Early review: Lady of Shadows by Breanna Teintze

Paperback, 336 pages

Published April 16th 2020 by Jo Fletcher Books

Edition LanguageEnglish

Series: The Empty Gods #2

Fantasy 

For review

I am reading a plague book, it hit me and well, yeah I am reading a plague book. Then I remembered how the story wrapped up in book 1, and I knew, they would find a cure, or they would vanquish this plague. Which made this one so good to read now. A happy plague ending is what we need.

I actually liked this one more than book 1, and we all know about the dreaded book 2 syndrome! But here I easily fell back into the story. And it managed to get an ending too, even when there is more to come. Which I do appreciate. But they still need to be read in order. It is still a series, and a lot happens in book 1 that has a lasting standing on Grey.

A plague is killing mages and the alike. Then his lover gets infected and they need to find a cure, and that leads them to a town on the brink of chaos and destruction. And I see the theme. I guess I know what will happen in book 3 now, and I am intrigued.

I enjoyed the tale. It felt light, *cough cough* I know people are dying and there are stitched up monsters, but the writing feels light and Gray and Brix is a great duo.

Outlaw wizard Corcoran Gray expected death to be final, but life, and his loved ones, had other plans. A year after being resurrected and flung into a new body, he's still trying to come to terms with his situation - and his self - when the all-powerful Mages' Guild demands his help to stop a deadly plague.

He's inclined to refuse the organisation that still wants him dead, until his partner Brix starts showing symptoms - to save her, Gray will do anything, even if it means working with his greatest enemies.

But it quickly becomes clear that this is no normal plague. The situation is more complicated, and more lethal, than anyone has realised. Ancient dangers are stirring, and thousands of lives are at stake . . 

Audio: If I never met you by Mhairi Mcfarlane

Narrated by: Sara Novak

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-24-20

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

For review

This one was fun, I really like the narrator. She has the kind of voice that makes me want to be friends with her. It is fun, upbeat and awesome. She really made the book.

Lorrie's boyfriend for the last 18 years leaves her, and gives her stupid excuses. Soon enough he has a preggo girlfriend. Ugh Dan, you rat!!

In comes the hottie at the law firm. He needs to look good in the eyes of the bosses. And she want to shove a hottie in Dan's face. Ok so not the best idea, but hey revenge does look good beforehand.

I liked how they got to know each other, and that they were more than other saw them as. They become friends, they have fun, and later more will happen.

Aww, a good fun book! A great narration. I enjoyed it.

When her partner of over a decade suddenly ends things, Laurie is left reeling - not only because they work at the same law firm and she has to see him every day. Her once perfect life is in shambles, and the thought of dating again in the age of Tinder is nothing short of horrifying. When news of her ex’s pregnant girlfriend hits the office grapevine, taking the humiliation lying down is not an option. Then, a chance encounter in a broken-down elevator with the office playboy opens up a new possibility.

Jamie Carter doesn’t believe in love, but he needs a respectable, steady girlfriend to impress their bosses. Laurie wants a hot new man to give the rumor mill something else to talk about. It’s the perfect proposition: a fauxmance played out on social media, with strategically staged photographs and a specific end date in mind. With the plan hatched, Laurie and Jamie begin to flaunt their new couple status, to the astonishment - and jealousy - of their friends and colleagues. But there’s a fine line between pretending to be in love and actually falling for your charming, handsome, fake boyfriend....

Audio: The Earl takes a Fancy by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: Sins for All Seasons, Book 5

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-31-20

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

For review

This was slowbuilding romance where they learned to know each other, become friends and then more. They talked a lot, and with these two I did believe that they knew each other, loved each other and could have a happy life together.

Fancy's mother took in bastards for money, and they all made splendid matches and made lots of money. Now they want Fancy to do the same, but she is happy in her bookshop. Still, she will have her season.

Matthew's wife tricked him into marriage. Then she died, and now there is a letter in the paper from her. A final revenge that will have all mamas and daughters flocking to him. So he goes to another part of town, get a flat and tries to be normal.

They meet, they become friends, attraction builds. But he is weary cos he thinks all she wants is a title. And of course she does not know he is an Earl. He really should know her better though, she would never trick anyone. All she wants is to please her family.

I must admit that the end went on forever. There were like 10 endings. I like a good conclusion, but more and more come. Not that I complain, but still it was strange how the book never wanted to end, lol.

Narration

A good narrator. Distinct voices. She got the tone of the book. I keep hearing good things about her fantasy narrations, but that's just me to try her romance then :D And she was great

Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman - if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop - and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.

He’s looking to escape his title....

Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin - and leaves both longing for much more.

Together, they discover an unlikely love....

As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed - secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire...

TMST

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.

April 7th: Novellas: Do you get enough or want more?

Novellas are obviously often better than short stories. And with all stories I often want more, even with long ones. There is a thin line between wanting more because it was good, and wanting more because it i just too short and not in any good way.

So yes I can not say yes or no, it all depend on how well the author manages.