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In this week’s podcast episode, we’re looking at the ads and features in the March 2016 issue of Romantic Times, aka RT Book Reviews. Special and massive thanks to Shannon Stacey for sending me this issue! You can also find all the RTRW content at our category page for Romantic Times Rewind. And, most importantly, if you want to listen and follow along with this entry, we have more detail in the audio, but you … Continue reading Romantic Times Rewind: March 2016 Ads & Features
The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen is $1.99! This is a Gothic mystery set in Ireland with ghosts and crumbling estates. Elyse read this one and wound up giving it a C. She loved the plot setup, but was iffy on its execution.
Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost is $1.99! This is the first book in the Night Rebel series, which is a spin-off of Frost’s Night Huntress series. I read this one and I found it to be a lot of fun. The opening scene is quite…memorable. However, as someone who never got into the Night Huntress series, I’ll admit there’s a learning curve with understanding the world-building. I also made a cocktail for this one!
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is $1.99! This is a YA fantasy novel that was nominated for a RITA in 2012. Michelle wrote in her RITA Reader Challenge Review:
The biggest reason I picked up Grave Mercy originally was because of the assassin nuns. Because come on, how awesome does “assassin nuns” sound?
Then I saw it was first-person present tense, and almost held back from getting it. That particular style has been notoriously difficult for me to get into in the past, and I’ve been getting burnt out on it.
However, I went ahead and got the book anyway, and I’m thrilled I did. LaFevers uses language so well that I sank immediately into her style without the 5-10 pages of struggle that normally accompanies reading present tense.
Here, she’s created a fantastic medieval world of gods, saints, political intrigue, and romance that swept me away completely.
And yes, the assassin nuns were pretty much as great as they sounded.
The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne is $1.99! This is the fifth book in the Victorian Rebels series and Elyse was really excited for this one in a previous Hide Your Wallet. Some readers warn that the writing is over the top, while others recommend Byrne if you need a crazysauce fix.
RECOMMENDED: The Devil’s Daughter by Katee Robert is $1.99 at Amazon! Elyse read this and gave it a B grade, saying that it could have used a bit more romance:
The Devil’s Daughter is high on tension, but light on gore and scares, so readers typically leery of suspense might consider this novel.
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert is $2.99! This book just came out February 8 and I immediately one-clicked after seeing it on twitter. It’s a royal romance with a Black heroine and a fake relationship. I’m not a huge fan of smoking, but there’s something I really love about the cover. I think it’s the smug eyebrows. Content warning for scenes of abuse in the book.
A Fine Romance by Christi Barth is 99c! This contemporary romance has a slight enemies to lovers trope. The heroine wants to open a “romance store,” which helps craft the perfect date for couples, and the hero is a baker. It’s a sweet romance, though some readers found the couple’s obstacles to be meh.
Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis is $1.99! This is the third book in the Heartbreaker Bayseries and can be read as standalone. Readers loved the chemistry between the main couple, but felt the pace of the romance dragged at times. Have you read this one?
My Lady Quicksilver by Bec McMaster is 99c! This is the third book in the London Steampunk series. I’m not sure if it can be read as a standalone, so maybe the Bitchery can help with that question. Readers loved the world McMaster created, but some found they didn’t enjoy the main couple as much as previous books. The first book is also on sale for 99c!
