Review: Forever Fae by L. P. Dover

Genres: New Adult | Fantasy | Faeries

Synopsis:

He leans down, lips parted, and then our lips connect...We didn't know that this one kiss has FOREVER changed the Land of the Fae. 

According to the Prophecy proclaimed many years ago, Princess Calista of the Summer Court is destined to change the Land of the Fae from the evil determined to destroy it. Her powers are phenomenal, and she secretly trains for battle with her handsome warrior friend, Merrick, who unbeknownst to her protects her heart as well, in hopes of keeping it for himself. At least, until the seductive Prince Ryder attends the Guardian Ceremony and instantly sends a fire burning through her veins and a connection so deep they both discover a love above anything imaginable. 

No one knows how Calista is destined to change the kingdoms, but there is one that does. He not only craves Calista's power, but her body as well, and his goal is to steal her power, make her his Dark Queen, and take over the Land of the Fae. 

Will the evil succeed in claiming Calista's soul? Or will the two men that fight for her heart save her from despair, and help her fulfill her destiny to become what she was meant to be. 

Review:

The cover is so PRETTY! 

Based on the descriptions of the creatures and the types of magic evident in Forever Fae I can tell that Dover did a ton of research for the novel. However, I feel like the presentation of the characters, especially in terms of their language and general immaturity, is a disservice to the genre. 

I feel that there is so much potential with the plot and the world that Dover created. The characters seem disjointed in places because they shift from formal courtly language to using modern slang in the next sentence. Many of the images are beautiful, but I feel disappointed because Calista's magic was placed on the back burner. Every so often her magic is brought up--leaves and skin changing color along with controlling roots--but nothing is truly explored. The love triangle remains a strong focal point. I believe that if  there were only one perspective there would be more room for this type of exploration. 

As it stands now, I think the novel needs a couple of revisions to really capture the essence of Dover's world. It's not bad, but it could be better.

Rating: 3 out of 5 owls

Trailer:

Review: Hook's Pan by Marie Hall

Genre: New Adult | Fantasy | Fairy Tales

Synopsis:

Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her staring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she'd the soul mate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew. 

Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops, literally, at his feet he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed. 

What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but the end is already written, it's just a matter of getting there. 

Review:

I really liked the twist Marie Hall took in revamping the classic Peter Pan fairy tale. Hook is a smoldering, misunderstood brute who only wants revenge for the murder of his mermaid love. That all changes when Trishelle drops at his feet. These characters are headstrong and stubborn. There is enough character development between their steamy interactions to keep the plot interesting. 

The imagery was so delicately woven that I felt like I was seeing everything that Hook and Trisha were experiencing. The mermaid realm is simply beautiful. I enjoyed the witty banter and the realness of the characters. Trisha and Hook did not like each other at first, and I appreciate that. 

Normally I do not like typical "reincarnated" soulmate love stories; however, Trisha remained an individual and didn't regain all of her soul's memories and start having multiple personalities. She started off as Trisha and she stayed Trisha. I'm very excited that there are other novels in this series. I will definitely check them out. 

I received a copy of the text on NetGalley, so I didn't realize that this was the fifth in the series. It serves as a stand alone novel, though there are multiple references to the previous books. I think it's worth the read and I will definitely read the rest of the series.

Rating:4 out of 5 owls

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Review: Deer in Headlights by Staci Hart

Genre: New Adult | Mythology

Synopsis:

What do Greek gods do when they're bored? Because they're always bored, so humans are the perfect

players in their games. 

Aphrodite owns love; she hasn't lost a competition on her turf in over three millennia. Apollo is on a mission to win. He's counting on it to finally get the one woman he's never been able to have. The two gods will choose their human players, and if Aphrodite can't get them together before the clock runs out, Apollo will her his way. And Aphrodite couldn't have that. 

Lew and Dean are perfect for each other, they just don't know it yet. Dean is a perpetual bachelor, and a brooding, beautiful rock star. Lex is always with a man, but she'll never fully give herself up. Aphrodite has her work cut out for her, but if she can't make it work, no one can. 

The gods have their own drama. Apollo killed Aphrodite's mortal love--they've got beef that's been dragging on for thousands of years. Ares, the douchebag, is forever trying to pick a fight, and trying to get Aphrodite into bed. And Persephone, Aphrodite's best friend, is the one person who Aphrodite shares everything with. 

Follow the gods as they fight, laugh, cry, lose love, gain power, and make a mess with humans. 

Review:

This book is hot, steamy, and just a tad bit sexy.

I have mentioned this before in other posts, but I am a huge fan of Greek mythology. Staci Hart sticks very close to the classic lore while still managing to make the characters her own.

The banter and competitive nature was perfect. While I love books that portray the gods in their infinite wisdom, it was refreshing to see them keeping up with the times and the change in lingo.

Staci managed her transitions very smoothly, though I felt a few of the flashbacks were unnecessary--but I know the lore so it could just be me. Still, they were beautifully written and Staci has a great style. Overall, I stepped away from Deer in Headlights feeling like "I just read a good book."

There are some steamy scenes. Just letting you know.

Rating: 4 out of 5 owls

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