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Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Sweetheart Quest (Sweetheart Escapes) in Books

Sep 18, 2023  
The Sweetheart Quest (Sweetheart Escapes)
The Sweetheart Quest (Sweetheart Escapes)
Jacy Braegan | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SWEETHEART QUEST is part of the multi-author Sweetheart Escapes series. I enjoyed seeing cameos from characters in some of the other stories as I read about Trevor and Rhodes.

This is a quick read, with the pacing the same. It all happens VERY fast. The whole time of Rhodes and Trevor being together (apart from the epilogue) takes place over two weeks. The first weekend is when they meet, followed by two weeks of being grumpy whilst apart. Saying that, I did enjoy it.

I could understand where both Trevor and Rhodes were coming from, with their fears and concerns about the future, but I would have liked to have seen more about how they would work together to resolve said issues.

All in all, a sweet and fast romance that I recommend.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 18, 2023
  
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Kyera (8 KP) rated Of Fire and Stars (Of Fire and Stars #1) in Books

Feb 1, 2018  
Of Fire and Stars (Of Fire and Stars #1)
Of Fire and Stars (Of Fire and Stars #1)
Audrey Coulthurst | 2016 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Of Fire and Stars is a tale of magic, romance, and treachery. The story is told through alternating points of view, Mare is the princess of Mynaria and sister to Thandi the future King while Denna is a princess of Havemont and future wife of Thandi. Although Mare is royalty, she does not enjoy her crown choosing to spend her time in the stables and wishing she could live her own life. Denna has been trained and taught her entire life to be worthy of the arranged marriage that is her future. That is what is expected of her and all she knows.

Forced to adjust to a life at court, Denna finds herself in riding lessons with Mare in preparation for her wedding. Having never ridden a horse before she is concerned but puts her all into learning, which impresses the recalcitrant Mare. Their interactions and friendship grow over the course of the novel in a believable way, from the initial opinions of dislike to a true, bonded friendship. Although Denna is betrothed, her feelings only grow for Mare until her every thought is of the princess rather than the prince. Mare dismays each time she thinks about her brother marrying Denna, as he doesn't realize her best qualities. Each fears that her feelings are not reciprocated and keep everything bottled up. Whether their tale has a happy ending or not, you won't know unless you read the book. I really enjoyed the relationships and interactions in this book, particularly a romance that is more diverse than we normally get to see.

The world-building could have been better in this novel, but it is not non-existent. There are a variety of different lands and people mentioned, unfortunately, we only receive the barest of information. Even though one of our main characters is from another land, we learn about little more than their harsh winters. The magic system and other lands like Zumorda were so fascinating, but not explored. While some of this can be explained by the fact that our characters also seem to be ill-informed about their neighbors, we don't receive much more information about Mynaria and that's where this book takes place.

I found the main characters to be relatable but didn't connect deeply with some of the secondary ones. That was disappointing because it meant when there was an emotional scene or death, as a reader you weren't torn apart by it. To be honest, I didn't have opinions or feelings about it at all and I wish that were not the case. I love when books sweep you up, heart and soul, making you a part of the story and tearing out your emotions with every line.

Magic is feared and punished in Mynaria, so we sadly don't get to experience much of it. When we see experienced practitioners perform, it is fascinating and varied. Someone with an air affinity might be able to create a breeze but they also may be able to transform into a bird. I wish this magic system was more developed and/or explained more because I just want to know more.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to young adult/teen readers who enjoy magic, fantasy, romance, or more diverse books.
  
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Kristin (149 KP) rated A Silent Prayer (A Prayer Series #1) in Books

Dec 7, 2018  
AS
A Silent Prayer (A Prayer Series #1)
Samreen Ahsan | 2013
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rania is a regular girl, just trying to get through life in Toronto. Adam is a rich bachelor, spending and sleeping his way through the days. When they cross paths, sparks fly, and Adam realizes he might not mind leaving the single-life behind, once and for all. However, Rania has a scarred past, and it's keeping barriers around her heart. Can these two make it together, or will their differences drive them apart before they even get started?

I enjoyed this book right from the start. I love how the chapters are separated into each point of view, as you get a glimpse from both sides of the coin and how each character is dealing with their new friendship. I feel as though this one quote from the beginning perfectly sums up how you should view this story: "I wonder at the fact that each human has his own story to tell; everyone has a past, a present and a future to look forward to." We travel through the present with both Rania and Adam, and while looking through them towards their possible future, we see that they'll have to relive a past that could tear them apart.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance, but note that it's not your typical boy-meets-girl, boy-gets-girl story. This is one where you'll be rooting on both sides, and you get to see what happens when love-at-first-sight meets its match in a strong-willed woman.

4 1/2 stars