Category: Reviews

Reviews

Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

“and I’m not afraid to be alone, but i’m tired of being the one left behind.”

rebecca ross

Series: Letters of Enchantment #1

Release Date: April 4th 2023

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: Young Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Fantasy | Romance

Page Count: 368

Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary: After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

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Thoughts:

there are some books in this world that i’m convinced hold a touch of magic in them. divine rivals is undoubtedly one of them. with its backdrop of a war of the gods featuring recruitment reminiscent of the draft, divine rivals is thrilling from beginning to end. ross immediately draws the reader’s heart to the FMC’s woes as she struggles to make her way in a war-torn world with a brother fighting at the front and a mother who drowns her worries in alcohol. setting up a rivalry between the FMC and LI, the chemistry between the characters is palpable from the start as they both endeavor to win a columnist post at their local newspaper. but when magical typewriters create a bond between the rivals as they start to send letters anonymously to each other, their chemistry deepens into a romantic, charming tale that drowns the trials in their lives. when they both leave for the front as war correspondents, the plot propels forward, tugging at your heartstrings as the characters experience the tragedies of war. this book beautifully handles a plethora of relevant themes: the cost of war, guilt, grief, addiction, abandonment, poverty, parental disapproval, hope, love, friendship, and so much more. and its unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance offers so much to many types of readers. this is a solid favorite of mine and something i can see myself returning to over and over again as a comfort read.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

Review: The Regency Switch by Helen Gaskell

by wren @ wingsandfablesLeave a Comment on Review: The Regency Switch by Helen Gaskell

“you have made my world brighter with every part of you.”

helen gaskell

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 26th 2026

Publisher: HQ Digital

Genre: Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Regency | Contemporary Fiction | Romance

Page Count: 312

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: Etta Moore expects nothing more from a Tuesday than another dull day in the office. But when her morning commute ends in Regency England, she is forced to accept the she and her ancestor Miss Henrietta Bainbridge – or ‘Mad Hetty’, as she’s known amongst the ton – have switched bodies.

Suddenly Etta and Hetty must get to grips with the new worlds they find themselves in. For Etta, it’s goodbye to dating apps and the daily commute and hello to the list of things ‘Ladies Do Not’ do. Luckily the dashing Lord Stanhope is on hand to aid her through even the most shocking of faux pas.

Meanwhile Hetty, who has always felt unseen and unknown, finds her truest self blossoming with the help of 21st century medicine and the most welcome attentions of her rather beautiful Adult Learning teacher, Stella.

Two hundred years away from everything they’ve ever known, might Etta and Hetty have actually found a place where they each truly belong?

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Thoughts:

interesting, witty, and full of life, this book puts a quirky spin on the classic historical romance novel. featuring two FMCs that couldn’t be more different from each other, it was fascinating to read as they learned to navigate the new time period they found themselves in after The Switch. the pacing of the novel was seamless, bouncing between the Regency time period of 1817 and the modern time of 2023 at the perfect intervals to reconnect with our FMCs. the romances gave a great variety, with one featuring an electric chemistry while the other featured a sweeter romance. the novel also provides commentary on societal expectations, mental health, and human rights. some of the characterizations were a bit frustrating, particularly the way etta spoke at length multiple times about her love of historical romance books and shows, yet she committed multiple faux pas that she should have known wouldn’t be appropriate in the time period she found herself in. it also felt a bit offputting that the FMCs don’t respect bodily autonomy and make life-altering choices in bodies that do not belong to them. if you can set aside the bits of the novel that don’t really make sense, this is still a quick, engaging read for someone who wants a spin on a classic Regency romance.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on Review: Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson

“i guess all i can say is, nash fills a specific place in my life that nobody else can, and when he’s not around, a part of my life is lacking.”

melissa ferguson

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 17th 2026

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Genre: Adult Fiction | Contemporary Romance | Cozy Mystery

Page Count: 336

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: When a mystery writer mysteriously dies on a cruise filled with rabid fans, his protégé (and personal assistant) teams up with a rugged cowboy and fellow writer to crack the case. One part Only Murders in the Building, one part Book Lovers, and a whole lot of laughs, Without a Clue will keep readers guessing and swooning until the very end.

If there’s one thing Penelope Mae Dupont prizes most, it’s her composure–her ability to stay calm in the face of stress. It’s a vital trait in her job as a personal assistant to renowned mystery author Hugh Griffin. But when Pip organizes a book cruise featuring The Fabulous Seven–seven celebrated authors from different genres who have supported each other through thick and thin–her famed composure is in danger of sailing away. One boat, hundreds of devoted readers, and seven Big Personalities. What could possibly go wrong?

Disaster strikes when, on the second day of the cruise, Hugh is found murdered. And, in the face of gross incompetence by the on-board security force, Pip realizes she’ll need to be the one to discover who did it. With the ship stranded in the middle of the Atlantic and no help on the horizon, it’s up to her to unravel the mystery. Along with her friend Nash–a dreamy Western author who’s just as rugged as the cowboys he writes about. As Pip’s composure starts to sink faster than a leaky dinghy, Nash becomes her anchor in a storm of clues and red herrings.

With Nash at her side, Penelope dives into the murky depths of the mystery, navigating treacherous waters filled with unexpected twists and turns. No one, not even a desperately hopeful mystery sleuth named Pip, could anticipate the wild ride ahead. Whether she likes it or not, she is on the adventure of a lifetime . . . and maybe, just maybe, she’ll find love along the way.

In this laugh-out-loud funny Clue-meets-Emily-Henry rom-com, Penelope Mae Dupont is about to find out that in the world of mystery and romance, you have to risk going overboard to find the truth.

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Thoughts:

this book absolutely delivers its promise of clue-meets-emily-henry rom-com. with a colorful cast of 7 hugely popular authors who are experts in their respective fields, this whodunit was filled with hilarious moments as the FMC attempts to solve her boss’s murder. ferguson is a pro at creating quirky, distinct characters, and the slightly campy feel to the Magnificent Seven suited the vibe of this book so well. following the format of a classic mystery novel, this book pays homage to its predecessors in a charming plot that will have the reader giggling at the recognized subtleties. the backdrop of a bookish cruise delivered the perfect setting for a cozy mystery and will leave every reader pining for the reality (minus the murder). the romance was sweet, capturing the movement from friends to lovers effortlessly. and if you are more of an audiobook person, i highly recommend giving this book a listen as the narrator delivers its humor perfectly and captures each character’s distinct personality.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

Review: A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on Review: A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski

“do you expect us to be spending much time together, my lord?” she asked.

he offered her his arm. “the rest of our lives, i should think.”

chelsea bobulski

Series: London’s Most Eligible #1

Release Date: April 7th 2026

Publisher: Haven

Genre: Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Edwardian | Romance

Page Count: 304

Source: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: She’s running from London’s marriage mart. He’s running out of time to save his estate. Neither planned on falling in love—but their hearts have other plans.

American heiress Calliope Hart is thrust into London’s high society against her will, all because her mother is determined to marry her off to an aristocrat. Despite being named “the debutante of the season” back in New York, Calliope wants nothing more than to avoid becoming another pawn in the social game.

Edward Chase, the Earl of Hayward, is on the brink of financial ruin. To save his estate, he must marry, and Calliope Hart is his last hope. When he boldly declares his intentions, she swiftly rejects him, making it clear she has no interest in marrying for convenience. Undeterred, Edward offers a deal: He will escort Calliope to all the best sights of London that she’s been dying to see if she agrees to visit his estate and consider what they could accomplish together.

What begins as a business arrangement soon sparks something much more complicated—an undeniable chemistry neither can ignore. But as their hearts begin to soften, both must confront their fears: Can Calliope trust Edward with her heart, and can Edward truly win her love when she’s convinced he only wants her fortune?

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Thoughts:

this is a sweet romance featuring charming characters with chemistry that jumps off the page. set in the Edwardian period (1901 – 1910), this book captures that small snippet of history that still held so many societal traditions before industry started to change the daily way of life. the FMC is a refreshing addition to historical romance, bringing not only her American spin for independence but also her unique interests in history and her passion project of preserving historical sites within her home city of New York. the LI’s plight of endeavoring to pull his hereditary estate out of debt and provide for his tenants who depend upon him while battling with grief of the death of his father brings a relatability of struggling with your circumstances that many readers can identify with. with an opening of enemies-to-lovers, the FMC and the LI have amazing banter that demonstrates their connection from the moment they meet. and as they both fulfill the terms of their deal, the way their feelings change towards each other is organic and endearing. this is a great addition to historical romance and the perfect pick for someone looking for a sweet romance over spice.

Rating:

Goodreads | Storygraph

Reviews

ARC Review: Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath

by wren @ wingsandfables1 Comment on ARC Review: Pride Comes Before a Fall by Virginia Heath

“nobody who loves you would judge you for deciding that you do not have to completely be the person that you chose to be at sixteen.”

virginia heath

Series: Miss Prentice’s Protegees #3

Release Date: July 28th 2026

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Genre: Adult Fiction | Historical Fiction | Regency | Romance

Page Count: 336

Source: I received an advance reader’s copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: In the third installment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined…but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

Thoughts:

This delivered everything I’m used to reading from Heath: a quirky plot, lovable characters, and a romance to root for. With its backdrop of politics and social reform, this book was a refreshing journey through a Regency romance. Both the FMC and LI are passionate characters who hold to their beliefs quite stubbornly when we meet them. But as the plot unwinds, I loved seeing the way the LI grew and learned to let go of some of his controlling tendencies born out of trauma. A highlight of the book for me was the FMC’s determination to make the world a better place, and I enjoyed reading about her work with the seditious reform newspaper she helped to author. The romance that grows between the FMC and LI had me smiling a lot, especially at their banter with each other. There is definitely a touch of humor throughout the first half of the book that brought it a lot of charm. However, the latter half of the book lost some steam for me, and the FMC and LI’s arguments started to feel repetitive. The ending felt abrupt and left some loose ends regarding side characters that I was curious about, but perhaps we will see them in the next installment. Overall, this was a solid addition to the series.

Rating:

Goodreads

Reviews, Tours

Blog Tour & Review: The Queen Will Betray You by Sarah Henning (+ My Favorite Quotes!)

by wren @ wingsandfables3 Comments on Blog Tour & Review: The Queen Will Betray You by Sarah Henning (+ My Favorite Quotes!)

“even the best of us are willing to lie for those we love.”

sarah henning

Series: Kingdoms of Sand and Sky #2

Release Date: July 6th 2021

Publisher: Tor Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | Retelling | Romance

Page Count: 352

Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in collaboration with Terminal Tours. Thank you!

Synopsis: The breathtaking sequel to The Princess Will Save You in the Kingdoms of Sand and Sky duology — a brilliantly-executed YA fantasy homage to The Princess Bride

To stay together forever, Princess Amarande and her stableboy love, Luca, must part: Amarande to reclaim her kingdom from usurpers, and Luca to raise a rebellion and find his destiny. Arrayed against them are all the players in the game of thrones for control over the continent of The Sand and Sky. Facing unspeakable betrayals, enemies hidden in the shadows, and insurmountable odds, their only hope is the power of true love…

Rating:

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Reviews

Review: The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning

by wren @ wingsandfables3 Comments on Review: The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning

she was the daughter of the warrior king and the runaway queen, and she had made her choice.

sarah henning

Series: Kingdoms of Sand and Sky #1

Release Date: July 7th 2020

Publisher: Tor Teen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction | Fantasy | Retelling | Romance

Page Count: 368

Source: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in collaboration with Terminal Tours. Thank you!

Goodreads Summary: The Princess Will Save You is a YA fantasy adventure inspired by The Princess Bride, in which a princess must rescue her stable boy true love, from the acclaimed author of Sea Witch, Sarah Henning.

When a princess’s commoner true love is kidnapped to coerce her into a political marriage, she doesn’t give in—she goes to rescue him.

When her warrior father, King Sendoa, mysteriously dies, Princess Amarande of Ardenia is given what would hardly be considered a choice: Marry a stranger at sixteen or lose control of her family’s crown. But Amarande was raised to be a warrior—not a sacrifice. In an attempt to force her choice, a neighboring kingdom kidnaps her true love, stable boy Luca. With her kingdom on the brink of civil war and no one to trust, she’ll need all her skill to save him, her future, and her kingdom.

Rating:

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