Review: Butterfly Games

Butterfly Games by Kelly Scarborough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jacquette is trying her best to learn the rules of the Butterfly Game.  She is young, naive, and unprepared to juggle romance and politics in the Swedish court.  When she falls in love with the crown prince, and he lets a rumor end an arranged courtship, the consequences to Jacquette are a lot more severe than they are for Prince Oscar.  How will Jacquette deal with their unapproved romance?

Butterfly Games is a stand-alone historical fiction story that has a little bit of spice throughout.  Readers will enjoy this new view into European royalty.  I didn’t know anything about the Swedish monarchy and have now found a new court to find additional stories about.  The events of this story take place over just a few years, but readers will wonder how so much could go on in such a short time.

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Review: Gaslit

Gaslit by Megan Davidhizar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ella was planning a fun New Year’s Eve out with her friends when a migraine cancelled those plans.  After the migraine passes, she decides she is going to help her aunt by babysitting her cousin.  When she arrives at the house, the door is open, and she smells gas.  She calls 911 and tries to save as many as she can.  Ella is now recovering from this accident, but she notices holes in the investigation into the gas leak.  Her health also takes on a new form.  What really happened that night?

Gaslit is a stand-alone mystery with some personal drama thrown in.  Davidhizar did a good job leaving readers wondering who did what and why.  Some “mysteries” are resolved early on, while others leave readers looking forward to the end of the book.  Gaslit is a good escape read and could be completed in a weekend, too. 

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Review: The Other Sister

The Other Sister by Theo Baxter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Celeste may look like she has her life together, but she has survived many childhood traumas and now uses her own survival strategies to help others in her psychology practice.  Unfortunately, her life is turned upside down when a patient begins stalking her and then attempts to destroy her career.  Now Celeste is confronted with her past as she attempts to save her future.

The Other Sister is a stand-alone mystery with a few twists and turns to keep the reader interested.  Baxter has created a story that is close enough to be believable that I began to wonder if this could happen to me.  A good read for all mystery fans. 

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Review: Royal Liars

Royal Liars by Lindsey Duga
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sadie is now the heir apparent for Ashland, and life has not settled down as it is time to start a new school year.  She has been told to fake date one of the princes, yet the other prince wants her for himself.  The other “royal heirs” have their own drama they are dealing with, and it soon becomes apparent that they need to trust each other.  Can these teens put aside their differences and come together for the country they love? 

Royal Liars is the second book in the Royal Heirs Academy.    This enemies-to-lovers story is told in alternating voices, so readers have a full picture of what is going on, even if the individual characters do not.  The intrigue goes beyond the usual teen issues and moves onto the global platform.  This is a duology, so readers can finish this book with the assurance that they know where almost everything ends.  A great escape read for fans of romance or royal tropes.  

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Review: Summer Lies And Blackberry Pies

Summer Lies And Blackberry Pies by Sandy Little
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It is the summer of 1968 when Shelby has a chance encounter with River.  His smooth words and singer's voice pull her away from her straight-laced Southern upbringing, while she is able to hide her relationship from her family with the help of her best friend, Liberty.   Summer Lies and Blackberry Pies is a stand-alone realistic fiction tale that has a small historical angle.  I love this time period and was anticipating loving the book, but the story left me wondering why I spent time reading it.  This book should not be rushed onto anyone’s TBR list.

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Review: By Invitation Only

By Invitation Only by North Taylor
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

There is a new concern in the United States.  People are being possessed by some unknown entity. The catch?  They must agree to the possession.  Dr. Roswell lives to debunk superstitious stories, but he soon finds himself over his head with a true paranormal phenomenon. By Invitation Only is a stand-alone supernatural story that sounds amazing but was disappointing throughout.  I’m sure there is a niche reader that will enjoy all the eye-rolling, but it was not enjoyable for me. 

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Review: The Rebel and the Rose

The Rebel and the Rose by Catherine Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Seraphine is still learning to control her power while working with the Order of Flames.  Ransom can’t stop thinking about Seraphine while also being the leader of the Order of Daggers.  Both people are grappling with who they are and who they want to be.  The kingdom is in turmoil, and rebellion is imminent.  Can Sera and Ransom work together?  How will Valteere change as the prophecy progresses?

The Rebel and the Rose is the second book in The City of Fantome series.  This romantasy does veer onto the spicy side, but not too often.  The turmoil is deep, and the story flows easily, even if it does drag in some parts.  Overall, fans of the first book will be happy with this second installment.  

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