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Review: Spin the Dawn

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia makes the ultimate sacrifice and poses as a boy to take his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors in a cutthroat competition for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the unthinkable final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this fantasy novel is not to be missed.

My Review:

This is the second book I’ve read by Elizabeth Lim. I really like her writing growth between this one and Six Crimson Cranes. I also grabbed the Unravel the Dusk to start reading.

Spin the Dawn is a beautiful story about love and family. I knew straight from the opening that this would have an epic romance. I was not disappointed. Maia would give up the sun and moon for Edan, and he would do the same for her.

I can’t wait to see where the next book takes me.

Content alert: There is a scene with off-the-page/fade to black sex. And another scene with heavy kissing and necking.

Review: Six Crimson Cranes

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

Shiori’anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to forswear–no matter what the cost.

Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.

Review:

I have found a new favorite author and book with this one. I totally LOVED this book. I laughed. I cried. I was soo disappointed the next one isn’t out yet.

Review: Letters from a Scoundrel

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

When Annika Marie Meyer reads the most chauvinistic, absurd, insulting mail-order bride advertisement, she had to respond. With the ire of an enraged goddess, Annika was determined to put Cole Morison in his place. However, she just might find a place of her own.

Review:

This story positively delightful. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. From Annika’s first letter to Cole to their budding friendship, I just wanted to read more. As this is a vella novel, at this time, it isn’t complete. But it’s so worth reading!

Review: Love Over Kpop

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

Trish Russo moves to LA as a new assistant for an American Kpop agency. When she convinces the moody kpop star, Woo In-ho to come out of his trailer at a video shoot, she is asked by the agency to accompany him up the California coast for a special personal event. During the drive, Trish gets to know Woo In-ho. Her feelings start to become entangled with him making her jeopardize her career. Will she be able to keep her job while being involved with the Kpop star she’s assigned to oversee?

My Review:

I stumbled on this little story on accident. And found myself continuing it in one night. it has some cute little romantic moments. There were a few times that I was a bit concerned that it wasn’t going to be a clean read suddenly and turn erotic due to the references to wanting to kiss In-ho again and maybe something else. Love isn’t lust and it gets tiring reading romance storylines that don’t realize this.

I really hope the author finishes writing this story.

Vella Spotlight

Published on by Erica

Have you checked out Kindle Vella yet?

Earn this achievement when you read a vella episide (that is vella for chapter).

I’ve recently fallen into the Vella void. I’ve discovered some wonderful stories. (And of course, the not so great.) I’m also a firm believer that everyone has a story to tell, even if we don’t all choose the same mediums. One of the cool things about vella is that any writer, from aspiring to professional can post.

This leads us to some quality problems, of course. But many times, a good story can be hidden in one that hasn’t been fully polished yet.

Last week I asked vella authors to suggest some of their stories to share with you.

In no particular order:

Single and orphaned at thirty, Evie Broussard is afraid the holidays will never be the same. And they won’t–but that doesn’t mean she can’t start new traditions. A last-minute trip to see Christmas markets in Europe might be just what she needs. Only Evie finds things aren’t quite what she expected. Then again, nothing could have prepared her for Keller Kendrix and his crew.

***

Cassie Jones, the head of Jones’ Post-Mortem Tracking Agency, has been cursed with a capital “C.” Thanks to an unfortunate incident with an angry wizard, any guy she falls for is guaranteed to betray her. So when David MacDuff – the most mouthwatering man she’s ever had the misfortune to meet – hires her to track his recently deceased brother, she knows she’s got to keep things strictly professional. Yeah, like that’s gonna happen. Maybe she should have stuck to hunting vampires after all.

***

wo sisters each lost the love of her life in WWI. Now in the next life, they have a mission to fulfill before they can finally reunite with the men they love. They must help others find their own soulmate. The beautiful inn where they grew up has been converted to an apartment building and is filled with people who need assistance finding their forever person – whether they know it or not! Inventive and determined, these two ghostly seniors will do whatever it takes to reach their goal.

Review: Mystical Missy and Her Life of of Magical Events

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

Missy never asked to have magical powers, but when she survived a fire as a baby, with no burns or marks, this was only the start of her magical abilities. Follow the journey of mystical Missy as she discovers a new power each year of her magical life.

Genre: Fantasy/Humor

My Review:

This delightful story is still early on. (I know, a bit early to leave reviews, but this is a vella story.) This book is beautiful. I’ve felt sadness, disappointment, and then tears of joy for Missy already. I highly recommend giving this book a go.

New Rating System for Books

Published on by Erica

The Roxbury Librarian wants to make selecting what book to read easier for you!

ALL or A

Books rated ALL (or A for short) are children’s books. These are book that are safe for all ages, from beginners to adults. These include picture books (such as the Littlest Angel) to middle grade titles.

S (for Safe) or 12+

Books rated S or 12+ are considered safe for ages 12 and up. (And up includes adults! Yes, you can read these books!) They may include older middle grade, young adult, and clean and wholesome romance.

C (for Caution)

Books rated C were found by the Roxbury Librarian to have materials that are not suitable for a younger audience. While an erotic (or steamy) novel would be rated C at Roxbury Books, not all books rated C are erotic/steamy. C books may contain swears. (Calling someone a b*tch or using an f-bomb will get you rated C.) These books may also have sexual content that goes beyond implied intimacy and fade-to-black, or contains mention of nudity in a sexual manner.

These ratings are the sole discretion of the Librarian. When possible, we will give the reason behind the rating chosen. Information provided by authors and readers are used when making a rating decision.

If a book is rated or not, please use the genre for guidance when making your selections. Do your research to avoid those unpleasant surprises! If it doubt, ask in a reader group or ask the author.

New Release: Georgianna

Published on by Erica

Daily updates Monday-Friday

“So, this is how it ends,” Georgianna whispered as her body trembled in terror and exhaustion. Her breathing was rapid, and her chest heaved as she struggled to recover from her recent clash and clear her wits. She was shackled to a thick upright beam of wood while a madman scribbled with chalk on the floor and chanted her death mantra. She had successfully evaded her hunters for years and briefly experienced true love and happiness. All too soon she would be stripped of everything and nailed to the floor as a blood sacrifice. And there was no one to save her.

Genre: fantasy action and adventure

Rating: C (language, sexual situations, nudity)

Now on Vella.

To learn more about Roxbury Books rating system, go here:

Review: Fantastical Flash Fiction (vella)

Published on by Erica

Synopsis:

This is a collection of flash fiction based on elements from mythology and fantasy. Every piece will be under a thousand words, and occasionally I might post a couple of microfictions in the same episode.

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

My Review:

Fun short stories that explore myths and legends. I found them well-written and interesting. (I think my favorite was the one about the Kelpie so far.)
You do not need to read these in order, either.

Have you check this vella book out yet? What was your favorite story?