REVIEW: "The Other Side of the Mirror" by Dana Evyn (Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance)

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIRROR by Dana Evyn
	Publisher: City Owl Press Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance Publication Date: April 9th, 2024 Series: The Mirror Trilogy, #1 Standalone: No
Categories/Tropes:
Found Family, Magic, A Whole New World (Fae Realm), Strong Heroine, Forced Proximity (One Horse, Camping), Fae, Finding Yourself
Description from Publisher:
What if the fairytale was always a lie? Seven years after her family’s murders, Eva is attacked by a magical creature and abducted to the faerie realm. When a handsome fae saves her, Bash reveals that he must bring Eva to her faerie soulmate to stop a world-ending Curse. She relents, but only for the opportunity to find answers about her parents’ deaths. As their journey progresses, Eva delves into her previously hidden magic—and grows steadily closer to Bash. But when she meets her prince, she soon learns that all is not what it seems. While mystery and intrigue surround her, Eva takes it into her own hands to uncover the truth. But what she discovers is beyond her imagination, as she unravels the fae’s web of lies. Don’t miss this romantasy into the fae realm with hidden secrets, steamy romance, and true fantasy adventure.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
I NEED THE NEXT BOOK, NOW!! Okay, so now that that is out of the way, I can get to my review. ;) There's a cliffhanger ending to this, as you would expect from a trilogy, and it is a doozy! When I started this, I wasn't necessarily feeling the first couple of chapters. Eva just seemed so much like she was refusing to actually LIVE because her family had perished in a housefire SEVEN years before, and something about that just didn't really grab me. HOWEVER, enter a muddy golem attack and banter with a handsome, freckled redhead and the tendrils of the Faewilds, Bash & Eva pulled me in. I just couldn't stop reading this, and stayed up all night (No regrets!). Eva has grown up in the mortal world, completely oblivious to the fact that not only does another realm exist, but that she and her family are Fae that had to flee their realm during a war. She has been basically on her own, with only her best friend, since both of their families died within a short time. When she meets Bash, a random stranger who thinks she needs protection and also that she is some sort of key to ending a world-ending curse, everything changes. Bash is a favorite type of hero of mine: Strong, mischievous, respectful, loyal, and willing to show some vulnerability. He's not into unnecessary violence, but will not hesitate to right a wrong when he sees one (like someone he cares about being hurt... ;) ). I loved the banter between Bash and Eva, and the slow burn that you want to turn into the inferno they deserve. There was so much chemistry between them, both physical and emotional! I'm not a fan of instalust or instalove, and there was none of that here. There was a good (welcome) amount of spice in the last half. The world itself, with its lore and magic, felt the right amount of fleshed-out for the first book in the series. The explanation as to why Eva didn't know about any of it worked for the story, as did the way it all got to come out. I liked the way everyone's magic was always around in some way, a bit playful at times, but not with a mind of its own (just an extension). This book isn't for the faint of heart, as the author gives fair warning of in the beginning. There is some darkness and grit, and the characters find themselves dealing with some truly despicable villains. There is some really great dialogue after some dark times, which I feel elevated the romance and the depth of the characters. I didn't expect to love this as much as I did, but it was one of those books that I was tempted to immediately re-read!
My Source: I received a digital ARC from the publisher to voluntarily review. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is unbiased and 100% my own.

About the Author: Dana Evyn
Dana Evyn is a romantasy author who has been lost in her daydreams for as long as she can remember, though she only recently started writing them down. When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading a good book—especially one with an indomitable female lead, a unique magical world, and a dark twist you don’t see coming. She lives in Kirkland, WA with her two tiny humans, ever-supportive husband, and giant golden retriever.
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❤️💞REVIEW: "Edge of Chaos" by Molly E. Lee (New Adult, Romance)

EDGE OF CHAOS by Molly E. Lee
	Publisher: Molly E. Lee Genre: New Adult, Romance Publication Date: March 30th 2016 Series: Love on the Edge, #1 Standalone: Yes
Categories:
Friends to Lovers, Heavy Subjects (Domestic Abuse), Nice Guy, Outdoorsy, Road Trip, Adventure Seekers, Second Chances
Other Books in the LOVE ON THE EDGE Series
#1.5 #2 #3 #4
Description from Publisher:
Blake Caster has been in an emotionally abusive relationship with Justin for so long, she can’t tell what is normal anymore, and so she clings to the one thing that is solidly hers—her passion for extreme weather. Three years into her Meteorology degree, Blake meets professional storm chaser, Dash Lexington, who is as gorgeous as he is daring. Instantly recognizing her passion and skills in analyzing weather data, he makes a spot for her on his tight-knit storm chasing team. Dash and Blake form a fast friendship and it forces her to realize just how toxic her relationship with Justin is. She can’t deny the lightning-worthy chemistry she has with Dash or how her heart stalls every time he gets too close to a tornado. With each chase and the cherished moments with Dash, Blake discovers her own self-worth and gains the strength to end things with Justin for good. But he won’t go easily. As Blake tries to sever ties with one man, she fears she’ll lose the other to his dangerous obsession—and she doesn't know if she’ll be enough to save him from the impending storm that could end them all.
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
My Musings:
This seriously gripped me! The chasing of tornadoes was deliciously thrilling and, at times, I felt like I was there watching the rotations and crazy storm clouds. The blossoming of friendship between Blake and Dash was so sweet and then their more romantic feelings so powerful, building up slowly before being a real force to reckon with (not unlike the storms they chase). I'm not normally a fan of romance where one or both main characters are in a relationship with someone else, but this one was perfectly done (there is no cheating, for those who, like me, do not find that at all romantic!). We don't necessarily get a lot about Dash, especially since this is told completely from Blake's POV and she has quite a lot on her plate, but I loved him none-the-less. He was funny, confident, patient and very thoughtful. Also, his smirks. :) Blake's growth from start to finish was bittersweet but wonderful. The way she grew stronger was fantastic to "watch" and had me cheering for her every step of the way. Did she frustrate me at times? Yes, but this was a very realistic portrayal of a victim of domestic abuse, so it went with the territory. I also really liked John and Paul and the overall dynamic of the storm chasing group. And I couldn't stand Justin, but he didn't ever feel like a caricature and was a very realistic jerk. All in all, this was seriously a great read and I'm excited for the continuation of their story in Edge of Bliss!
My Source: Bought this off Amazon. My opinion is unbiased and my 100% own.

About the Author: Molly E. Lee
Molly E. Lee is an author and editor best known for her debut novel EDGE OF CHAOS, and as a fourth year mentor at Pitch Wars - a program which connects promising writers to established authors in the community. Molly writes New Adult Contemporary and Young Adult Urban Fantasy featuring strong female heroines who are unafraid to challenge their male counterparts, yet still vulnerable enough to have love sneak up on them. In addition to being a military spouse and mother of two + one stubborn English Bulldog, Molly loves watching storms from her back porch at her Midwest home, and digging for treasures in antique stores.

Review: "Never Let You Go" by Monica Murphy (Contemp. Romance, Suspense, New Adult)

	Never Let You Go by Monica Murphy Publisher: Bantam Series: Never Never Tear Us Apart (#1) (affil.) Genre: Contemp. Romance, Suspense, New Adult Publication Date: May 3, 2016 (Affiliate links)
Description from Publisher: The second novel in this darkly sexy contemporary series from bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up an emotionally powerful two-part tale of forbidden love. The truth hurts, they say—and my pain cuts deep. While I was falling for Ethan, he was deceiving me the entire time. He held a huge secret, protected by his lies. When I discovered what he was hiding, the truth shook my world, threatening to ruin us forever. Ruin me. But I soon realized that what we share can’t be destroyed. The connection between us is too strong. It always has been. I can’t deny him any longer. And I can’t deny my truth: I’m in love with Ethan. I don’t want to let him go. While we’re trying our best to make this relationship work, other forces are fighting against us. My family, who wants to keep me safe. The media obsessed with my tragic past. The public that feeds off of it. Even Ethan’s father—the man who nearly destroyed me all those years ago. He’s doing his best to finish the job. Despite my love for Ethan, the doubts creep in, clouding my mind. Is he worth the pain? Will our love survive, or will we have no choice but to end it—end us—once and for all?
My Rating:	Heat Rating:
I received a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.com for an honest, unbiased review. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is my 100% own. I enjoyed how this book had a more normal and comfortable Katie and Will than the first book. Their relationship was more normal and I liked the obstacles they faced. This book felt almost like a "After the HEA," though the first book didn't leave these two with a happy ending. It just had so much of what a real relationship has and not just the crazy intense emotions. The voice of Aaron was creepy, but in a way that made sense and added a necessary voice to the story. The suspense his role brings is well worth suspending some disbelief over how likely the scenarios involving him are. [His breaking out of prison was a bit unbelievable, for instance (hide spoiler)] Speaking of roles... Thank you, Monica Murphy, for Molly. More books need wonderful dogs in them. :) The crazy journalist works pretty well for this, and I appreciate that Lisa is so deeply involved in Katherine and Will's story. The breakthroughs that are made by Will in this book are well done too. I feel as though this book got to be more "Will's" book, though the first installment hardly ignored his turmoil.The work they do on their relationship is important and eases any discomfort the reader may have over their unusual situation. The two are so much more mature in this half, which really solidifies their love and affection for one another. Overall, this is a great finish to their story. There is love, suspense, strong character growth, and tortured souls - and a sweet Happily Ever After. What more could you ask for?