Luna rides a battered old broom that keeps crashing itself into the school pond. She has a witch’s hat and wand and sometimes she’s quite good at magic, but she isn’t completely sure that she’s a real witch. She doesn’t have a familiar for one thing, and she doesn’t know where she came from—only that she was found by three witches who she now calls her aunts. When she swaps her moonstone ring for an Australian boobook owl in the Lost Forest, the mysterious bird seller makes her promise to keep the bird hidden for as long as she can. This is not easy when you live with very inquisitive aunts. And it’s not easy when you find out that the fearsome Madame Valadon, the Best Witch in Paris, is missing her boobook owl and she’s sure that Luna knows something about it.

Could it be that Luna has Madame Valadon’s boobook? Why then did the mysterious bird seller give it to Luna? Why did she say the bird belonged to her? A familiar can only belong to one witch, after all. Luna has lots of questions—the biggest one of all is who she really is.

Fun and funny and full of life, The Best Witch in Paris is a delightful story of courage and self-belief, with colourful characters, fabulous magic and a puzzling mystery at its core.

Published 3 September 2024| Publisher: Text Publishing | RRP: AUD$17.99

Buy it at: Dymocks | Abbey’s | QBD

My Blurb (3.5 / 5 stars)

What a fabulous cover! Along with the description of the book made me think that this was going to be a very fun read. And it was mostly a fun read with its own merit.

However, as an older reader who lived through and took part in the Harry Potter hullabaloo, I couldn’t help but finding similarities in this book to that series. I wouldn’t have minded a few because there were so much creative fun in HP that could be and probably have been adopted into many other books but there were just too many of those. I’ve taken a star off for that.

Nevertheless, I do believe HP series is somewhat dated now and today’s younger readers may not be as familiar with the series as me. Therefore, this book could be so much fun for them. The colourful characters (they all wear black because witches but very lively personalities), engaging mystery, and empowerment of young women make this novel a very charming read.

If there is a young person you know who does not like sad little orphan boy and find those books a little bit scary, I’d highly recommend to get them to try this one. This little orphan girl always manages to pull her big girl pants up and get on with it. There is also humour and the monsters are a lot less scary.

My thanks to Text Publishing gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the authors

Lauren Crozier won the 2023 Text Prize for her debut novel The Best Witch in Paris. She lives in Sydney with her partner and their two children.

Find author on: goodreads

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado -a review

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Fatal Intrusion (Sanchez & Heron #1) by Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado

As a wave of murders grips Southern California, an unlikely pair must untangle the mysterious patterns of an elusive killer. A propulsive new series by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado. Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator. With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider. Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’

Published 1 September 2024 | Publisher: Thomas & Mercer | RRP: AUD$28.80

My Blurb (4.5 / 5 stars)

Two well-known names in the thriller genres and I couldn’t help myself especially since I am a fan of Isabella Maldonado; I’ve read all her books and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t say I’ve read all of Deaver’s because his backlist is on a much bigger scale and will probably take me the rest of my life to slowly hack through them. However, this partnership is obviously a gold mine; mixing in POC female federal agent and a CIS male hacker resulting in a high octane partnership. At first, it sounds like the usual police procedural with a somewhat explosive protagonist agent. When the partner was introduced, I was a little bit sceptical about it because I just don’t like enemies to lovers but it was kinda sounding like one. However, as the story goes on, readers were given flashbacks to their first encounter in the past and how that transfers on to the present. As this pair continues their hunt for the killer, again I felt like it’s follow on form of the usual procedural novel until the twist drops and then again and again. The last 20% was most definitely unputdownable although I’m slightly annoyed at the fish dangling at the end of the novel. BUT I cannot wait for the follow up to this! My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the author

#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He’s received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world Find author on: goodreads | website | X | Facebook

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in the Fairfax County Police Department just outside DC, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing, which includes the bestselling FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera series (soon to be a Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Lopez), the award-winning Detective Veranda Cruz series, and the FBI Agent Daniela Vega series. Her books are published in 24 languages.

Find author on: goodreads | website | X

The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho -a review

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The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho

From the renowned, award-winning author Zen Cho comes a delightfully funny romance about family, class, and love in modern London. From the outside, Renee Goh’s life looks perfect. She’s thirty and beautiful, runs a glamorous—and profitable—women’s clothing company in London, and is dating a hot Taiwanese pop star. But Renee is lonely. Estranged from her family in Singapore, she practically lives at the office, and now she’s just been dumped by her supposed boyfriend. Who she never saw anyway, so why is she ruining her Instagram-ready makeup by crying? Before she can curl up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, Renee’s father calls. He’s retiring, and, thanks to the screw-ups of her wastrel brothers, he is considering her as the next CEO of the family business: Chahaya Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Southeast Asia. That stamp of her father’s approval would mean everything to Renee, but can she cooperate with the brothers who drove her out of Singapore? But fate isn’t done with her. That same night, Renee bumps into her first love, Yap Ket Siong, who broke her heart during university. They spend a wonderful night together, but Ket Siong is pursuing a dangerous vengeance for his family. In the light of day is there any hope for the two of them?

Published 6 August 2024 | Publisher: Bramble (Tor Publishing Group)

My Blurb (4 / 5 stars)

Contemporary romance is not my usual read. In fact, it’s so rare, I could probably count the number of them I read in a year with the fingers of one hand. BUT, it’s Zen Cho!! I’ve read all her novels. They would usually be fantasy or at the very least, magical realism but there is none of this factor in this novel. The Friend Zone Experiment, however, does feature 2 of my favourite romance tropes: bff to lovers and second chance. And I did NOT regret requesting this on Netgalley as I basically read it all in the one sitting. While characters are both POC (she Singaporean and he Malaysian and both of Chinese descent), the novel is actually set in London. She, Renee Goh, practically ran away from her toxic family to realise her dream of owning a designer business. He, Yap Ket Siong, came to London with his family to hide from possible violent attacks. They did first meet 10 years ago but circumstance tore them apart but a chance meeting at a Dior exhibition opened up the new possibility of… friendship. I love both characters and especially love Ket Siong for being so strong and steady for Renee to lean on. Renee herself was doing well standing on her own feet until her family intruded yet once again. However, she’s a strong, intelligent and resilient woman despite her family and her past. The Friend Zone Experiment is like a gentle romantic stroll in Hyde Park. It’s a bit of a slow burn though there is a tiny bit of spice in there. It won’t be a book to rave about because it’s not a crash and burn thing but a cuddle in a warm blanket with a very satisfied sigh at the end. My thanks to Bramble (Tor Publishing group) for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the author

Zen Cho is the author of the Sorcerer to the Crown novels, Black Water Sister and various shorter fiction. Her work has won the Hugo, Crawford and British Fantasy Awards, and the LA Times Ray Bradbury Prize, as well as being shortlisted for the World Fantasy, Lambda, Locus and Astounding Awards. Born and raised in Malaysia, Zen now lives in the UK.

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The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage -a review

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The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage by Charlie Archbold

When you least expect it something surprising will spring out and shock you. Like when you study your dead bug shelf and there’s a live huntsman spider sitting on it. Or when your sausage dog turns up on a secret mission…‘It’s Gloria,’ I say. You can feel the shock hover over the fort like a sulphur gas cloud over a volcano. Gloria the talkative eclectus parrot is missing from the animal sanctuary, and Anna the massive ‘not an anaconda’ Australian scrub python has vanished from her enclosure at the library. Have they escaped? Or were they stolen? When Andy and the Sugarcane Kids hear about an illegal native-animal trade, they know they have to investigate—and fast! Gloria and Anna are not only much-loved residents of their small coastal town in far north Queensland, but they also have very particular care needs—their lives could be in danger! Andy, Eli, Harvey and the twins, Bernie and Fletch, along with Andy’s trusty sausage dog Washington, have their eyes on a prime suspect: the Hench, the fierce, mean new canteen lady who is behaving very strangely. Can the Sugarcane Kids follow the clues to discover what is going on? Will they find Gloria and Anna in time? And what unexpected dangers lie in wait for them? Find out in this exciting new Sugarcane Kids adventure.

Published 27 February 2024| Publisher: Text Publishing | RRP: AUD$16.99

Buy it at: Dymocks | Abbey’s | QBD

My Blurb (4 / 5 stars)

This crew is just so lovable! Obviously not the most obedient kids but they’ve got their hearts in the right place and that makes the novel. This time, in hot & humid Queensland, native animals are going missing. There are new characters in town so obviously it must be one of these; a weaselly incompetent teacher, a Miss Trunchbull-like character, or the raucous twin ladies in green. Honestly, these characters are so humourous! And I just love the ending – we have definitely all learnt not to judge by first impressions. The Empty Cage is wonderful sequel though you do not necessarily need to read The Red-Bottomed Boat as the story is different. However, in reading this book second, I do feel like they are a family. Honestly, I love each of these children’s families. Each of their circumstances are different but each seem to be brought up rather well; something I’d aspire to, for sure. If you are after an adventurous tale filled with animals, this one is for you. My thanks to Text Publishing gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the authors

Charlie Archbold is an educator and an award-winning writer. Her first novel, Mallee Boys, was a CBCA older readers honour book. Her first book in the Sugarcane Kids middle-grade series, The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat, was shortlisted for the Text Prize and went on to win the Readings Children’s Prize and the Davitt Children’s Novel Award and was a CBCA notable book.

Find author on: goodreads | website | X | instagram

A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado -a review

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A Forgotten Kill (Daniela Vega #2) by Isabella Maldonado

An FBI agent tracks a brilliant serial killer in New York—right back to her own cold-blooded past in a riveting thriller by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Cipher. FBI Special Agent Daniela “Dani” Vega was seventeen when her mother murdered her father. Ten years after Dani’s own damning eyewitness testimony sealed her mother’s fate, she’s starting to have doubts. What if she got it all wrong? A veteran NYPD homicide detective agrees to reopen the closed case on one condition—Dani must help him find a serial killer who’s been operating throughout New York City for the past decade. If anyone can decipher his patterns, and his riddles, it’s a trained codebreaker like Dani. The killer knows this too. And his next riddle—and victim—is meant just for her. For Dani, stopping a killer—and learning what really happened to her father—becomes more personal and more dangerous with each new twist. As secrets of the past are unearthed, the truth could forever change Dani’s life…and the lives of everyone she loves.

Published 26 March 2024 | Publisher: Thomas & Mercer | RRP: AUD$28.80

Buy it at: Dymocks | Booktopia | A&R

My Blurb (3 / 5 stars)

The second book in this series featuring army ranger turned FBI agent, Daniela Vega, and this time, she also gets to dig deeper into her murky past. The novel opens with her visiting her mother and receiving a somewhat cryptic message that prompted her to review that incident in her past. But, before she can review those files, she has to do a favour for a NYPD detective. Then begins their hunt for a killer across NY boroughs. Crime novels are my jam so this was an easily enjoyable read for me. I also have enjoyed all of Maldonado’s novels especially the Nina Guerrera’s series. As much as I love just how kick-ass Vega is, I love Nina more! This novel isn’t so much about whodunit as the reveal was about halfway of the book but more about the suspense on the chase. It was a pretty good chase and near unputdownable in the last half. There were just some things about the ‘solving’ that didn’t gel for me but overall, a pretty good read. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the author

Find author on: goodreads | website | X

Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco -a review

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Court of Wanderers (Reaper #2) by Rin Chupeco

Remy Pendergast and his royal vampire companions return to face an enemy that is terrifyingly close to home in Rin Chupeco’s queer, bloody Gothic epic fantasy series for fans of Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree and the adult animated series Castlevania. Remy Pendergast, vampire hunter, and his unexpected companions, royal vampires Lord Zidan Malekh and Lady Xiaodan Song, are on the road through the kingdom of Aluria again after a hard-won first battle against the formidable Night Empress, who threatens to undo a fragile peace between humans and vampires. Xiaodan, severely injured, has lost her powers to vanquish the enemy’s new superbreed of vampire, but if the trio can make it to Fata Morgana, the seat of Malehk’s court—dubbed “the Court of Wanderers”—there is hope of nursing her and bringing them back. En-route to the Third Court, Remy crosses paths with his father, the arrogant, oftentimes cruel Lord of Valenbonne. He also begins to suffer strange dreams of the Night Empress, whom he has long suspected to be Ligaya Pendergast, his own mother. As his family history unfolds during these episodes, which are too realistic to be coincidence, he realizes that she is no ordinary vampire—and that he may end up having to choose between the respective legacies of his parents. Posing as Malek and Xiaodan’s human familiar, Remy contends with Aluria’s intimidating vampire courts and a series of gruesome murders with their help—and more, as the three navigate their relationship. But those feelings and even their extraordinary collective strength will be put to the test as each of them unleashes new powers in combat at what may be prove to be the ultimate cost.

Published 2 April 2024 | Publisher: Simon & Schuster | RRP: AUD$19.99

Buy it at: Dymocks | Booktopia | A&R | Abbey’s | QBD

My Blurb (3.5 / 5 stars)

A Court of Wanderers was a surprised eARC offer from the published via Edelweiss. While I’m familiar with the author (I’ve read a couple of her books), I didn’t know she had these new duology on vampires! I quickly downloaded book 1, Silver Under Nightfall, and fell in love! I really feel, however, that I didn’t really need a book 2. The whole villain thing must be resolved, of course, but the romantic relationship was pretty much settled in book 1. And I Ioved the suspense; the slow burn; so sweet! And as much as I loved meeting Remy, Malek, and Xiodan once again, there wasn’t that burn from book 1. Things were progressing between them and ended very sweetly but let’s just say, the action is a bit lacking here. The one thing I really liked in this novel is the bit at the ending on Remy’s parents. I did enjoy finding out the background and how it all went down at the end. Overall, a fun read and a very satisfying ending to the duology. My thanks to Simon & Schuster for ecopy of book via Edelweiss in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the author

Rin Chupeco is a nonbinary Chinese Filipino writer born and raised in the Philippines. They are the author of Silver Under Nightfall and several speculative young adult series, including The Bone Witch, The Girl from the Well, The Never-Tilting World, and Wicked as You Wish. Formerly a graphic designer and technical writer, they now write fiction full-time and live with their partner and two children in Manila.

Find author on: goodreads | website | instagram

Outlaw Girls by Emily Gale & Nova Weetman -a review

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Outlaw Girls by Emily Gale, Nova Weetman

Kate and Ruby live in the High Country in Victoria. They’re both daring, quick-thinking and prepared to break the rules, and they’re both brilliant horse riders—they’d probably be great friends. But they live in different times, more than 140 years apart. While galloping through the mountains, Kate rides headlong into a thrilling experience that transports her from 1878 to the future, where she meets Ruby. Kate and Ruby return to 1878, where Kate is secretly taking supplies to her brother Ned and the rest of the Kelly Gang, who are in hiding from the police. Together the girls work to confuse the police and keep the gang from being found and arrested. But the looming disaster makes things less clear-cut for Ruby. They’re about the have the ride of their lives! Outlaw Girls is an exciting, fast-paced time-slip novel, narrated by both Ruby and Kate, about family, friendship, loyalty and betrayal, the complexity of right and wrong, and working out what matters most.

Published 27 February 2024| Publisher: Text Publishing | RRP: AUD$16.99

Buy it at: Dymocks | Booktopia | A&R | Abbey’s | QBD

My Blurb (4 / 5 stars)

I love time travel. I love reading a modern character transplanted into the distant past. And this idea of time travelling horses and encounters with the infamous Kelly family sound absolutely fascinating! I have to admit that I don’t thin my 9-yo boy found it that fascinating. We read about 50 pages together and he had so many questions. He is a rather advanced reader for his age but there were just concepts in this book, he was unfamiliar with and it was a bit much for him. While I found myself mostly disliking these 2 girl protagonists, I do admire their grit! It’s just that these girls are so far from my own personality and would probably be those I’d stay away from at school because I’d just be too intimidated by them. Their loyalty and love for family (Kate) and friends (Ruby) are admirable though misplaced in case of Ruby. I just found her so frustrating though she did finally grow up at the very very end. I feel that reading this as a mother of a teenager fully coloured my perspective and I may not find these characters are frustrating otherwise. I have to admire her persistence though or is that stubbornness?! Overall, Outlaw Girls is a fun but thought-provoking read. On the surface, it was a great adventure being had by the girls. Reading between the lines, I’d suggest to not be afraid to ask all the hard questions to get into the heart of things in your discussions. My thanks to Text Publishing gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of my honest thoughts

About the authors

Emily Gale’s much-loved books include The Goodbye Year, The Other Side of Summer and its companion novel I Am Out with Lanterns, the Eliza Boom Diaries series, Steal My Sunshine and Girl, Aloud, as well as her middle-grade collaborations with friend and fellow author Nova Weetman, Elsewhere Girls and Outlaw Girls.

Find author on: goodreads | website | X | instagram

Nova Weetman is an acclaimed writer of many books for young adults and children. Her middle-grade novels include The Secrets We Keep, The Secrets We Share, Sick Bay, The Edge of Thirteen and The Jammer, as well as Elsewhere Girls and Outlaw Girls with Emily Gale.

Find author on: goodreads | website | X | instagram

Blog tour: Moon Flower by Heather Ewen-Foster – a review + GIVEAWAY INTL

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Moonflower: Vampires of Los Angeles
Heather Ewen-Foster
Publication date: November 7th 2023
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.

As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?

Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Amazon

My Blurb (3/5 stars)

The main reason I found this book intriguing is the 250 year old Australian vampire. And to be honest, her backstory is the most engaging bit of this novel. After that, it’s the action-packed finale; this was a lot of fun.

As far a characters go, Sonia is okay as FMC but it’s really Sunny that shone through. He’s just adorably charming (as he’s supposed to be lol). Again, Sonia’s backstory and who her maker is amused me to no end. Full disclosure, I am living in his land and knowing his history, I think I understand why the author chose this particular historical personage.

The other bits I found a little less engaging although I did feel like the author tried to emulate Anne Rice’s vampire series. It wasn’t as dark as these vamps do come out during the day and they are also quite different systemically. I found these bits really interesting too. Moon Flower was a fairly fast read despite the info dump which by the end of the book, you don’t really mind anymore.

My thanks to Xpressobooktours for including me on this tour and providing an ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

INTL GIVEAWAY! ($25 giftcard & a signed copy of Moon Flower)
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Blog Tour: Veils and Vampires by Cee Bee

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Veils and Vampires
CEE BEE
(Vampires of the Daemonverse, #2)
Publication date: October 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

***By popular demand! New launch date of Fall 2023 across all retailers!***

Highlander meets Twilight with a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey in this vampire romantasy…

Caelin MacGregor is an ancient king with a new love. Ages ago, I ruled a clan of vampire raiders. We were allies to the Vikings and enemies of the Rus. That life ended when the bloodkin plague wiped out all our women, including my beloved vampire bride, Elisava. A thousand years have passed. My heart remains empty. Then I see a human woman named Lexa. For the first time in ages, I feel true desire, respect and love. Could Lexa actually be a lost bloodkin lady … or is she a horrible trick from Pyri, the ancient fire goddess of the Rus raiders?

Lexa Uznetsov has a plan. To save my sister, Sash, I took on my father’s debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. As a result, my life became a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. After years of scheming, I’ve finally come up with a solid escape plan: find all three pieces of the infamous Veil Pendant. Once I reassemble this magical item, I’ll have the power to cure my sister … as well as the ability to say buh-bye to Konstantin. Sure, legends warn that reforming the Veil Pendant may bring about some nastiness called Pyri’s doomsday. Yet if it saves Sash, I’m willing to risk anything.

“Veils and Vampires is amazing! It has action and adventure and a little spicy. Enough that it makes you drool and want more. Honestly a totally different take on modern day vampire soulmates. I devoured this book in one sitting.” – Teresa, Goodreads

Vampires of the Daemonverse
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

Author Christina “CEE BEE” Bauer has sold more than 1M copies across her 45+ epic fantasy books for young adults. She’s recorded (and narrated) eight of her books into audiobooks, as well as led the translation of her novels into four different languages. USA Today has called her work “must-read paranormal fantasy.” Bauer is an autism advocate and quirky loudmouth whose writing style really isn’t for everyone. But if you like stories with complex worlds inhabited by chicks who kick ass and take names, then read on!

Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram / TikTok / LinkedIn

My Blurb (3/5 stars)

Firstly, I just love these covers. They remind of tarot cards and gorgeous ones at that. I’m not into tarot cards as such but I do love the art. This series are fast easy reads because you just have to keep going to find out what’s happening next especially with the slow burn!

The novel is told from 2 POVs (Caelin and Lexa) and at times, overlaps in time and/or incident but with their own thoughts which could be repetitive but there wasn’t that many and was handled quite well that I didn’t mind it so much. I love fated lovers trope and as this one reaches across the ages, I’m even more in love with this pair.

My only complaint was that the spice happened a little too quick for me lol. I am left wanting ;p

My thanks to Xpressobooktours for including me on this tour and providing an ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

INTL GIVEAWAY! (A copy of Veils and Vampires and more)
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Blog Tour: Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena

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Of Light and Shadow
Tanaz Bhathena
Publication date: May 23rd 2023
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.

Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala’s most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.

Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.

To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?

Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?

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Author Bio:

Tanaz Bhathena is an award-winning Zoroastrian author of contemporary and fantasy fiction. Her books include Of Light and Shadow, Hunted by the Sky which won the Ontario Library Association’s White Pine Award and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize, and The Beauty of the Moment which won the Nautilus Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including The Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. Born in India and raised in Saudi Arabia and Canada, Tanaz lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with her family.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

My Blurb (3.75/5 stars)

The novel opens with immediate action followed by somewhat comedic appearance of the prince. I knew straight away that this was going to be quite fun to read and possibly in one sitting. This didn’t quite happen because… kids! I did finish real quick though because I just needed to.

Told from dual perspectives of Roshan Chaya and Prince Navin, there were sparks though cautiously dampened by their circumstances. I admire Roshan for her strength and courage but I love that Navin learnt and developed so much through the novel and despite the magical assistance, the somewhat realistic ending with legal system and politics.

I love the setting and the magical system and wish there could be more. This is noted as a standalone but maybe we’ll meet other characters from the same universe?

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Tien's Blurb

My reading blurbs

The Best Witch in Paris by Lauren Crozier -a review

Fatal Intrusion by Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado -a review

The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho -a review

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage -a review

A Forgotten Kill by Isabella Maldonado -a review

Court of Wanderers by Rin Chupeco -a review

Outlaw Girls by Emily Gale & Nova Weetman -a review

Blog tour: Moon Flower by Heather Ewen-Foster – a review + GIVEAWAY INTL

Blog Tour: Veils and Vampires by Cee Bee

Blog Tour: Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena