Dreamland and Lightning | Mini Romance Reviews
It’s mini-review time. Today I’m sharing my thoughts on two romances that I have recently read. The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1) by Lauren Asher and a recent release of Lavender and Lightning (Pack Saint Clair #2) by Thora Woods. These two are both books that I was highly anticipating reading and I loved them both. So let’s get into it.
The Fine Print (Dreamland Billionaires #1) by Lauren Asher
Pages: 448
Publish date: July 8th 2021
Publisher: Piatkus Books
ISBN: 9780349433448
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD
I’m in the business of creating fairy tales.
Theme parks. Production companies. Five-star hotels.
Everything could be all mine if I renovated Dreamland.
My initial idea of hiring Zahra was good in theory, but then I kissed her.
Things spiralled out of control once I texted her using an alias.
By the time I realized where I went wrong, it was too late.
People like me don’t get happy endings.
Not when we’re destined to ruin them.Zahra
After submitting a drunk proposal criticizing Dreamland’s most expensive ride, I should have been fired.
Instead, Rowan Kane offered me a dream job.
The catch? I had to work for the most difficult boss I’d ever met.
Rowan was rude and completely off-limits, but my heart didn’t care.
At least not until I discovered his secret.
It was time to teach the billionaire that money couldn’t fix everything.
Especially not us.
The Fine Print:
Trigger Warnings: Death of parents/parental figures, domestic abuse, parental absences, alcoholism, cancer and suicidal thoughts.
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a little while now, and then I got in at work and well, I couldn’t stop myself. I’ve read a few Laura Asher books before this one, and I have heard only good things about The Fine Print.
The Fine Print follows Rowan who after his grandfather’s death, has to bring more life to the family theme park. But being back there and working at Dreamland is bring back memories that Rowan doesn’t want to relive. Then there is Zahra, for as long as she can remember she has wanted to be a creator at Dreamland. When she drunkenly sends in a proposal tearing down one of their recent attractions, Zahra thought she would be fired. Instead, Rowan gives her a chance.
The attraction between Rowan and Zahra is instant, but they also both get on each other’s nerves. The reader can feel the tension and spark right from the get-go. I haven’t read a romance like this one in a while and that is why I loved it instantly. The tension, the dislike to love. It just hit in all the right places for me.
Photo by Polina Sushko on Unsplash
I liked both Rowan and Zahra a lot. They are a lot like each other, but also stood out as characters on their own. The character’s arcs were fantastic and I loved seeing them grow throughout the book. They both had to go on journeys by themselves and with one another. I felt that Rowan had a lot more growth throughout the book, but he also needed it.
The whole concept of the book, as well as the world, was so interesting. Contemporary romances aren’t normally my thing, but I enjoyed this one a lot. I’ve not read any books seat in a theme park like The Fine Print was, and now I want more like it.
The romance was also fantastic. It was steamy and full of tension. But also super super sweet. They both melted my heart into bits. The reader can see that they both care a lot for one another, and everything just fell into place nicely.
Overall, I loved reading The Fine Print by Lauren Asher. It was interesting, intriguing and not like something I’ve read before. The romance was that perfect balance of being steamy and sweet. And the characters were fantastic. I cannot wait to continue reading the books in this series.
Lavender and Lightning (Pack Saint Clair #2) by Thora Woods
Pages:
Publish date: April 23rd 2022
Publisher: –
ASIN: B09KY9DT3S
Purchase: Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU
There’s nowhere left to hide.
Lydia Anderson is an unbonded omega living in fear of the day her past catches up with her. Hunted by her ex, betrayed by her own family, staying out of sight is her only protection. Or it was, until she met Pack Saint Clair, and found love and safety in their arms.
Her new pack’s status as a powerhouse in the business world makes it impossible for them to live truly private lives. Their influence can protect Lydia from those set on hurting her, or so they hope.
But their past may prove to be just as dangerous.
The pack have been fighting their own battle to break free of Seth Douglas, an omega who will stop at nothing to maintain his sadistic control over them. Jealous and bitter, Seth will do whatever it takes to get rid of Lydia, even if that means leading her abusers to her front door.
When her past finds her, Lydia must decide what price she’s willing to pay for love… and hope that price isn’t her life.
Lavender and Lightning:
Trigger Warnings: Descriptions of physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse. Religious trauma, homophobic language and behaviour, anxiety and panic disorders as well as violence, injuries and stalking. This book also features a poly relationship.
I received an earc of Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my thoughts and feelings.
I was looking forward to this one. I read the first book in this series earlier in the year and loved it. And while I did love this one, I thought it was a duology, and when it ended it a cliffhanger, I was slightly disappointed. But I got over it pretty quickly because I loved the book overall.
Lavender and Lightning follows shortly after the ending of the first book. I wish we got to see a little bit more of this as I felt that it was a little jumpy at the start. But it’s not a major deal. With the initial plans for Lydia to join the pack not going to plan, the pack need to not only figure out things fast but also protect one another as best as they can.
I loved how all the relationships moved forward in this book. It’s rare in an omegaverse book that there aren’t bonds done right away. But the way that this world works here, leaves room for a lot of growth. I loved that we get to see Lydia start to build some connections with both Lucus and Alexandra as well. Alexandra and Lydia and so good together and it makes me so happy to see some more FF in omegaverse. I cannot wait to see where their relationship goes.
As I said before this is an omeagaverse novel, with Lydia being our Omega, Lucus the Beta and Rhett, Mateo and Alexandra our Alphas. The balance in this book is really good. There are some very sexy and steamy parts with kinks. But then the romance is also very sweet and just makes my heart warm. I also think it’s a great start into omegaverse as it’s not in your face as some of the others I’ve read.
I did feel like at times a fair few things were going on during the book. And I just wanted them all to have a break. For them to all love each other and be there for one another. Lydia honestly didn’t get time to breathe and all I want for her is to be loved and in a pack that cares for her so much.
I will only say one thing about the ending. Cliffhanger, Cliffhanger, Cliffhanger. It was an intense ending and I don’t know how I am going to wait a few months to know what happens next. It’s going to be interesting that is for sure.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods a lot. It’s a fantastic sequel and I cannot wait to see where the story is taken. The romance was fantastic and I didn’t feel like anyone was left out of the poly. It was just a great addition. If you are looking for a new omegaverse and don’t mind cliffhangers, get on it.
And there we go. Those are two reviews of books that I have loved reading recently. Have you read The Fine Print by Lauren Asher or Lavender and Lightning by Thora Woods yet? What did you think of them? What have you loved recently? Let’s Chat!
