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Love’s Reverie (Stardust Duet Book 2) by K.G Fletcher- Review by Erin Clemence

Love's Reverie (The Stardust Duet, #2)Love’s Reverie by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

KG Fletcher brings her musical time-travel romance series back with, “Love’s Reverie”, the conclusion to the “Stardust Duet” saga.

Finally, pianist Philip and singer Kat have been reunited, after literally decades apart. Desperate to keep Kat in his life, Philip proposes, and Kat eagerly accepts. The two plan on touring together after they wed, but their plan quickly falls apart when Philip realizes he cannot leave their small town without literally disappearing. Kat does not want to lose Philip, but certainly can’t let him give up his dreams of being a famous pianist- and Philip knows that Kat has a wanderlust to travel and perform, and he, too, cannot be the reason she gives it up. Now, both are torn with the decision- do they give up their dreams in order to stay together?

Fletcher’s novel is every bit a cute, easy-to-read romance story, with time travel components that fans of “Outlander” will instantly connect with. With an old mirror being the only way to travel through the ages, “Reverie” brings together two people from two different generations, and connects them through their mutual love of music.

I struggled with the relationship between Philip and Kat in the first novel, “Love’s Refrain”, due to the large age difference between the two main characters. In “Reverie”, this was not an issue and I found the romance portion easier to accept, and easier to enjoy. There was also less misogynistic language in this one (being mostly set in present day, there was fewer “doll face” comments), which also made “Reverie” a more enjoyable read.

A delightfully sweet read, full of passion and a love of music, Fletcher’s writing flows well and her characters are adorable and extremely likable. I cheered for both of them from the first page. It is not often that a series of novels ends at only two entries, but I think it is appropriate for this one. Fletcher is able to end the series well, without overdoing it. The “Stardust Duet” duo of books will be enjoyed by “Outlander” fans, and fans of light-hearted romance.

Ashes of Aldyr- Russel Archey, Reviewed by Erin Clemence

Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Thorne Trilogy Book 1)Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Russel Archey’s newest novel, “Ashes of Aldyr” is a collection of short stories, all with a dark fantasy vibe, all taking place in the same location, featuring different characters.

The Land of Alda has been torn apart by “The Rupture” and now every town within its boundaries is suffering. The aldyr trees, once magical and powerful, have all but become extinct and no elf, dwarf or human is immune to its destruction. Each one of Archey’s stories features a character (or two) who are dealing with the darkness in their own way- whether it’s fighting it, coping with it or creating it and in this manner, the reader gets to experience the “Rupture” and the cold-hearted, malevolent beings behind its Creation.

“Ashes” has a “A Game of Thrones” or “The Lord of the Rings” vibe, with its mythical creatures and its magical sects. However, the fact that this novel was a collection of stories took away some of its potential sway and power. I did not get a chance to bond with one character over another, and therefore I was not invested in the outcome. The Rupture itself and its Creators were intriguing enough for me to keep reading, as I wanted to know more of those details, but I could not connect to any of the characters.

Archey begins the book with a plethora of fancy, thick and pretty language, and it feels like the beginnings of a poetry novel where nothing of substance is said, but the words are big and long and flowy. Archey gets over this manner of writing rather quickly, thank goodness, and I was able to become more engaged in the novel.

“Ashes” is the first book in “The Obscured Throne Trilogy” and I’m intrigued as to what the other two novels will look like. The ending of “Ashes” gave some hints as to a potential character who could take over a storyline, but to me, the novel was completely wrapped up in one shot, and any further novels would be superfluous (although I’d love to be proven wrong!).

“Ashes of Aldyr” is a dark, fantasy novel full of magi, elves and humans with magical powers that takes place in a land that has seen an epic level of destruction. There are some stories in this novel I enjoyed more than others, and it was these that I wanted more of. I could not relate to any of the characters as I did not get a long enough time with them to bond, but they were all likable on the surface. The environment of Alda is unique and creative, and the writing flows well. Archey’s “Ashes” checks all the boxes of a fantasy novel, and die-hard fans of the genre will definitely enjoy this dark trilogy.

Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet #1) by KG Fletcher – review by Erin Clemence

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Katherine “Kat” Moore is a jazz singer and performer, returning to her home town in Georgia for the last lag of her tour. Backstage, she meets octogenarian Philip Gordon, who hands her a locket that he claims belongs to her with a message, urging Kat to “come back” to him. Confused, Kat tries to find meaning in the locket, brushing it off as the actions of a confused old man. But when she discovers a strange portal in the theatre, Kat soon winds up in 1947, and meets the young and handsome Philip Gordon face-to-face. Kat and Philip fall in love and desperately wish to be together but it seems impossible. Kat travels between 1947 and her own time, trying to find a way to be together with the love of her life.

K.G. Fletcher is a musician and author, and her love of music and performing is evident in this novel. Kat and Philip bond over music, connect over lyrics, and fall in love to song. Inspired by songs from different eras, Fletcher creates a musical backdrop to her time traveling romance.

I had a difficult time adapting to Kat’s relationship with elderly Philip. Although it was obviously chaste, the way Katherine described her love for him was off-putting (even though she meant the younger version), and their modern-time connection was fraught with disturbing disbelief. I don’t know what could have changed to allow me to accept Kat and elderly Phillip as a burgeoning couple from the past but the set up was awkward and uncomfortable.

The conversations between the characters was a bit stilted and in a few places it seemed forced, merely contrived to convey some background information that the reader would not otherwise know about. This often put unnecessary breaks in the story flow, dampening my enjoyment.

This is the first novel in a series by K.G. Fletcher, and I can see it garnering popularity with a certain crowd of readers. The romance was hot and heavy in this one, and fans who prefer their reading steamy and romantic will adore “Love’s Refrain”. I can see comparisons being drawn with “Outlander” and even “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, although the ages of the main male characters in those stories were well within a decade of their female love interest.

Fletcher’s creativity with the portal, and the musical component, added a unique flair to the plot. I was annoyed by how often Kat was called “doll face” or “doll” (in 1947) and “honey” and “sweetie” (in modern day), but the excessive condescension was appropriate to the time and situation.

“Love’s Refrain” is a light, romantic read for fans of time travel love stories. Kat and young Philip will immediately charm, and there is no doubt readers will be rooting for them. It will be interesting to see what the second novel in the series holds.

Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Erin Clemence

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds #1)” by Robin Mahle and Elle Madison is a combination of the Disney Pixar movie, “Brave” mixed in with a little bit of Sarah J Maas(“A Crown of Wings and Fury” series).

Princess Rowan and her cousin Davin are arrested for trespassing and smuggling, held captive by the “barbarian” country that has been at war with their home of Lochlann, for years. Rowan is able to convince the Socairans to let Davin go free, but in exchange, she is to face a trial at the hands of the elder leaders of the surrounding communities. Accompanied to the Summit by Theo, a Socairan prince, Rowan anxiously awaits her fate- wondering if she will be subject to death. But as the journey goes forward and the Summit date draws near, Rowan and Theo begin to fall for each other even though both know that a relationship between the two rival clans would not be looked at favourably. As the Summit arrives, Rowan fears that she will be separated from Theo forever and Theo wonders if his influence will be enough to save Rowan’s life.

“Scarlet Princess” has nothing in its plotline that will be unexpected. Fans of this genre, and YA fantasy fans, will know exactly what is going to happen and how it will play out. That does not mean, of course, that you can’t enjoy the ride along the way.

Rowan is spunky and wry, unwilling to accept the fate dolled on upon her by the male leaders, every ounce the stereotypical young female role model. Sarcastic and brave, she is the very face of the protagonist we come to expect in a female-led YA fantasy series. Theo too, is the “well built, handsome and chiseled” prince whose love for Rowan is unexpected, and risky, but the two fall madly in love with each other anyway, after less than two weeks together.

The novel is the first in a series, and I adored Rowan enough that I am invested in seeing what happens next. “Scarlet Princess” is well-written, easy to read, and has great flow. The characters are completely charming and likable, and there is an instant bond between Rowan and the reader. I was invested in what her fate would be, and the ending provided the expected cliff-hanger that comes with a series of novels. “Scarlet Princess” is a light and fun fantasy read, and it will definitely appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and authors of her ilk.

Boy Released (Boy Series Book 2) by JD Spero – Review by Erin Clemence

Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

J.D. Spero brings the Trout family back with her newest novel in the series, “ Boy Released”, which takes place ten years after “Boy on Hold”.

Ten years after the tragedy that changed her life forever, Marcella and Bernie are now owners and proprietors of the Blue Palms Motel, a motel set in the Adirondack Mountains. Hen is now seventeen and preparing for his future, suffering through all the trials and tribulations that adolescence brings. Tyler, after serving his sentence in a psychiatric facility for the murder of his former neighbour Sally, has returned to live under his mother’s supervision. When Marcella is brutally attacked in the motel office one night, and Tyler admits responsibility, the Trout family is again under the legal spotlight, faced to confront Tyler’s psychiatric demons once more.

Spero’s recently published second novel in this series is just as gripping and emotionally unsettling as the first. In “Boy Released”, Tyler is now trying to cope with life outside of an institution, under the support and supervision of his family, who are trying to move on from the events of ten years ago. Spero is consistent in detailing Tyler’s struggles with schizophrenia, and the heartbreaking series of events that once again, change his young life.

Of course, Hen is back, although in this book he is a young man, making decisions about his future. Although he is a teenager, Hen is still as likable and charming as he was in the first novel, and his dedication to his family is honestly portrayed. Marcella and Bernie are now in a romantic relationship, after the events of the last book forced them to see each other in a new light, but their pairing only makes me like them more. When the final twist at the end is revealed, and a character from the past returns, it was unexpected and satisfying.

Most of the chapters in this novel, especially the ones being narrated from Tyler’s perspective, are told through broken and choppy sentences, which pulled at my inner “grammar nerd”, but I enjoyed how Spero told the story from the viewpoint of not only Tyler, but Marcella and Derek, too. These narrations by minor players helped to piece together the plot.

Spero brings a delightful end to her “Boy” series with “Boy Released”, while still highlighting the tragedy that mental illness (in this case, schizophrenia) can bring to a family. The Trout family are an adorably enjoyable group, and I loved watching them grow together throughout this series.

Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Erin Clemence

Boy on HoldBoy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seven year old Henry Trout is outside after his bedtime one night, searching for hedgehogs. What he sees instead is something gruesome and heartbreaking- his beloved neighbour, Miss Sally, is assaulted and left for dead. When Henry’s brother, seventeen year old Tyler Trout, is arrested and charged with the crime, their mother, Marcella, and even Sally’s son, Bernie are convinced Tyler is innocent. But Tyler has been acting very strange lately, and under the bad influence of his friend, Derek, leaving the local police to cast on Tyler. But Henry knows his brother could not have done it, because he thinks he knows who did.

JD Spero’s novel, “Boy on Hold” is a heartbreaking story with relatable, empathy-inducing characters, full of suspense and intrigue. Young Henry is so innocent and charming and his relationship with his loving big brother is admirable. Marcella, as a single mother, does the best she can to protect her children and is willing to fight to keep their innocence. There is not a likable character in the bunch, and it was easy to bond with the Trout family, and root for a positive outcome.

Spero’s novel also touches on the devastating reality that is schizophrenia and mental illness. She realistically depicts a young boy struggling with the disorder, with his family watching on, neither of them recognizing the disorder for what it is, until it takes over completely and they have gone too far to turn back. Spero manages to depict mental illness in an honest and compassionate way.

The novel is told from different time periods- before and after the crime. Each chapter is labeled so it is easy to follow along with the time switches. I am normally not a fan of novels told in this way, but in “Boy on Hold” this plot style added to the suspense.

“Boy on Hold” is a unique and gripping story with realistic and relatable characters. I eagerly look forward to the second book in this series, “Boy Released”.

The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik – Review by Erin Clemence

The Murders of Lillian RossThe Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


*Trigger warning: This book contains graphic depictions of sexual and physical abuse, as well as prostitution and sex work*

Lillian Ross is in jail for the murders of two people, one of them being her father. When Allison is approached by Lillian herself to write her story from her perspective, Allison jumps at the chance. As Allison continues to visit Lillian in jail and compose her book, she starts to see things from Lilian’s perspective and starts to realize that Lillian may have been just another innocent victim.

The cover on this novel is utterly eye-catching, and I’m always up for reading a book about a serial killer (fictional or not), so I was intrigued by Sirena Van Schaik’s “The Murders of Lillian Ross”. The story is told from the perspective of Allison primarily, although we do get a front-row seat to Lillian’s perspective as well, when she takes over the narration for brief snippets. Both Allison and Lillian are very interesting characters, as they share a familiar background and family history (with which they bond over), yet they both have had very different outcomes.

Although I am grateful that Van Schaik included Lillian’s perspective, the physical and sexual abuse of Lillian by her father (and her future clients) is detailed quite extensively. Lillian is called a variety of demeaning and graphic words by others in her life, and she almost always refers to herself as a “stupid bitch”. It is obvious that this is done to help readers have sympathy for Lillian and develop a rapport with her, but it does not make for an easy read. The author could have reduced some of these details, as I felt the point was well made without the extraneous language, gore and abuse depictions.

As mentioned, this novel is not an easy read. There are no positive relationships in this novel, and nearly all of the men are depicted as cruel, aggressive and unkind. Although I can see how someone like Lillian would view the world that way, it would have been nice to have one or two positive and uplifting characters in the novel to break up the horror and evil (the one attempt with Allison’s love interest was not focused on enough to make a difference).

The ending of the novel is bittersweet and heartbreaking, but it provides a solid resolution. After bonding with Lillian, it was painful to see the novel end in this way, but it paints a realistic picture, and a happy ending would have not have been believable. “The Murders of Lillian Ross” is dark and gritty, but the characters are well developed. I would have liked better executed writing, and there were a few grammatical errors, but not enough to detract from the flow of the story.

Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King- Reviewed by Erin Clemence

“Grave Digger Academy” by C.A King is a little bit “Divergent” mixed with a little bit of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, all stirred with a creepy paranormal spoon!

Makayla hopes to be chosen for the school of her choice, like the rest of her six brothers who also attend one of the schools in the paranormal school system. However, Makayla worries that she will be selected for “The Grave Digger Academy”- every students’ last choice, the school for those not accepted anywhere else. At “Grave Digger Academy” they perform spells and potions intended to keep the dead…..well, dead. So when, of course, Makayla is selected for Grave Digger Academy she must face her entire first year alone, with the disappointment of her family heavy on her heart. But Makayla knows she must make the best of it, and when she comes into her powers and realizes that her family has deep secrets that go back generations, she realizes that Grave Digger Academy may be exactly where she was intended to be.

C.A King is an award-winning Canadian author, living in a town that is not too far from my own actually, which made me even happier to be able to promote and praise “Grave Digger Academy”.

The novel is more of a novella, really, at less than 200 pages, and it has short, page-turning chapters. I easily polished this book off in a day. It is also the first in a series of novels, and if the rest are anything like this one, this series will be an instant YA hit.

Makayla is the ideal protagonist- a socially awkward misfit who struggles to fit in, even within her own family. As she comes into herself and makes friends at Grave Digger Academy, it is immediately evident that she will be the one who changes things and makes a difference. She is the character to root for, right from the first page.

With the backdrop of a depressing, neglected school of magic, and quirky, eccentric teachers, “Grave Digger Academy” sets the stage for dark and magical things. The characters were well developed, the plot was poised and had great flow, and the short chapters made the novel a page-turning, addicting experience. I can definitely see King’s “Grave Digger Academy” series becoming the next big YA trend.

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn – Review by Erin Clemence

Red CoatRed Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sara Flemming knows what it’s like in the foster care system, after a troubled childhood spent running away from various group homes and care facilities. Now, as a social worker, she feels a special connection to the children she cares for. When she meets fifteen year old Rachael, a young teen in foster care, she sees parts of herself reflected in Rachael and knows she must do what she can to help. Sara reluctantly agrees to return to her hometown of Victory, in order to collect Rachael, who, after being arrested, is waiting for her in the local police station. As Sara bonds with Rachael, she finds out Rachael is on the run from her abusive foster father, and both Sara and Rachael agree that Victory is the safest place for Rachael, even though Sara is reluctant to reconnect to the town (and the people) she once called home.

Isobella Dunn is a relatively new author, and “Red Coat” is her newest romantic suspense.
The novel covers issue of foster care and physical and sexual abuse, so it may be a trigger for some.

This novel played out like a Hallmark or Lifetime TV movie, complete with a quaint little town and a completely predictable ending. The simplistic language was a struggle for me; I would’ve preferred more developed and structured conversations. Dunn ensures every character has all of their inner thoughts put on paper, and there was definitely a need for stricter editing.

I enjoyed Sara and Rachael as characters, and right from the beginning you could see they were perfect for each other. It was obvious what the outcome was going to be between these two, and it definitely ended on a happy note. Right away, I found the character of Colin to be brash and forward, and honestly, he bordered a little on abusive and harassing. At the end of the novel though, Colin is more likable, but I think with a little more time for relationship history and character development, especially when it comes to Colin and Sara, I would’ve seen him the way the author intended. There seemed to be a giant gap missing between Colin and Sara’s relationship, and I needed more from them.

There was a lot of action in this novel, which was refreshing. When Rachael’s former foster father comes into the picture, even though the outcome is predictable (and some of the events were completely unrealistic), it was great to see Sara run to Rachael’s aid and overcome the predator.

Dunn’s novel is uplifting and light (even though the subject matter can be dark), and it was an easy read. I immediately cheered for both Sara and Rachael, and found the ending to be completely satisfying. “Red Coat” shines a light on the length that humans will go to in order to protect the ones they love, even when faced with hardship and trauma.

Chameleon by Zoe Kalo- Reviewed by Erin Clemence

ChameleonChameleon by Zoe Kalo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Chameleon” is a paranormal/gothic YA suspense novel by author Zoe Kalo.

Puerto Rico, 1973: After being kicked out of her old school for performing a séance (and other “illicit” acts), Paloma finds herself abandoned by her mother and stepfather at an isolated convent. Completely alone, 17 year old Paloma decides to survive the seven months until the end of the school year, and to try her best to avoid everyone and everything. But when a popular girl named Rubia is assigned to be Paloma’s mentor and tour guide, Paloma is soon immersed in a small group of friends who are intrigued by the paranormal and encourage Paloma to attempt a séance at the convent. As soon as the séance is completed though, tragic accidents begin to plague the campus, and one of their own is dead. But is a ghostly force to blame? Or something far more sinister?

“Chameleon” is creative, and it has a “Madam(by Phoebe Wynne) or “Prep(Curtis Sittenfeld) kind of vibe, in that a group of young girls at a boarding school (of sorts) get together and trouble ensues. In “Chameleon” though, the trouble is of a paranormal sort, or at least that is what is implied.

The characters in this novel, in pure teenage fashion, are not what they seem. All of them are likable, in their own angst-y ways, but it is obvious that all of them have some deep, dark skeletons in their closet. Paloma was especially relatable, and her relationships with her peers played out in a very realistic way.

A few sections of the book play out like ‘dream sequences’, where things happen in rapid succession, and the sequence of events is portrayed in a very disjointed way, almost as if in a delusional state. It reads like a dream, and I expected it to be such, but then it is discovered that the events are actually happening, and I was left struggling to catch up. Some major details were skimmed over in these sections, and although I understand what Kalo was going for, I desperately wanted those spaces filled in in my mind.

I am not sure if this novel is part of a series or not, but the ending sure reads like another book may be forthcoming. Although most of the unanswered questions receive satisfying answers, there is a dangling carrot at the end that is not completely resolved.

“Chameleon” is well-told, with dark, gothic settings and disturbed young female characters who are somehow still likable. Kalo does a great job bringing a reader along for the ups and downs of the plot, and I was thoroughly invested in seeing how this novel would end.

Our Wicked Lies by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Erin Clemence

Our Wicked LiesOur Wicked Lies by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Our Wicked Lies” by Glede Browne Kabongo is a gripping and suspenseful domestic thriller. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Ruth Ware and B.A Paris will find a kindred spirit in Kabongo!

Alicia Gray has the perfect family; her lawyer husband, Elliot, is devoted to her and their two teenage daughters. After a twentieth anniversary trip to Paris, Alicia feels that her relationship with Elliot couldn’t be any better, but as she soon finds out, having everything you ever wanted comes with a steep price. When Alicia discovers that her husband has been having a long-standing affair with a woman named Faith, her entire life is turned upside down. Just as shocking is when Alicia discovers the true identity of Faith, sending everything she knew into chaos, and when a tragic death occurs in their elite neighbourhood, more secrets are revealed that has everyone, Alicia included, questioning what they thought they knew.

The story is well-written and the characters are well-developed¬. I rooted for Alicia from page one (and cursed Elliot throughout the entire novel). Right from the beginning I felt an immediate connection to the characters, and I wanted to see justice served.

The novel is told mostly from Alicia’s perspective, although we do get a bit of Elliot and Faith’s story throughout. The short chapters kept me engaged, and I found myself breezing through this page-turning novel!

Each and every character was seemingly just as guilty as any other, which made guessing the ending all the more enjoyable! The ending itself was unexpected, although it definitely wasn’t uncommon in novels of this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed how Browne Kabongo kept the tension throughout the entire plot, not letting up until the very last page.

Browne Kabongo is a new author for me, but she has many novels (and awards) under her belt. After reading “Our Wicked Lies”, I can absolutely see why! This genre is one of my favourites, and to see it done so well and in such an engaging and entertaining way, Browne Kabongo will definitely be on my radar from now on!

Red’s Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories) – Reviewed by Erin Clemence

Red's Tangled Tale (The Untold Stories, #2)Red’s Tangled Tale by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of retold and modern retellings of fairy tales, and I jumped at the chance to review Suzanna Lynn’s “Red’s Tangled Tale”. This is the second novel in “The Untold Stories” series, and it focuses on Red Riding Hood.

After the death of her father, Red is living in the cursed woods with her granny. When Captain Hook pays a visit to her town, Red agrees to help Hook and his band of pirates find magic ash that will help free Hook’s love, who has been captured by a cruel Sea Witch. Facing deadly and dangerous wolves is just the first challenge of her journey. On her return, Red meets a young woman trapped in a tower, and after befriending her, she agrees to help young Rapunzel retake her Crown and title- as Princess Ozma, Princess of Oz.

Lynn’s YA fairy tale retelling is really reminiscent of “Once Upon A Time”, the wonderful ABC television show from a few years back, where many fairy tale creatures come to life. I love knowing the back stories of beloved fairy tale creatures, and imagining what their lives would be like. Lynn helps me complete this task with her new series.

Although I did not read the first novel in the series, I was still able to follow along with the plot. As the characters are already acquainted with any of us who has read a Grimm’s fairy tale, or seen a Disney movie, there is not a lot of familiarization that needs to be done with any of the characters. In Lynn’s novel, Red is spunky, brave and confident and I rooted for her from page one. She is the ideal female heroine and protagonist.

As this is a series, obviously some pertinent plot points are left for future novels, but enough of the story was resolved that I felt satisfaction at the novel’s conclusion. I appreciate being given the oppourtunity to read this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Lynn’s past (and future) work.