Hey everyone and welcome to another Throwback Thursday! Every other week I'll be sharing my book recommendations within a specific romantic trope or theme.
Today I'm sharing the first five Romance Retellings I loved and reviewed on the blog. Retellings are stories we've all pretty much heard, but the author has taken their own spin on things. It could be fantastical, magical, dark, contemporary, etc. There's something really special when a story retold has such a unique voice.
If you happen to know of a book in this theme that you think I'd love, please let me know.
The Bachelor Auction by Rachel Van Dyken
Cinderella never had to deal with this crap. I seriously enjoyed this book WAAAAY more than I expected to. It made me realize that RVD was someone I wanted to read more from. I easily fell for these main characters, Jane and Brock, and this attempt at a Cinderella retelling. It was hilarious and romantic and I only wanted more in the end.
Find my review HERE
Don't Speak by Katy Regnery
A fisherman’s daughter.
The governor’s son.
Two very different worlds.
It was slow to start, but I was soon engrossed in a story about two poor unfortunate souls. See what I did there? This book definitely tried to make a girl swoon with characters who quickly grab a hold of your heart and force you to enjoy the ride.
Find my review HERE
Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter
Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice. Honestly, this book made a bunch of promises and I was more than a tad skeptical when I cracked it open, but putting the odd blurb aside, I really enjoyed myself. Adam was a beast of a man, but no mythical beast and Isabelle was the only woman to see the very heart of him.
Find my review HERE
The Black Lily by Juliette Cross
Arabelle is sworn to kill Marius at all costs, but what if Prince Charming is more than he appears to be? If it weren't for this book, I never would have fallen in love with the way this author writes. I never would have met the witches, wolves, and grims that make up most of my favourite characters. So she's definitely worth the read :)
Find my review HERE
In Bed with the Beast by Tara Sivec
A tale as old as time: she needs a place to stay, he's a grump with a secret and an extra room...can love find a way? If you love your romance with a touch of ridiculous, you'll definitely enjoy this book. It's funny, silly, and endearing and very easy to recommend.
Find my review HERE
If they want his immortality—they’ll have to take it…in the second deeply sexy and bold Lone Wolf Legacy series from New York Times bestselling author N.J. Walters
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Protecting the Gray Wolf by N.J. Walters
Rating - 1/2
Standalone - Lone Wolf Legacy #2
Release - February 12, 2024
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fated mates
POV - primarily dual 3rd person
Heat - descriptive scenes
Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 278 pages
I’m used to other wolves coming for me. They want their chance to try and take out the infamous Gray Wolf. And every single one of them fails—because lone wolves aren’t like the others…we’re stronger. Harder. Meaner. Immortal.
But it also means I’m alone. No pack. No alpha. Just the three of us—white, gray, and black. Two too many, if you ask me.
But with power-hungry mages gunning for us, I don’t have the luxury of reflection. They’re in New York City, and I Will. Hunt. Them. Down.
Which is when I see her, and every cell in my body is on alert, filled with the kind of primal longing I never knew I was capable of. Luna West may be human, but there’s some kind of thread connecting us. Call it destiny, fate…or voracious animal hunger.
I know she’s bait. She’s meant to tempt me, to make me weak. But even if I could resist her, I’m not sure I want to.
Because I’ve never denied my wolf anything…especially the chance to raise some serious hell.
And I’m not about to start now.
But it also means I’m alone. No pack. No alpha. Just the three of us—white, gray, and black. Two too many, if you ask me.
But with power-hungry mages gunning for us, I don’t have the luxury of reflection. They’re in New York City, and I Will. Hunt. Them. Down.
Which is when I see her, and every cell in my body is on alert, filled with the kind of primal longing I never knew I was capable of. Luna West may be human, but there’s some kind of thread connecting us. Call it destiny, fate…or voracious animal hunger.
I know she’s bait. She’s meant to tempt me, to make me weak. But even if I could resist her, I’m not sure I want to.
Because I’ve never denied my wolf anything…especially the chance to raise some serious hell.
And I’m not about to start now.
Check out the first book of the series:
I loved how Walters took us even deeper into the conspiracy. Not only do we get to fall in love with a new couple, we get a glimpse into the true evil that is hunting them.
Kade spent his entire adulthood alone. For 85 years he was a hunter, taking out rogue wolves and protecting his kind and humanity. Now he was the one being hunted and with magic at play, his distrust of others had reached a whole new level. When he found his other half in Luna, he didn't know whether to give into the pull of their connection or resist it because it was borne of darkness.
And I understood his hesitation. I don't know of anyone who would want to be manipulated, playing right into the hands of their enemies.
But there was no denying the spark and everything that could grow between these characters and what they had was the true magic of this story.
I just want my lone wolf babies to get together and take these bad guys out. The black wolf, Dagen, has definitely intrigued me and I am so excited to see what happens in his story. Anyone want to put me out of my misery and tell me when I can get my hands on his book?
Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.
One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first romance novel and life would never be the same.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
Visit https://www.njwalters.com/books for more information.
Hello and Happy Monday!
Sorry I disappeared for a few days and not sharing my regular posts. However, I did make an effort to appear on pages and blogs to read your posts and leave comments if I could. My anxiety got really bad and when I feel overwhelmed like that, I step away from everything I can to give myself a chance to sort of reboot. I only needed a week this time, but I'm back!
Today's flashback is the Ransom series by A.T. Douglas. I read and reviewed these books back in 2015, in my early romance reading days, and I remember enjoying it. It's dark with a captive/captor theme, so if that's not your type of read, this won't be a recommendation for you. If it is your jam, have you given these books a try?
1. Beyond Ransom
My body is broken.
My life is shattered.
Everything I've ever known is gone from me, yet I've discovered something beautiful.
I didn't expect to be taken. I never dreamed that love would find me while my life was slowly stripped away. With him something new and alive stirs within me, and I am completely changed.
Though battered and broken-down, I'm not alone. The most unlikely man protects me and gives me strength.
I will survive this for him. I will find a way to save us both.
While they hold me, he holds my heart, and I'm not willing to pay the price to get it back.
Rating -
After reading the blurb, I honestly thought this book/series would be great. Not so much. The plot was hella interesting, but there was a real disconnect between logic and reality.
What I liked:
- Mark. Yeah, he's the bad guy. But he was the most consistent person in the book. He was also the most interesting. I really wanted to get to know him, especially after he revealed his motives for kidnapping Morgan
- The concept. I always find time to read a good dark book and it doesn't get darker than a captive book (i.e. Captive in the Dark -- so good!)
- Leo. His story is going to be amazing I'm sure, considering the big reveal of Mark's behind the death of his family
What I didn't like:
- Morgan. This chick was TSTL!! Usually I chalk it up to the fact of young age (her being 18 and all), but unfortunately, in her case, I can't. She's the daughter of a famous police detective. She's shown evidence (many times) that her father taught her well (she seems to know guns inside and out). She reminds of almost every other teenager out there who wants to grow up before it's time and plays grown up. Without any real concept of what being an adult really means. So I conclude that she's an idiot. My proof? You need more??? Well, at the 86% mark, she gives a lengthy monologue of how proud of herself she is to be a valuable member of Mark's crew. How everyone respects her for the great job she's doing. Am I the only one that could see that her "job" was as a distracting bimbo? Qualifications: empty space in your head. Skills: pretty to look at, ability to fill out hooker dress, know how to twirl hair around finger, be able to hold an empty stare, etc. This girl is a freaking idiot and there is not one quality of hers that is redeeming. She is unlikable, unappealing, and absolutely nothing she did was endearing. I have no connection to her and actually felt vindicated every time Mark roughed her up. I'm just saying *shrugs*
- time passes but there really isn't anything to show for it. It's casually mentioned, almost as an afterthought
- how unrealistic this story is. Let's be honest here. If this were "life-like", Morgan would have been brutally raped and/or murdered already. She has no means of escape. None. This has been established. But then she provokes the one person who holds her life in his hands??? More proof of how TSTL she really is. Oh, and then she trusts and immediately falls in love with one of her captors. I'm not saying Leo's not a great guy, but when given the chance to save herself from Mark's clutches, she chooses to stay for Leo. I know that choice needed to be made to even have a story, but it wasn't reasonable. Who would choose uncertain death and certain pain over family and safety???
So overall, a decent story, and because I want to see more of Leo and Mark, I will be reading book 2.
After reading the blurb, I honestly thought this book/series would be great. Not so much. The plot was hella interesting, but there was a real disconnect between logic and reality.
What I liked:
- Mark. Yeah, he's the bad guy. But he was the most consistent person in the book. He was also the most interesting. I really wanted to get to know him, especially after he revealed his motives for kidnapping Morgan
- The concept. I always find time to read a good dark book and it doesn't get darker than a captive book (i.e. Captive in the Dark -- so good!)
- Leo. His story is going to be amazing I'm sure, considering the big reveal of Mark's behind the death of his family
What I didn't like:
- Morgan. This chick was TSTL!! Usually I chalk it up to the fact of young age (her being 18 and all), but unfortunately, in her case, I can't. She's the daughter of a famous police detective. She's shown evidence (many times) that her father taught her well (she seems to know guns inside and out). She reminds of almost every other teenager out there who wants to grow up before it's time and plays grown up. Without any real concept of what being an adult really means. So I conclude that she's an idiot. My proof? You need more??? Well, at the 86% mark, she gives a lengthy monologue of how proud of herself she is to be a valuable member of Mark's crew. How everyone respects her for the great job she's doing. Am I the only one that could see that her "job" was as a distracting bimbo? Qualifications: empty space in your head. Skills: pretty to look at, ability to fill out hooker dress, know how to twirl hair around finger, be able to hold an empty stare, etc. This girl is a freaking idiot and there is not one quality of hers that is redeeming. She is unlikable, unappealing, and absolutely nothing she did was endearing. I have no connection to her and actually felt vindicated every time Mark roughed her up. I'm just saying *shrugs*
- time passes but there really isn't anything to show for it. It's casually mentioned, almost as an afterthought
- how unrealistic this story is. Let's be honest here. If this were "life-like", Morgan would have been brutally raped and/or murdered already. She has no means of escape. None. This has been established. But then she provokes the one person who holds her life in his hands??? More proof of how TSTL she really is. Oh, and then she trusts and immediately falls in love with one of her captors. I'm not saying Leo's not a great guy, but when given the chance to save herself from Mark's clutches, she chooses to stay for Leo. I know that choice needed to be made to even have a story, but it wasn't reasonable. Who would choose uncertain death and certain pain over family and safety???
So overall, a decent story, and because I want to see more of Leo and Mark, I will be reading book 2.
2. Beyond Revenge
We made a decision.
We had a plan.
We were so close to having it all, then it was snatched away before our eyes.
Our bodies and minds are pushed to the brink of destruction. We wither away into darkness with more to lose than ever, but we are strengthened by our love and hold on to hope. It’s all we have left in the devastating chasm between us.
We keep reaching and holding on, striving to overcome the power of vengeance.
We will find a way.
Rating -
Well I'm glad that evil didn't prosper in this book. That would have been terrible. But I must say that Mark gave me a lot of interesting parts to read. Again, he was the most interesting character. Leo made a wonderful appearance as well and I'm glad the author chose to change this into a dual pov installment. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it quite as much if it weren't for Leo's perspective. Why? Because I still just couldn't find a reason to like Morgan. I was so tired of seeing her, hearing her, reading her, etc. Truth be told, she's the reason this book lost two stars.
I must admit to a bit of confusion on my part. The book ends without any update on what's going on with Morgan's father. Am I really supposed to be invested in their HFN with this unresolved? They seemed a bit too carefree in the end, she keeps saying "We're free", but her dad was locked up last I heard. And you're living in hiding. Who the freak is free???
Now, maybe I'm a bit too optimistic, but I hope the confusion is cleared up with the next installment. Although, with the blurb and reviews I've seen, it doesn't seem that promising :(
Well I'm glad that evil didn't prosper in this book. That would have been terrible. But I must say that Mark gave me a lot of interesting parts to read. Again, he was the most interesting character. Leo made a wonderful appearance as well and I'm glad the author chose to change this into a dual pov installment. I don't know if I would have enjoyed it quite as much if it weren't for Leo's perspective. Why? Because I still just couldn't find a reason to like Morgan. I was so tired of seeing her, hearing her, reading her, etc. Truth be told, she's the reason this book lost two stars.
I must admit to a bit of confusion on my part. The book ends without any update on what's going on with Morgan's father. Am I really supposed to be invested in their HFN with this unresolved? They seemed a bit too carefree in the end, she keeps saying "We're free", but her dad was locked up last I heard. And you're living in hiding. Who the freak is free???
Now, maybe I'm a bit too optimistic, but I hope the confusion is cleared up with the next installment. Although, with the blurb and reviews I've seen, it doesn't seem that promising :(
3. Beyond Resistance
My family has suffered and sacrificed for me my entire life.
It's time for me to give back to them.
Over twenty years have passed since the events that both created and almost destroyed my family. We've been in hiding, secluded from the world for all these years, but that's about to change.
It's time to emerge and bring the rest of my family back to us after being separated for so long. It’s time for me to step beyond what’s safe to find something worth living for.
Or someone.
The danger we face is worth it. We'll risk everything to be together, because it's impossible to resist the power of family and love.
Rating -
I tried. I honestly really tried. I tried to give this book a chance. A real and fair chance. I just couldn't. I'm going to be honest even further and tell you that I skimmed through this sucker like crazy. Why? Because nothing, and I mean nothing, about it grabbed my attention long enough for me to actually pay attention. I get it. Dante is a big boy now, wanting to reunite his family. Mission accomplished. But the family is still in hiding. Maybe not on the run, but they have aliases. That is NOT living free people!
Here's why I can't complete connect with this story: why, of all the crimes and criminals in the United States of America, were these people the most notorious? A lot of serial killers don't even get that much attention. So again, what about them was supposed to convince me that the entire nation was on the lookout? What about them would have the entire nation in an uproar? I'm just not buying it and therefore I couldn't even believe in the unbelievable, because it was too unbelievable.
I tried. I honestly really tried. I tried to give this book a chance. A real and fair chance. I just couldn't. I'm going to be honest even further and tell you that I skimmed through this sucker like crazy. Why? Because nothing, and I mean nothing, about it grabbed my attention long enough for me to actually pay attention. I get it. Dante is a big boy now, wanting to reunite his family. Mission accomplished. But the family is still in hiding. Maybe not on the run, but they have aliases. That is NOT living free people!
Here's why I can't complete connect with this story: why, of all the crimes and criminals in the United States of America, were these people the most notorious? A lot of serial killers don't even get that much attention. So again, what about them was supposed to convince me that the entire nation was on the lookout? What about them would have the entire nation in an uproar? I'm just not buying it and therefore I couldn't even believe in the unbelievable, because it was too unbelievable.
Again, keep in mind I read this years ago and gave each book 3 stars.
After re-reading my reviews, I'm not entirely sure why, but I trust 2015 Natalie enough to go with it.
After re-reading my reviews, I'm not entirely sure why, but I trust 2015 Natalie enough to go with it.
“We've got hope, a flimsy plan, and a great deal of explosives. We've gotten by on less."
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
The Bronzed Beasts by Roshani Chokshi
Rating -
Part of a series - The Gilded Wolves #3
Release - September 21, 2021
Genre - Young Adult Fantasy
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - kisses and allusions to more
Source - library ebook
Length - 383 pages
After Séverin's seeming betrayal, the crew is fractured. Armed with only a handful of hints, Enrique, Laila, Hypnos and Zofia must find their way through the snarled, haunted waterways of Venice, Italy to locate Séverin.
Meanwhile, Séverin must balance the deranged whims of the Patriarch of the Fallen House and discover the location of a temple beneath a plague island where the Divine Lyre can be played and all that he desires will come to pass.
With only ten days until Laila expires, the crew will face plague pits and deadly masquerades, unearthly songs and the shining steps of a temple whose powers might offer divinity itself...but at a price they may not be willing to pay.
Meanwhile, Séverin must balance the deranged whims of the Patriarch of the Fallen House and discover the location of a temple beneath a plague island where the Divine Lyre can be played and all that he desires will come to pass.
With only ten days until Laila expires, the crew will face plague pits and deadly masquerades, unearthly songs and the shining steps of a temple whose powers might offer divinity itself...but at a price they may not be willing to pay.
^^^ lovely fanart (although I think Séverin should have more melanin in his skin tone, considering his mother spoke to him, as a child, in Arabic)
The Previous Books in the Trilogy:
Picking up where The Silvered Serpents left off, this book concluded a trilogy full of fun, hope, madness, friendship, and love. I'm going to miss these characters (some more than most) so much!
Everything centered around the lyre, Séverin's determination to play it, Ruslan's plans for godhood, the teams hope of healing Laila, and all of the chaos in between.
Séverin — still my favourite. He had just seemingly betrayed his friends and his greatest wish was that they would see beyond his machinations. That they would still view him as a loved one, remain on his side, and together they'd be able to achieve their shared goals. His thoughts, feelings and actions virtually permeated the pages of this book, even when it wasn't his perspective taking centre stage.
Laila — her days were numbered and I was still trying to summon some sort of sympathy. I found none. I didn't like the way she treated or thought about Séverin for 99% of this book. However, I did enjoy what she represented... she was part human and part forged and their goal would play a huge part in her future. Her cultural references were much appreciated as well.
Enrique — our scholarly historian had bouts of doubt and indecision, but I loved how it was all depicted. From his anger and intolerance to Séverin, his confusion about his place in the world and in the group, and even his elusive aspirations for an unknown future, all of it made this character so appealing. Good thing I liked him so much already.
Zofia — mechanical engineer genius extraordinaire, who was trying to be a light in the dark. She was worried about so many things and I loved how she fit with the group.
Hypnos — absolutely ridiculous and a real gem. He had many moments of trying to bring our characters together and he was the first (and only one) to not lose faith in Séverin. I love him in all of his absurdity.
Ruslan definitely got what he deserved and what a disgusting person(?) he was. The ending wasn't the greatest, considering the buildup. I expected more, especially when it came to actual details, but I'm content with where this story left me.
Roshani Chokshi is the author of commercial and critically acclaimed books for middle grade and young adult readers that transport audiences to fantastical worlds heavily inspired by world mythology and folklore. Her work has been nominated for the Locus and Nebula awards, and has frequently appeared on Best of The Year lists from Barnes and Noble, Buzzfeed and more. Her New York Times bestselling series includes The Star-Touched Queen duology, The Gilded Wolves, and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which was recently optioned for film by Paramount Pictures.
Visit http://www.roshanichokshi.com for more information.
Being an omega was like being a fragile fluffy bunny
with a hard-on for slavering wolves.
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
with a hard-on for slavering wolves.
Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon
Scheme by Colette Rhodes
Rating -
Standalone - On the Shelf #1
Release - July 28, 2023
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fake relationship
POV - Primarily single 1st person (heroine)
Heat - several filthy scenes (omegaverse includes knotting and slick descriptions)
Source - Kindle Unlimited
Length - 300 pages
Margot doesn’t have time for a mate. Between her legal career, and the multitude of friends and siblings who rely on her, her schedule is full.
And if her schedule is full specifically so she doesn’t have time to find a mate? Well, that’s a matter between her and the therapist she keeps forgetting to make another appointment with.
As a travel photographer, Kit is always on the move, going wherever his clients need him to be. There’s nowhere for a nest in economy class or the backs of buses, and Kit has accepted that his choice of career means he’ll never have an omega of his own.
And he’s fine with that.
But if there’s one thing Margot and Kit have in common, it’s that no one else accepts they could possibly be happy alone.
Between them, can they hatch a scheme to keep their friends and families off their backs? Or will their best laid plans lead to the best laid something else entirely?
And if her schedule is full specifically so she doesn’t have time to find a mate? Well, that’s a matter between her and the therapist she keeps forgetting to make another appointment with.
As a travel photographer, Kit is always on the move, going wherever his clients need him to be. There’s nowhere for a nest in economy class or the backs of buses, and Kit has accepted that his choice of career means he’ll never have an omega of his own.
And he’s fine with that.
But if there’s one thing Margot and Kit have in common, it’s that no one else accepts they could possibly be happy alone.
Between them, can they hatch a scheme to keep their friends and families off their backs? Or will their best laid plans lead to the best laid something else entirely?
I liked how easily relatable Margot was. She was burdened by the expectations of others and she was a people pleaser, and while I couldn't relate to that, I could feel a kinship with her efforts to be independent, self-sufficient, and to not settle for less than she deserved. Being constantly reminded by certain members of her family that she was less than, I loved how she was still vulnerable by her poor self-worth while asserting her strengths. She was kind and generous, smart and successful, and I wanted the best for her.
Kit was completely and hilariously ignorant in the ways of alphas and omegas. I thought it was very curious that as an alpha, he didn't really know himself. However, I thought he was extremely brave when he admitted his cluelessness and made steps to correct it. He constantly put his foot in his mouth when it came to Margot, but he didn't let that foot stay there. Of course I admired him!
I found it incredibly realistic that Margot was hesitant to give Kit or her feelings for him a real shot. She was hurt and carried those scars with her every day. I'm just glad Kit was a great hero and didn't quit. They were both able to recognize something special in the other and the journey to get to their shared happiness was full of warmth, fun, and plenty of kink.
Colette Rhodes is a huge fan of paranormal romance and reverse harem books. They're what she loves to read and what she loves to write. #WhyChoose, right?
Colette studied both History and Ancient History at university and loves including both historical facts and ancient mythology in her work.
When she's not writing, you'll find her spending time with her husband and daughter in beautiful New Zealand.
Visit https://coletterhodes.com for more information
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