Pure as Snow by Laura Burton and Jessie Cal

 

Synopsis:

The Huntsman is hired to win Snow White's heart, but loses his own instead.

Princess Snow White is hiding from her sister; the evil Snow Queen, in a village of dwarfs, along with her trusty owl Roger.

She’s living a simple life, forgetting all about the horrors of her past, when she stumbles upon a handsome huntsman, Emmett, who sweeps her off her feet. Literally.

While Emmett wants to escape the Chanted Forest and never look back, Snow seeks to restore peace in the Chanted Kingdom and save her twisted sister from her evil ways. And Emmett’s safe passage to the Northern Realm depends on helping Snow find the one person who can save her sister: Jack Frost.

Emmett and Snow join forces, facing deadly enemies, and in order to survive, they will need to rely on each other, and of course, on the animals of the forest, who only Snow can communicate with.

But not all is as it seems…

And when secrets, deception, and lies are unearthed, will Emmett and Snow go their separate ways, or will they save the kingdom from an eternal winter and risk their own lives for the chance at a happy ending?

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. This series has wrecked me for the foreseeable future. I just can't right now! Like literally can't! There was so much going on in the book that at times I felt like I had whiplash! 😂 Around 72% into the book I may or may not have yelled... WHAT THE CRAP IS HAPPENING?!?! I'M SO CONFUSED!! 😳 These twists and turns are cRaZy! But I've loved every single one of them! 

Snow and Emmett are amazing! I absolutely adored these two! I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship into love. Their journey is full of all the feels... especially with the betrayal and secrets. But it was beautiful! I had the hardest time putting this book down. I found myself wanting to devour the book as fast as I can and reading slowly so I can savor every moment of their adventure. Y'all. The struggle was real! Gaaaahhh! I loved these two!

You guys! I am SO sad! I've caught up on all the books in the series and now have to wait months for the Above the Sea to be released. Maybe one of these days I might learn to pace myself when it comes to devouring a series I love! Keyword in that sentence? Maybe! I just don't have that kind of self control. 😂

Ms. Burton and Ms. Cal have done it again! I am seriously hooked on their books! I am SO glad that I discovered them! I had been looking for something unique and intriguing and I found it with the Fairytales Reimagined series. If you guys haven't tried it yet, then you are most definitely missing out. They are amazing! 

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* I love these two! 

Beastly Secrets by Laura Burton and Jessie Cal

 

Synopsis:

Belle finds true love but dark secrets threaten her chance at a happy ending.

Belle descends to a dungeon looking for a chemist she’s heard is being kept prisoner.
A chemist who knows how to make the cure she’s been eagerly looking for.
But that’s not all she finds…

Not only is the chemist wiped of his memories, but he’s also the rightful king of the White Rose kingdom––the king who was presumed dead by his brother five years ago.

Nathaniel, however, is nothing like his wicked brother.
He is intelligent, kind, sweet, and everything Belle has ever dreamed of in a man.
Except, she cannot fall in love with him.

Belle knows that as soon as his memories return, Nathaniel will need to leave to fight for his kingdom.
But she needs the cure, and the only way to get it is to help him get his memories back. It won’t be easy.
Not with such powerful foes after him, and a beast roaming around the forest attacking the villages.

It’s her only choice if she wants to be set free once and for all…

My Review: 5 Stars

Y'all. I. Can't. Even. Right. Now! I give up! I'm just going to tell you... READ THIS SERIES! If you haven't already guessed with the way I'm devouring each book, it's fantastic! I think you will love it! And if you don't? Well... I don't think we can be friends anymore! Just kidding! (Maybe... 😉)

Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite fairytale so there was no doubt in my mind that I would love Belle and Nathaniel's story. I absolutely adored these two! They're so selfless and loving it makes my heart smile. And their sizzling chemistry? Well. It's hot, hot, hot! Wowzers!

Just like the other books in the series, I was sucked in from the very beginning and I did no want to put it down. I was sneaking in reading time whenever I could find even a spare minute. Those twists and turns that I never see coming are still going strong. I'm quickly learning that I need to just sit down, buckle up, and just enjoy the ride!

Y'all. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself once I finish Snow's book. I already know I'm going to have one doozy of a book hangover when I'm done. This is one of those times where I have to remind myself that writing takes time and authors have lives outside of their work. I can't expect them to sit down and push through just for me. But y'all! I wish I could snap my fingers and make it happen! 😂

Ms. Burton and Ms. Cal have officially added themselves to my favorite authors list. I'm stoked to be able to check out some of their other books. I always love finding new to me authors and discovering they have lots of books already out in the world waiting for me to grab them up and dive right in! I cannot wait to see what adventure they're going to take us on next!

And we can't forget my casting. I am SO in love with these two! What do you think?

Red Arrows by Laura Burton and Jessie Cal

 

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Chanted Forest, where fairytales are real...but not as you know them.

Haunted by the memory of her hands covered in her grandmother's blood, Red Ryding Hood cannot stop thinking about revenge.

When her cousin, Robin Hood, and his band of misfits go on a quest to rescue Princess Marian from The Wolf, Red grasps the opportunity to tag along.

Except rescuing the Princess will be their mission, not hers.

Red's arrows are being sharpened for a completely different target.

Ever since he was banned from his wolf pack, Will Scarlet has buried the truth about what he is from everyone he loves. Wolf attacks have ravaged Sherwood Forest and to his best friend, Robin Hood, wolves are the number one enemy.

Red is the only girl Will has ever loved, and he has vowed to protect her, whatever the cost.

If she ever finds out the truth, he will surely lose her forever.

But when their mission takes an unexpected turn, Will must confront his past and rise against his own kind to protect Red. But will Red return the favor when she finds out his secret?

My Review: 5 Stars

Holy crow! Y'all! What is going on here?! Once again I'm at a loss as to what to say for my review. I really do NOT want to give anything away! Just know that I'm hooked on this series and there is no going back now! I'm really going to be sad when I catch up on all the released books.

I'm not going to lie... Red and Will are my favorite! I absolutely adore these two! Maybe it's because of their forbidden love for each other or maybe it's their sizzling chemistry or their loyalty to their group or their protective nature for all those they care about or maybe all of the above and more! Whatever it is, I could NOT put their book down! I may or may not have wanted to call in sick to work just so I could keep reading. 😂 Shhhh... don't tell my boss! 😉 But don't worry... I adulted and went to work. 😝

I am loving this series! It has me feeling all the feels, keeps me on my toes, and on the edge of my seat. I love that I have no clue about what's going to happen next. A few of my bookish friends have received messages like... 

"If what just happened really happened, I'm going to hurt somebody!" and "I'm not happy about this! Ugh!" and "READ THE BOOK!!! I NEED SOMEONE TO EXPERIENCE THIS WITH ME!!!" and "What the crap is happening?!?! Holy freaking twists and turns Batman! This is crazy! I'm so confused!" 🤪🤣

Yes... I know I sound like a crazy person but y'all! I blame Ms. Burton and Ms. Cal. If their writing didn't kidnap me and hold me hostage in the Chanted Forest, then I would probably sound cool, calm, and collected. Oh who am I kidding?! I'm always like this when it comes to books I love! 🤣 Now. If you'll excuse me, I hear Beastly Secrets calling my name. I cannot wait to hear Belle's story!

But before I go... I just have to share my casting. Y'all. I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Queen of Snow by Laura Burton & Jessie Cal

 

Synopsis:

After losing his grandfather, Jack feels lost, unsure of what his future holds. Until he sees the reflection of a beautiful young woman inside his grandfather's mirror. A mirror he never knew existed. She beckons to him, and he's pulled through a portal to the Chanted Kingdom where fairytale characters are real.

Princess Aria's family was killed by the Evil Queen, and after spending a year running for her life and hiding with Robin and his band of misfits, she's so close to completing the Mirror of Reason, which she plans to use as a portal to leave the Chanted Kingdom forever.

All she needs is to catch a young man named Jack in exchange for a mirror shard. Things get complicated as Aria's feelings for Jack, as well as her ice powers, start to grow stronger. Soon, she finds that using her powers to save everyone she loves, will come at a great cost.

My Review: 4.5 Stars

Confession. I am not a big YA fan. I usually skip right over a book when I discover it's YA but this cover drew me in and I decided what the heck! Let's just give it a try. Thankfully, it does not read like a YA. It was fast-paced and action-packed. There was zero time to think about their age! 😂

Y'all! I can't even with this book! I don't even know where to start because I do not want to give anything away. This is a book that you just have to experience on your own. 

I will say that Aria and Jack are fantastic! You can't help but fall in love with these two. I loved watching them get to know each other and work together to get through all the craziness going on around them. They definitely balanced each other out and were perfect for each other. Their love story is definitely slow going but you guys! It's beautiful!

My advice to everyone who reads this book is don't even try to figure it out. There are SO many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Just sit back and enjoy the ride! And just a heads up... for those who only read HFN and/or HEA, you aren't going to get it in this book. But don't let that keep you from reading it. Trust me on this one. You'll see what I'm talking about at the end. 😉 Just know that I'm all about the HEA and I was hooked! I seriously could not put this book down! 

Y'all! I feel seen! It's like the authors knew exactly what I was going to do with my kindle when I got to the end. 😂 This is my first book by Ms. Burton and Ms. Cal and I'm hooked! I've already downloaded Red Arrows and I can't wait to dive in! 

I usually don't do casting for YA books but, again, I thought what the heck! 😂 What do you think?

A Royal Christmas for the Marine by Jess Mastorakos

 

Synopsis:

Surprise! I’m a prince.

As the heir to the throne of a small country, I was shocked when my younger sister decided to leave her royal life behind and move to America. Like any good big brother would, I started digging to see what she was up to.

Somewhere along the way, I found myself chatting with the woman of my dreams on a new dating app. She’s smart. She’s funny. And she’s about to get out of the Marines after serving for eight years.

The only problem is, she doesn’t know I’m a prince.

Now I’ve come to America to tell her. Hopefully she doesn’t freak out.

My Review: 4 Stars

Confession. I'm not a big Royals romance fan. I usually avoid this trope. But when a favorite author writes a Royal romance, you read the book. I actually mentioned in my review of A Princess for the Marine that I hoped Theo would get his own book. Well.... Surprise! 

Theo and Maya met through the First Comes Love app and there was an instant connection. They had no clue what the other looked like so it made it easier for them to start building a strong, meaningful relationship through their chats. I loved that they were free to be themselves without having the added stress of life getting in the way. 

I had no clue how Maya would react to the 500lb bomb Theo dropped but I couldn't help cheering them on and crossing my fingers for the best. I thought Theo and Maya were amazing. I loved getting to know them and watching them work through some of the challenges they had to face. This was such a cute, fun, quick read. 

But I do have to say that, while I really enjoyed this book, I found myself wanting more. There were several scenes I wished I could've been apart of but alas, there was only a brief recap of them. Oh to be a fly on those castle walls! 😍

I loved this series and I'm a bit sad to see it end. But, thankfully, I'm one of those readers who loves rereading my favorite books/series. This is definitely a series that I'll be reading over and over again. 

I know that when Ms. Mastorakos releases a book, I'm going to need to clear my schedule. Once I start her books, I never want to put them down! I cannot wait to get my hands on her next book baby! 

And we can't forget my casting. Love them! What do you think?

The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel

 

Synopsis:

I, Charlotte Valentine, am mostly of sound mind. Typically, I make really good choices. I mean I went to college, never did drugs . . . I even brush and floss every day. That’s not to say I don’t make poor decisions—believe me, I do. They always seem to involve men—everything from gluing my eye shut (don’t ask) to falling in love with my boss. Did I mention he was famous? Oh, Drake Foster, you beautiful creature, you. My sister told me not to accept the position as his personal assistant. Apparently, she thinks it’s emotionally unhealthy for me to work for the object of my desire. What does she know? 

Well, she knew enough to tell me not to go on a little jaunt with him through a blizzard. She was definitely against us sharing the only room left at the coziest inn ever. And what happened after that she was adamant should have never happened. But, hey, it all worked out. I got the inn and the cutest kid ever. Unfortunately, Drake has no idea about either one—he really should answer his phone more—until, that is, he decides to take a trip down memory lane and shows up at my beloved inn. Let’s just say he’s surprised. But he’s not the only one. Who knew our connection would be just as strong as it always was and that all this time, I’ve haunted him as much as he’s haunted me? But this time, will love come to stay, or is it checking out for good? 

My Review: 5+ Stars!

Y'all. Where in the world do I even begin to tell you how much I absolutely love this book?! If I'm being honest, love is an understatement! What's bigger than love? Because whatever it is, that's what I feel for this book! 

You know when people ask you who your favorite fictional couple is and you freak out because there are just SO many of them? I mean, how can you pick just one?! It's not possible! Well. If you were to ask me that right now, hands down, it would be Charlotte and Drake! These two are fantastic!

Charlotte is beautiful, feisty, sassy, sarcastic, fun, loyal, loves fiercely, is not afraid to be real, and is the best friend, sister and mom. Drake is gorgeous, debonair, broody, lost, doesn't do feelings, hates to be humanized, and, even though he'd never admit it, has an amazing heart and has so much love to give. 

The journey of Charlotte and Drake was so real, so raw, so heart achingly beautiful. You can't help but cheer them on while watching them figure out how to wade through the rough waters of life. Life threw them some curveballs and there were things that could've torn them apart but their love for each other held them together and made them stronger. I read a quote recently that fits Charlotte and Drake perfectly. "If two hearts are meant to be together, no matter how long it takes, how far they go, how tough it seems, fate will always bring them back together."

I would be remiss to leave out little Jameson. Y'all. I loved this kid! He's the best! I found myself busting out laughing time and again with his antics. You can't help but fall in love with this little guy. He's absolutely perfect and just who Drake needs to snap him out of his broodiness. The bond between this father and son was a special one.

Y'all. Clear your schedules and prepare yourself for the ultimate book hangover! Once you pick this book up, you are not going to want to put it down! And the moment you finish it, you may or may not want to start it all over again. This book has all the feels and will have you swooning like there's no tomorrow!

I am still in awe of Ms. Peel's talent. I've said this before and I'll say it again. Every time I think I've found my new favorite book of hers, she turns to her next couple and says: "Hold my Dr. Pepper. I'm about to prove her wrong... again!" This book is a perfect example of why she is and always will be one of my favorite authors. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh* Y'all! I. Am. In. Love! What do you think?!

Second Chances on Sugarplum Lane by Makenna Holiday

 

Synopsis:

My name is Melinda Cole. At barely 30 years old, I’m a top executive at a major corporation. But I’m falling apart and all I want for Christmas is a hug from my mom and dad.

After avoiding charming, holiday-obsessed Stardust Falls for eight years, I’m going home for a surprise visit.

The surprise is on me. My parents aren’t waiting with open arms and comforting embraces. They’re not even in town. Instead, Jay Austin is staying in my childhood home.

Jay Austin, who is a big part of the reason I haven’t been back in almost a decade. Jay Austin, who was my best friend before he became the man who broke my heart. Jay Austin, who is the one here now, when I need someone to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Jay Austin, who is leaving me with so many unanswered questions.

Why is he living in my parents' garage apartment? Why did he dump me for no reason back then? Why is he so good at taking care of me now? Can I ever trust him again? Should I?

Our first attempt at being more than friends was a disaster.

Is there such a thing as a second chance at happily ever after?

My Review: 4 Stars

For those that don't know, I'm a sucker for a good second chance romance. Add in the small town setting and this girl is in heaven! 

Lindy left Stardust Falls 8 years ago after Jay broke her heart into a million pieces. She had zero intentions of ever going back. But when life in the big city became too overwhelming, all she wanted was a hug and direction from her parents. Maybe spending Christmas at home this year won't be so bad? 

Never in a million years would she have imagined walking into her childhood home to see Jay standing in her kitchen... shirtless. Oh! And her parents left the state for Christmas. Surprise! 😳😂

Y'all. This was such a fun book. I really enjoyed watching Lindy and Jay work through their past and their present to get their HEA. I absolutely loved Jay! He was seriously the best! I totally want glow in the dark stars on my ceiling now... and a huge bean bag chair! 😉

I swear the more small town romances I read, the more I want to move to one. The setting was absolutely perfect. I found myself wanting to eat at The Pumpkin Patch and participate in the Snowman Smash. I loved meeting some of the townsfolk and feeling that sense of belonging. I'm really looking forward to Piper and Liam's story. 😍

Y'all. This is my first book by Makenna Holiday and it definitely won't be my last! I've already one-clicked this entire series! I love that each book is set around a holiday. I can't wait to dive back in!

As for my casting... y'all. I seriously love these two! What do you think?

Hidden Gems

Welcome to Hidden Gems hosted by KJ's Book Nook! Once a month I'll feature a new to me author that I've discovered and fell in love with their books. I'll share the author's bio, one of my favorite books of theirs and a review.

For this month's Hidden Gems I am going to choose...

Julie Christianson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Julie Christianson loves her hilarious family, three crazy rescue dogs, and laughing at her own jokes.

She dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and she became a published novelist back in 2016. Last summer, after the library where she worked closed, Julie decided to shift her writing focus to sweet romantic comedies. The world had pretty much shut down by then, and she figured everyone could use more reasons to smile.

Julie is a former English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.

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Y'all. I have never been able to say this before and I'm kind of excited to say it now. 

Fun fact. Julie Christianson lives near me! I have never lived near an author I adore before but it's kind of fun. I love seeing names of businesses in our area show up in her books. The Bread Basket in My Own Best Enemy? It's the name of a delicious bakery right down the street from me. Y'all she had me craving their Zebra cookies for weeks! Haha. 

I know what you're probably thinking. I discovered her because she's in my area, right? Wrong. I actually discovered her while I was searching for clean small town romance books. I had been scrolling through books for about 5 minutes before The Mostly Real McCoy jumped out at me saying... pssst... pick me! I read two words in the synopsis (single dad), downloaded the book and started reading. Y'all. She had me at the food fight! 😂 You'll have to check out the book to see what I'm talking about... 😉

Single-dad Mac needs a temporary nanny for his daughter, Daisy. I need a second job until my promotion kicks in. Since our arrangement is only for one month, I am positive I won’t get attached. Medium positive. Okay, I’m negative.

This is a terrible idea.

Because I can’t give Mac and Daisy what they need, and I won’t risk breaking their hearts, but his green eyes and her crooked pigtails have me dreaming about forever. And who can resist a dad buying pink ballerina tights after a day spent in a hard hat?

The thing is Mac is a fixer, and I need to repair my own life. Better yet, I don’t want to feel broken. So it’s a good thing the worst has already happened to me. Nothing will hurt more now. Water can’t get wetter. That’s what I keep telling myself.

Too bad I’m all wrong...

You can check out my review here.

Happy reading my fellow Book Dragons!