Angel Reads

02 Nov

Book Review: Royally Yours by Emma Chase | Blog Tour

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Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase

Pages: 215
Publish date: October 28, 2018
Publisher: –
ASIN: B07JVL4DRG
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t…is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.
**
Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.
**
Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

Royally Yours:

I received an e-arc of Royally Yours by Emma Chase from Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I was a little late to the party with this series, I only started it last year, but I am so glad that I did. I feel in love with the characters, the world, and romance. So when I heard that Emma Chase was writing another book in this series, I needed to get my hands on it.

Royally Yours follows Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook as she becomes Queen. She has been trained for this her whole life, and she thought she was ready. But when she is thrown into it, it takes everything in her to stay strong. But even after all her wits, courage and strength, there is one thing that this queen is not, and that married. Queen Lenora wants to rule on her own, she doesn’t need a man for that, but when she is left with no choice, sacrifices need to be made. When Edward Rourke walked away from this title he thought it would be forever, but then he is called home and everything is changed forever.

I wasn’t expecting to love Royally Yours as much as I did. But I loved knowing the story of Queen Lenora and her husband. And although we knew the outcomes, it was still very emotional and packed a punch. Queen Lenora was a really interesting character, in the previous books, but it was great that we really got to know her, here. I was able to see her in a whole different light. She was witty, a smart arse, but also so compelling. Lenora has been brought up knowing that she will be queen, so she does have this demeanor about her that did make it hard to get along with her at times. But that is queen Lenora through and through.

Edward was charming, sarcastic and was really able to break down Queen Lenora’s walls throughout Royally Yours. Edward was an interesting character, he didn’t care too much about politics or his role in it. He just wanted to live his life. And everything changes when he is called back. I loved Edward so much, he added another layer to the world as well as being something that Lenora can ‘fight’ with. He doesn’t back down and with how strong Queen Lenora is, but also lets her be in charge and fight for what she believes in.

While the relationship between Lenora and Edward was convenient at first in Royally Yours, they slowly started to fall for each other. At first, Lenora is very hesitated, but as time goes on and she and Edward start to know each other. The way that Edward came to be the future husband of Lenora was devastating and gosh it tore me to pieces. But I think that is also what brought Edward and Lenora together. Lenora is Queen and there are certain things that she can’t do, but Edward tests these and it was a great laugh. There is also massive chemistry between these two that was hot and just stood out.

Royally Yours fits perfectly into the series. It not only gives the reader an insight into Queen Lenora but also gives us insight into the world and how Lenora become Queen. I always found her interesting, but being able to read her life was intriguing and I adored it. The reader is able to get glimpses of her story in other books of the series, but we really get to the see the heartbreak, heartache, and sacrifices that Queen Lenora had to go through.

Overall, Royally Yours by Emma Chase is addicting, intriguing and compelling. Royally Yours explores the notion of romance, fighting for what you believe in and loving yourself. It explores what it’s like to rule a country as a woman and the hardships that follow. The romance in Royally Yours is addicting, beautiful and full of chemistry. If you are looking for a royal romance, then this is for you.

Have you read Royally Yours by Emma Chase? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? What are some of your favourite royal books? Let’s Chat!

31 Oct

5 Reasons I Love The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Pages: 364
First Published: September 20th, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
ISBN: 9781408891384
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

The Song of Achilles:

Recently I was able to finally pick up The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and I’m so glad that I did. I fell in love with this book the moment that I started reading it. I don’t even know why it took me so long to read, I had only heard good things about it, and it’s about Greek history and mythology so why wouldn’t I love it? Anyway, today I thought I would share five of my favourite things about The Song of Achilles, so let’s go.

Writing

The one thing that really sticks out for me in The Song of Achilles is the writing. From the very first page, I was addicted. It’s poetic, captivating and is still able to tell the story in a way that is easily understandable. Whenever I try and sell this at work, I always mention the writing. The prose is elegant and simple at the same time and just works so well.

“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

The words throughout the novel, the emotions aren’t just felt with the characters, but with the words themselves. There are scenes where the emotions jump straight from the page. I think what I like most about the writing of The Song of Achilles is that it is easy to understand. It’s a classic story, told through beautiful writing that anyone can understand.

Patroclus

Patroclus is brave, strong, and innocent. He is mortal in a godlike world, and stills stand out. I loved that the reader is able to see Patroclus from when he was a child. We are able to see him grow into the man that he is before and during the war of Troy. Patroclus has been through a lot, and that really does play with his character arc. For most of the book, Patroclus is very innocent, but I think I really liked that. It’s very rare that I read about an innocent male character and that just made me connect with him more.

“When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”

I loved Patroclus character arc as well. I loved seeing him grow and getting to know more about him. But not only that, I loved Patroclus finding out more about himself. His character arc was fantastic and really shone through the book. Madeline Miller is able to capture such a strong character, in a book that is strong on its own. She is able to put this person on a page, but he comes across, so real.

Romance

The romance in The Song of Achilles is very complex and beautiful. We know both Patroclus and Achilles right from the start and the reader is able to see them slowly fall for one another. But it wasn’t just that, we see them form such a close bond that it just made me so happy. They are polar opposites, but that seems to play in their favour. Patroclus is very innocent and wants the best for everyone, while Achilles was born a fighter. And all of these personalities play into their interactions with one another.

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell, I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

I’ve read a lot of reviews about others not liking Achilles and I can see why. However, that’s who he is. He is a hero, who’s been brought up knowing he is going to the best. And that plays a lot into his character. But Patroclus is able to hold Achilles in a lot and that was really nice. Their story is heartbreaking no denying it, but it’s also so beautiful. The way that they cared for one another and then fell for each other – oh gosh my heart.

Greek Mythology

There is a lot of debate about whether this is a retelling or just another version of the story. And I think it’s both. Throughout history, it wasn’t well hidden that Patroclus and Achilles were lovers, but it also wasn’t explicitly said. What Madeline Miller does shine on this relationship, rather than the war.

And what I love most about this is just how true to the story Madeline Miller was able to be. I love Greek mythology and history, I studied it in high school and wish I could have gone further. But what I don’t always love about retellings or versions of books, films, and even TV is the inaccuracy. And I loved that Miller was able to capture this beautiful romance, with a beautiful writing style, but also stay true.

“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”

The Trojan war went on for 10 years, and I liked that it wasn’t romanized the hardship that the soldiers had to go through. It was brutal and wasn’t easy for anyone. I’ve also seen while reading reviews about the way that they treat women, slaves or anyone really throughout the story. And while it is horrible, and I don’t ever condone it, it was true to the story – oh gosh that is hard to say. But also know that there are some quite graphic and hard scenes to read inThe Song of Achilles, especially for women.

“Name one hero who was happy.”
– “You can’t.” He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
“I can’t.

Going into the book, I knew how the story would end, but that didn’t make it easier. It was hard to read and I cried, I cried. But then I also loved it.

Timeline

I’ve spoken about this briefly before, but I liked what Madeline Miller regarding when to set the book in the timeline. I think it was very wise and intriguing to start The Song of Achilles from when the boys were young. It added more depth, and character to the novel. It allowed for characterisation, a friendship that squeezed my heart. And also it didn’t leave us reading about a war that lasted 10 years. Normally a lot of novels that recount the Trojan War, are set when Paris takes Helen to Troy, and that’s where everything starts.

Chiron had said once that nations were the most foolish of mortal inventions. “No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from.”

Beginning the novel earlier also lets the reader really know Patroclus and Achilles so much better. We just don’t know them by themselves, but together. The reader is able to see them fall in love, have their hearts broken, learn what it’s like to hero, a male in the time. It just worked so well.

***

I could go on and on about The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, but if you haven’t read it and love Greek Mythology, please pick it up. And even if you don’t and want to try some, it’s the perfect way to fall into it. The romance is beautiful and heartbreaking. The story will tear you to pieces, but you will be happy when it’s all over. If you are just looking for a fantastic read, then pick this up.

Have you read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller? What did you think of it? What are some of your favourite Greek Mythology retellings? Let’s have a chat!

29 Oct

Book Review: Inked by Drew Elyse | Blog Tour

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Inked (Sailor’s Grave #2) by Drew Elyse

Pages: 238
Publish date: October 16, 2018
Publisher: –
ASIN: B07JGFCV36
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU

INSTANT ATTRACTION IS A POWERFUL THING.

Six months of dancing around each other led to one explosive night
and two weeks without a word.

Only then did I learn the truth:
The man I’d wanted since he walked into Sailor’s Grave Tattoo Parlor
was actually an undercover cop.

And the worst part is, I don’t even know his real name.

BUT WHAT IF ATTRACTION ISN’T ENOUGH?

For over eight months I held back. Except for that one night when I couldn’t fight it anymore.
I’d wanted her from the beginning, but I should have kept waiting until my secrets weren’t between us.

Now, I have the ultimate challenge before me: convince the inked goddess of a receptionist to at least let me keep her safe, even if she won’t give me another chance.

Inked:

I received a copy e-arc of Inked by Drew Elyse from Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings about the book.

I was so excited to pick up Inked by Drew Elyse, I loved all the previous books that I read in this world and was really excited to read more about Jess. The readers first meet Jess in the Savage Disciples MC series, but then we get to know more about her in Marked.

Jess the receptionist at Sailor Grave’s tattoo is trying to get on with her life, but then when she has a one night stand, with the guy she has been checking out for months. And then he disappeared. When Jess later finds out that has been an undercover cop for the last 6 months, she doesn’t know how to feel. But when their worlds collide again, they can’t stay away from each other. But is staying close to one another too dangerous?

I loved Jess in the previous books and I really wanted to know more about her. In the previous books, the audience is able to see that something is wrong with Jess, but we just don’t know what. But throughout Inked Jess’s walls are broken down and the reader is able to really get to know her. I really enjoy Jess, I like that she is fierce, strong and stands up for herself. But she was also able to show her emotions. One of my favourite things about Jess was her confidence, but it didn’t make her cocky or self-absorbed.

Braden doesn’t like hiding things from Jess, but he can’t help but fall for her. Braden was an interesting character and I couldn’t help but fall for him as well. He has a very strong personality, and he won’t give up easily. I also felt sorry for him at times. But he also takes his job seriously, and that does play a part in the book. And then when Jess is put into danger, he will stop at nothing to protect her.

The romance in Inked was great. Though it’s been a couple of months since Jess and Barden have seen each other, it can very easily be seen that they still have feelings for one another. But Jess isn’t easily influenced and isn’t happy that he not only lie to her but hasn’t spoken to her in months. As Inked goes on the reader is able to see that the walls Jess has put up break down and that has a lot to do with Braden.

The plot for Inked is very intense, but it was something that I was expecting. I’ve really enjoyed Drew Elyse books before. But this series has really stood out to me. While there are some crazy things that happen in Inked, it isn’t unrealistic and really added to the world. I also liked that the while the book is fast paced, it isn’t rushed. So everything in the novel can shine. In saying that there are a few things that do make the story predictable.

Something that I didn’t really like was that we didn’t get to see the start of Jess and Braden. We didn’t get to see them meet or anything like that, and I would have liked. I think it would have added more depth to the book and make it much easier for the reason to connect with both Jess and Barden.

Overall, Inked is an intriguing, suspenseful story that keeps the reader hooked from the start. The romance between Jess and Braden is full of chemistry and adds so much to the book. I loved how much the MC had a part in this one and I adored that they cared so much about Jess, she is family. Inked explores the notion of falling in love, hurt and learning to trust others. If you love an intense plot, addicting romance, and a great world. If you are looking for a new romance read, then his is for you.

Have you read Inked by Drew Elyse? What did you think of it? Have you read anything else by her? Let’s Chat!

About The Author

Drew Elyse spends her days trying to convince the world that she is, in fact, a Disney Princess, and her nights writing tear-jerking and sexy romance novels.

When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found analyzing every line of a book, binge-watching shows on Netflix, doing strange vocal warm-ups before singing in a variety of musical styles, or screaming at the TV during Chicago Blackhawks games.

A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, she still lives outside Chicago, IL, where she was born and raised, with her boyfriend and her fur babies Lola and Duncan.