Category: Book Review

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) by Renee Ahdieh

This book has been on my Amazon pre-order for months…..as soon as I finished reading the first book, I had this one on pre order and it was one of my spring ‘most anticipated’ novels!

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan.

She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever.

Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid’s empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn’t yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

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Review: Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Midnight in Berlin by James MacManus

I am a sucker for war romances…..and that’s sort of what I thought I was getting with this book.

While it does have elements of romance, it’s more of a book about the beginning days of WWII and what was going on behind the scenes with diplomatic discussions etc.

Berlin, 1938. Newly-appointed diplomat, Noel Macrae and his wife Primrose arrive at the British Embassy in Berlin.

Prime Minister Chamberlain is intent on placating Nazi Germany, but Macrae is less so.

Convinced Hitler can be stopped by other means than appeasement, he soon discovers he is not the only dissenting voice in the Embassy and finds that some senior officers in the German military are prepared to turn against the Fuhrer.

Gathering vital intelligence, Macrae is drawn to a Nazi bordello and its enigmatic Jewish hostess Sara Sternschein. Sara is a treasure-trove of knowledge about the Nazi hierarchy in a city of lies, spies and secrets.

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock

The 1920s seem to be a very popular period in literature at the moment.

I’ve read a lot of books lately set in this time period which is fun because it’s a period that often gets passed over in historical fiction.

The Regency, Tudor, and Victorian era always seem to garner the most literary action when it comes to historical fiction.

In this book we meet young New York socialite Vera Bellington who passes her days with champagne-soaked socializing and then at night she waits for her less than attentive husband to come home to her, which basically never happens.

Her life is lonely to say the least and she is longing for some kind of excitement…..anything to break up the monotony in her life.

Then along comes French artist, Emil Hallan who moves into her building. He is mysterious and his art work is also a mystery to Vera so she is soon intrigued and curious about this young, handsome painter. Somehow she finds herself drawn to Emil’s warmth and passion but yet she is suspicious about him.

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) by Lucinda Riley

by The Lit Bitch6 Comments on Review: The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2) by Lucinda Riley

Last spring, I had the pleasure of starting this unique series, The Seven Sisters.

This series tells the story of each of the D’Apliese sisters that were adopted by a rich billionaire, Pa Salt, and named after the Seven Sisters constellation.

This book is the second in the series and chronicles the story of Ally D’Apliese who is a sensible, professional sailor.

After sailing in one of her most challenging races, the smoldering chemistry between skipper, Theo, and Ally is ripe for igniting. The two are vacationing together in the Greek Isles when word reaches Ally that Pa Salt has died.

After this devastating news Ally returns to her home retreat ‘Atlantis’ in Geneva to mourn her father. When she arrives her father has left clues for all seven of the sisters to find out where they come from…..if they choose. Most of the sisters have said said they will find out someday but few have expressed much interest in the subject of their ‘roots’.

Ally returns to Theo and begins to prep for the ‘race of her life’ called Fastnet which promises glory for the winning team but it also promises extremely dangerous conditions.

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Review: The Tsarina’s Legacy by Jennifer Laam

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: The Tsarina’s Legacy by Jennifer Laam

The book begins with flashbacks to the Empress Catherine of Russia, and the relationship she had with Grigory  ‘Grisha’ Potemkin.

Grisha is in love with Catherine, and is trying to win back her heart. Unfortunately, Catherine has a new lover named Platon Zubov.

Platon is a threat to Grisha, not only because he is Catherine’s lover, but also because he tries to influence Catherine.

He is determined to preserve Catherine’s legacy he must save her from Zubov’s dangerous influence and win back her heart.

Veronica Herrera receives news that she is an heiress to the Romanov throne, and receives an invitation to go to Russia.

Seeking purpose, Veronica agrees to act as an advocate to free a Russian artist sentenced to prison for displaying paintings critical of the church and government.

Veronica is both celebrated and chastised. As her political role comes under fire, Veronica is forced to decide between the glamorous perks of European royalty and staying true to herself.

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