While the City Sleeps ~ Review

While the City Sleeps
The Women of Midtown #1
By Elizabeth Camden

Katherine Schneider is a woman dentist working the late-night shift in New York City. When a patient begins rambling while under the effects of nitrous oxide, she thinks little of it. But when something the patient said is linked to the mafia, Katherine finds herself caught up in unexpected danger. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Birch is determined to keep the mafia where it belongs - out of his beat. For the last couple of years, he's escorted Katherine home when her shift ends and, on occasion, offering her baked goods that can't be found in any bakery. This friendship causes Katherine to seek him out when she fears her late-night patient may have been involved in something sinister.   

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the Women of Midtown series. This book is set during the Gilded Age, 1913 New York City. I like the idea behind the title of this book - While the City Sleeps describes the people who work during the night, the people who keep the city running through their work during the night. People that most aren't even aware exist. 

This book is a Historical Romance, but there is also a mystery that runs through it. There is more than one mystery. The one is the threat to the city. The other involves Lieutenant Birch; who is he?  Jonathan is very protective of his past, offering little when questioned. And yet, we get glimpses of his thoughts and concerns about his secrets and deception. 

This book is attention-grabbing with the way the story unfolds. The author makes it come alive with a seamless blend of setting, characters, and historical facts. I, for one, didn't know that the American Dental Association was well-established in 1913. I love it when I can learn facts like this while being entertained. And a mansard roof was mentioned, so guess who did a search for pictures to see examples?  But if all you want is an enjoyable read that includes historical fiction and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this new series debut.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

QUICK FACTS                                                                                                  

 Title: While the City Sleeps
 Series: The Women of Midtown (Book 1)
 Author: Elizabeth Camden
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)
 Length: (352) pages
 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: ‎978-0764241710
 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient
reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is
plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a
police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on
them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety
on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal
conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all
costs.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of
dangerous secrets and wounded hearts, fighting to overcome the darkness while the
rest of the city sleeps.

PRAISE FOR WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

 "History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"— Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

 "Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else... A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

 “I loved the historical details that make the story feel authentic.”— Kim Prudhoe, All the Lovely Pages

PURCHASE LINKS: 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Heart of a Royal ~ Review

Heart of a Royal
Daughters of Peverell #1
By Hannah Currie

Heart of a Royal is a lovely book and perfect for Valentine's. For more than 17 years, Mackenna (Kenna) Sparrow has lived the life of a princess. When Princess Alina's mother died shortly after her birth, Kenna was raised alongside her when her mother stepped in to help care for the motherless baby. But though she has lived the life of a royal, Kenna knows that it will all end when Alina marries.

But what Kenna never knew was just how much certain people resented her, though most adored her. And with her final days living as a royal coming to an end, she is torn by her feelings. Her friendships with Princess Alina and Prince Thoraben are seemingly at an end. The fact of which is more painful than she had expected. What does a nearly 18-year-old former princess's companion do for the rest of her life? With questions and no answers in sight, she needs to untangle what she does and doesn't know about those closest to her before she can move forward into her new life as a commoner.

This is the first book in the Daughters of Peverell series, and my goodness, it is filled with secrets and dangers. The land is under threat from rebels and has been to Kenna's knowledge all her life and even before. In fact, a former friend was even expelled from the kingdom because of her rebellious leanings and refusal to see the error of her beliefs! With danger so close, there are fears that Kenna could be a target because of her close association with the royals. 

But there is so much more to the story than what first appears, and it is interesting to see how everything unfolds. And believe me, there is a real doozie of a twist. There are actually a couple of twists that reveal some interesting facts about the various characters. It is also interesting how one decision can change the course of a life or even a kingdom. After reading this book, I really need to know what comes next. This book ends not on a cliffhanger, but it is obvious that there is so much more to the story. Overall this is a sweet read and one that explores family, responsibility, and truth. I feel that this is a clean read for teens looking for an alternative to the normal romance that is readily available today.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Brought to the palace as a newborn, the royal life bestowed upon Mackenna Sparrow was never meant to last forever.

With Princess Alina engaged to be married, Mackenna's presence as a companion is no longer required. And, like it or not, she must return to the birthright that should have been hers - that of a commoner. But not everyone at the palace wants her gone. 

When the truths she’s based her life on start crumbling as fast as her future, will she find the courage to trust both herself and the prince she’s fallen in love with?

Cover Reveal ~ Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice

   Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice

by C.F.E. Black, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

All Vera wants is to survive her wedding day without disaster striking, no easy task for a quarter-mage like Vera. But all her hopes fade when a stranger traps Vera, claiming she's dangerous. The day gets worse when she is shoved inside the Labyrinth, an enchanted prison for the worst of criminals.

In this place, madness reigns. The monsters—both real and imagined—are all ruled by a terrible force that feeds on fear. Vera must keep her wits about her as she navigates this deadly place, searching for a way out.

When she meets another mortal trapped within, she doesn't know if she can trust him. But as their paths continue to cross, it seems as if the maze is forcing them to work together. Can they help each other defeat the monsters and survive in this nightmare world? But in the Labyrinth, nothing is as it seems.

Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice is book 6 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend, each tale packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

And now the cover:

Coming April 12, 2024

Cover Reveal ~ Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice

  Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice

by Mary Mecham, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

To assassinate her target, she must marry the one man capable of killing her.

Azora has dedicated her life to exacting revenge on the phoenix shifters who murdered her parents. When Prince Tarquin of Pyren demands a bride as part of a peace treaty, the elite strike squad of assassins Azora belongs to agree—she’s the perfect candidate to eliminate the monstrous shifter.

The traces of phoenix blood flowing in her veins grant her immunity to fire and will allow her to slay Tarquin. But, since only a phoenix can destroy another, the gift is also her curse.

With the tantalizing offer of peace on the altar, Azora weds Tarquin, knowing that as soon as the peace treaty is broken, either bride or groom will be the first casualty. But just as Azora begins to uncover the man behind the monster, skirmishes erupt throughout the land. When the time arrives to finally eliminate the threat to Termarth, Azora’s loyalties are torn.

She intended to gamble her life away, not her heart.

Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice is book 5 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

And now the cover:

Coming April 5, 2024

Winter's Maiden ~ Cover Reveal

 What could be better than a cover reveal? Well, yes, the book in hand is better, but in regards to anticipating a new book the cover reveal has to be it. And today I have the pleasure of sharing the new cover for Morgan Busse's upcoming release - Winter's Maiden. Mark your calendars, this release from Enclave is coming this August!

But before I share the cover here is a little bit about the book. This is the first book in The Nordic Wars, a Viking Fantasy series. Right, sounds intriguing doesn't it. And even better it is available to preorder in hardcover today!

Warrior. Survivor. Daughter of the North. 

 

From the moment she is born, Brighid fights to survive in the wastelands of Nordica as a clanless one. But when a new power arrives offering a trial to join the Nordic warriors, Brighid enters, hoping to rise above her station. Soon she becomes one of their fiercest fighters and joins the war against the south.

Kaeden carries the blood of the ancient Eldaran race in his veins but turns away from his heritage after the death of his parents. Years later, he is called back to his homeland and invited to be a healer for the southern forces. With the help of an old mentor, the power inside of him starts to awaken. However, his life is turned upside down when a mighty warrior of the Nordic forces is captured.

As Kaeden interacts with the enemy, he discovers there is a darkness behind the Nordic Wars, one that is manipulating the people of the north. But who will believe him? And is there a power strong enough to break the hold of this hidden adversary? Or will the world burn in the flames of war?

And 

now

the 

cover...

Preorder today.

https://amzn.to/3SH4b5A

Cover Reveal ~ Island of Secrets and Sacrifice

  Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Island of Secrets and Sacrifice

by Deborah Grace White, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

A girl marked for death, a man branded a monster…a reality that is very different from what it seems

Ember’s defiance has always been a frustration to the rest of her island community. But even she didn’t expect to be selected as the next sacrifice, years before another is due. And she can’t help but wonder if it relates to the strange new ability that’s just begun to stir within her. She doesn’t intend to go down without a fight—in fact, the chance to confront the monster demanding sacrifices is a more welcome path than the marriage her parents had arranged to a local farmer.

Haiden has never heard of Ember’s island, and he couldn’t care less about their plight. He’s fully occupied trying to lift the curse that has turned him into a monster while fending off the stream of maidens determined to break it for him—both feats that are proving impossible in spite of his considerable magical ability.

When Ember charges into his purposely isolated life, badly wounded, full of nonsensical accusations, and entirely undaunted by his hideous form, their paths and plans collide with a force neither is prepared for. It will take more than Ember’s fledgling magic and Haiden’s superior training to lift both his curse and the lies holding her island captive. They’ll first have to learn to actually let each other in, which may prove the hardest sacrifice of all.

Island of Secrets and Sacrifice is book 4 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend, each tale packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

It’s set in the world of The Singer Tales, a completed series of six clean fairy tale retellings by Deborah Grace White. Island of Secrets and Sacrifice takes place six years after the end of the series, but can be enjoyed without any prior reading.

And now the cover:

Coming March 29, 2024

Cover Reveal ~ Mask of Deception and Sacrifice

 Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Mask of Deception and Sacrifice

by Callie Thomas, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

If she can remove the monster’s mask, she will earn her freedom…but failure will cost her life.

Thirteen years ago, Princess Fiona fled the bloodshed within Ravenwood Castle. She has no desire to return to the place of her childhood nightmares, especially not as a prisoner locked in chains. Using the power of illusion, she glamours her appearance to conceal her royal identity, hoping that her facade won’t crumble before she can escape.

When the usurper king forces her on a deadly mission to subdue a wild man terrorizing his kingdom, Fiona must earn the trust of a masked monster who uses his sharp tongue and shifting personalities to keep her away. But the longer she’s with him, the more she sees beyond his disguise and succumbs to his charms.

With her life on the line, the last thing she needs is a distraction. But when he offers her another path to freedom, will she sacrifice everything for him?

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice is book 3 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

And now the cover:

Coming March 22, 2024