When a Moth Loved a Bee by Pepper Winters

Pepper Winters has crafted a story that is incredibly haunting, beautifully romantic, and complex because it reveals everything and nothing all at once. Although we’re given certain clues and hints on what may have happened between the girl and her stranger, there is this inexplicable and instant connection that they cannot ignore despite their lost memories. Something or someone is trying to keep them apart—no matter what. What ensues is a tale of heartbreak and an attempt to uncover their memories to what may be a hopeless endeavor for these two star-crossed lovers. Dorra and Runa will have a long road ahead of them and there are forces that will attempt to tear them apart no matter what.

"I want to tell you that one day, we will be together… I want to tell you… I love you. That I loved you before I remembered you, and I'll love you through every life after this one."

While I would have liked for more spice between Dorra and Runa, the angst and emotion that they had for each other was powerful enough to keep me intrigue and invested. Instead, the author has created a slow burn romance with plenty of sexual tension and longing for our main characters. This book will absolutely tug at your heart and keep readers enthralled because of the devotion, possession, and love that the moth has for his bee. I do want to note that I read the updated version with 20% of the book edited out. In the end, When a Moth Loved Bee is a story between star-crossed lovers who were never supposed to fall in love and paid a heavy price for it. Even though Dorra and Runa may come from different worlds, their soul remembered each other and this new journey might very well be their redemption and reunion.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Curse of Blood & Stone by K.A. Tucker

A Curse of Blood & Stone is the latest installment in the Fate & Flame series by K.A. Tucker and it immediately picks up where A Fate of Wrath & Flame left off. It has been some time since I last read the first book and I would highly recommend re-reading it because we are not provided with a recap of events or a list of important characters, something I would have really appreciated going in to this book. Romeria and Zander are now on the run after Atticus, Zander's brother, has accused him of betraying the kingdom. Atticus has also decided to usurp the throne—which prompted a series of events where Romeria must now find a key caster to help train her and Zander must find and reunite with his legion of warriors.

"I don't want you to feel trapped by your feelings for me. It's the last thing I would ever want."

This was a lot to take in, especially since the previous book mainly focused on the blossoming romance between Romeria and Zander whereas the sequel now focuses on the deteriorating political relations between Zander and his kingdom. I mourned for their relationship because it was seemingly impossible for Zander to love Romeria and be a good king to his people. Although the romance took a backseat in this book, Romeria goes through tremendous growth and character development as she is forced to reconcile with her growing powers, role in this new world, and her relationship with Zander. Some of my favorite side characters include the dependable Elisaf, snarky Jarek, sweet and kind Eden, and Pan who Romeria saved from mercenaries. I loved Romeria's self-righteousness and steely determination to protect all mortals.

"I will not risk her, not for all the crowns and all the kingdoms. There must be another way."

In the end, I enjoyed this book even though I thought it was more on the fantasy side than romance. Zander and Romeria had to go through some struggles to be together, especially since Zander was doubting whether his love for her was real. The last part of the book had major revelations that will absolutely have an impact on the future considering Romeria's role in the prophecy. If you like slow burn romance, you won't be disappointed by Zander and Romeria. I also loved that we get to read Zander's POV in addition to Romeria's because it provided a more thorough picture of what he truly felt for her despite everything that happened. Fans of K.A. Tucker will not want to miss out on this fantasy series since she is mostly known for writing contemporary romance.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

Gilded Cage by Dani Wyatt

Gilded Cage is Dani Wyatt's take on high fantasy and erotic romance and it was incredibly steamy, angsty, and romantic. Calliope and Rian met and fell in love with each other but outside forces wanted to keep them apart. As a result, a curse was placed on them—forcing them to forever be separate and apart. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book because it adds further tension and drama to their relationship as they pine for each other. Like most of Dani Wyatt's books, the sex and chemistry between Calliope and Rian simply burned up the pages. I don't typically read interspecies relationships but I thought this was done incredibly well because I didn't mind the fact that Rian was part orc most of the time because of the curse. It made for some incredibly sexy scenes, especially when they were finally reunited.

“You are greedy for me, dirty songbird. It only makes me love you more, the way you want me as I want you.”

In the end, I simply adored this book because it was short, sweet, and dirty. Rian absolutely loves Calliope and if you're into stories where the hero is completely obsessed with his heroine, I highly recommend this book and the author's other stories because you will not be disappointed. I loved how there was also a "Beauty and the Beast" vibe to this story because Rian is cursed and forced to assume the appearance of an orc. In addition, the threat of war between Calliope and Rian's kingdoms was always present. The curse simply exacerbated it. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to those who love the love at first sight and 'enemies' to lovers tropes with a hero and heroine who were simply fated to be with each other.

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★☆

A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker

A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book in a fantasy romance series by K.A. Tucker and it is a phenomenal and captivating one. Not only is there a slow burn romance between Romeria and Zander but there is magic, alternate universes, betrayal, gods & monsters, and destiny. This is not young adult. K.A. Tucker has built a world that is incredibly complex, special, and unique. The cast of characters are also multi-dimensional and layered with their own motivations and ambitions—including the antagonists. I was constantly questioning everything and everyone. Romeria is my favorite type of heroine: courageous, independent, curious, passionate, and innocent. Zander is her complete match and has all the qualities of a king: dutiful, loyal, compassionate, serious, and profound. Both characters have the potential to love deeply.

"I no longer feel the desire to look backward. I only want to look forward with you."

The story begins with a prologue that is intriguing and ultimately sets the stage for the events that will come. Romeria is a thief and she has the special ability to steal anything she sets her mind to. Unfortunately, this also gets her in trouble and she is now in debt to man named Korsakov. As she is studying her target, she meets a woman named Sofie who will irrevocably change her life. Without going into spoilers, Romeria is thrust into this new and parallel world of elementals, casters, fates, and immortals. She has inhabited the body of Princess Romeria from Ybaris who has seemingly come back to life after poisoning the king and queen of Islor. Zander, the previous Romeria's intended, now wants her dead.

"The old is now destined with the new, and there is no going back. There is only forward."

The story is intense, action-packed, magical, and full of passion. After being accused of things she did not do, Romeria now has to navigate this strange world while trying to earn the trust of those around her. Some of my favorite side characters include Elisaf, Corrin, Wendaline, and Annika. The chemistry between Zander and Romeria is palpable and electric. I looked forward to every scene they had together! At the heart of this story, there is a vendetta between the gods and I'm worried about what this will mean for Romeria and Zander now that their paths are intertwined. In the end, I absolutely can't wait for the next book in this series. Fans of K.A. Tucker will absolutely devour this book because it is an exceptional one. If you love the enemies to lovers and fake marriage/betrothal trope, then I highly recommend this book!

*This ARC was generously provided by the author and publisher for an honest review*

Rating: ★★★★★

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas

* * * This review will contain major spoilers * * *

A Court of Thorns and Roses was my first Sarah J. Maas book and I'm ashamed to say that I have not started her Throne of Glass series yet. This book has it all: love, sex (I know; I was definitely surprised), deception, magic, good versus evil, and plenty of action! I fell in love with Prythian, the faerie world in which Tamlin, Lucien (Tamlin's best friend), Rhysand, and eventually Feyre all reside in. Although it may be a dangerous and treacherous world, it's also extruciatingly beautiful as well. Besides being a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this story also has elements of other mythology in it as well. I'm very interested in what Sarah has in store for us when it comes to the love triangle between Tamlin, Rhysand, and Feyre. I hate love triangles but... I can't help but ship both.

Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court

"I love you," he whispered, and kissed my brow. "Thorns and all."

I don't even know where to begin. There were so many things I loved about Tamlin and Feyre's relationship. Tamlin is literally the beast. He can actually shift into a lion-like creature! At least that's what I imagine him to look like. Unlike Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Feyre initially has a cold and distrustful nature towards the fae. Due to her family's destitute situation, she is forced to hunt for both herself and her family while growing up in order to survive in a world gone mad. Feyre is eventually forced into the world of Prythian due to one of her actions and comes across the path of Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court. What I loved most about their relationship and romance was the slow burn and how it progressed naturally. From Feyre's mistrust of all faeries and Tamlin to her realizing that she loves him and will sacrifice her life just to break his curse. Furthermore, Tamlin and Feyre have some amazing chemistry! Their love scenes were very poetic and sensual. My heart broke for them near the end and I cried for both Feyre's desperate situation and her love for Tamlin.

Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all."

Rhysand was such an interesting character! At first I hated him... but there were so many facets to his character that I ended up becoming fascinated with him. He reminded me of Loki, whom I secretly adore, due to his "games" and pranks in the book in addition to his dark and mischievous nature. His relationship with Feyre was an interesting one and I'm sure Sarah will have us guessing and anticipating what will become of them in the next book! As a result of her deal with Rhysand, Feyre will have to spend one week with Rhysand in the Night Court for the rest of her life. Uh oh, that does not bode well for Tamlin! A lot of people have speculated that their relationship resembled Hades and Persephone's and I can actually see it happening. But yes, Feyre's time under captivation in Amarantha's court Under the Mountain was when Rhysand started to grow on me and you'll eventually see how. Let's just say there is more to his character than meets the eye, of course. I've been seeing a lot of people ship Feyre and Rhysand and while that saddens me (since I personally ship Feyre and Tamlin a bit more), we'll just have to see how their relationship will progress in the next book!

A Court of Thorns and Roses ends with a high note with no cliffhangers that has readers anticipating what the author has in store for us next! Feyre is essentially broken by the end of this book as a result of her choices and actions in breaking Tamlin's curse when it comes to saving both the faerie and human world. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to those who are looking for a great high fantasy novel with wonderful characters and an intricate world full of possibilities, danger, magic, and even love.

Rating: ★★★★★