retrogirlreads's reviews
1307 reviews

Huntress and the Thorn Court by D.C. Gambel

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5.0

In this twisted tale inspired by the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, Isabel Carson is the Princess of the Hunter’s Order, next in line to lead. One fateful night, she accidentally kills an innocent werewolf, and in order to prevent war, she agrees to become the prisoner of the King of Alphas, Gideon, who is the ruler of the largest pack of werewolves in the country. At first, Isabel thinks that Gideon is a hulking brute of a man, but as time passes, he slowly changes her mind. As attraction brews, Isabel struggles with her feelings, for it is forbidden for Hunters to enter into any kind of relationship with any of the supernatural races. This book had me hooked from the very beginning! It was a very unique retelling, and I read the whole thing in an hour because I couldn’t put it down! I would definitely recommend this book for fans of paranormal romance and Beauty and the Beast.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Huntress and the Splintered Court by D.C. Gambel

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5.0

Isabel Carson must make a choice... go back to the Order and become their leader, or become Luna of the Thorn Court. Becoming Luna is her rightful position, as she is the mate of Gideon, the King of Alphas. But as the Princess of the Hunter’s Order, Isabel has never dreamed of another life, and she is at war with herself over the decision. Torn between her love for Gideon and what she has always believed to be her duty, Isabel must put her fears aside. For there is a plot deep within the Thorn Court, and it could cost her not only her own life, but the life of the werewolf she has fallen in love with.

“Huntress of the Splintered Court” is the epic conclusion of D.C. Gambel’s paranormal retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. With sizzling romance, witty dialogue, and plot twists you won’t expect, this book will definitely keep you on your toes!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dragon Lake: A Swan Lake Retelling by R.L. Davennor

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5.0

“Dragon Lake” is a novelette that puts a spin both on the classic tale of Swan Lake, and the simple fairytale premise of a fair maiden who must be rescued from the dragon. I adore twisted tales, and this one did not disappoint! As it shorter than a full length book, I won’t go into details to avoid spoilers. But the main character, Odette, was one of those sassy, badass heroines I always admire. The characters did develop over the course of the story, and I can’t wait to see more from this author in the future! I reviewed this novelette as an arc copy from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Waltz to Remember: A Dragon Lake Story by R.L. Davennor

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5.0

This was a fun prequel to Dragon Lake! You learn a little more about Odette in this one. Can’t wait for more!

I received this prequel free from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Magic Portal by DM Fike

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5.0

After the loss of her parents, Avalon Benton is homeless, living in her car at the age of 18. When a beggar starts to follow her, Avalon becomes nervous, and decides to sleep in a closet at the amusement park where she works. There, she finds a surprisingly lifelike statue of a fairy, which comes to life after an incident where Avalon discovers that she herself has powers. On her quest for answers, she teams up with Kay the fairy and the beggar, who turns out to be a gremlin named Nobody, and his companion Vimp. But can she truly trust any of them?

This was an amazing first book in what will become a trilogy! The plot was very well written, with twists I was not expecting. The banter was hilarious, and the characters were relatable and fun to read about. I hope to read book 2, and I definitely recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book from the author via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eternally Yours by Olivia Boothe, Harper A. Brooks

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5.0

Wow!!! This book was an amazingly written slow burn paranormal romance novel full of hot as hell steam and agonizing angst. These two authors together have truly written something unique and special. This vampire stand alone is a MUST for any paranormal romance lover!

Loren Stone is a tired, overworked pediatric nurse who really just needs a break. On her way out of her favorite coffee house, she witnesses a strange wild beast attack a hauntingly beautiful young man she can’t help being drawn to. In her efforts to save him, she falls victim to the beast as well. When she wakes up, she feels a change that she doesn’t understand and can only be explained by Nicholas Guerra, the young man she tried to save... and who is mysteriously healed as though he had never been attacked.

Nicholas Guerra is a vampire prince, the heir to the Guerra coven, the most powerful of all the vampire covens in existence. But he left that life long ago, when his father did something unforgivable. Broken by what happened in his past, Nic has sworn never to love again. Yet when he meets Loren, he feels drawn to her in a way he can’t explain. Holding a dying Loren in his arm causes him to make a snap decision - he sires her, causing her to turn into a vampire and causing them to become bloodbonded.

Siring a vampire without the permission of the covens is forbidden - and Nic has just broken all the rules. But the one thing he absolutely must not do is allow them to become bloodmated - although he desperately wants to claim her as his. Once you’ve bloodmated with someone, it can only be broken by death... and neither Nic nor Loren are ready to offer each other forever. Will they give in to their attraction? Find out in “Eternally Yours” by Harper A Brooks and Olivia Boothe!

*i received a free copy of this book from the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review*
Cupid's Sacrifice by R.J. Rome

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5.0

Aiden has been in love with Stephanie for over 10 years, and more than anything, he wishes he could tell her how he feels. Only problem? Her older brother John is his best friend, and Aiden promised him years ago that Steph was off limits. Aiden knows that he and Stephanie are destined to be together, but when he finds out her idiotic jerk of a boyfriend is planning on proposing to her, can he put those feelings aside for her happiness?

Stephanie has always had feelings for Aiden, her older brother’s best friend, but she thinks he doesn’t know she exists. She is currently dating Dave, and while that relationship is secure, it lacks the passion she dreams of. But as she starts spending more time with Aiden, she realizes that passion is exactly what she craves. So what will it be? Will she pick the relationship that’s secure but lacks any steam, or will she pick one that’s passionate and exhilarating? Find out in “Cupid’s Sacrifice” by RJ Rome!

Oh. My. Gosh. I read this whole back so fast, you don’t even know. I couldn’t put it down! It was the perfect read for this time of year, and Stephanie and Aiden’s sweet and sexy story will keep you hooked from start to finish! I definitely recommend this book, as it has just become one of my new favorites!

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Archmage by Emily L.K.

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5.0

Tsillah’s mother is dying, and she is willing to do anything to save her. When Tsillah sees an ad for an elemental archmage looking for a paid apprentice, she decides to compete, for the wages could be her mother’s saving grace. The only problem is that Tsillah is not an elementalist. She is an illusionist, and practicing two forms is forbidden. But that is the choice that Tsillah must make when she impresses archmage Caius by chance with a masterful illusion that makes him believe that she is in fact a fire elementalist. Tsillah is sure that Caius will turn her in once he realizes that she isn’t who he thinks she is. But Caius and his other apprentice Ermir are hiding secrets of their own, and when all comes to light, Tsillah must do things she never thought possible.

“The Archmage” by Emily L.K. was an amazing start to a new young adult fantasy series! The characters were well thought out and had depth, and the banter between Caius, Ermir, and Tsillah was very enjoyable. There’s even a hint of romance in this series! I won’t spoil who it is, but let’s just say I’m rooting for these two! I definitely recommend this novel, and I can’t wait for book 2!
The Fusion by Megan Brookes

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4.0

Moira Sharpe is an ordinary girl with an ordinary life. Everything comes crashing down the week of her sixteenth birthday, when she discovers that she is a witch. And if Moira uses her powers, she will be discovered by the Poachers, a group of people who kill witches and steal their powers for their own gain. One fateful night, Moira finds herself on the run from the Poachers, alone and unable to know who she can trust.

This book was very slow in the beginning, but it got very interesting once that was over. Moira did develop over the course of the story, and I really think she will develop even more over the course of the series. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

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

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5.0

Annie Byrne loves her little brother Johnny more than anything. So when he racks up a gambling debt of 50 grand, she is absolutely terrified for his life. Terrified enough that she agrees to drive his getaway car. The plan was simple - in and out. But what Johnny didn’t tell her is that the place he was planning to rob was a DelGado establishment. The DelgGados are at the head of the Providence Italian Mafia, and when Johnny’s plan fails, Gio DelGado offers Annie a choice - be at his beck and call, and her brother lives. Refuse, and he dies. To protect her brother, Annie agrees to Gio’s term. What she didn’t expect? To fall in love with him.

Gio DelGado has never wanted love. After his mother’s brutal murder at the hands of his family’s rivals, he refuses to put another woman at risk. But as soon as he catches sight of Annie Byrne, he can’t get her out of his head, despite the odd circumstances that caused them to meet. Gio knows from experience that women who get mixed up in his lifestyle often get killed, especially since Annie wasn’t born into this life, and doesn’t know how bad it can get. Yet he still doesn’t want to let her go.

This book was absolutely amazing! My first book by Natalia Lourose, and I know it won’t be my last! Gio and Annie had sizzling chemistry and hilarious banter. The word building was incredible, and the action keeping me at the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend this novel!