Why do I have a passion for the “enemies to lovers” trope? The tension and the anticipation! The buildup and the development of two characters' relationship are sometimes better than the outcome. You get to witness the ups and downs, the hate and disgust, the heart flutters, the lingering looks...the change in each character. And then when they ultimately come together, you get that sense of satisfaction. They belong together and they finally realized it. Of course, it was something you knew all along!
The Cruel Prince is a deliciously dark fae novel. Jude is a human living in fairie land and all she wants to do is belong. Cardan is the youngest prince and despises everything about Jude. Or does he? I love the development of Jude's character and how strong she is despite having Cardan be one of the worst bullies. Jude will not be broken and declares she will become “so much worse” than the fae that torment her. And she does. And it's lovely.
"Lush, dangerous, a dark jewel of a book . . . intoxicating" - Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three…
Angelfall is a post-apocalypse novel, but not because of zombies or aliens. Angels are not the good guys they've been depicted as and they've caused chaos across Earth. Penryn's sister has been taken by the angels and her only hope of getting her back is an angel, Raffe, whose wings have been ripped off. Penryn and Raffe are absolutely two of my favorite characters. Raffe is beautiful and utterly sarcastic. Penryn is just your average girl trying to save her sister. These unlikely allies must find a way to work together and some sparks fly along the way. The ending had me reaching for the second book in the series immediately.
Jase is the leader of an empire. Kazi is sent by the queen of the kingdom to investigate misconduct by that empire. Jase becomes Kazi's prisoner and then the adventure begins. Each character has their secrets they must keep from the other while working together. The distrust and disdain but passion they end up feeling for one another are addicting. The second book in the series is on the top of my “to-read” pile.
'Mary E. Pearson is a fearless storyteller' Stephanie Garber
A reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives, and their hearts, in a new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles.
When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes…
These Violent Delights is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai. Roma and Juliette are from rival gangs. Roma is Juliette's first love, but he betrayed her. Events unfold that end up forcing Roma and Juliette to work together to uncover a supernatural mystery. Old feelings reemerge and tensions peak. Being from rival gangs makes this a delectable forbidden romance. I devoured this book over a few very late nights.
Alosa is described as “a female Jack Sparrow” (without the rum) and she doesn't disappoint. She's on a quest to retrieve a portion of a map and allows herself to get captured by her enemies to complete her mission. Unfortunately, the handsome first mate, Riden is just as cunning and intelligent as Alosa. The characters challenge and thwart each other causing complete exasperation and tension. I finished this book in one day because I couldn't wait until their passion bubbled over.
If you want something done right...When her father, the ruthless Pirate King, discovers that a legendary treasure map can be found on an enemy ship, his daughter, Alosa, knows that there's only one pirate for the job - herself. Leaving behind her beloved ship and crew, Alosa deliberately facilitates her own kidnapping to ensure her welcome on the ship. After all, who's going to suspect a girl locked in a cell...But Alosa has skills enough for any three pirates, and has yet to meet her match. Although she has to admit that the surprisingly perceptive and unfairly attractive first mate,…
Hitomi Beaumann isn’t supposed to live to see her 18th birthday. Hitomi has always been just an average girl in a small town. But now she's being followed and her skin prickles every time the eyes are on her. After escaping a brutal attack thanks to a mysterious young man, she discovers he is one of the ones who have been watching her. Obsidian has jet black hair, red eyes and an attitude to match. She realizes that he might just be as evil as he wants her to believe.
With someone trying to kill Hitomi, she finds herself plunged into a reality where a power struggle has been raging for years between mystical realms, humans are not the only beings and most of her life has been a lie.
In a previous career, I traveled extensively to many parts of the world. I always found new cultures, old traditions, strange languages, and exotic environments fascinating. Perhaps even more fascinating, were the expats I found who had traded in their home country for an existence far from where they were born and different from how they were reared. In many instances, I’ve attempted to incorporate—in Heinlein’s words—this stranger in a strange land motif in my work. It always seems to heighten my interest. I hope the reader’s as well.
San Diego Private Investigator, Brig Ellis, is hired by a wealthy industrialist to help him acquire the final horse in a set of twelve palomino miniatures that once belonged to the last Emperor of China. What begins as a seemingly reasonable assignment quickly morphs into something much more malevolent.
The gumshoe has to deal not only with brigands, kidnappers, and commies, but also with the beautiful, enigmatic daughter of the industrialist whose involvement raises the danger level exponentially. As complications and the body count rise, Ellis tries to make sure this ill-fated job won’t be his last.
San Diego Private Investigator, Brig Ellis, is hired by a wealthy industrialist to help him acquire the final horse in a set of twelve palomino miniatures that once belonged to the last Emperor of China. What begins as a seemingly reasonable assignment quickly morphs into something much more sinister. The intrepid gumshoe finds himself having to bargain with brigands, kibitz with kidnappers, clash with commies, and duel with a stone cold assassin incapable of feeling pain. All while navigating potentially deadly pitfalls instigated by his employer's beautiful but enigmatic daughter. Conflict and danger increase at warp speed as Ellis tries…
