Daring the Duke by Charlie Lane Book Review

 

Title: Daring the Duke (The Debutante Dares #1)
Author: Charlie Lane
Publish Date: October 7th, 2021
Publisher: Wolf Publishing
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

In this Regency romance by Charlie Lane, a London season of scandalous dares forces a lady and her duke to see that perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.

>A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.

And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.

Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.

The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.

Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.

Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts?

Penelope's Review

This is my first book from this author, so I didn't know what to expect in terms of content and writing style. This ended up being a quick, enjoyable read but I did find it a bit slow at times. I definitely enjoyed the writing style, but the characters themselves were not my favourite. They both seemed a bit immature given their age (Tabitha 27, Arthur early 30's), and they erred on the side of boring at times. The book started out great, and the premise here is really interesting but it could have been done differently in my opinion. Perhaps a quicker pace, especially getting closer to the end. 

Between the two, I'd say Tabitha had much more substance to her character over Arthur. The photographic memory was a neat touch, and I liked her spirit. Arthur on the other hand was too stiff and unrelatable. 

I liked Tabitha's friends - I'm assuming the next book will be focused on one of them, so I think I will give it a try as I enjoyed their parts in this story. 

Rating: 3/5 Devils

Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi Book Review

 

Title: Once More Upon a Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publish Date: October 5th, 2021
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy!

Once upon a dream, there was a prince named Ambrose

and a princess named Imelda who loved each other...

But alas, no more.

"What a witch takes, a witch does not give back!"

their friends and family warn.

They resign themselves to this loveless fate...

A year and a day pass.

And then their story truly begins...

Embark on a perilous journey with Imelda and Ambrose as they brave magical landscapes and enchanted creatures on their quest to reclaim their heart's desire... But first they must remember what that is...

Penelope's Review

I went into this with high hopes, as I am always up for a fairytale but unfortunately this fell a bit flat for me. While I definitely knew what I was getting into, I thought maybe there would be just a tad more than what we're given. It was short and cute, no surprises really, so if that's what you go in expecting you'll be fine. But the characters lacked any sort of depth and there wasn't much in terms of world-building - a lot of telling rather than showing. 

Sweet for what it was, but I think a younger audience would appreciate it more. I'd put this in between middle grade and YA. Give it a try if you like fairytales, it'll be a quick read!

Rating: 3/5 Devils!

The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole Book Review

 

Title: The Dark Calling (The Arcana Chronicles #6)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publish Date: February 13th, 2021
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Source: I purchased a copy for myself

New intrigues, adventures, and stunning revelations fill the penultimate installment of #1 New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole’s electrifying Arcana Chronicles.

In a world teetering on the edge . . .

When Evie receives life-changing—and possibly game-changing—news, she has trouble believing it. Why doesn’t she feel any different? Is it possible someone she trusts might be lying?

With enemies at every turn . . .

Tensions seethe inside the castle of lost time as Evie starts to doubt her own sanity. Answers can be found outside their stronghold, but will Death help her find them—or prevent her from learning the truth about her future and Jack’s possible survival?

Darkness beckons.

A mysterious, sinister power begins to affect the Arcana in its path. Forced out into the wasteland alone, Evie must depend on unexpected allies. But as a battle with Richter looms, can her new alliance defeat the Dark Calling before hell reigns on earth?

Penelope's Review

I'm Team Jackson, I'm Team Death, I'm Team Jackson, I'm Team Death, I'm Team Jackson. You get my drift. I THINK it is safe to say, after this book, that I am Team Jackson. From the reviews I have skimmed through I think I might be in the minority here lol... and I get it. I get the allure and the heartbreak and the passion that exudes from Aric. But.. Jackson's little Cajun heart has my soul. 

This book had some WILD twists and turns. It's so hard to review without spoilers so I will just say that this will shred you. In SO many ways. I was annoyed with Death - though admittedly, it wasn't his fault but I just can't shake my irritation. And then Jackson... omigod he was just on fire in this book. Sweet, attentive, wide open. My heart can't even. 

I don't know where this series is going but my fingers are crossed for an EPIC finale. I hope Kresley doesn't disappoint.

Rating: 4.5/5 Devils

Book Blogger Hop

 

This is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hop over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This Week's Question:

What spooky creature and/or setting do you never get tired of reading about? (submitted by Nicci @ Sunny Buzzy Books)

Well first off, I avoid anything horror like the plague lol. Seriously, I am the biggest wimp you will ever meet. So spooky books? Not my thing. At all. Though I do read an occasional mystery/thriller (VERY rarely) and even then I have to read a romance or something right after haha! In terms of spooky creatures... I mean I absolutely adore the supernatural - vampires, werewolves, witches/wizards, etc. and I can read about them all day long - just not in a horror book. Think... Twilight... lol. 

Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole Book Review

 

Title: Arcana Rising (The Arcana Chronicles #5)
Author: Kresley Cole
Publish Date: August 15th, 2016
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Source: I purchased my own copy

Losses mount and deadly new threats converge in this next action-packed tale of the Arcana Chronicles by #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole.

When the battle is done . . .

The Emperor unleashes hell and annihilates an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe strikes back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

And all hope is lost . . .

With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

Vengeance becomes everything.

To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Penelope's Review

I live for this series. Seriously. The feels it invokes... I can't even. After that soul crushing cliffhanger in Dead of Winter, I didn't know if I could go on. While Death still tugs at my heartstrings, I am Team Jack. This will likely come as no surprise, but spoiler alert: Jack isn't dead. Thank. The. Lord. Phew I don't even know what I would've done. 

Anyway - Evie doesn't know that Jack is alive so she is an absolute mess. I mean, she had just decided (finally) to pick Jack and then BOOM. Dead. But Death is there for her, which makes my loyalty to Jack so hard to hold on to! Death can be so sweet... ugh. Kresley why do you do this to me? 

The book alternates between Evie's and Jack's perspectives and I absolutely love reading from Jackson's point of view. We learn so much more about the Arcana and the game in this book. It's crazy how much is revealed here, and adds so much substance to the book. Evie has some badass moments which were awesome - she has really come into her own as a character throughout this series, relationship drama aside. 

And Aric... Death.. my oh my. I've never been so torn in a love triangle before. I am always VERY firmly one side. While I have decided that I am Team Jack, Death holds a certain allure. I wouldn't be completely upset if this series ended with him and Evie together...

Overall this was an action packed, fantastic addition to this series. Kresley is the queen of cliffhangers and she didn't disappoint with this one. Hot damn I did NOT see that one coming. See you for the next book!

Rating: 5/5 Devils!