Breeana Shields

This was a better read than I thought. Reminded me of the movie Sliding Doors...except with magic. On the day that was supposed to lead her down a path, not of her choosing, turns into a split future, timelines that will eventually smash together. Saskia the Tudor doesn't know if her reality will continue or if her "other" life path will take over. The way the author weaves the two stories with many twists and turns, with the two timelines coming together (no spoilers!) was surprising. How she managed to keep the flow of the two stories going was a testament to her writing. Both versions of Saski were fighters, women who were determined to "choose" their own destinies. The tension reflected in both timelines drove the storylines, making the reader turn the pages faster, although I didn't want it to end!… (mehr)

“That's how you know something is ready to be devoured, when it gives just a little under pressure. It's the same with people.”
― Breeana Shields, Poison's Kiss

This book is breathtaking. The cover art is magnificent. So is the story within.

Snakes, Mythology and a great fun read!

So this is about about Marinda, the visha kanya, whose kiss is poison. She works for the government and it is her job to kill by kissing, anyone the government wants her to. However, when the boy she falls for is added to the kill list, she begins to question everything.

I LOVED the whole mythological aspect to this story. The whole idea is riveting and makes for an intelligent and dazzling novel filled with Mythology, snakes, romance, mystery and suspense.

I never got tired of reading and read this in one sitting. The pacing is great and so is the world building. Our protagonist wants to do the right thing. But..in this world....can she?

This is part of a series but I think there is only one other book not two. I have the second one on my TBR list..any day now. Hope it is as riveting as the first. Four amazing stars.… (mehr)

The Splendor had me hooked by the second chapter...okay, so maybe the premise alone is what actually had me hooked, but those first few chapters grabbed me and told me to hold on 'cause this is going to be quite the ride!

Well, those chapters were right. The Splendor is quite the ride! It has beautiful, descriptive writing...missing no small detail of the world. Magic just oozes from this story and it makes you literally crave turning to the next page.
"She spoke sentences delicious enough to eat."

There are alternating POVs between Juliette and Henri so you get a good look into the story from both characters eyes which I greatly appreciated. You will literally be swept away into the wonder that is The Splendor.
But, be prepared for unexpected plot twists on top of plot twists and for your heartstrings to be pulled on as this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. I could not recommend it more.

Definitely pick this one up!

Huge thank you to Page Street Publishing for the ARC to read, enjoy, and honestly review.… (mehr)

If you could get rid of your worst memories, would you?

Juliette and her older sister Clare have always wanted to visit The Splendor. The magical hotel promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience of decadence and luxury as the only place that can make your wildest dream come true, and Juliette dreams of it fulfilling the emptiness of growing up without parents. When Juliette finally saves enough to send one of them, she chooses to send Clare, the older sister who loved her and made the children's home bearable. But then Clare comes back, and she doesn't want to be around Juliette anymore.

Heartbroken, Juliette steals the rainy day fund she and Clare were saving to buy their own place and books herself a reservation at The Splendor to find out what took Clare away from her.

The glitz of the The Splendor and its magical illusionists will draw you in as much as it does Juliette, until you find out that all that glitters is not gold. Imagine being the star of a masquerade ball, or being able to wish a dragon chariot race into existence. But someone has to pay the price of all that magic, and slowly but surely, The Splendor's sinister side is revealed.

Juliette bonds with Henri, the foster son of the Splendor's owners and heir apparent. He blames himself for breaking her heart, since he's the reason Clare doesn't want anything to do with Juliette anymore. Henry removes unwanted memories, then reworks them for other people. He can take a perilous battle scene that's giving one person PTSD and change it into a heroic experience for someone who wants memories of saving the day. He can rework the shape of a person's life - at least in their memory. Henry sees himself as using his power for good, so learning of Juliette's pain shakes him.

But the secrets of The Splendor go far deeper than either of them have dreamed, weaving a tapestry of lies around everyone associated with it. Henri and Juliette will have to work together if either of them will have a chance at escaping.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)