Book Review: Perfect Match by Eliza McLane

April 24, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads15 Comments

Perfect Match (Holiday Nights #2)
Pub Date: 6 February 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

They couldn’t be more different, but wild-at-heart (and in bed) Rose and sweet-but-square Tyler have to make it through a romantic Valentine’s weekend to win the prize at the end – all while proving they’re certainly, definitely,really not the perfect match the dating app proclaims them to be… right?

Rose
I went to my bestie’s over-the-top Valentine’s Day event alone, and when the first person I meet is straight-laced Tyler, I know I’m leaving alone, too. He’s all buttoned-up with nary a tattoo in sight, and he does math…for fun. In other words, definitely not my type. But when a dating app proclaims him my Perfect Match and offers up a pot of prize money if we spend a romantic weekend together, complete with an all-expenses paid luxury hotel and couples activities galore, I don’t need love as a motivator–that money will help save my fledgling, and failing, graphic design business. Now Tyler is looking at me like I’m the perfect box of chocolates, talking about indulging in one last fling before he settles down. Suddenly, I’m thinking Mr. All-Wrong-For-Me might be the perfect Mr. Right-Now.

Tyler
I went to a Valentine’s Day singles’ event looking for love and left with Rose, whose vivacious attitude and sunset-hued hair sets her apart from every woman I’ve ever dated. Even if her curvy body stirs up a wilder side in me I’ve always kept under wraps, she’s definitely not what I’m looking for in a long-term partner… or so I thought. But somewhere between hiking with goats, getting our nails painted, and Rose’s lessons on new and inventive ways to share our heart-shaped bed, I’m wondering if she might be just what I never knew I always needed. But when she’s determined to part when our wild weekend is done, how can I convince her we might be a perfect match after all?

TL;DR: This opposites-attract romance was comforting, sweet and swoony! Rose and Tyler were ridiculously adorable together and I loved the feeling of safety and comfort that was present at the start of what’s obviously meant to be a healthy and loving relationship. Also, consent is so sexy and this was full of it! 😍 Read this if you’re into opposites attract, straight-laced & shy accountant types X chaotic ‘act first, think later’ & confident artist types, “good boy” (mild) praise kink, and sweet, soft and steamy romance. This was a good fun time!

Book Review: A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

April 20, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads14 Comments

A Marvellous Light (The Last Binding #1)
Publisher: Tor
Pub Date: 26 October 2021
Genre: Historical Fantasy/Romance

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

Set in an alternative Edwardian England, this is a comedy of manners, manor houses, and hedge mazes: including a magic-infused murder mystery and a delightful queer romance.

Young baronet Robin Blyth thought he was taking up a minor governmental post. However, he’s actually been appointed parliamentary liaison to a secret magical society. If it weren’t for this administrative error, he’d never have discovered the incredible magic underlying his world.

Cursed by mysterious attackers and plagued by visions, Robin becomes determined to drag answers from his missing predecessor – but he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey, his hostile magical-society counterpart. Unwillingly thrown together, Robin and Edwin will discover a plot that threatens every magician in the British Isles.

The Binding meets Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in debut author Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Homomisia, sexism, racism, death of a parent, murder, attempted murder, torture, kidnapping, bullying, on-page sex

TL;DR: Despite a bit of a rocky and slow start, I did end up enjoying this book! This was a fun historical fantasy set in the Regency era that balanced the romance and mystery well. Although the mystery wasn’t entirely surprising, there were still some neat little twists that had me eager to learn more! Robin and Edwin were wonderful main characters and I loved their dynamic and romance—I found it swoony, romantic and sweet. 🥰 Not to mention, it got unexpectedly steamy! Overall, a great read and I can’t wait to pick up the next book!

ARC Review: Royal Rebel by Heather Frost

April 20, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads11 Comments

Special thanks to Heather Frost for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Check out my reviews for the previous books in the series:

*Royal Decoy, Royal Spy, Royal Captive – Fate of Eyrinthia Books 1-3 by Heather Frost*

Royal Rebel (Fate of Eyrinthia #4)
Pub Date: 21 April 2023
Genre: Young Adult Romantasy

Panda Rating:

_{(4.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

A PRINCE fighting to save a princess
A SERJAH torn between duty and desire
A PRINCESS willing to sacrifice everything
A DECOY with nothing to lose
A WORLD about to be torn apart

After his father’s latest punishment, Grayson isn’t at his full strength. Trapped in Ryden and surrounded by enemies, he knows escaping with Mia will be more complicated than anticipated. Tyrell is determined to claim Mia for himself, and Henri’s plans for the rest of Eyrinthia are more horrific than Grayson ever imagined. Despite the increased danger, he and Mia must return to Mortise and warn Desfan of what’s coming—even though it may already be too late.

In Mortise, the palace is still reeling from the brutal attack that left many dead and even more wounded. Regardless of the chaos, Desfan is determined to continue with his coronation. As serjan, he hopes to bring stability to his country and solidify the peace with Devendra. But things in Eyrinthia are always complicated. When Prince Liam reveals they may be facing dangers from old enemies, Desfan will have to decide what kind of ruler he will be.

Devastating news from home has left Clare broken. Despite her heartache, she must once again be Serene’s decoy when a terrifying report sends the princess on an unexpected mission to Zennor. Left at the palace, Clare helps Desfan build trust with the elite in Mortise while guarding a treasonous secret. Because as her grief transforms into a burning desire for vengeance, she is finally ready to embrace a new role—rebel.

Eyrinthia is consumed by uncertainty. Duty. Desire. Sacrifice. Every rebellion has its cost.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Murder, Physical abuse, and War
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, and Drug use

**Note: as this is the fourth in a series where you must read the previous books to understand what’s going on, this review may contain mild spoilers for certain parts of the previous books, but I’ll try to keep it as vague and contained as possible!**

TL;DR: Royal Rebel was a great addition to the Fate of Erynthia series. The story continues to be action-packed, politically charged, and in this book, a new mystery full of sinister undertones is introduced and I absolutely cannot wait to know what happens next. It was a treat to reunite with the huge cast of characters and I loved how their relationships evolved—there are so many ships to ship! One thing is for sure: I’m ready for more!

Book Review: Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings

April 17, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads23 Comments

Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake (A Brush With Love #2)
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub Date: 6 September 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Panda Rating:

_{(5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

Lizzie has made endless mistakes. Kitchen fires, pyramid schemes, bangs (of the hair and human variety), you name it, she’s done it… and made a mess of it too. One mistake she’s never made is letting anyone get closer to her than a single hook-up. But after losing yet another bakery job due to her uncontrolled ADHD, she breaks her cardinal rule and has a two-night-stand that changes everything.

Once burned, twice shy, Rake has given up on relationships. And feelings. And any form of intimacy for that matter. Yet something about charming, chaotic Lizzie has him lowering his guard. For two nights, that is. Then it’s back home to Australia and far away from the pesky feelings Lizzie pulls from him. But when Lizzie tells him she’s got an unexpected bun in the oven, he’ll do whatever it takes to be a part of his child’s life… except be emotionally vulnerable, obviously. He’s never going to make that mistake again.

Through a series of mishaps, totally “platonic” single bed sharing, and an underground erotic baking scheme, Lizzie and Rake learn that even the biggest mistakes can have the most beautiful consequences.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Internalised ableism, sexual assault, on-page cheating recounted, unplanned pregnancy, abortion discussed, pregnancy, sex on-page

TL;DR: It took me long enough to pick this up (silly panda) but I’m so glad I finally read it because wow! I feel emotionally drained and invigorated at the same time and just thinking about these two has my heart squeezing with ALL THE FEELS. Prepare to be taken on an emotional ride! Edding’s writing radiated warmth, joy and comfort which is what made this so delightful to read. These characters are so personable and real and aside from the swoontastic romance, I appreciated how the author showed us what it’s like to live with a neurodivergent brain. I would definitely recommend this for those who are looking for a well-written romance that has the potential to make you laugh, swoon, and cry (in the best way, obviously)!

Book Review: Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater

April 13, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads8 Comments

Small Miracles
Publisher: Starwatch Press
Pub Date: 6 May 2022
Genre: Adult Paranormal Fantasy

Panda Rating:

_{(4 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

A little bit of sin is good for the soul.

Gadriel, the fallen angel of petty temptations, has a bit of a gambling debt. Fortunately, her angelic bookie is happy to let her pay off her debts by doing what she does best: All Gadriel has to do is tempt miserably sinless mortal Holly Harker to do a few nice things for herself.

What should be a cakewalk of a job soon runs into several roadblocks, however, as Miss Harker politely refuses every attempt at temptation from Gadriel the woman, Gadriel the man, and Gadriel the adorable fluffy kitten. When even chocolate fails to move Gadriel’s target, the ex-guardian angel begins to suspect she’s been conned. But Gadriel still remembers her previous job… and where petty temptations fail, small miracles might yet prevail.

Olivia Atwater explores love, grief, and the very last bit of chocolate in this sweet modern fantasy, full of wit and heart. Pick up Small Miracles, and enjoy a heavenly faerie tale from the author of Half a Soul.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Death of parent, grief, religion

TL;DR: What a delightfully charming story! This was my first book by Atwater and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. Her words are infused with a warm sense of cosiness, comfort, and wit, which kept me well entertained as I read. This was a fairly low-stakes story about fallen angels, debts, sins and virtues, petty temptations and of course, small miracles. While there was a slight lull in the middle, the ending had me tearing up, grinning happily and left my heart feeling full! I would recommend it if you don’t mind a few cheeky footnotes and a great story about healing, acceptance and indulging in a bit of sinning by indulging in a lot of chocolate!

ARC Review: Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

April 12, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads15 Comments

🦅 HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!!! 🦅

Special thanks to Tordotcom for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Untethered Sky
Publisher: Tordotcom
Publication Date: 11 April 2023
Genre: Adult Fantasy

Panda Rating:

_{(5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

From World Fantasy Award-winning author Fonda Lee comes Untethered Sky , an epic fantasy fable about the pursuit of obsession at all costs.

A Most Anticipated in 2023 Pick for Polygon | Book Riot | Paste Magazine

Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family.

Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Animal death, death of family, child death, violence, graphic descriptions, gore, dismemberment

TL;DR: This was a complete departure from her famous Green Bone Saga trilogy but it was no less fantastic. Lee’s ability to pull readers into a story and wholly immerse them into a new world with vivid descriptions and detailed but not overwhelming world-building is, in my humble opinion, unmatched. Don’t expect a fast-paced story as this wasn’t action-packed, but it has more of a quiet ‘slice-of-life’ quality to it that I personally enjoyed. I loved following Ester’s journey as she trains to become a rukher with her roc, Zahra, and the friendships and life lessons she experiences over the course of several years; all culminating in a heartbreaking yet hopeful ending that had me all up in my feels. Pick it up if you love Lee’s work but also pick it up if you want a small taste of how amazing her work is!

Book Review: Saint by Adrienne Young

April 10, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads21 Comments

Saint (Fable #0.5)
Publisher: Titan Books
Pub Date: 16 December 2022
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

Jump into the world of Fable with this exciting new prequel to the New York Times-bestselling novel by Adrienne Young. Join Saint and Isolde, Fable’s star-crossed parents, on this adventure with romance, treasure, and heartbreak.

As a boy, Elias learned the hard way what happens when you don’t heed the old tales. Nine years after his lack of superstition got his father killed, he’s grown into a young man of piety, with a deep reverence for the hallowed sea and her fickle favor. As stories of the fisherman’s son who has managed to escape the most deadly of storms spreads from port to port, his devotion to the myths and creeds has given him the reputation of the luckiest bastard to sail the Narrows. Now, he’s mere days away from getting everything his father ever dreamed for a ship of his own, a crew, and a license that names him as one of the first Narrows-born traders.

But when a young dredger from the Unnamed Sea with more than one secret crosses his path, Elias’ faith will be tested like never before. The greater the pull he feels toward her, the farther he drifts from the things he’s spent the last three years working for. He is dangerously close to repeating his mistakes and he’s seen first hand how vicious the jealous sea can be.

If he’s going to survive her retribution, he will have to decide which he wants more, the love of the girl who could change their shifting world, or the sacred beliefs that earned him the name that he’s known for—Saint.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Death of parent (recounted), mild violence, murder (recounted, not detailed)

TL;DR: Was this particularly new in any way? No. Did I have a fun time reading it anyway? Absolutely, yes. I haven’t read a marriage-of-convenience book in a while and while this billionaire romance isn’t normally one that I gravitate to often, I’ve been enjoying my fair share of them in the last few months! I enjoyed the dynamic between Vivian and Dante and found their romance pretty entertaining. This was also not as petty and drama-filled as I thought it would be but it had just the right amount of angst to keep me interested.

ARC Review: Romancing the Heiress by Darcy Burke

April 8, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads10 Comments

Special thanks to Zealous Quill Press for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Romancing the Heiress (Lords in Love #3)
Publisher: Zealous Quill Press
Publication Date: 04 April 2023
Genre: Historical Romance

Panda Rating:

_{(2.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

Thanks to his profligate father, Phineas Radford is in dire straits. His estate verges on bankruptcy, and he doesn’t have the funds to maintain his family’s botanical gardens–an intrinsic part of Marrywell’s annual May Day Matchmaking Festival. He prays no one learns of his secret desperation or there will be a panic about the future of the festival, which everyone relies on to fill their own coffers. The only way to save his estate and the town is to find an heiress to wed before time runs out.

After five years away, Leah Webster returns home as the companion to a wealthy young Society lady who is in search of a husband. Her employer quickly captures the attention of Leah’s oldest friend…and longtime secret tendre. Leah is determined to prevent the terrible mismatch between the provincial Phin and the High Society jewel until she discovers Phin’s noble reasons for the courtship. Though her own heart will surely break, Leah hatches an imprudent plan to save her town and the man she still loves.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Child abuse (recounted-emotional, verbal, physical), death of parent (recounted), murder (recounted), gambling debts, on-page sex, gaslighting

TL;DR: I’ve enjoyed quite a few of Darcy Burke’s books, most recently her Phoenix Club series. so I was looking forward to trying one of her stories from a different series. Sadly, I didn’t end up enjoying this at all. My biggest issue is that I didn’t feel the chemistry between Phin and Leah, and I found that there was too much “telling” and not nearly enough “showing”, which left the characters and romance feeling shallow. That said, I know I’m very much in the minority with my feelings if the other reviews and ratings are anything to go by, so I have no doubt that others could end up loving this more than I did!

ARC Review: Hollow by Shannon Watters

April 8, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads13 Comments

Special thanks to BOOM! Studios for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Hollow
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Publication Date: 04 October 2022
Genre: YA Paranormal Graphic Novel

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

From Shannon Watters, the co-creator of the bestselling worldwide phenomenon Lumberjanes, and co-writer debut author Branden Boyer-White, rising star artist Berenice Nelle (Wanderlicht), and colorist Kaitlyn Musto (Specter Inspectors), comes a supernatural queer romance and adventure set in the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow, available in September 2022.

Isabel “Izzy” Crane and her family have just relocated to Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by—and obsessed with—Washington Irving’s legend of the Headless Horseman. But city slicker-skeptic Izzy has no time for superstition as she navigates life at a new address, a new school, and, with any luck, with new friends. Ghost stories aren’t real, after all….

Then Izzy is pulled into the orbit of the town’s teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel (yes, that Van Tassel) and loveable varsity-level prankster Croc Byun. Vicky’s weariness with her family connection to the legend turns to terror when the trio begins to be haunted by the Horseman himself, uncovering a curse set on destroying the Van Tassel line. Now, they have only until Halloween night to break it—meaning it’s a totally inconvenient time for Izzy to develop a massive crush on the enigmatic Vicky.

Can Izzy’s practical nature help her face the unknown—or only trip her up? As the calendar runs down to the 31st, Izzy will have to use all of her wits and work with her new friends to save Vicky and uncover the mystery of the legendary Horseman of Sleepy Hollow—before it’s too late.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Attempted murder, violence

TL;DR: I knew I was going to enjoy this graphic novel the minute I started reading it! You’d think a story about the legend of sleepy hollow would not be my jam (as a notorious scaredy) and normally, you’d be right, but this had a cosy mystery + modern take to it that made it more fun than scary. It would be the perfect addition to your spooky season reading lists!

ARC Review: Last Sunrise in Eterna by Amparo Ortiz

April 3, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads6 Comments

Special thanks to Page Street Kids for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Last Sunrise in Eterna
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Date: 28 March 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rep: Puerto Rican

Panda Rating:

_{(2.75 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

Three teenagers are invited to spend seven days on the secluded island floating off the coast of Puerto Rico to learn the magic of the elves.

All they have to do is give up their dreams.

Seventeen-year-old goth Sevim Burgos hates elves. Everyone else on earth loves the elves (especially their handsome princes) and would give anything to participate in Eterna’s annual Exchange, where three teens can trade their dreams for a week of elven magic.

But Sevim knows things most people don’t. She can see through the illusions the elves use to conceal their crimes. Ever since elves killed her father, Sevim has longed for revenge. So to help support her single mother, she has been selling abandoned elf corpses on the black market.

But it turns out that the elf prince Aro has noticed Sevim bodysnatching, so he kidnaps her mother in retaliation. To get her mother back, Sevim must participate in the Exchange.

In the home of the elves, Sevim will have to surrender her dreams and put her trust in the charming prince who took the last family member she has in order to master the art of elf magic. And in working with him, she will discover how the royal elves might be more tied to her own history than she ever suspected.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Trauma, handling corpses, death of parent (recounted), murder, mutilated corpses (elven children), dead bodies (elven children), cannibalism (brief mention)

TL;DR: I’m quite conflicted with my feelings about this book. It’s not terrible and I did enjoy the author’s writing but I found myself wanting more throughout the whole read. Ultimately, I realised that this probably wouldn’t make it on my list of recommendations for readers that want a YA fantasy, no matter how wonderfully diverse it is! I was really hoping to enjoy this more than I did but it just wasn’t the right fit for me as I found the plot and characters to be too surface-level to really engage with.