Sundays in Bed With… The Lost Queen

The meme that dares to ask what book has been in your bed this morning? Come share what book you’ve spent time curled up reading in bed, or which book you wish you had time to read today! This meme is hosted by Midnight Book Girl.

This Sunday I’m reading The Lost Queen (The Lost Queen Trilogy #1) by Signe Pike.

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Compared to Outlander and The Mists of Avalon, this thrilling first novel of a debut trilogy revealsthe untold story of Languoreth—a forgotten queen of sixth-century Scotland—twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. 

I write because I have seen the darkness that will come. Already there are those who seek to tell a new history…

In a land of mountains and mist, tradition and superstition, Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are raised in the Old Way of their ancestors. But in Scotland, a new religion is rising, one that brings disruption, bloodshed, and riot. And even as her family faces the burgeoning forces of Christianity, the Anglo-Saxons, bent on colonization, are encroaching from the east. When conflict brings the hero Emrys Pendragon to her father’s door, Languoreth finds love with one of his warriors. Her deep connection to Maelgwn is forged by enchantment, but she is promised in marriage to Rhydderch, son of a Christian king. As Languoreth is catapulted into a world of violence and political intrigue, she must learn to adapt. Together with her brother—a warrior and druid known to history as Myrddin—Languoreth must assume her duty to fight for the preservation of the Old Way and the survival of her kingdom, or risk the loss of them both forever.

Based on new scholarship, this tale of bravery and conflicted love brings a lost queen back to life—rescuing her from obscurity, and reaffirming her place at the center of one of the most enduring legends of all time.

What book are you in bed with today?

Six for Sunday – ‘Clever’ Characters

This meme is hosted by Steph at A little but a lot. The weekly prompts for 2019 can be found here.

This week’s prompt is ‘Clever’ Characters. Here’s my list:

1. Hermione Granger

2. Cress Darnel

3. Jo March

4. Nancy Drew

5. Temperance Brennan

6. Flavia de Luce

(All book covers from Goodreads)

Did you make a Six for Sunday list?

Review: Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women #1)

Title: Bringing Down the Duke
Author: Evie Dunmore
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women’s suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain’s politics at the Queen’s command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can’t deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.

Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn’t be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn’t claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring…or could he?

Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke….

A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford Rebels, in which a fiercely independent vicar’s daughter takes on a duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order. 

Review:

Annabelle Archer is excited to be moving to Oxford to study and support the women’s suffrage movement. She had to convince her cousin to let her go, but with some persuading, he allowed it. Annabelle’s work with the suffrage group leads her to Sebastian, the Duke of Montgomery. Annabelle is in charge of securing his support for the cause, but he opposes it. When Annabelle and Sebastian spend time together, they start to fall for each other, but it wouldn’t be proper for a Duke to be with a commoner, right?

This was a great enemies to lovers romance! There were some quite steamy scenes, especially considering it takes place in the nineteenth century. These characters didn’t let social conventions stand in their way of getting what they wanted.

Even though it was a romance, there were some serious issues in this story. Annabelle and her friends fought for women’s rights, which got them into trouble. The question of a woman’s place in marriage was also a prominent issue. Annabelle was offered an opportunity to be a mistress, because she wasn’t at the right social standing to be a wife to that man. They had to marry for business and social rules, not for love. These serious topics made the story seem more realistic, because there wasn’t always an idealistic outlook for the characters.

This is such a great Victorian romance!

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

A Rogue of One’s Own (A League of Extraordinary Women #2) by Evie Dunmore

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters

Other books in the series:

  • A Rogue of One’s Own

Have you read Bringing Down the Duke? What did you think of it?

Monthly Wrap-Up – August 2020

These are the books I read in August with their ratings and links to my reviews:

I read 26 books. My favourites were Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From and Fangs.

What was your favourite book of August?

Review: Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments

Title: Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments
Author: Ann Shen
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Illustrator and author Ann Shen shares her striking study of history’s most iconic styles, and the women who changed the world while wearing them. From the revolutionary bikini to the presidential pantsuits, this book explores 50 fashions through bold paintings and insightful anecdotes that empower readers to make their own fashion statements.The book demonstrates the power of fashion as a political and cultural tool for making change.

Review:

This book has 50 different fashion statements with illustrations of each outfit. It features specific outfits and trends throughout history that made political and cultural statements.

There were many iconic outfits that made history. Princess Diana’s revenge dress made a statement about her new place in life on the day that Prince Charles admitted to adultery. Serena Williams made a statement with her black catsuit, which she wore for medical reasons but was then banned because the officials thought it was inappropriate. These are just a couple of the iconic outfits in this book.

There were also some fashion trends that were revolutionary. Jeans are a part of everyday life now, but women had to fight for the right to wear them. Hairstyles are also used to make fashion statements, such as the Afro, which defied the white standards put on black people, and the Bob, which defied the feminine look of long hair. It’s amazing how these small changes can make such an historical impact.

This is a great book about fashion and feminism.

Thank you Chronicle Books for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses to Empower and Inspire You by Ann Shen

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen

Have you read Nevertheless, She Wore It? What did you think of it?

The Friday 56 – Ninth House

This is a weekly meme hosted by Freda’s Voice.

The Rules are:

  • Grab a book, any book.
  • Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader.
  • Find any sentence, (or few, just don’t spoil it) that grabs you.
  • Post it. And share your link.
  • It’s that simple.

I chose Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Here is my line from page 56 in my copy:

“Alex cracked the door to the van, scanned the street, then hopped down. ‘Forget you met me,’ she told the coroner.”

Did you make a post for the Friday 56?

Blog Tour Review: Queen of Volts (The Shadow Game #3)

Title: Queen of Volts (The Shadow Game #3)
Author: Amanda Foody
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Return to the City of Sin, where the final game is about to begin…and winning will demand the ultimate sacrifice.

Only days after a corrupt election and brutal street war, one last bloodthirsty game has begun. The players? The twenty-two most powerful, notorious people in New Reynes.

After realizing they have no choice but to play, Enne Scordata and Levi Glaisyer are desperate to forge new alliances and bargain for their safety. But while Levi offers false smiles and an even falser peace to the city’s politicians, Enne must face a world where her true Mizer identity has been revealed…and any misstep could turn deadly.

Meanwhile, a far more dangerous opponent has appeared on the board, one plucked right from the most gruesome legends of New Reynes. As the game takes its final, vicious turn, Levi and Enne must decide once and for all whether to be partners or enemies.

Because in a game for survival, there are only losers…

And monsters.

Review:

Just days after the events of the election in King of Fools, a new shadow game has begun. Each player was given a card with a character on it. Now, the card has another name listed, which is the person’s target. The only way to win the game is to kill your target and take their card. Meanwhile, Levi is struggling with the loss of his friend, while Enne is figuring out her new identity. It doesn’t seem like there will be any way to survive this game.

There was a bit of a recap as the characters were introduced in this story. I was glad, because it has been a while since I read King of Fools. I think this series could be reread multiple times, with the reader noticing more clues each time. Since the events of the books take place over a few months, it would be much easier to keep track of the plot if they were read all at once.

The stakes were the highest yet in this book. The shadow game was literally life or death. It was quite intense, with everyone being a target. Each character’s story was so detailed and carefully plotted. The characters could almost have had a book of their own because there was so much that happened in this story.

This was a great ending to The Shadow Game trilogy!

Thank you Inkyard Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

The Diviners by Libba Bray

About the author:

Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. After spending her childhood longing to attend Hogwarts, she now loves to write about immersive settings and characters grappling with insurmountable destinies. She holds a master’s in accountancy from Villanova University and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the College of William and Mary.

Have you read Queen of Volts? What did you think of it?

TBR Thursday – September 3

TBR Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads, where you post a title from your shelf or e-reader and find out what others think about it.

My pick this week is The Princess Will Save You by Sarah Henning.

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Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

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.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?

Review: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen Children’s Stories)

Title: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen Children’s Stories)
Author: Jane Austen, Gemma Barder
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Sweet Cherry Publishing
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: July 9, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Mrs Bennet is desperate to find rich husbands for her daughters, so the arrival of a charming new neighbour is welcome indeed. Sadly, the friend he brings with him is not. Mr Darcy seems to have even more pride than money. Nobody likes him – least of all Elizabeth Bennet. But not everyone is who they seem.

A beautifully illustrated adapted classic that will introduce children to the works of Jane Austen.

Review:

Mrs. Bennet wants to marry each of her five daughters to rich men. When Mr. Bingley moves into their town, she thinks he will be perfect for one of her daughters. Mr. Bingley brought his wealthy friend Mr. Darcy, who is very proud. Elizabeth Bennet instantly doesn’t like Mr. Darcy, when she overhears him speaking about her and her family. However, people aren’t always what they seem at first sight.

This story is an abbreviated version of Pride and Prejudice for children. It tells the story in simpler language that children would be able to understand. All of the major plot points were in the story. Many of the memorable quotes were also used, though in different places in the story, including the famous first line.

There were some beautiful illustrations to go along with the story. Most of the girls were drawn in the same style, so they all looked the same. Since the pictures usually illustrated the current scene, I could figure out which characters were in the picture. It would have been easier to differentiate if the five sisters had different appearances.

This is a great children’s version of Jane Austen’s classic novel.

Thank you Sweet Cherry Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What to read next:

Emma (Jane Austen Children’s Stories) by Jane Austen, Gemma Barder

Have you read Pride and Prejudice? What did you think of it?

‘Waiting on’ Wednesday – September 2

This is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. In this post we highlight a book that’s highly anticipated.

The book that I’m waiting on this Wednesday is Smash It! by Francina Simone. The expected publication date is September 22, 2020.

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Refreshingly authentic and bold… Don’t miss this smashing #ownvoices novel from Francina Simone! Filled with heart, humor and a heroine to root for, Smash It! is a perfect read for fans of Julie Murphy, Ibi Zoboi and Ashley Poston.

Olivia “Liv” James is done with letting her insecurities get the best of her. So she does what any self-respecting hot mess of a girl who wants to SMASH junior year does…

After Liv shows up to a Halloween party in khaki shorts–why, God, why?–she decides to set aside her wack AF ways. She makes a list–a F*ck-It list.

1. Be bold–do the thing that scares me.

2. Learn to take a compliment.

3. Stand out instead of back.

She kicks it off by trying out for the school musical, saying yes to a date and making new friends. Life is great when you stop punking yourself! However, with change comes a lot of missteps, and being bold means following her heart. So what happens when Liv’s heart is interested in three different guys–and two of them are her best friends? What is she supposed to do when she gets dumped by a guy she’s not even dating? How does one Smash It! after the humiliation of being friend-zoned?

In Liv’s own words, “F*ck it. What’s the worst that can happen?”

A lot, apparently.

#SMASHIT

What books are you waiting on this week?