retrogirlreads's reviews
1307 reviews

Wicked Dance by Olivia Boothe

5.0

Ever since her mother’s death (and being dumped by her high school sweetheart soon after), Sara Hart has sworn off love - and dance. Once an extremely talented contemporary dancer, Sara was expected to go far. But after her dreams were shattered, the closest Sara will let herself get to her old passion is working as a dance company owner’s personal assistant - and that job is hell on earth. But when she meets Tom Wright, everything changes. Suddenly, Sara is feeling things she’s never felt before. And it scares the hell out of her.

Tom Wright has one rule: relationships don’t go beyond the bedroom, and absolutely no falling in love. But after he runs into Sara Hart by chance at his favorite coffee shop, he finds that he is unable to stop thinking about her. But Tom has a dark past, and as he and Sara get closer, the truth threatens to come to light. Can Tom and Sara’s blossoming new romance withstand both their demons?

Wowowowowowowow! Can I just say how much I loved this book! It was steamy but angsty. The romance is very well developed, it doesn’t feel rushed at all. I will be reading book 2, and I definitely recommend this book and Olivia Boothe’s writing!

* i received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *

She Named Me Wolf by Tenkara Smart

5.0

In her novel “She Named Me Wolf,” author Tenkara Smart excels at exploring darker themes such as child abuse and the depression that happens as a result. The story starts when Wolf is a young boy of five years, and ends when he is fifteen. Quiet young Wolf is considered odd, for although he has many friends, he is the only one who can hear them talk. His best friend is the spirit of a young girl named Polly, who stays by his side through his dark childhood. Wolf’s father is a violent drunk, and he often hits Wolf as a child and forces him to spend all night in a box. He is also abusive towards Wolf’s mother, Lizzie, who is often seen with bruises. But Wolf has been training in karate since he was six years old, waiting for the day when he is old enough, brave enough, and strong enough to stand up to his abusive father at last.

I loved this book. It was though provoking, and the end completely stunned me. I felt connected to Wolf and was proud to see him progress over the course of the novel. I hope there will be more to this series.

* i received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *

The Emissary by Rene DeFazio, Tamara Veitch

5.0

“The Emissary” merges the concepts of past lives and soulmates in this engrossing story. Marcus and Helghul, once the closest of friends, are now the bitterest of enemies. Their friendship was weakened by Helghul’s ambition, and destroyed when Theron, the girl they both loved, fell in love with Marcus. When Theron and Marcus engaged in a special coupling, they became soulmates - able to find each other in all their next lives. But when Marcus stumbles in on Helghul performing a horrifying ceremony that goes against everything their people believe in, he knows he must act. He ends up swallowing a potion that will allow him to remember all of his past lives - so he can save the world from Helghul, who also swallows the potion. As the story progresses, we get to see some of Marcus’ other lives - where he never stops searching for Theron, his soulmate. But soulmates come in different and surprising forms, as you will find out if you pick up this book, which I definitely recommend you do!

* i received a free copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review *

Wicked Embrace by Olivia Boothe

5.0

Despite all the chaos that have happened during their short acquaintance, Sara and Tom are together at last, and they are blissfully happy. But a storm is brewing, and that happiness is about to hit more bumps in the road...

Sara Hart is in love with Tom, and he with her. He healed her broken heart, and she lifted him out of the dark haze that had become a permanent part of his life. But when a blast from the past tears them apart as a sinister plot begins to surface, will their love be able to survive? Find out in this brilliant conclusion to Olivia Boothe’s Chronicles of a Dancing Heart duet.

* i received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *

To Kill a Fae by Jamie A. Waters

5.0

Sabine is Fae, but that is a fact that very few people know. After her father tried to kill her so many years ago, she barely escaped with her life. Since then, she has lived in the city of Akros, under the protection of demon twins Dax and Bane, who are very much at odds with each other. Sabine knows what she has to do to continue to live, and so far, she has been able to do so. But everything changes when she meets charming ship captain Malek Rish’dan, who makes her want to lower her guard for the first time since leaving the Fae. But Malek is hiding secrets of his own, secrets that could tear them apart...

Oh. My. Gosh. I adored this book. Sabine is sassy and relatable, both as a MC and as the heroine of this novel. Her friendships and relationships with the other characters of this book were well written and believable, and Malek is absolutely dreamy! This book could be fast paced at times, but it never felt rushed. The writing was always well thought out. I can’t wait to read book 2, and am happy to have discovered Jamie A Waters as an author.

* i received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review *

Main Street by Dianna Wilkes

3.0

A year ago, Dana Canfield became a widow when her husband James was murdered. With her son Joshua distanced from her since, she decides to pack up her life and move to PI as a designer. Once there, she is charmed by Nick Warden, who owns a garage. Nick is gallant and kind, and although she hasn’t been a widow for long, he stirs feelings in her that she didn’t think were possible. But after a break in at Dana’s, Nick begins to worry that James Canfield might not have been the target after all...

This book was light with hints of mystery. It was cheesy at times, with certain things happening that seemed entirely too coincidental. It was still enjoyable, however, something I like to call a “candy” book.

* i received a free copy of this book via hidden gems books and am voluntarily leaving a review *

By Blood and Magic by Jamie A. Waters

5.0

After another attempt on her life leaves her magic depleted, Sabin’theoria, rightful queen of the Unseelie, is forced to flee alongside her demon protector Bane, close friend/witch Esmelle, and Blossom the pixie. Together with her allies, she boards the ship of Captain Malek Rish’dan, who promises her safety. But Malek is a dragon, and Sabine still feels some caution. When the Merfolk attack the ship and take some of their companions, Sabine and Malek go off on a quest in order to find a missing woman from the Merfolk tribe in exchange for their friends’ safety. For Sabine, being in close proximity with Malek is both daunting and thrilling. While she has always been attracted to him, as time passes, she finds herself falling in love with him. But with the dragons and Fae on opposite sides, is their romance doomed from the start?

Jamie A Waters continues to amaze me! In book 2 of the Dragon Portal series, we see more of Sabine’s path to reclaiming her throne, and the relationship between her and Malek is more developed. The romance is both sweet and passionate, with few angsty moments, although they are there. Friendship is also an important theme in this novel. I’m excited for book 3!

* I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. *

A Midwestern Cinderella by Krista Lakes

5.0

Zoey Miller is completely average. She doesn’t come from money and she has a perfectly ordinary job. When she meets jokester Freddie Prescott, she feels as though she is more than that. Freddie is handsome and charming, and he makes her feel beautiful, special and adored. As she gets to know Freddie better, she finds herself falling in love. Only problem? Freddie is a real life, bona fide prince, second in line to the throne of the kingdom of Paradisa. And when he asks her to travel with him there to meet his family, she doesn’t quite know what to think. While Zoey loves Freddie, she doesn’t know the first thing about acting royal, whether that be knowing which fork to use or how to walk in high heels. Can Zoey make a good enough impression in Paradisa to impress Freddie’s family, stay a part of his Royal world, and keep his love? Find out in this mostly lighthearted royal romance by Krista Lakes!

* i received a free copy of this book via hidden gems books and am voluntarily leaving a review *

The Scent of Leaves by Kathryn Trattner

4.0

In this modern retelling of the ballad of Tam Lin, college student Janet is driven by her love of photography. When she meets a handsome yet mysterious man named Tom at the gas station where she works, she doesn’t quite know what to think, yet is unable to get him out of her head. Tom begins to appear in all the places Janet frequents, and as wary as she is, she can’t help but be drawn to him. When strange things begin occurring, Janet sets out to find the truth about Tom, and the questionable house in the woods where he lives amongst people who give her a bad feeling.

This was a good modern retelling. There were some small grammar errors, but it was still an enjoyable read. I will be looking into more of Kathryn Trattner’s work.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Facets of Power by Jamie A. Waters

5.0

Sabin’theoria has claimed her title as queen of the Unseelie, but now she has to fight to keep it. She must have allies if she is to defend her throne against her father, the Seelie king, who continues to plot her demise. On the ship of her dragon lover Captain Malek Rish’dan, she journeys to the dwarven city of Razadon alongside her trusted friends. But there is corruption in that city, and as a result, her demon protector Bane is taken captive by the dwarves. Desperate to save her friend and prove to the dwarves that she is a competent queen, Sabine must play the powerful queen while searching for the source of the corruption. All of this takes a toll on Sabine’s magic, which only Malek can help replenish. Although Sabine loves Malek, she is hesitant to say those words to him, because she knows the Unseelie will never accept a dragon by her side. Malek is charming and kind, and he believes that they can stay together. But Malek is hiding a secret from Sabine, a secret that could destroy everything they have... Will love conquer all? Or are there some obstacles that cannot be overcome?

Wow! “Facets of Power” by Jamie A Waters is the third book in the Dragon Portal series. I’ve become so invested in this story. Sabine is an extremely likeable main character, and you will definitely be rooting for her to succeed! The dwarven city of Razadon was described so beautifully, and all the politics that were happening in this book were very entertaining. I can’t wait until book 4 is released!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.