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A Sweet Christmas: A Sweet Confections Novella by Nicole Richards – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairings Series Book 1)Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story would make a perfect Hallmark movie.
Olivia books a cruise for Christmas to get her mind off of her cheating fiance (who cheated with her supermodel sister). Once on board, things take a fairytale turn and she finds herself dining with Mr. and Mrs. Clause, meeting the man of her dreams, and quickly descending into a sugary sweet Christmas happily-ever-after.
This book was not my usual read and felt like it needed some more editing. I found the pacing to be really unrealistic, but it is with Hallmark as well, so I suppose it’s par for the course!
If you like light Christmas romances that are void of anything dirty, this might be the read for you!

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I originally picked up this title as a light little Halloween read. My first story by Naomi Valkyrie, I was immediately sucked into the beautiful world she’s created.
There’s something really beautiful about a love story set against the backdrop of death. I felt myself reminded a bit of Egyptian mythology, which made the story even richer for me, personally.
Acheron is a Vulture shifter- he touches and cares for the souls of the dead. Because of this, he’s seen as unclean, and he stays to himself. When he takes a job in the city, he finds himself drawn to Errapel, who is nursing the soul headed for death. By law, Acheron cannot take a mate, but as the two work together, we find ourselves wondering if the law is enough to keep them apart.

Truthfully a gorgeous short story, bursting with a myriad of emotions and brilliant storytelling. I really enjoyed Naomi’s storytelling, even though I’m not generally a sci-fi reader. She will definitely go on my “Always read,” list after this stunner of a story.

Reviewed by @hautemessreads

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twilight’s Curse is the first in a fantasy series about the Twilight Realm.
We find the story centered on Zoe, a magical elf with a long history of abuse, and Nix, the son of the King and Queen of the Twilight Realm.

An intriguing YA fantasy novel, this story had a likeable cast (although I personally found them hard to connect with), interesting world building and a slow burn romance sure to make you keep turning pages. I enjoyed this coming of age story, and look forward to the next book in the series. Definitely pick it up if you are a lover of fantasy!

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Weep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“I am built for tears.”
From the opening line, DeBlassie sucks us into an absolutely gorgeously spun tale of culture, breaking generational chains, and sorrow. La Llorona is a haunting presence that lurks throughout the story, causing you to shiver and look twice at the shadows outside your window.
As someone who lives next to the Bosque river, I found the description of New Mexico to be beautifully accurate, and the subtle horror perfect for spooky season.
Mercy is a wonderful narrator, and I empathized with her immediately. To be the friend that always feels a bit out of place, always longs for more beauty- that is a theme that I think many of us relate to.
I love that this novella was written by a bruja, and that we got to see the healing side of witchcraft. Beautifully done and well worth the read. I give this one five stars.

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Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow. This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. A true psychological horror, it had me- a self-professed lover of creep- absolutely gobsmacked.
Please be forewarned that some content may be triggering, and that this book has incredibly vivid details. The style is a bit different than many books, and may take a few chapters to get into. It is worth the investment.

We open on Gabriel as a young boy, in the cemetery, with his mother. It very quickly becomes apparent that Mother Juana is not at all what she seems. Mother is the superior in a nunnery, and when Gabriel becomes an adult, he works there as well. A man who readily extends grace to others and sees the best in people, we find him at complete odds with Juana. When orphans begin to go missing, Gabriel must face the truth about his sadistic mother and reconcile some difficult choices in himself.

A truly riveting read, lovers of horror will be glad they added this one to their list.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Ashleigh Sherel-Kidd

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stars, this book is truly enthralling.
Scarlett is the lovable and incorrigible princess of Lochlann who finds herself in enemy territory, facing potential death. When she befriends Lord Theodore, she must call into question everything she believes is true. Are the Socairans really so different?
Scarlett Princess is a highly enjoyable read that I found myself unable to put down. I read it in one day, and once finished, found myself immediately searching for book two in the installment.
This novel has something for everyone, with battle scenes, a strong female lead, slow-burn romance, world-building, witty humor, and delightful characters.
Highly recommended!

 

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