Summer 2024 Book Reviews

Summer has always flown by way too quickly. Reading in a hammock, reading on the lake, reading in front of the A/C for a bit of reprieve from the sun... There's just not enough time! Graduation parties, holidays, the traffic that inevitably comes with vacationers, it's all way too distracting! Even still, I was able to set aside time to make some headway on my never-ending "want to read" list.

First up, Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Check & Mate is a story about Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess star who has sworn off the sport entirely. After it broke her family apart, she's determined to focus on her mom and sisters (and keeping the lights on at home by working a dead-end job). Coaxed into playing in a charity event, Mallory inadvertently destroys Nolan Sawyer—the "Kingkiller" current world champion and bad boy of chess—and is thrown back into the spotlight.

Drawn in by the thrill—and the cash prizes, Mallory finds herself back in the world of chess. The unknown rookie who beat the world champion will have quite the time managing her double life as a chess prodigy and keeping her family far away from it. On top of that, Nolan Sawyer won't let her be, taking every opportunity to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is he playing?

This book was hilarious, sweet, romantic, and healing. Following Mallory's story was both inspirational and exciting. I love each and every character and wish I had a little more time with them. The physical romance in this book is a little tamer than in other Ali Hazelwood works, but has all the same sparks and excitement we love to see.

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Second, Chase the Dark by Annette Marie

Chase the Dark's heroine, Piper Griffiths, wants one thing in life: to become a Consul, a keeper of the peace between humans and daemons. After a top-secret magical weapon protected by the Consulate is stolen via means of lethal force, Piper is left to take the fall for their crimes.

Out of options, Piper has no choice but to work together with two daemons. The first is Lyre, the Incubus. Hotter than hell and with a wicked streak to match. His greatest mission in life is to annoy the crap out of her, but he isn't as harmless as he seems. The second is Ash. Draconian. Powerful. Dangerous. He knows too much and reveals nothing. Also, disturbingly attractive—and scary. Did she mention scary?

I read this book for a second time, which is a pretty rare occurrence for me. This book was my first introduction to Annette Marie's masterpieces, and I've been a huge fan of hers ever since. The entire story that unfolds during this series is an impressive and satisfying example of character development. While I loved the capable (yet a little naive) Piper, watching her grow was fulfilling. Not to mention the sexy daemons she keeps for company? Woah, talk about tingles. I recommend following Annette Marie's reading order for this series and the next series I'll be reviewing: The Night Realm.

Reading Order

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Next, The Night Realm by Annette Marie

The Night Realm is the first of a prequel trilogy in the Steel & Stone universe. It explores further into Lyre and Ash's past, following the story of the nymph Clio. Clio is the illegitimate daughter of the nymph king, exiled to the human realm until given a chance to prove herself. He half-brother gives her the opportunity she needs: go to the underworld to steal spells from the most dangerous spell weavers.

Lyre is an incubus, working under his father as a master spell weaver. Avoiding attention the best he can, he spends his days concealing his true motives and fighting to stay afloat. Now he's been assigned to watch over a visitor from the Overworld—one who's definitely hiding something. And with her unholy talent for triggering chaos and catastrophe, his job just keeps getting more perilous. Clearly, she'll never survive this world. The thing is, he's no longer sure he can survive it either.

I wholly enjoyed getting this deeper insight into the beloved Steel & Stone universe. The imaginative ways weavings can be used were very interesting, and the budding romance between Clio and Lyre is simply delectable. No spoilers from me... but let's just say I'm REALLY looking forward to the follow-up series, Blackfire. The release date has yet to be announced, but it will feature Piper, Ash, Lyre and Clio narrating together for the first time.

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Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux knows she’s the best—but she doesn’t know if she’s good enough for this job. Hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael, a being so lethal that no mortal wants his attention, only one thing is clear—failure is not an option…even if the task is impossible. Because this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other…and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break…

THIS ENTIRE SERIES HAS HAD ME IN A CHOKEHOLD SINCE I STARTED IT. I love it. I truly do. I wanted to cry when I realized I would have to wait for the 17th book to be released. Each character is amazing, and each revelation is satisfying. The pacing is both addictive and intense. I am still shocked that I don't see more people talking about these books, they deserve so much love and attention.

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Lastly, Lightlark by Alex Aster

Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die.

Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with. They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial.

To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray…even as love complicates everything.

I am so excited for the third book to be released! Focusing on the first book, however, it's intricate and well-thought-out with not only the magic systems and curses, but also with the personalities and stakes involved. The characters are each intriguing and wrapped in mystery, making each revelation more exciting.

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