Posts Tagged 'family'

Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

Published April 21, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

Tilla was raised by a father with a royal title, Lord Kent of the Western Province. Things were good for Tilla until he remarried and had legitimate children. After that point she was technically provided for, but he spent less and less time with her. She didn’t mind spending time with the other royal bastards (especially her half brother, Jax), but often wished her father would visit her like he did in the old days. When Princess Lyriana comes for a visit, Tilla is shocked when she chooses to sit at the bastards’ table. They end up agreeing to meet Princess Lyriana later to show her the tunnels under the castle and have a bit of fun, but end up witnessing a coup! They all manage to escape, but are now on the run from Tilla’s father and others of his loyal subjects who participated in the coup. Tilla isn’t sure if she can trust her father not to kill her for what she saw, but she does feel a responsibility to Princess Lyriana, whom she knows was supposed to die that night had she been where she was supposed to be. Can they get the princess across the country to warn the king of the threat coming his way? Will they be any more accepted by the King than they were back home? Will Tilla and her friends ever be regarded as more than just a bastard?

This is the first in a series and contains a very interesting setup. The royal bastards are not treated terribly well in their kingdom, but they still have some benefits over servants as long as they don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves. As they have gotten older they have questioned what their role will be as adults, but their royal parents are not keen to discuss much of anything with them let alone future plans. When the Princess comes to visit it becomes painfully clear that when the kingdoms merged there were still many people who wished they had stayed separate and have been planning their chance to break away this entire time. This of course leads Tilla to wonder if her father has merely kept her around to help with this coup he has been planning or if he truly cares for her. Meanwhile, the other bastards are dealing with their own insecurities, but for the good of them all they vow to band together to help the princess. Can they really get to safety when everyone they ever cared about is trying to hunt them down? Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy series.

Rings of Fate by Melissa De La Cruz

Published April 7, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Aren has been running her father’s tavern and getting her twin sisters’ ready for the prince’s upcoming visit all on her own. She is used to acting alone since her mother’s death. Her father is too sick and frail and her sisters are so beautiful they need to be protected at all costs. When Prince Dietan finally arrives, Aren is surprised that he doesn’t seem that interested in meeting a potential princess, which is supposed to be the purpose of his trip. Nearby kingdoms are threatening to attack and if he were to find a suitable princess a war could possibly be avoided between the countries. Instead, Dietan wants to know where a reclusive witch lives and Aren knows he will need help if he wants to find her. Meanwhile, Aren is attacked on her way back to the tavern and Dietan arrives to save her, while clearly using magical means. She learns he has a secret that has been plaguing him for years and if he can’t find someone to help him the secret will probably kill him. In order to travel and try to find a solution to his curse, he needs a bride by his side to help explain his tour around the country. Now that Aren has found suitable matches for her sisters she desperately wants to see outside their town and this could be her chance. She agrees to pose as Dietan’s bride to be, but as they continue to head toward danger and enemies on all sides, they begin to form an attraction for real. Can Aren help Dietan break the terrible Rings of Fate curse? Can they ever truly be together? Is their alliance meant to be?

This engaging fantasy story pulls the reader in from the beginning because Aren is such a great character. She can do it all: run the tavern, run the family home, and take care of everyone. Yet, when she is attacked she cannot fight them on her own and is grateful when Dieten steps in. He gives her the possibility of being able to explore and be something other than the person everyone has come to rely on. While she loves her family, she definitely feels like everything is resting on her shoulders and she isn’t sure this is the life she really wants. Dietan, on the other hand, has huge expectations on him as well, but the curse has limited him in every way. If he could find a way to break the curse he might be able to truly fulfill his true leadership potential. As their journey begins it becomes obvious that they need each other in order to attain their goals. Romantasy readers will devour this story.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Published March 24, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Mystery

In this sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, Hannah and Bailey have now been without Owen for five years. Bailey has graduated from college and has begun her first full time job. Hannah is still working on her art and even having shows, which is when she first suspects she sees Owen. Hannah knows that Owen showing back up is probably not a good thing and learns that Bailey’s grandfather, Nicholas, has just died and that puts them both in jeopardy as he had worked out a deal to keep them both safe from the mob he works for. So, they both use their planned escape contingencies to go on the run and find out if there is a way for all of them (including Owen) to stay safe under the new regime controlling the mob. Can they reunite with Owen? Will they ever be able to live without looking over their shoulders? Will they ever know once and for all whether or not the mob was behind Bailey’s mother’s death?

Fans of the first novel will love that this one picks up right where the old one left off. Bailey and Hannah have gotten close to Nicholas despite his dealings with the mob that created this entire mess. The story also helps them find answers that were never given in the first book. The relationship of Hannah and Bailey is also fun for the reader to see because they have been through so much together with the loss of Owen. The story is very fast paced and action packed as they try to find answers and get their lives back. Fans who thought their journey had ended will be pleasantly surprised by this very exciting second installment.

We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart

Published February 3, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

Genre: Realistic Fiction

In this companion to We Were Liars, Matilda discovers the father she has never known, renowned artist Kingsley Cello, has asked to meet her after all this time and invites her to his reclusive home by the sea. Her mother has always been a bit flaky and after moving to be with yet another new love interest, Matilda actually opts to stay with the previous love interest to finish high school. Besides, Saar Adler, the most recent boyfriend, has always been more of a parent to her than either of her real parents. Saar is concerned about Matilda traveling so far to meet someone who has wanted nothing to do with her until this point. Her mother also advises against meeting Kingsley but says if he offers her a painting she should take it and sell it.

When Matilda arrives at the airport she quickly realizes that the directions she has been given are very confusing and she has trouble finding a cab willing to take her. Upon arrival she meets her half brother she has never known, Meer, who welcomes her with open arms. A former child star, Brock, and a wild card Tatum also live with Kingsley and his mom in their beachside house, which appears to be crumbling around them. Kingsley is not there to greet Matilda, however, and they all tell her that he is a free spirit and often leaves with no notice of when he will return. They lock up her electronics without her permission and declare it is a screen free home. As much as Matilda does not feel comfortable or included, she is determined to make the best of this since she has traveled so far. As she gets to know the inhabits of this house it becomes clear that there are a lot of unsaid things between the inhabitants and she starts to suspect they are not telling her the truth about where Kingsley is.

This story takes place right after the events of We Were Liars, which is located on an island across the water from where Kingsley’s house is. Everyone is pretty shaken up by what happened on the Sinclair island, but all for different reasons. In this story, everyone does appear to be lying about a lot of things and it starts to become hazy why Matilda was invited here at all if everyone was just going to lie to her about everything. The characters do become more distinguishable as the story plays out and the final resolution will help everything come together. Lockhart has a way of creating unusual settings with unique characters that readers get pulled into and want to know more about.

Climate of Chaos by Cassandra Newbould

Published January 20, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Futuristic Fiction

In a post-apocalyptic Seattle, Fox and her sister, Rabbit, are trying to survive on the outskirts of the domed city. Everyone in the domed city has access to food and healthcare, in addition to protection from the volatile weather and deadly disease that is spreading from across the country. It’s hard to get inside, however, and Fox has tried to join a group working to get health supplies for those outside the dome. When her and Rabbit are sent on a mission to feign a medical issue in order to gain access to medicine they are required to provide a blood sample to get into the facility. Shortly afterward, Rabbit is whisked away by a select group of doctors and Fox is left to complete the mission. She gets back to the rally point before the storm hits, but Rabbit is nowhere to be found. After many hours, Fox realizes that something has happened and Rabbit is likely in trouble. Then, she sees Rabbit’s face on the tv as the new face of the upcoming vaccine that will supposedly save them all from a deadly spreading disease, but something feels off to Fox and she vows to get inside the dome to rescue her sister. The only way she can do that is by joining the trials to become a soldier. It is very grueling work, but she is determined to succeed and when she arrives at the trials she sees two of her friends have joined her as well. Can they all make it through the trials to become soldiers? Will they be able to find and (possibly) rescue Rabbit? Who is controlling all of the stringent government rules that leave many people without necessities? Do they know who is all on their side? What are they doing with Rabbit?

Fans of futuristic stories such as The Testing and Divergent will enjoy this title. The setting is unique, but described well so it’s easy to understand. The trials are exciting and dangerous and the longer they are there, the more they begin learning about what is going on inside the domes. There is still a lot they don’t know, however, and each time they try to find out more they are putting themselves in danger. There are several big twists in the story, but the last part is especially dramatic in more than one way. Fans will be clamoring for more in this exciting setting.

The Thorn Season by Kiera Azar

Published January 6, 2026 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

Alissa Paine lives in a world where it is illegal to be a wielder of magic and wholeborns (nonmagic people) actually hunt wielders. Alissa herself is secretly a wielder and has been protected by her noble father’s title and connections all these years. The Prince has taken an interest in Alissa, but she knows if he ever found out her power it would end badly for her so she is reluctant to join in the social season where the Prince is meant to find his Princess. However, when Alissa is kidnapped by wielders she finds herself thrust into the politics of her country and realizes she cannot hide forever. She finds herself at court torn between two different men, one the Prince and leader of the wholeborn cause and a foreign dignitary who is also a wielder. Can she find a way to help the wielders of her country without condeming herself? Can she find the man she can truly be herself with? Will she ever know who at court she can actually trust and who is just waiting to betray her?

This fantasy version of The Selection will delight fantasy readers until the end. Alissa is a strong, sympathetic character who is often put into terrible situations that seem impossible to get out of yet somehow she usually finds a way. She is not afraid to challenge the status quo, but sometimes her actions can have dire consequences. The supporting characters are all mysterious and intriguing in a way that helps the story develop and build to the exciting reveal of the climax. The reveal in the end will surprise even the most avid fantasy reader. There are still many adventures ahead for Alissa and readers will be waiting for the next installment. Recommended for fantasy and romance readers.

So, This is Christmas by Tracy Andreen

Published December 13, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Holiday Romance

When Finley decides last minute to go home to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma from boarding school she finds that everything has changed and not for the better. Her parents have separated and her mother has been out of town for weeks and her father moved into her grandmother’s inn. Meanwhile her best friend is now dating her ex-boyfriend. It doesn’t help that she doesn’t feel like she has fit in at all in her new school. She has been bullied and struggled to keep up academically. She just doesn’t belong anywhere. Meanwhile, she had spruced up her town’s website so that her classmates wouldn’t realize how run down it has gotten and that led to a classmate and his aunt coming for the Christmas holiday. Arthur was none too pleased when he figured out that much of what she bragged about was unfounded as he is from England and was hoping to show his aunt a traditional American Christmas. Finely promises to do her best to plan some wholesome Christmas activities, but she isn’t sure how she is going to pull it all off. Plus, Arthur doesn’t seem as annoying as he had at school. Is there a chance they have anything in common? Is there any chance she can reconcile her parents? Should she return to school?

This holiday romance is a fun treat for romance lovers. Finley is a very relatable girl just trying to find her place in the world and feels like everything is just going wrong. The characters are all charming and developed, especially Arthur (the love interest), and her grandmother (who runs the inn). Even people who have never been to a small town at Christmas will be enchanted by the adventures they have because it feels right out of a Hallmark movie. The ending is satisfying and realistic, but with a lot of Christmas magic. Recommended for anyone looking for a fun holiday read.

Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards

Published December 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Suspense/Mystery

Mira is desperate to get home to her mother for Christmas since it will mark the one year anniversary since her mom’s twin, Phoebe, passed away. Unfortunately, there is a terrible snow storm and she gets stuck on her layover with no end in sight. A friendly person she met on the plane, Harper, said she was going to rent a car and invites Mira to join. By the time they hit the road, there are five strangers all hitching a ride together to get home for Christmas. Almost immediately things start to go south as some of their items go missing, they are met with weather and traffic problems, and Mira starts to distrust the others in the car. Meanwhile, the story has letters interspersed that indicate someone has been watching Mira for awhile and believes they are meant to be together. Is Mira’s stalker in the car with her? Are the other passengers really strangers or are they all in on some elaborate plan to kidnap Mira? Will Mira make it home safely to her mother for Christmas?

Fans of thrilling mysteries will enjoy this title. The premise is very straightforward and believable, but yet it all screams red flags in a way that it is hard to believe Mira doesn’t see it too. The other people in the car all have their quirks which makes it hard to determine who is being honest and who is definitely not trustworthy. As mishaps continue to befall them, Mira starts to wonder if her instincts were all wrong from the start. The ending is very exciting and dramatic and will satisfy readers who love a suspenseful story. Also recommended for reluctant readers who like a quick read.

Ghost Girl and the Ghost Giant by Andrew R.H. Quinn

Published November 21, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Genre: Fantasy

** Special Review ** This exciting story will captivate both the avid readers and the reluctant readers alike. The story is primarily a fantasy, but with some mystery elements thrown in that really keep the action moving throughout. Olivia has been tormented by a ghost for awhile and she has had trouble getting anyone to believe her, but when she is attacked yet again and her mother is taken she knows that she needs to do something to stop this ghost once and for all. Unfortunately, she still has trouble finding any adults to help her. Her father does believe her, but is not in a position to help a lot despite his desire to. When a vigilante is caught by the police, Olivia gets caught up in the investigation and she realizes that there are others who have seen the ghost as well. They all work together in order to find a way to stop the havoc this ghost has caused once and for all. Can they stop the ghost before more people get hurt? Will Olivia be able to save her mom? How will Olivia be forever changed from this?

The characters are really the heartbeat of this novel. They are each unique and charismatic in a way that makes the reader care about them and their success. Olivia must also come to terms with the fact that she must become a super hero (complete with powers) in order to truly tackle this frightening ghost that has come for her and her family time and again. She must realize that she does in fact have the power to battle something that seems so much stronger and more powerful. Young readers will really resonate with Olivia because of the many feelings and doubts she has throughout this process. All young people question their abilities, goals, and future at one time or another, just as Olivia does, but it’s important to never stop trying to reach your goals. All in all, the story is fun, dramatic, exciting, and has a very satisfying ending. Highly Recommended.

The Singular Life of Aria Patel by Samira Ahmed

Published October 10, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy

Aria Patel loves to study science because it is precise and predictable. Therefore, she is confused when her physics teacher gives the class a poem to study about different realities. More confusing still, is when she begins getting terrible headaches and proceeds to start waking up in different realities for herself. In each reality she lives in a different place, her family looks different, and even her interests seem to vary. However, that poem from her class and the boy, Rohan, she recently broke up with appear in each reality. As she desperately tries to get back to the life she knows she ends up staying in one reality for longer and begins to really fall in love with the family and Rohan she has in this reality, but as attached as she is getting she knows she does not belong here and must find her way back. Can she get back to the world she knows, even if it is not the most perfect universe of herself? Will she ever learn how she is sliding between realities? Will she ever find her way back to her beloved Rohan?

This book is interesting and fast paced as Aria’s reality changes so quickly. It becomes clear that she needed to see these different realities in order to give herself some perspective rather than only focusing her life on things that are probable or predictable. There are many things in life that do not always make sense, but feel right anyway. Aria needs to learn to focus on more than just the science behind everything. The ending is satisfying, but does not explain everything and might leave readers wanting a little more closure but that is really the point.

After Life by Gayle Forman

Published October 3, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Realistic Fiction

One day Amber rides her bike home from school feeling like it’s any other day, but when her mom sees her she starts screaming because Amber died seven years prior in a hit and run. Amber does not remember anything about the accident and hasn’t aged at all, but everyone around her has moved on including her sister, Melissa. Melissa is Amber’s younger sister, but now she’s officially older than Amber ever was. Strangely, Melissa is the one person who does not seem that surprised by Amber’s appearance and seems genuinely pleased to see her despite the fact that Amber was very mean to her when she was alive. Amber’s father, who was never religious, has declared her appearance a miracle and wants to tell everyone, but Amber’s mother is scared of what is happening and does not want to get her hopes up. As Amber comes to terms with the fact that she was never able to do any of the things she dreamed of with her life, she also learns that many unfortunate things have happened since her death, including her parents’ separation. Why is Amber back now? Is there any way she can resume her life, even if in a different way? Can she find closure with those she left behind? Will she ever find out who hit her and ran away to leave her to die in the street?

This story really makes you think about life and how to make the most of it. Amber thought she had time to do all the things she wanted with her life and she also thought she had time to fix her relationship with her sister. Amber also struggles watching how much her family has suffered, but seeing her does bring them some peace and the strength to make some changes in their lives instead of being forever burdened by her untimely death. Forgiveness is a major theme in this story and most readers will connect with one of the characters because they are all justified in their feelings but also need to find ways to forgive and move forward. Recommended for anyone dealing with a loss, but everyone will find themselves thinking about the characters even after the story is done.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Published September 5, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Mystery

Jet is a 27 year old woman who is still trying to find her path in life. In the meantime, she is living with her parents and trying not to fight with her brother too much on how he is running the family business. Jet does suffer from a kidney condition that she inherited from her father and lately, she has noticed that his symptoms seem to be getting worse. On the night of the Halloween carnival, Jet returns home early to an empty house and is attacked from behind by someone who had been waiting for her. She is struck three times in the head with a hammer and left for dead. She does not die, but after waking up many hours later she learns that the hammer damaged her skull in a way that an aneurysm will kill her in less than a week. She realizes she has the rare opportunity to solve her own murder and sets out to do so with her good friend and longtime neighbor. As her symptoms start to worsen, she becomes more frantic to find out why someone would want her dead. Can she solve her murder before it is too late? Are there other shady things going on with her family that will also come to light? Can she ever find peace with the fact that her life was cut so short?

This mystery story is every bit as exciting as Holly Jackson’s other titles. As Jet investigates she finds out so many secrets that those around her never wanted to come to light. She also slowly starts to realize that she could not trust many of the people she has known for years, which is very disheartening to learn. The ending is fresh and exciting and will leave readers surprised (and that is saying something considering some of Jackson’s other titles). There are a few people introduced quickly at the beginning that can get confusing to keep straight, but ultimately each character has a purpose. Highly recommended for fans of mystery authors such as April Henry and Harlan Coben.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Published June 17, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Ivy has come to the age where all young women in her town can ask the Queen, who is a conniving fae, for a wish. All wishes come at a price, however. For example, her older sister does not remember her wish, but it has forever changed her and she now she is despondent and rarely leaves her room. This is the same occasion that young ladies come out as available to be married, but when Ivy and the others go to be presented before the Queen they learn that this year the fae prince will be looking for a bride. There is a catch to trying to make a match with the prince, however, and that is that each girl must sign her name in blood to a binding contract that states if the prince does NOT choose her then she cannot marry anyone else. Ivy is the first to step up to sign under these conditions, because she’s hoping if she could become a princess then she might be able to save her sister. None of the girls who sign know what is in store for them as the Queen puts them through cruel and terrible challenges in order to gain her favor. As Ivy gets closer to the other girls still left in the competition it becomes clear that no one will really win in this situation and she needs to find a way to help her family while she still can. The other prince (the one without magical abilities) tries to get Ivy to join his secret plan to unseat the queen and undo all of her “wishes.” Ivy agrees, but isn’t sure how they can best such a powerful figure. Plus, she isn’t sure who will stand with them and who will betray them. Can Ivy save her sister from her secret fate? Can Ivy find happiness in such a dire situation? Is there anyone Ivy can truly trust?

This fantasy series will thrill fans of The Hunger Games and the Selection series. The trials the Queen puts the girls through are cruel, but also clever in how they are planned out. There are occasionally moments when the reader gets to learn more about the other bachelorettes to see what each girl’s motivations and dreams are which becomes helpful as the ending unfolds. The growing relationship between Ivy and the other prince continues to grow as the story develops and they both know that Ivy has agreed to never marry another should the prince not choose her. The ending has many surprises and revelations (which readers will love), but there is still more to come with these characters as not everything has been revealed yet. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy romance series.

Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter

Published April 8, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Genre: Realistic Fiction/Romance

In this sequel to Royal Blood, Evan is still trying to adjust to royal life and it seems like people are both fascinated with her and aren’t sure she belongs. The media in particular has been very interested in everything they can find on Evan, especially her mother. As Evan’s father, the king, and other members of the family try to shield her there are definitely those who have not warmed up to the idea of a new royal daughter. When the family goes away for a planned hunting trip there is an attempt on Evan’s life, which shakes everyone up as they were supposed to be completely safe in this location. Which means, in Evan’s mind, that there is someone within the palace walls that wants to harm her. Despite everything, she is enjoying getting to know her father and sister so she is determined not to be chased away. Will the person trying to hurt her be found out before it is too late? Has her appearance changed the monarchy forever? Does she know who she can really trust?

This sequel is just as tantalizing at the first book. It’s easy to sympathize with Evan who has been put in a difficult situation that she did not create, but yet is trying to make the best of without compromising who she is. The other characters are very compelling as well because they are written with many emotions and motivations, which makes them seem real and human. There is still more story to tell with these characters as not everything was settled and fans will want to know more. Recommended for fans of the American Royals and the Selection series.

Everything I Promised You by Katy Upperman

Published March 25, 2025 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Genre: Romance

Lia and Beck have known each other their entire lives because their mothers have been best friends since long before they were born. When Lia’s mom was in high school she got a psychic reading on a dare and learned that she would have a daughter who would fall in love with her best friend’s son one day. Therefore, when Lia and Beck were born they were always aware that they were meant to fall in love one day. However, it didn’t happen until they were in high school. Due to the fact that both of their dads were in the army they weren’t always around each other, but whenever they were on the same army base they would continue to get closer until they couldn’t imagine life without the other. Right from the beginning the reader is aware that Beck died suddenly in his first year of college and that Lia is struggling to survive a year after it happened. She had to move to a new army base for her high school year and she does not know how to plan her future without Beck. Can she find a path forward without Beck? Should she stick to the plans she had set when Beck was alive? Can she ever let anyone in again?

This romance goes from present to past to show how the pieces of their romance came to be as well as how Lia is doing in the present. She does not have a good relationship with her parents at this time because although they are trying to help her cope, she does not believe they really can help her. She’s also let friends go in the past year as it is too painful to pretend like everything is normal and life can move on. As Lia begins life anew for her senior year she does make progress, but there are setbacks too as she tries to figure out who she is and what she needs to do in life. This romance is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time and will find an audience with fans of Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, and Nicola Yoon.

Archives

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started