teaand_tomes's reviews
503 reviews

Thank you to A. T. Qureshi, Avon Books, and NetGalley for the free book!

The Baby Dragon Cafe is everything you want in a cozy fantasy—sweet, whimsical, and utterly heartwarming. From the adorable chaos of baby dragons in a café to a slow-burn romance that leaves you smiling, this story is pure delight.

Saphira is a lovable protagonist whose determination to make her café work is as charming as her sunny outlook on life. The dragons are a highlight, full of mischief and cuteness, and the idea of dragon-roasted coffee adds a fun magical twist. Aiden, with his gruff yet caring demeanor, makes the perfect counterpart to Saphira, and their blossoming romance is as comforting as a cup of hot coffee on a chilly day.

This book is perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes or anyone who loves cozy, lighthearted fantasy stories filled with humor, romance, and just the right amount of magical mayhem. Highly recommend for a happy, feel-good read!

Thank you to A.S. Webb, MIRA, and The Hive for the free book!

Daughter of Chaos is a gripping reimagining of Greek mythology that breathes new life into well-known tales while forging its own unique path. Set in a world where mortals live under the tyranny of the gods, the story follows Danae, a fisherman's daughter with mysterious powers, on a quest that could change the fate of humanity.

I loved the inclusion of characters from various myths—Heracles, Paris and Helen, Theseus, and more—which enriched the narrative and made the story feel deeply rooted in its mythological backdrop. Heracles, in particular, plays a significant role, and it was so enjoyable to see his dynamic woven into the plot.

The twists surrounding the true nature of the gods were fascinating and added an innovative layer to the story. The tone reflected the gravitas of a classic Greek tragedy, capturing the drama, moral dilemmas, and larger-than-life stakes that define the genre.

This book left me eager to see where Danae’s journey leads next. A.S. Webb has crafted an engaging and thought-provoking tale that’s perfect for fans of Greek mythology and epic fantasy. Highly recommend!

Thank you Juneau Black, Vintage Books, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook!
 

If you’re looking for a charming blend of cozy mystery and woodland whimsy, Shady Hollow is a delightful pick. This first book in the series introduces us to the quaint and quirky village of Shady Hollow, where anthropomorphic woodland creatures live—and occasionally murder—among one another. 

 

Vera Vixen, a clever and determined fox reporter, makes for a fantastic protagonist. Her investigation into the suspicious death of a grumpy toad uncovers secrets that keep you guessing, all while painting a vivid picture of this unique little town. The mystery is engaging without being too dark, perfect for fans of cozies with a twist. 

 

Cassandra Campbell’s narration adds an extra layer of charm. Her performance, reminiscent of a classic noir like His Girl Friday, captures the playful yet mysterious tone of the story beautifully. 

 

Shady Hollow is a cozy noir that’s as whimsical as it is intriguing. Highly recommend for fans of cozy mysteries or anyone who loves their whodunits with a side of woodland charm! 

Thank you to Sarah Hawley, Ace Books, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook!

This book was incredible! Having loved Sarah Hawley’s Glitter Falls series, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her venture into high fantasy, but Servant of Earth completely exceeded my expectations.

The worldbuilding in this novel is stunning—rich, vivid, and immersive. The underground faerie kingdom of Mistei felt so real, with its cruel court, inventive trials, and layers of rebellion and intrigue. The story itself is intricate, fast-paced, and wonderfully crafted, with each twist leaving me even more invested. I’m utterly obsessed with this story and already dying to read the next installment. I sincerely hope Hawley continues to write more high fantasy because this foray into the genre is simply brilliant.

Mia Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration added so much depth to the experience. While her male voices didn’t stand out much, her portrayal of Kenna was exceptional. She captured every ounce of Kenna’s sadness, fear, anger, and determination, bringing the character to life in such a powerful way.

If you’re a fan of intricate worldbuilding, strong heroines, and stories of rebellion and survival, Servant of Earth is a must-read. Highly recommend it to fans of romantasy and high-stakes fantasy adventures! 

Thank you to Delacorte Press, TBR and Beyond Book Tours, and NetGalley for the free book!

OMG, this was absolutely adorable! I loved Dungeons and Drama, so I was beyond excited to see Kristy Boyce was writing another Dungeons and Dragons-inspired YA romance. Let me tell you—Dating and Dragons was even better than the first one!

One of my favorite things about this book was getting to experience so much of the group’s D&D campaign. The characters felt so real and relatable—they’re exactly the kind of people I would have loved to be friends with in high school. Quinn was utterly charming, with her unique personality and style shining through. I also loved how much she cared about her new friends—it was heartwarming to see her navigate friendships and find her place in the group.

And Logan? Swoon-worthy! He’s the dream boyfriend for any nerdy girl—a perfect mix of sweet and endearing with just the right amount of charm. Grandma Barbara was a standout character, too—cheeky, hilarious, and incredibly relatable as she faced the struggles of aging. Her storyline hit me on a deeper level, especially as it reminded me of similar experiences within my own family.

Kristy Boyce has a way of writing that feels like a warm hug for D&D fans and romance lovers alike. I hope she continues to write more of these delightful stories—they make my little nerd heart so happy! Highly recommend this one for fans of gaming, romance, and heartfelt YA! 

Thank you Wednesday Books, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for the free book!

As someone who grew up watching martial arts movies with my dad and sister, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Breath of the Dragon: Breathmarked. The fact that it was co-authored by Bruce Lee’s daughter and the head of his foundation only heightened my curiosity—and wow, this book exceeded every expectation.

This stunning story is both a beautiful homage to Bruce Lee’s teachings and an incredibly rich YA fantasy in its own right. Jun’s journey is captivating, from his desire to restore his father’s honor to his determination to defy the odds in the Guardian’s Tournament. The nods to Bruce Lee’s legacy, like the One-Inch Punch, had me giggling with excitement, but it’s the depth of the characters and the stakes of the story that truly shine.

The world-building is immersive, the characters are unforgettable, and the action-packed plot kept me enthralled from start to finish. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the final page. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in this duology and can’t wait to see where Jun’s journey leads next! 

Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for the free book!
 

This book is a fascinating blend of Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals, with a touch of the historical Navajo Windtalkers’ story. Set in 1920s London amidst dragons, protests, and espionage, A Language of Dragons captures the chaos of war and the moral dilemmas it brings in a way that feels both unique and deeply compelling.

I absolutely loved the rich setting—the post-war 1920s backdrop, the wartime codebreaking, and the secret dragon language all wove together into something truly magical. Vivian’s journey was equally gripping. Her internal struggle, torn between saving her family and fighting for a greater cause, felt so raw and realistic. The story doesn’t shy away from the morally gray areas, and I appreciated how both sides of the conflict had flaws and merits.

Viv’s character arc, filled with doubt, fear, and indecision, was the heart of the book for me. Her choices felt genuine, and the stakes were incredibly high. However, I didn’t connect as much with some of the side characters like Gideon, Serena, and Katherine, who felt underdeveloped compared to Viv. Similarly, the relationship between Vivian and Atlas, while intriguing, sometimes lacked the depth I hoped for.

That said, the story as a whole was excellent—filled with twists, betrayals, and impossible choices. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how the series develops. If you love epic fantasy with dragons, moral dilemmas, and a touch of dark academia, this is a debut you won’t want to miss! 

Thank you PRH Audio for the free audiobook!

What an incredible conclusion to this trilogy! The Golden Enclaves delivers a huge twist that completely blew me away. Naomi Novik dives even deeper into the lore of this world, and I loved learning about the construction of the enclaves and the darker secrets hidden within them.

This series has been a standout for its unique magic system, compelling story, and unforgettable characters (not to mention the terrifying monsters!). El remains one of my favorite protagonists—her exasperated, put-upon teen personality is perfectly captured by Novik’s writing.

Anisha Dadia’s narration was a delight. She truly brought El to life, perfectly embodying her dry wit and fiery determination. Her performance added so much to the experience and made the audiobook a joy to listen to.

Overall, this was a phenomenal ending to a fantastic series, and it left me eager to explore more of Novik’s works. If you haven’t picked up The Scholomance trilogy yet, it’s an absolute must for fantasy lovers!

Thank you PRH Audio for the free audiobook!

What?? Are you serious?? It’s ending like THAT?? WTF?? 😱

This sequel to A Deadly Education completely upped the ante. With the backstory and worldbuilding already established, this book dives straight into the action and tension, and it delivers!

I absolutely adore El and Orion’s dynamic. Their relationship is hilariously dysfunctional in the best way possible. El’s angry, prickly nature doesn’t faze Orion at all—in fact, he loves it. It’s refreshing to see a relationship where both characters embrace each other for who they are, even with all their rough edges. Their banter and interactions made for some of the most entertaining moments in the book.

El and Orion’s ridiculous power levels continue to make for a fascinating and relatable exploration of what it means to be seen for who you are rather than what you can do. Neither of them asked for their incredible abilities, and their struggles with acceptance and normalcy are deeply compelling.

But that CLIFFHANGER?! I’m going to need answers, and fast! This is a brilliant sequel that leaves you desperate for the next installment. If you enjoyed A Deadly Education, you’re in for a wild ride with The Last Graduate! 

Thank you Bloom Books and NetGalley for the free book!

The Empress is a captivating start to a tarot-inspired romantasy series that pulls you into the intriguing world of Towerfall.

The concept of parallel realms, with mirror versions of people existing in each, was such a fascinating twist.

Kane is everything you'd want in a morally gray hero—dashing, roguish, and fiercely protective. He adds so much depth and tension to the story. As for Hannah, she was incredibly relatable and refreshingly realistic. I loved that she wasn’t written as someone with hidden powers or extraordinary talents. Instead, her heroism comes from her growing confidence and learning to navigate a magical world despite feeling out of her depth. Her journey of self-discovery was a highlight and felt wonderfully authentic.

The story’s use of tarot as a world-building element was intriguing, though I was left a little unclear on the role of the Empress after she brought Hannah to Towerfall. Since this is the first book in the series, I’m eager to learn more about the importance of this card, the tower, and how the Arcana tie into the plot.

Overall, this was a refreshing take on the genre, blending high stakes, romance, and self-discovery. I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes from here!