Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

About the Book

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Review

Hannah Nicole Maehrer is on a winning streak with this series. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this installment. Like the first, there’s so much humor, an entertaining plot, and witty banter. Of course, the slow-burn romance is to die for. The Villain and Evie do not get together yet; however, there is some development. Some squeal worthy and some were bound to make me cry if they didn’t figure it out. It’s safe to say that I do adore them both. I specifically loved Evie’s growth from assistant to apprentice. The title has certainly been earned.

As for the other characters, I’m pleased to report that we get more insight regarding them. A big theme that I noticed throughout this book was family. And I loved how all the characters through their families were connected in some way. It’s also worth mentioning that Lyssa—Evie’s younger sister—was delightful and a scene-stealer. As well as Becky. She and Evie had a sweet moment in the latter half of the book that I highly enjoyed.

Final Thoughts

Apprentice to the Villain is another hit. This is a perfect follow-up to the first book that beautifully expands this exciting universe. I am patiently waiting for the next book. I had loads of fun while reading this, and at times, the story really pulled at my heartstrings.  

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Review: The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel

The Curious Secrets of Yesterday by Namrata Patel, brings together a story of a young woman torn between self discovery and familial expectations. Tulsi Gupta desires a life beyond the traditional healing at her family’s spice shop in Salem. Raised by her mother and grandmother, the expectation is to continue the tradition but Tulsi has other plans.

When the discovery of a letter by her grandmother exposes secrets from the past, Tulsi uncovers information about her grandmother and mother that affect her own life choices. As she learns more and their secrets come to light, it inspires a sense of purpose and a determination to mend the past. 

I love the journey that begins with the discovery of the letter. Through her own exploration of her life, and learning about the past it helps shape the narrative of the impact of her culture and heritage in navigating her journey. That internal struggle between what she wants and her sense of duty to her famly will resonate with those who have faced similar experiences. Bringing the reader into their world, exposing us to a rich culture and allows us to connect to the characters on a more intimate level.

There’s an authenticity to their characters and the blend of generations gives a balance that allows us to live through their past, present and future.

On a lighter shift in the book, the love interest introduced into Tulsi’s life was everything she needed. The uncertainty of the possibility gives her a boost of confidence that contributes to her growth as a character and a person seeking her definitive path. 

The book was so lovely with all that it represents. There’s something special with multi generational books that are so engaging. When you have complex family relationships, cultural expectations and secrets that shackle healing and forgiveness, that journey to letting go and mending old wounds really make a good read. If you are inspired by journeys of self discovery, love, family and cultural inspirations, this would be wonderful book to dive into.

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Review: Clean Point by Meg Jones

About the Book

Former tennis prodigy Scottie Sinclair is a cheat.

Or at least, that’s what the world thinks. After all, who would believe she was secretly drugged by her own father before winning the women’s singles title at Wimbledon?

The tabloids have called “Game, Set, Match” on Scottie’s career—but an offer at redemption, and more importantly revenge, may give her the chance at a clean serve.

Nico Kotas reigned the tennis world for almost a decade—until an injury took him from the baseline.

Now with a clean bill of health, he’s hungry for one last title. But his public image needs a new game plan—and according to his coach, his former rival’s daughter is the perfect advantage.

But with old enemies on the sidelines, scandal is seconds away.

Because, after all, revenge is best served Centre Court

Review

I enjoyed Clean Point. I found it to have a solid plot and thought that it was well-written. It’s about two competitive tennis players who have been thrown together to win Wimbledon. Nico is dealing with a botched knee surgery that’s slowing him down. And Scottie’s career has been ruined by her father’s actions. Coincidentally, the two of them have been connected for years. Nico’s victory over her father completely changed Scottie’s life. Things are rocky between them at first because of their perceptions of each other. However, they eventually come together to get revenge on her father and fall in love.

I want to give kudos for how Jones handled Scottie’s story. Scottie was very clearly abused by her father, and the author handled this story with care and did not blame her main character for what happened.

Final Thoughts

Clean Point was an amazing tennis story from an author who clearly adores and respects her characters. Scottie and Nico had a lot to overcome and learned that teamwork is beneficial—while also having an emotional and amazing love affair. I was hooked on them earlier on. Every time Scottie would steal Nico’s hat, or any cats would surround him I found myself smiling. My only complaint is that I wish he had picked another nickname for her. I don’t particularly find “cockroaches” endearing. It’s also worth mentioning that there was one specific character who surprised me. I can say that I’m happy the author took that route. 

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Review: The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

About the Book

Estranged exes must stick close together to save their best friend’s wedding after a string of disasters in this swoony and steamy second-chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of You, with a View.

Georgia Woodward lives by her lists, none more so than the one about her ex, Eli Mora. It’s full of the ironclad dos and don’ts they’ve been following since she returned to the Bay Area after their cataclysmic breakup five years ago.

With the wedding of their mutual best friend, Adam, looming, and them about to step into their roles as best woman and man, Georgia’s never needed it more. She refuses to threaten their tight-knit friend group with her messy—and still very present—feelings. The rules on that list will keep her cool, calm, and compartmentalized.

What’s not on her list? Eli arriving from New York with a new rule-breaking attitude or the all-inclusive venue burning to the ground, leaving the bride and groom in dire straits. Nor does she anticipate Adam asking her and Eli to help him make a miracle happen. Together.

As Georgia and Eli rush up to Napa Valley to pull off the perfect wedding, their old chemistry comes back in technicolor. Somewhere between cake tastings gone wrong, disastrous DJ auditions, and Eli’s heated attention, Georgia starts recognizing the man she fell in love with before. And if she lets herself break her rules, she might find what they’re building isn’t the something old that ruined them—it’s a chance at something new.

Review

For the most part, I enjoyed The Ex Vows. Georgia was one of the most relatable main characters that I’ve read all year. She’s struggling with not wanting her friends to forget about her. I thought that Joyce wrote her story beautifully and raw. The book was the best when it was focused on Georgia. That isn’t said to discount the romance. I quite loved the romance between Georgia and Eli. Both Georgia and Eli went through a self-journey. And already, we never got Eli’s POV, his journey was well characterized through the lens of Georgia.

A major complaint that I had regarding this book was that I felt the flashbacks were weird. I wish they were weaved into the story differently. They took me out of the story for a second so that my brain could adapt. And I also wish there was more groveling.

Final Thoughts

The Ex Vows does seem similar to Emily Henry’s novel—Happy Place. Others might take issue with how similar; however, it didn’t bother me. I particularly enjoyed this one more and how it involved Georgia and Eli trying to save their friend’s wedding. Those scenes were emotional and funny at times. I also enjoyed Georgia’s story conclusion better with this one.

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Review: Barely Even Friends by Mae Bennett

Barely Even Friends is a fresh, modern retelling of the beloved, Beauty and the Beast. This steamy frenemies to lover novel will have you swooning as sparks fly with a twist that will keep you engaged to the end. The novel blends the charm of a classic fairy tale with a Succession twist.

Bellamy Price, a determined female contractor is commissioned to restore the Killington Estate. An opportunity of a lifetime, she is determined to make a name for herself in hopes of landing her dream job. Upon review of the estate, unlike her other projects, she was surprised to encounter her grump occupant, Oliver Killington. After receiving a deadline that seemed near impossible, she was determined to not only get this done but not let anything or anyone get in her way.

Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington enterprise, became reclusive after a traumatic car accident that took the lives of his parents and left him injured. Feeling guilty, he took refuge and retreated to the deteriorating mansion as caretaker to spare himself from the world. Until one day, he got shaken up with an unwelcome guest that he was determined not to let her disturb his peace.

With the deadline fast approaching, Bellamy has to find a way to break down the walls between her and Oliver to get things done. After she finds out what lingers behind his standoffishness, they agree to find a way to work together to reach the intended goal. As the project progresses, the house isn’t the only thing that moves along. The only problem is with her heart so protected and closed, could he be the one to open it.

I loved everything about this book. The dynamic between Bellamy and Oliver was a love hate magnet from the start. The banter between them kept those pages turning. His initial resistance to her being there and her persistent ambition created a tense environment that made you want to see where they were going to lead to. As the story goes on, it was nice to see these two characters come together. The emotional walls that each of them held onto slowly coming down, their transition from hating each other to their growing chemistry, makes you want to root for them as compared with our favorite classic. The book is filled with funny, emotional and steamy moments that collectively keep it engaging to the last page. This wonderful debut blends the mesmerism of one of our fairy tales with a contemporary message that you will fall in love with. 

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Review: Business Casual by B.K. Borison

About the Book

Two opposites decide to test their chemistry with one steamy night together. But will once be enough?

Nova Porter isn’t looking for love, and she certainly has no explanation for her attraction to buttoned-up, three-piece-suit-wearing investment banker Charlie Milford. Maybe it’s his charm? Or maybe it’s his determination to help her fledgling business however he can. Either way, she’s distracted every time he’s around. With her new tattoo studio set to open in her hometown of Inglewild, she doesn’t have time for frivolous flirtations.

In an effort to get Charlie out of her system once and for all, Nova offers a proposition. One night. No strings. They’ll kick their uncomfortable attraction to the curb and return to their respective responsibilities. But their explosive night together scatters their expectations like fallen leaves. And with Charlie in town as the temporary head of Lovelight Farms, Nova can’t quite avoid him.

And Charlie? Well, Charlie knows a good investment when he sees one. He’s hoping he can convince Nova he’s worth some of her time.

Review

I’ve been waiting to read this book since B.K. Borison has posted the aesthetic on her social media. Despite not reading the previous books, I was determined to read this one. Business Casual was everything that I had hoped for and more. Borison wrote this story with love and admiration.

Nova and Charlie might seem like opposites at first glance; however, I wouldn’t say it is entirely true. Both are dealing with their insecurities and to their best to hide it. Nova from her big brother Beckett. He’s giving so much up for her, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him. This reasoning is why she works so hard and doesn’t want him to see her tattoo shop. Moreover, I loved Nova’s relationship with Beckett. It’s a top-tier sibling relationship and makes me want to go back to read his book to get more glimpses of it.

Charlie is hiding his insecurities from everyone in the town. He has a troubling relationship with his father, a job that he doesn’t enjoy very much. At the beginning of the book, Nova makes a very interesting statement. Internally, she said that for someone who lives out of State, Charlie spends a lot of time in her town. His reasoning for that is a heartbreaking reveal, and I related to his feelings. I hold him and Nova close to my heart. I loved the two of them a lot.

Nova and Charlie enter a one-time “arrangement”, which becomes a permanent one. Throughout the story, they learn acceptance and growth. They were encouraging and super sweet to each other. They had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Final Thoughts

Business Casual is a cozy, heartfelt, and wonderful story that I didn’t want to end. Nova and Charlie captured my entire heart and I clung to every word on the pages. I had not read the previous books; however, those who had will love the appearances of the other couples. They have sweet moments sprinkled in as well.