was also surprised and very happy to receive an interview for another medical school in Ireland as well! Yay! So I now have a second shot if England doesn't work out :) 
Anyway! In terms of books, I slowed down a bit this month due to interview prep but hopefully I can pick back up again now! Have a lovely week everyone!

What I Read Last Week:

What I Am Currently Reading:

      

What I Am Reading Next: