Review: A Queen's Match

A Queen's Match by Katharine McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Helene is in love with Prince Eddy, but is forced to break off her relationship with him.  Her parents still want her to marry … another prince. Alix is also in love, but Queen Victoria does not approve of her choice of beau.  At least she isn’t being pushed onto Prince Eddy anymore.  Mary wants to marry anyone who will get her a crown.  She doesn’t need love, and she doesn’t care who she has to hurt along the way.  Three royal princesses are all searching for love.  Will any of them find it?

A Queen’s Match is the second book in A Queen's Duet.  Although this book picks up the story of these princesses from the first book, readers who are vaguely familiar with the British Royal Ancestors can still jump into this novel without reading the first.  There is intrigue, backstabbing, romance, and family drama all rolled into a swoon-worthy read.  I love stories that take place in the Victorian Era, and having one that includes the royal family is that much better.

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Review: The Scammer

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jordyn is ready to move into the dorm at her HBCU in Washington, DC.  One of her roommates’ brothers is released from prison and is invited to stay with them for a while.  Devonte is a lot older than these college freshmen, and he wants to help them make better decisions today and for their future.  As time passes, class becomes less important, and Devonte puts more and more restrictions on the girls.  When one of the roommates goes missing, Jordyn must step up and ask for help from the only white student at the university. 

The Scammer is a standalone, realistic fiction novel that left me with a range of emotions.  I kept wondering how an entire dorm of young women could fall for what was being taught them, and then questioned how no one else seemed to notice.  This story was so well written that I was rooting for Jordyn to wake up and take action.  There was a “twist” at the end that I did NOT see coming, and I finished the book knowing that I will be recommending this to my students.  A great book that isn’t a light and fluffy read.

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Review: The Crimson Throne

The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alyth has been tasked with watching over Queen Mary.  Specifically, her husband, Lord Darnley, and his magical attempts to cause her harm.  Alyth is half fae and is sworn to keep the Red Caps out of Scotland.  Samson wants to lock in his position in the English court and is sent to Scotland as a spy.  Alyth and Samson must navigate the tumultuous Scottish court and stay one step ahead of Lord Darnley.  What secrets will they uncover in their search?

The Crimson Throne is the first book in the Spy and Guardian series.   This historical fantasy transports readers to the time of Mary Queen of Scots and puts a fae spin on everything.  Raasch and Revis don’t spend much time going into the lives and history of the historical characters, but readers with a basic understanding of the Elizabethan era should have no issues following along.  The ending of this book was satisfying and complete, with the note at the end saying the next book will be another story that may not be a direct sequel.  A fun read for fans of this time period or genre. 

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Review: A Steeping of Blood

A Steeping of Blood by Hafsah Faizal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Steeping of Blood is the conclusion of the Blood and Tea duology.  Arthie and her crew must get back together after the events from the first book and face a monarch out for revenge and conspiracies that seem to have no end.  This is a dark fantasy that is fast-paced with a lot of action and a little bit of romance.  This book should definitely only be read second.  The first book left me feeling a little let down, and this one left me feeling the same way.  If you loved A Tempest of Tea, though, you will love this conclusion.  

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