A Touch of Tiaras and Treachery ~ Review

A Touch of Tiaras and Teachery

Enchanting Confections

By Ashley Evercott

Oh, I absolutely LOVED this story! I loved Nin and how caring for her younger brother was the driving force behind all her actions — pickpocket, double for the princess, assassination bait.

 

Was it easy to impersonate a princess? Absolutely not — there are rules, multilayered clothes, etiquette, more rules, dancing lessons, and no tasty sweet treats. Did I mention rules? And absolute secrecy — only Captain Cedric Duval, the real princess, and Lucille know what's going on. To breathe even a hint at what they are doing could cost them their lives, their freedom, and well, really, everything. 

Yeah, not a fan of death because the big secret plan to save the princess does not go as planned. But a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to save her brother. 

I have never had a macaron before, but after reading this, I need to find someplace that makes them and try one. You'll understand once you've read the story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. 

Is it all Lollipops and Roses? No. 

Does it have a Happily-Ever-After? Yes.

And the ending totally loved it!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

For Nin, the dream was never a tiara—only survival. But when a desperate bargain promises her brother’s safety in exchange for taking a princess’s place, she can’t refuse. Thrust into a world of luxury and suspicion, Nin must master courtly etiquette to keep the true princess hidden. One mistake could cost more than her secret, it could cost lives.

Captain Cedric Duval lives by a strict code of order, discipline, and restraint. Training a street-smart pauper to impersonate a princess, however, proves far more difficult than any security drill. As he teaches Nin curtsies and royal customs, he begins to question the wisdom of his plan… and his growing feelings for the girl beneath the disguise.

With a royal wedding drawing near, Nin and Cedric must survive a court where danger lurks in the shadows and every dance could reveal hidden truths. Each step closer to uncovering the plot puts their deception—and their hearts—at risk. If they fail, it won’t be a princess the assassin strikes, it will be the girl wearing her tiara.

A Touch of Tiaras and Treachery, a gender-swapped retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes such as "swapped identities", "slow-burn", "princess training", and "bodyguard romance". It is a part of The Enchanting Confections series, a collection of clean and cozy stories guaranteed to delight your sweet tooth.

From the author Content Warning: This book contains an assassination plot, attempted assassination, non-explicit death, use of a coercive drug, mention of deceased parents, and poverty

The Duke's Bargain ~ Review

The Duke's Bargain

A Proper Romance

By Megan Walker

Miss Georgiana Wood has lived as a recluse after a major social misstep—one that has ruined her reputation. But when the Duke of Marlow comes to recover a ring that his cousin lost in a game of chance, Georgiana has a chance to reclaim the position that she lost. She requests three outings in exchange for returning the ring.

But when her brother is called away for an emergency, everything is upended, and Georgiana and Marlow find themselves together more than they expected. For Marlow what had been an unwanted way to reclaim what was his always him to rediscover who he is beneath the title. But he has a duty and Georgiana is a complication to the plans he has made. And happiness, his happiness was never part of it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

This was a lovely read. I loved how Marlow's family helped him and exasperate him and how Georgiana allowed him to see them for who they were and that life was not just a set of rules and expectations. Does their bargain go as planned? Not at all. But a planned life is not necessarily the best life. If I had to describe this book in just a couple of words, I would say sweet and complicated. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

One Season.

One Bargain.

One last chance at love.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow soon sees a new side to Georgiana—an ally and friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved not despite her past, but because of who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

Now Until Forever ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Now Until Forever by Lisa Phillips, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Now Until Forever 
Brand of Justice #16 
By Lisa Phillips 

 First off this is the sixteenth book in the series but it can totally be read without reading the previous books first. Eliana Jaxton has moved to Chicago seeking information about her family and their past. She decided that if no one would answer her questions, she'd find the answers herself. But her quest for answers leads to her discovering a body. A murder in a place that is supposed to be secure. And from there everything starts going really strange.

Carlos Ryson is in Chicago looking for his missing sister when he gets called to The Shrine for a murder. He's just a police officer and not involved with the actual investigation. But he knows Eliana from before and he needs her help discovering what happened to Luci. Of course, he needs to get past the fact that he broke Eliana heart and that she wants nothing to do with him.

All of this starts Eliana and Carlos looking into a cultish group that has a shadowy leader only known as The Mother. And then there are the protesters who don't like The Shrine. It's a whole big ball of coincidence and mess. But no one really believes in coincidences, do they? 

This was an intense read that definitely left one wondering who would survive to the end of the book. There was a brutal murder scene and few other Eww moments dealing with dead bodies, but overall, this was a fairly good read. The romance was definitely in the clean category. I liked that the "villain" wasn't an early reveal. Only near the end did I wonder, could it be? But I did this with a couple of people so, yeah, the suspense continued to build. 

And the ending, I know this is supposed to be the series finale, but it could definitely lead into another story or spin-off series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Now Until Forever 
Series: Brand of Justice #16 
Author: Lisa Phillips 
Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing, LLC 
Release Date: May 6, 2026 
Genre: Christian Thriller with Romance

**The Epic Stand-alone Finale** 

Born into a legacy, Eliana must find her own brand of justice. 

After moving to Chicago to work at the mysterious Shrine museum, Eliana is determined to uncover the family secrets she’s never been told. When she stumbles upon her first ever dead body, everyone around her believes she should try and solve the murder. But taking cases isn’t what she came here for. Despite her plans, things are about to turn far more sinister, and the path she’s on seems determined to drag her back into a nightmare. 

Chicago PD Officer Carlos Ryson was born into a legacy of his own. He’s here to look for his missing sister, Luci, and wants to enlist Eliana’s help. This is a family problem, and only family working together can solve it. But Eliana has never forgotten the way Carlos shredded her heart. If he wants them to team up, he’ll have to confront the damage he did and find a way to repair it. 

While the city around them descends into a chaos that resembles the end times, someone has seized the opportunity to get what they want from the Shrine. Only Eliana stands in their way, but if she’s going to figure this out she’ll need to trust that the people around her have her back.  

Before it’s too late.  

Now Until Forever is the stand-alone finale to the Brand of Justice series, and is set in the near-future. It features a happily ever after romance mixed with high-stakes suspense in this gripping crime fiction story.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

---

About the Author

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will each receive a paperback copy of Now Until Forever and various book merch goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 18, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 25, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print. If winner is outside the US, he/she will receive an ebook instead of paperback, along with some book swag. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Shipwrecked Faith ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 
Shipwrecked Faith by Danielle Grandinetti, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Shipwrecked Faith 

Dawning Sisters #1 

By Danielle Grandinetti 

Sadie Dawning left home to escape, though she justified as a means to help save the family farm. But when she receives word that her father is unwell, she drops everything to return to her Wisconsin home, leaving Chicago behind. But things don't go quite right, starting with having to escape Chicago by being rescued by a perfect stranger and then being smuggled out of the city!

Kellan O'Roark is desperate to escape Chicago and his older cousin's nefarious deeds. He has one chance to make good his escape and help bring Tiernan to justice, but when he sees Sadie in danger, he does what no one else will; he steps in to help.

This book is the first in a new series by the author, and I totally loved it and can't wait for book two to be released. I loved how the author brought the characters to life and made them relatable, people I was rooting for to succeed. I loved how Sadie's faith meant so much to her being, though incidents from the past had shaken her. And Kellan, my heart ached for him and the childhood he had after losing his parents. His feelings of worthlessness and the guilt he felt over what he had done for and now to his cousin so defined him.

My favorite part of this book was how it brought actual historical events to life in a way that history books and class never did. And living in Wisconsin, this added an extra touch in my opinion. Highly recommend to teens and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Shipwrecked Faith 

Series: Dawning Sisters #1 

Author: Danielle Grandinetti 

Publisher: Ashberry Lane 

Release Date: May 15, 2026 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Chicago, October 1929—Kellan O’Roark is running on borrowed time. After handing over his cousin’s incriminating bootlegging ledger to the police, he intends to vanish before the mobster exacts revenge. His destination: the SS Wisconsin, a steamer headed for Milwaukee, upon which he’s secured work despite his fear of the water. 

But despite his pressing need for escape, Kellan faces obstacles while leaving Chicago—including one who may break open his heart. Sadie Dawning, desperate to return to her family’s Wisconsin farm and ailing father, escapes a kidnapping attempt at Chicago Union Station when Kellan steps in and offers to smuggle her aboard the Wisconsin. His decision turns nearly fatal when an autumn storm capsizes the ship. 

Washed ashore, the pair arrive at Sadie’s family farm to find new storms brewing on land. While Kellan hides his past to continue evading his cousin, Sadie fights for her place among her sisters while the farm battles the beginnings of the Great Depression. Caught between duty, a dangerous past, and a budding love, Kellan and Sadie must rely on their newfound faith in each other and renewed faith in God to weather the growing storm. 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | WhiteFire Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Also Available:

---

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romance filled with mystery, suspense, and hope. She is a second-generation Italian-American rooted in Midwest traditions. Fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature, her stories explore love and belonging in hard times.

Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of Shipwrecked Faith,
a paperback journal, and a Danielle Grandinetti tote bag!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 19, 2026 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 26, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Anchoring You ~ Review

Anchoring You

The Wright Heroes of Maine #9

By Robin Patchen

When pirates try to take the yacht she is transporting, Kenzie Wright isn't about to be taken without a fight, not when the lives of her crew depend on her. There is just one little problem: she is woefully unprepared for an attack, with weapons at a minimum, and no safe space to hide. YIKES! But she's a Wright, and Wrights don't give up!

Jasper Aylett has a reputation, and it's not good. Nope, he's bad news. He abandoned his family and is living the life that would have made his late mother shudder if she could see him. But Jasper, aka Jax, made his mistakes and now has to live with the consequences. Consequences that forced him to give up one thing he loves most in the world. But he's fighting back the only way he knows how; unfortunately, saving Kenzie is about to upset his carefully crafted cover. 

This is a contemporary romance with faith elements, but it is not in-your-face, preachy. No, for Kenzie, it is just part of who she is. For Jasper, it was part of his past, but now, with his life spiraling out of his control, it is something knocking on his soul. These aren't perfect characters; they have flaws and failings, just like everyone else, which is what makes this book a more compelling read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

On the glittering waters of the Caribbean, 

a yacht captain’s fight for survival forces her to 

rely on a man she swore she’d never trust.

A fiercely independent yacht captain, Kenzie Wright has spent her life disregarding her family’s expectations. She thrives on freedom, charting her own course, and never staying in one place—or with one person—for long. But when a routine voyage thrusts her into the crosshairs of a deadly drug cartel, her carefully crafted agenda is blown apart. Her last hope to save herself and her crew is the partying playboy, Jaz.

DEA informant Jasper Aylett has spent years hunting the cartel leader known only as the Ghost. The mission has cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his chance at redemption. When a beautiful yacht captain gets caught in the Ghost’s web, Jaz risks his life to rescue her. It’s his last chance to secure the information he needs to take his enemy down—and get his life back.

Kenzie is forced into hiding with Jaz, and now two cartels want her dead. With their lives on the line, Kenzie and Jaz must work together to unravel the Ghost’s network before it’s too late. But the closer they get to the truth—and to each other—the more their past wounds and buried fears threaten to tear them apart, leaving them vulnerable to an enemy who won’t stop until they’re both destroyed.

From a USA Today bestselling author… Don’t miss this heart-pounding suspense and swoon-worthy romance as Kenzie and Jasper discover their fight for survival—and for love—can only be won together.

Buy it online  

The Tale of Capri ~ Review

The Tale of Capri

A Story Inspired by MerMay 

The Capri Saga #1 

By Kathleen Solis

When Capri is injured and hunted, she has no choice but to make her way to land if she wants a chance at surviving. But she never expected that she would have to allow a human to help her. 

She doesn't trust humans, and doubts she ever will, she's seen the destruction they've caused, the pain, the suffering. But Eden is different. He seems kind, caring, and respectful. 

The Tale of Capri is a sweet story, but it is also a warning as Eden is given a chance to experience life in the ocean through Capri's eyes. The filth and destruction caused but humanities carelessness. The trash and contamination allowed to destroy the oceans. But it is also a love story and a lesson on the fragility of love when secrets are kept. 

This story is, in my opinion, a small gem of delight that is appropriate for teens and adults who are looking for a clean read and what a mermaid tale that is more than a retelling of The Little Mermaid. I love that it is inspired by Mer-May.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

P.S. Content warning: Drinking is discussed - it is warning against the consequences and even choosing your friends wisely.

About the Book:

Eden, a kind young lifeguard, rescues an injured mermaid named Capri, who absolutely doesn't trust humans. With no chance at survival at sea, Capri has no choice but to remain under Eden's care in his secluded saltwater pool. 

Over time, Capri's guarded heart begins to melt as she discovers a different side of humanity...and Eden begins to inadvertently fall in love with her while hiding a secret that would shatter the trust he's built with her. 

When Capri offers him a single wish, Eden's choice will change their lives forever, launching them into an adventure filled with wonder, love, and secrets that neither of them could have bargained for.

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep ~ Review

Scoundrel of Claymore Keep

The King's Spies #2

By Jill Williamson

First thing you need to know is you must read Shadow of Ice Island before you read this book. The two books go together, and Scoundrel of Claymore Keep picks up where Shadow left off.

Kurtz Chazir, Zanna tan Quelle, Cole Tanniyn, and Mistel Wepp are continuing to search for answers to the questions that they came across in Shadow. And Kurtz is looking for the woman responsible for putting him in Ice Island for thirteen years. He seeks justice for the woman who framed him for King Axel's murder, though some might call it vengeance, or revenge.

But when things start to go wrong Kurtz must face the truth—there's his way or Arman's way. Then there is Zanna whom for some strange reason has become important to him, after viewing her as an irritant and nemesis for so long. And this strange phenomenon seems to have affected Zanna too. 

With danger awaiting them and any misstep they might make, tensions are high and unnecessary (aka unwanted) feelings and attractions will just make matters worse; especially with something interfering with the ability to blood voice. 

I love how this series has added to itself over the years. And this companion/spinoff series is an excellent addition to the Blood of Kings story world. I love the subtle and not so subtle nuisances. Bring on the next installment; I'm a waiting!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

THE SCOUNDREL

Kurtz Chazir isn't looking for redemption—he's hunting for revenge.

Thirteen years in prison for a crime he didn't commit taught him three things: trust no one, question everything, and never forgive the woman who destroyed his life. Now free and working as one of the king's spies, Kurtz has a chance to track down Careeanne Nariel, the seductress who framed him for King Axel's assassination.

But first, he must lead a team into Barth, a city shrouded in supernatural darkness where magic and conspiracy intertwine. His mission: find a missing land warden and expose a trafficking ring selling innocent women. The catch? He has to do it while pretending to be a singing minstrel.

Kurtz may be many things, but a performer isn't one of them.

THE WARRIOR

Zanna tan Quelle doesn't take orders wellpespecially from arrogant former prisoners.

A half-giant soldier with more combat experience than patience, Zanna is assigned to Kurtz's team to provide protection. What she gets instead is endless bickering, impossible decisions, and a man who thinks he knows everything.

He's stubborn. Reckless. Infuriating.

And somehow, he's the only person who sees past her warrior's exterior to the woman beneath.

When their undercover mission goes sideways and ancient blood magic resurfaces, Zanna finds herself fighting battles on two fronts: against the black knights closing in, and against the unwanted feelings stirring in her heart.

THE CONSPIRACY

Duke Falkson's fortress holds dark secrets—human trafficking, demonic altars, and a thirteen-year-old murder conspiracy.

As Kurtz and Zanna infiltrate the nobility's inner circle, they discover the truth runs deeper than either imagined. The black knights aren't just soldiers—they're part of a network stretching across the kingdom. The missing women aren't lost—they're enslaved. And the darkness covering Barth isn't natural—it's powered by blood sacrifice.

When Zanna is captured inside Claymore Keep and Kurtz must choose between his quest for vengeance and saving the woman who's become everything he never knew he needed, he'll learn that some battles aren't won with swords.

They're won on your knees.

PERFECT FOR FANS OF:

Enemies-to-lovers romance with scorching tension
Action-packed fantasy with sword-wielding heroines
Inspirational fantasy grounded in faith
Found family and loyal friendships
Telepathic bonds and forced proximity
Undercover spy missions
Justice, redemption, and second chances

Continue the beloved Blood of Kings adventures today!