Tag: romance

Squire by Tamora Pierce

13+

This is the third book in the Protector of the Small series and I absolutely love this one to bits.

We start with Keladry walking through a near empty palace as all the knights have come and picked their Squires already. As the only girl she hasn’t even got any interviews with potential knight masters and has to acknowledge the fact that despite all her struggles she might end up being assigned to a desk knight. That is one of the things that Pierce does so well, she really shows how slow change is and how even the most powerful people inciting that change sometimes struggle against the tide of opposition and yet it never feels like a lecture or even a large facet of her characters.

This book takes us so much further than the palace complex, introducing us to the difficulties that had never been discussed with the pages at the palace among the privileged elite. Travelling under Lord Raoul and working alongside the Kings Own Keladry gets to experience why she wanted to be a knight so much – to protect people and achieve justice. I feel like Keladry’s experience really grows throughout this book, she gains the battle knowledge and experience that she is going to need and we get to see her take on some leadership.

This book also has the terrifying caveat of the Chamber at the end – all the work Keladry has put in, all the sacrifices she has made of her future will all be for naught if the Chamber finds her unworthy. Squires die in the Chamber, she is the first female knight to openly go through the Chamber in a few hundred years and all eyes are on her.

World – 5/5 – I love it so much and we get to see such a wide range of different terrain across Tortall.

Romance – 5/5 – Sweet Romance – there is a little romance in this one, Keladry has an adorable relationship with someone we have met in previous books. However it never becomes the focus although we see Keladry thinking about how it relates to her career as well as how people view her (the small adknowledgement from Raoul that it will always be harder for her to court among her peers because she is a woman and there are a lot of people eager to besmirch her reputation was a delightful small detail.)

Plot – 5/5 – it never drags, there are multiple different subplots and plots and so many different characters that interact with Kel but yet they never feel bland.

Characters – 5/5 stars – I love the characters. They are so realistic even the ones I hate and they all have such depth to them.

Happy Reading!

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2024 Swoony Awards Results!

The results are in for the swoony awards! Several of my favourite reads (KM Shea’s Blood and Ruin series especially which I loved soooo much) are on this list and I have certainly added a few feet to my TBR reading list!

2024 Swoony Awards (589 books) | Goodreads

Award Hosts: Kathy from Bookworm Nation and Katie from Hiding in the Page

Let me know which ones you have read or are planning to read in the comments below!

Happy Reading!

 “The Swoony Awards are a Reader’s Choice Award recognizing excellence in clean secular, wholesome romance. We wanted a way to show our appreciation to these awesome authors who write the kind of books that we love. It’s also a great way to find new books and a good go-to when looking for something fun to read.”

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Succession: deep dive review

A deep dive into the world of the Castle by Jessica Day George and just how simple a name can be in worldbuilding.

It can be incredibly easy to take middle grade fantasy worldbuilding at a basic face value and not really decode and appreciate just how much depth it often has. Jessica Day George has written several series, two of which are in my top fifty all time reads. I can reread and reread and love and love them forever despite having left the target age back a few years ago.

In Tuesdays at the Castle, Celie’s father is Glower the Seventy-Ninth. We also get told that the name is inherited with the throne, not given at birth to denote the heir. Celie herself doesn’t know (or never on page says her fathers name) which just highlights how much the name Glower really covers up whom actually has taken the throne. The people of that kingdom if they lived further away might not even know that there had been a coup, a new king can just take over assume the name as all of the heirs do at their coronation and that’s that. There is no huge change of dynasty name, just a swap out of the person who takes on the name of Glower.

It means that the kingdom of Sleyne looks like they have had an incredibly stable reign of the same dynasty to foreign countries. They have had seventy-nine kings when the book starts which to the outside world all bear the same name. In the old world, and in fantasy, sharing a family name often shows whom is eldest, heir and offers a common link to tie people together. Think of people sharing a surname. If there is a King Tristan the III whom dies and his heir is called Tristan the IV then it lends the heir a legitimacy. It also ties the heir to the throne, being christened the royal name that will inherit means that there is no switching around of heirs (or at least if it is then it is a more visible situation).

We learn almost instantly that Celie’s father has already swapped around his heirs at the Castle’s desire. His oldest son Bran’s room had been filled with wizardry things and astrology, so Glower the Seventy-Ninth makes his second son Rolf heir and sends Bran of to the collage. This shows not just the power of the name being given at the coronation not christening but also of the Castle.

Glower makes a decision that will change the history books, and he does it because his Castle swaps around a few rooms. The Castle always selects its kings, and in fact we learn that Glower himself is only the tenth in his direct bloodline. The Kings barber was crowned as Glower the sixty-ninth, instead of the late kings heir. The Castle has almost complete control (at least in the beginning) over the kings ascension.

When (spoiler if you haven’t read the book) the Vhervhish prince Khelsh tries to take over, it is mentioned that he will be crowned after Rolf is assassinated during the ten year period of his regency. What will he be crowned as? Glower the Eighty-First.

Such a small detail, made to supplement the power of the Castle over its residents and its sentience. But such an important one.

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The Beginning by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

11+B

This book is the second in the Oescienne series and it just builds on the world and characters that were established in book 1! This one follows Jahrra from about twelve to seventeen and see as she grows and develops in her character with the trials that are put against her.

We get to see the world developed more as Jahrra travels to different places within it and we get to see even more of Denaeh, the Mystic. I love Denaeh, she is a complex character who often goes against what other characters think is right for Jahrra and tries to slowly prepare Jahrra for the reveal of the Prophecy which is looming. She disagrees with Hroombra and Jaxx about keeping Jahrra’s race a secret from her, but it is also interesting that she doesnt outright tell her. I cant say any more because of spoilers but she is such an interesting character!

Jahrra still doesnt know that she’s human, and the Crismon King’s influence is slowly spreading into the sheltered world Jahrra lives in. It is a really interesting portrayal of a fantasy character being raised. It is quite common for them to either have been raised in the capital, fully aware of their power or to have been raised on a farm somewhere in the middle of nowhere. However Jahrra is raised being already trained and turned into the hero that Oescienne needs. Sometimes I am literally begging her to take a step back and think about why she is being prepared for such random things.

One of the facets of Jahrra’s character is her stubbornness and I think this plays into a lot of her interactions with the characters, she stubbornly hates Jaxx (but lets be honest he doesnt help at all there and is very antagonistic), she stubbornly tries to prove over and over that she is as good as Eydeth and Ellysian (the Resnai bullies) by completing challenges that should be impossible. She also is stubbornly trusting despite other people’s warnings. Her friends are wary of Denaeh, but Jahrra trusts her almost blindly despite proof to the contrary. However I do enjoy her stubbornness because it comes from a place of love, not arrogance like a lot of fantasy leads.

World – 4/5 – In the next book we get to see so much more of it and it is sooooo good!

Plot – 4.5 /5 – It starts coming together in this book as we start to go on a more classic heroine’s journey towards her realisation.

Characters – 5/5 – and on a separate note Denaeh may have won a whole extra point for her mysterious and yet in a way oddly trustworthy actions.

Romance – NA

Things to be aware of: The bullying from the last books continues into this book and earns it a B because it steps up a bit. There is death and grief like the last book.

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Confectioner’s Guild by Claire Luana

13+

This book is so beautiful!

I read it a few years ago, and am on my third reread now. Its a fresh take on a fantasy guild, because they use confectionery (cakes and biscuits and all the bakery good things!) instead of being an assassin guild or a elements guild. The world building is incredibly natural and smooth and we are given all the information we need to know just by the character interacting with the everyday things around her. We also get two maps at the beginning (of at least the ebook version), one of the world and one of the city which is always lovely to have. It is not necessarily an unusual world, and but the presence of the cooking guilds is certainly the thing that has bump the world rating up.

The book starts with Wren piping cupcakes and then coming out of the back to hear a stranger questioning the bakery’s owner about the cupcakes. We get our first impression of just how strong the guild’s power over the city is when Master Oldritch admits that cupcakes are their “territory” but that he has a few friends that dont mind him having a play around with the frosting. I enjoy having a heroine whom starts with at least some idea of her power, Wren knows more than just the basics of baking which means she can instantly step believably into more powerful confections.

This is almost a historical murder mystery meets fantasy and the plot does waver a little in the middle I felt as Wren almost loses track of the mystery side of things but I did enjoy the mystery set in a fantasy world.

Characters – 3.5/5 – I enjoyed the characters, honestly the main character Wren isnt my favourite but she didnt annoy me because she does solve the mystery step by step alongside the reader. They all felt realistic to me and my feelings towards them changed over the course of the story. And I LOVE Pike, I feel like he would make an amazing mmc for another novel. Sable also is an intriguing character and I’d love to delve deeper into her backstory.

World – 4/5 – it doesn’t deviate from the classic fantasy world and there are very few locations within the story and they are all in the city Maradis so we don’t get to see much of the world. But if we include the magic-system in the world then it gives it a whole extra point!

Romance – 3.5/5 – Sweet Romance -Its a very mild romance, I’d say only 12+ romance wise and their relationship isnt developed enough for me to fully decide if I like them or not. The secret of the Gift is something that I am going to enjoy watching play out though.

Plot  – 3/5 – I enjoyed it, even on my reread it kept me guessing and I was looking for all the clues but it does dip in the middle as Wren almost forgets the axe hanging over her head because no one around her is really talking about it. It is interesting how all the characters (with the exception of Hale and Sable) basically just move on and ignore it – it shows the power of how they assume that there will be justice fairly given because they are the rich elite and dont consider that Wren wont because she doesnt have those connections.

Things to be aware of: Some sexism and its consequences concerning inheritance which was very interesting to read, mentions of SA but none on the page or to the main character and it isnt a main theme, the mc observes a girl being told by an older female relative to “drop a few pounds” but thinks the girl looks perfect anyway. Torture but none of it on the page. There are several references – both wrongly and rightly – to characters sleeping around. Overall there are several little things to be aware of but I honestly wouldnt say any of them are overdone or misplaced and it doesnt add a B.

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The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J Maas

14+

This collection of novellas is where Celaena’s story starts and it is definitely my favourite book in the series.

There are several different novellas within, and they all outline the day to day things Celaena experienced during the last year or so of her life as Ardalans Assassin. We get to really experience the varied and detailed world that Celaena has travelled so widely, and her relationship with Sam as it grows and develops.

Each Novella builds on the one before and sets up the devastating stage for Throne of Glass – the first full length novel in the series. I cant say much more without spoilers, but this is honestly a great read that creates every emotion as we are swept into a fantasy land where even if Celaena is one of the most feared things in it, danger and intrigue is everywhere in a land where the players are constantly changing, and the rules are changed before you know they exist.

Characters – 5/5 stars – I LOVE THEM – also if you like morally grey main characters then well, the two main characters for most of the novellas are assassins so…

World – 5/5 stars – Its perfect, this entire world has been so well thought out and in this novella collection we really get to see just how diverse and complex her world is.

Romance – 1000/5 stars- Suggestive Romance – Sam and Celaena are the ultimate couple I love them so much

Plot  – 5/5 stars – Its complex, and each novella has its own plot as well as an over arching plot of the book and then the huge plot of the entire series. I love series that are multi-faceted and where while everything means something, so much you dont understand or notice until later on.

Things to be aware of: It is quite dark in places, especially at the end, but that is to be expected in a 14+. Personally I read this when I was 13, and adored it so it all depends on what your comfort levels are on violence.

Also on a side note, this book and the rest of the series are all on Borrowbox, so if you are willing to wait a few months then you can read it on there.

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Powerless by Lauren Roberts

14+B

First – the dedication – “for every girl who has ever felt powerless”. That dedication is the first thing you read, and it tells you the one of the most important and nuanced parts of the book, the push and pull between being given power by your birth and gaining power by hard work.

Paedyn has earnt her power, as she is an ‘Ordinary’ without any of the superpowers of the Elites. It means that she will be killed instantly and painfully if she is caught. However, she pretends to be a Psychic and is able to fake it by constant practice and hyperfocus on the tiniest details. Kai on the other hand is almost ridiculously overpowered, but by his own work (and the cruelty of his father) he is deadlier than his birth power would have normally made him.

The juxtaposition of the two fathers in the story shows the power of parents. Pae’s father Adam who taught her how to become powerful even through she was born without the superhuman abilities of her peers and the King, who took his two sons and made them into the perfect molds of what he wished them to become; Kai into a weapon by torture and constant forcing past limits until he kills for the crown, Kitt into the next king.

The romance is out of this world. Kai and Pae have the perfect banter and the iconic lines of the best couples. Usually enemies to lovers isnt my favourite trope, but here it works perfectly. The most delicate thing between them is the power balance, which I am very invested in. Kai Azer is a prince and he can take the ability of any Elite in the vincity, he is essentially a powerhouse assassin, and yet Paedyn holds her own despite being in some of the most deadly trials I have ever read about.

Characters – 5/5 stars

World – 4.5/5 stars  – it isnt an uncommon premise, a split society between people with powers and those without, but it is executed beautifully.

Romance – 100000/5 stars –Suggestive Romance – I love love love Paedyn and Kai

Plot – 4.5/5 stars – it is well done and it supports the characters perfectly. The plot develops in the later half of the book much more than the first, and that means that the characters are already so established that you are really rooting for them.

Things to be aware of: It is quite violent, and there is a lot of on page brutality and medium graphic description, probably a 4/5 which gives it the B. The romance is a 14+ because of the enemies to lovers trope throughout the book. They regularly kiss, and sleep next to each other a few times, but it is non romantic and mostly to offer emotional support around the deaths of other characters.

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Romance Rating Guide

Hi and welcome! Most of the Damsel recommendations are non/low spice but the romances maturity does fluctuate and evolve over the ratings, so here is a quick guide to what you can expect from a book that has a tag including the word “romance”.

At the bottom of this page1 is also my new addition of specific romance heat levels which come in for later reads.

10+ – doubt its present unless its a book that is mostly aimed at older ones but is also suitable in which case it will say in the review

10+ B – same as above

11+ – tiny tiny little amounts less than 0.5/5

11+B – usually this is if romance gets introduced later in the series (for example Anne of Green Gables is completely suitable throughout all seven books but there is a little romance in it)

12+ -tiny amounts of romance, hardly mentionable and rather insignificant over the plot of the book. These are likely to be sweet crushes or a slight blush and maybe a kiss.

12+B – a little more romance may be in the book, but in the end the B is focused on more the thematic content at a 12B than the romance. There may be a kiss or two if you look at the individual review, but in the end, romance wise the B doesnt matter much.

13+ – The romance gauge jumps up on a 13+. These are going to be developing relationships or established ones, and the romance will be slightly stronger and likely more influential in the plot. Kisses and hugs between love interests is to be expected unless stated otherwise.

13+B – If you are being careful about what romantic content is in your books, this is just going to be the bridge between a 13+ and a 14+. It is likely to be given a B for violence, so just check the individual review if you want to know more. Romance here may have a fade to black but usually with low heat!

14+ – By a 14+ we as the reader should expect the romance if present to be stronger and more mature. Kisses, hugging and sleeping next to each other should be expected. Around a 14+, the romances tend to get a little bit more complicated, and this is usually where an ‘enemies to lovers’ mentality will be introduced, if at all.

14+B – not much different from a 14 romance- wise, a few sexual inncendos may raise this or a love triangle if that is ever present in one of my reviews. Can have a Swoony A scene or a fade to black!

15+ – by a 15+ we are dealing with a romantic relationship that may directly mention sex, and even have it on page. Swoony A and B! Kisses and cuddling will be usually frequent.

15+B – same as any other B’s this just suggests a higher level of one or another of the content warnings/themes explored.

16+ – specifics in the review content warnings will always be present for any romantic/sexual things present. Usually, this is a step up from 15, containing content that is more sexually explicit and most Swoony C’s fall here purely for sexual content.

16+B – B’s are given for primarily violence in the lower age categories but these will be given now for sexual content more than previously.

17+ – another step up, this is where I will start adding in books classified as NA but there will always be a warning if they contain extreme graphic violence or sexual content.

17+B – check the content warnings, but it is practically Adult by this point.

Adult – by 18+ then the expectation that there will be sexual content that is higher than other recommendations, if you check the individual review it may be Adult just for content but also open door scenes are to be expected unless the individual review doesn’t say.

However, it is important to remember that there is more than just the romance that goes into my ratings of the books, and on some reviews they would be a 12 for romance but a 14 for violence and themes. It all depends, but my ratings are based on thematic subjects of the book, language, the platonic relationships (this may sound odd, but some YA novels deal with very acute betrayal and toxicity in platonic relationships so this is a consideration) and current/non current societal issues (slavery, racism, homophobia, sexism etc) as well as romantic relationships.

NA:– nothing is really present, it isn’t the focus or a subplot.

Soft: perhaps a closed mouth kiss or two, no detail.

Sweet: Kissing, cuddling, clothes on, mild innuendo.

Suggestive: The flirtation becomes more physical — making out, caresses, breathlessness, mostly clothed but doesn’t take it any further on the page, discussions of sex/sleeping with each other, can have some strong innuendo.

Smokey: Closed Door/Fade to Black: This can float between or slightly above Sweet and Suggestive but we don’t get any details beyond making out.

Swoony: This will have some sex on the page but it is going to be less than a paragraph – not some graphic sex scene. More and more YA seems to be having open door scenes now and sometimes the books are still ones I will recommend but I will definitely mention that they contain this content as always. By ‘low’ spice I mean it’s not going to be some detailed graphic scene and it will focus more on the emotional impact it has on the characters.

I am going to have Swoony A, B, C. A is less than a paragraph and euphemistic, B is less than a page with no graphic description at all, C is rarely used but means scenes of more than one page, with more explicit language and on page sex.

I am going to go back to my old reviews and add these in as much as I can but from now in the Romance star section I will include these so you can find exactly what you are looking for!

I will add these in addition to age ratings so you always know what you are going to be reading!

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Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

14+

Amazing series that I love and is on my reread list! Red Queen is a dystopian fantasy with a sprinkling of romance. A 14+ as a warning because the are parts that are quite dark. The Red Queen is Mare Barrow, a red girl from the Stilts that is going to be force conscripted into the army if she doesn’t get a job and quick. She gets a job as a servant in the palace and during the Queentrial, falls onto the lightning shield. She survives the electricity which should have killed her on impact as she is a Red. The Silver Elite, who are supposed to be the only people with powers, pretend she is a long lost generals daughter to cover up what they think is an anomaly. She is engaged to the youngest prince, Maven and is introduced to a court of betrayal, politics and an country on the brink of revolution. Mare is a strong character with clear aims. Survival for herself and the protection of her family and Kilorn, her friend and a boy that she might have married, had this not all happened. the secondary characters are well developed, and all have their agendas and aims, as is only right in a political fantasy like that. The world of Norta is vivid and well thought out and i would love to see more series set in this universe. The romance is well done, a little wince worthy in places because of the love triangle aspect, but Mare holds true to her usual characteristics around her love interests, which is nice to read.

Characters – 5 stars – just gorgeous, they all live rentfree in my head.

World – 5 stars – perfect dystopian/fantasy world, I LOVE it.

Romance – 4.5 stars – Sweet Romance – it is worth mentioning there is a slight love triangle between Mare, Cal and Maven which is done incredibly well but it still is morally messy in the first book as Mare is engaged to Maven.

Plot – Can I give it a 1000? The plot is out of this world, it is complex, intriguing and we see every part of society through the eyes of Mare, a girl from the slums.

Things to be aware of: it is very violent as it is set during a civil war and a wider war as well as a revolution. There is extreme racial separation and discrimination between the Reds and the Silvers, which is one of the reasons it is a 14+.

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