Paladin's Hope - Book Review

 

Paladin's Hope (The Saint of Steel #3)

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

Piper is a lich-doctor, a physician who works among the dead, determining causes of death for the city guard's investigations. It's a peaceful, if solitary profession…until the day when he's called to the river to examine the latest in a series of mysterious bodies, mangled by some unknown force.

Galen is a paladin of a dead god, lost to holiness and no longer entirely sane. He has long since given up on any hope of love. But when the two men and a brave gnole constable are drawn into the web of the mysterious killer, it's Galen's job to protect Piper from the traps that await them.

He's just not sure if he can protect Piper from the most dangerous threat of all…

What did I think of it:

This is my favorite in this series so far!

I fell in love with Piper in Paladin's Grace, so seeing him getting his own book in this series made me so happy. Galen is a worthy love interest, and I loved seeing the two pine for each other. They're the sweetest couple yet, imo

I also loved learning more about gnole society, loved the gnole constable who asks Galen and Piper to join him on an investigation, loved seeing Brindle again... well, love for all things gnolish all around!

The overall story was suspenseful and fun. I had a great time with the weird situations they get into. 

All in all a delightful read.

I'll get to the last book soon, I hope.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable Fantasy Romance

Teaser Tuesdays - Masquerade of Mirrors

 

Feeling returns to my fingers and toes in tiny shocks, cascading like cold water up my limbs. Strange smoke muffles my ears. Something rumbles beneath me, steady and rhythmic.

(14% into digital ARC, Masquerade of Mirrors by Samantha Hartwood)

(releases February 17th, 2026)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Blue Beard, Red Hood - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

Blue Beard, Red Hood (Beloved Villains #6)

Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

A spicy, adult romantasy retelling of "Bluebeard" and "Little Red Riding Hood," two of Charles Perrault's most famous stories.

Sybil Fallon has a habit of summoning demons unintentionally and at the most inconvenient times. When she, her mother, and her sister are invited to an upcoming dinner at the estate of the mysterious Theron Beresford, Sybil is desperate to ensure that her ability won't manifest and ruin the evening. But when she seeks help from her reclusive former mentor, Grandmother Riquet, she discovers that the old woman has changed in dangerous and disturbing ways... and so has the forest in which she lives.

As Sybil struggles to control an ability she doesn't understand, she becomes strongly attracted to Beresford, the brawny, handsome estate owner. His distinctive blue beard isn't his only unusual trait. In addition to socially acceptable dinner parties, he also likes to host secret gatherings in the refurbished barn on his property. Sybil's first invitation to one of his naughty midnight parties opens her mind to a world of new pleasures. But with local disappearances inciting the suspicion of the neighbors, and Beresford's secretive nature raising questions in her own mind, Sybil must navigate an increasingly treacherous path through the forest of her circumstances in pursuit of the future she wants.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

Yes, I totally went on a Rebecca F. Kenney Binge.

This one I got as an ARC, but I bought the ebook as well, because I didn't get to reading/reviewing before the release.

I've always thought Bluebeard would be a great fairy tale to reimagine into something more sensual. And here it is!

I really enjoyed this mashup of Bluebeard and Little Red Riding Hood. I liked Sybil, and was as intrigued by Beresford as she was. There lots of deliciousness, some creepy things, and lots of suspense. There's elements of both fairy tales, but once again Kenney weaves them into a wonderful reimagining all her own. I had a great time with this and it won't be the last book by Kenney I will read.

Why should you read it:

It's a sensual, suspenseful fairy tale mashup.

A Tale of Vines and Vengeance - Quick Review by Voodoo Bride

 

A Tale of Vines and Vengeance (Wicked Darlings #3.5)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

This is not a full novel, it is a short story connected to the Wicked Darlings series. It is meant to be read after you've completed all three of the main novels in the series, starting with A Court of Sugar and Spice. It contains some spoilers for the series.

If you loved Clara and her handsome Sugarplum Faerie, Finias, you'll enjoy this small glimpse into their life after the events of the series.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I'm a rebel. I totally skipped over the third book in this series to read this short story about Clara and Fin.

And it's a quick read with both suspense and lots of deliciousness. If you loved Clara and her Sugarplum Faerie as much as I do, this is a must read!

There's spoilers for the first two books, and maybe minor spoilers for the third book.

Why should you read it:

It's fun and delicious.

A Court of Hearts and Hunger - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

A Court of Hearts and Hunger (Wicked Darlings #2)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

Just as Clara and her sister are settling into their new life, Drosselmeyer sends a desperate message to the Seelie Court. With Lir and Louisa occupied elsewhere, Clara and Finias (the Sugarplum Faerie) have no choice but to respond and forge deep into Unseelie Territory, where a cruel Queen, known as the Eater of Hearts, has taken the throne. As they infiltrate the Court of Dread, Finias and Clara are forced to keep their relationship a secret. Meanwhile, the ravenous victims of the Queen, called the Heartless, turn the Unseelie kingdom into a far more dangerous place than usual.

Brimming with drama, horror, and spice, this sequel to "A Court of Sugar and Spice" brings back Clara and Finias, while introducing new characters like the fiendishly hot Cheshire Cat, the enigmatic Rabbit, the terrifying Queen, and more.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I totally bought this because it had more Clara and Finias. And this book is a must have for anyone who loved them in A Court of Sugar and Spice in my opinion. They're chapters are worth it all by themselves.

I did really enjoy the chapters with Alice, Rabbit, and the Cheshire Cat as well, but more because of the Rabbit and Cheshire Cat than because of Alice. I didn't click with her at all. Her personality just felt off to me. That aside, I had a great time with this book, and treated myself to the print version as an early Christmas present after finishing it.

(yes, I'm behind on my reviews and still catching up)

Overall a really enjoyable read with some darker elements, so I advice you to look into the content warnings before diving in.

Why should you read it:

More Fin & Clara!

The Midnight King - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

The Midnight King: A Cinderella Retelling

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

Bound by magic, Celinda serves her step-family night and day with little hope of escaping the drudgery of her life, and even less hope of attending the upcoming series of royal parties hosted by the Crown Prince, who is seeking a bride. When a family heirloom summons a handsome Faerie, Celinda sees a possible avenue for escape. But she finds herself being seduced, not by the prince, but by his incredibly attractive father, the King. Tempted by the pleasure the King offers and drawn by the magic her Faerie godfather can access, Celinda's heart is tugged in two different directions, even as she fights to circumvent the cruel schemes of her malevolent stepmother.

This spicy romantasy retelling of the Cinderella fairytale will appeal to fans of Scarlett St. Clair, Karina Halle, and Raven Kennedy. It's a fantasy romance novella with a love triangle and frequent spicy scenes in addition to a compelling plot. 

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

After finishing A Court of Sugar and Spice I immediately grabbed my e-reader and started on The Midnight King, which I got as a freebie by signing up to Kenney's newsletter.

For some reason I assumed it was a novella, so I was surprised to find out I read until deep into the night when I finished it.

This book is just as delicious, although with a very different (triangly) back and forth between Celinda and her Faerie godfather and the King.

Not that I minded: I was totally engrossed and was eager to see where the story would lead and how Celinda would escape her miserable life and find happiness.

I loved seeing how Kenney bends the original fairy tale and makes it her own,

And when I finished this book and saw there was a version of it with bonus content on Amazon, I totally bought it, as well as the other books in the Wicked Darlings series.

Why should you read it:

It's a yummy Cinderella reimagining.

Teaser Tuesdays - What Stalks the Deep

 

Several people asked my opinion "as a military man." They were wrong about the man part, but the thought of explaining Gallacia's sworn soldiers to a boatload of Americans was so exhausting that I needed a gin and tonic just to contemplate it, and a second one to decide that explaining would be a bad idea.

 (page 1, What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

A Court of Sugar and Spice - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

A Court of Sugar and Spice (Wicked Darlings #1)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

With their inheritance restricted until their marriage, sisters Clara and Louisa, both in their twenties, must live with their godfather Drosselmeyer. One night, an accident brings to life one of the strange wooden dolls in Drosselmeyer's mansion. The Nutcracker doll is a cursed Fae prince, and he pleads for the sisters' help. During the ensuing journey into the Fae realm, Clara encounters the handsome Sugarplum Faerie, and he promises her the chance to enact all her forbidden fantasies. Meanwhile Louisa and the Nutcracker Prince battle and bicker over everything, despite the growing attraction between them. And to make matters worse, the entire Seelie kingdom is under threat of conquest by the Rat King, ruler of the Dread Court.

This is a spicy, adult, fantasy romance retelling of "The Nutcracker" fairytale.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I will confess I've had a couple of ebooks of this author linger on my e-reader, but I tend to skip over my digital library in favor of print books, so it took me seeing this mass market paperback and buying it to actually read something by Kenney.

And I've been missing out!

This is such a delicious read.

I connected with Clara from the start. Louisa and the Nutcracker/Fae prince were less interesting to me, but the story was enjoyable enough to keep reading and to see what would happen next. 

And then the Sugarplum Faerie entered the stage!

I absolutely adored him and Clara together. 

From there on out I was hooked and was cheering Clara and Sugarplum/Fin on and enjoying their super delicious romance.

For those more familiar with The Nutcracker there will probably be a lot of overlap with the original tale, but as someone who only knows the music and not the story I can tell you, you can read this without having seen The Nutcracker.

And you bet I grabbed my e-reader after finishing this book to see what books by Kenney I had lingering there.

Why should you read it:

It's absolutely delicious!

Paladin's Strength - Book Review

 

Paladin's Strength (The Saint of Steel #2)

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

He’s a paladin of a dead god, tracking a supernatural killer across a continent. She’s a nun from a secretive order, on the trail of the raiders who burned her convent and kidnapped her sisters.

When their paths cross at the point of a sword, Istvhan and Clara will be pitched headlong into each other’s quests, facing off against enemies both living and dead. But Clara has a secret that could jeopardize the growing trust between them, a secret that will lead them to the gladiatorial pits of a corrupt city, and beyond...

What did I think of it:

This is a wonderful Fantasy Romance read!

It took me some time to warm up to Istvhan and Clara, but even if I never did I'd have enjoyed the heck out of this book. I love the writing, the humor, the world, and the cozy suspense.

Once again there were things I could easily figure out, but once again I think Kingfisher meant for readers to figure stuff out before the characters, so you can focus on the character's reaction when they find out.

I loved seeing Brindle in this book, by the way. He's one of my favorite characters in this world!

So yet another super enjoyable read. It's a good thing I already got hold of the other two books in this series.

Why should you read it:

It's very enjoyable Fantasy Romance.

The Apple-Tree Throne - Quick Book Review

 

The Apple-Tree Throne

by Premee Mohamed

What is it about:

It is the turn of the century in an England that never was. Bright new aqua-plants are generating electricity for the streetlights; news can be easily had on the radio-viz; and in Gundisalvus' Land, the war is over and the soldiers are beginning to trickle home. Amongst these is Lt. Benjamin Braddock, survivor of the massacre that ended the war, and begrudgingly ready to return to a world that, well, doesn't seem to need him any more than it did in peacetime. His friends have homes and families to return to, while he's got nothing but his discharge papers and a couple of unwanted medals. Oh, and one new the furious ghost of his commanding officer.

Fortunately, since the officer's family is so vehemently adamant that Braddock join their rich and carefree fold, he doesn't have much time to fret about being haunted. But the secrets of the war are about to catch up to them all.

"A steaming heap of self-indulgent drivel" - the author

What did I think of it:

I've loved everything I've read by Mohamed, but even if I had not I would have snapped tis up just for Mohamed calling it "A steaming heap of self-indulgent drivel".

And it turned out to be melancholic, atmospheric, and utterly beautiful!

I was hooked by both the writing and the atmosphere and finished it way too soon.

This will be reread for sure!

Why should you read it:

It's beautiful "self-indulgent drivel".

Spicy Little Curses - Quick Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

Spicy Little Curses

by J.T. Geissinger

What is it about:

A reporter’s disbelief in the supernatural is tested when she uncovers a tattoo artist’s sinister family secrets in an enthralling short story by New York Times bestselling author J.T. Geissinger.

Petra is skeptical when it comes to the French Quarter’s creepy urban legends. Until she meets Dax Rousseau, the proprietor of the House of Ink and Blood. The eldritch markings on his flesh tell more than the tale of a doomed bloodline. They come slitheringly alive. And the nearer Petra gets to the maddeningly sexy Dax, the closer she is to being the next victim of his ancient family curse.

J.T. Geissinger’s Spicy Little Curses is part of Scared Sexy, a deliciously dark collection of Halloween romance where things that go bump in the night might just steal your heart. These seductive stand-alone stories blend chills and heat in the perfect Halloween treat—each designed to be devoured in one sitting.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I was curious about this author so decided to read a novella to see if I might like the writing style.

And this was a really fun read. 

I did want to kick both Petra and Dax at times, but in a loving -get with the program- kind of way.

I enjoyed the writing, the overall storyline, and the attraction between the two as well.

All in all this novella made me want to explore more books by Geissinger in the near future.

Why should you read it:

It's an enjoyable Urban Fantasy read. 

Teaser Tuesdays - Blackthorn

 

It's to this place I now return, having fled twelve years ago after my mother's death.

Or murder. Depends on who you ask.

 (page 5, Blackthorn by J.T. Geissinger)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Paladin's Grace - Book Review

 

Paladin's Grace (The Saint of Steel #1)

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year…

Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind…

From the Hugo and Nebula Award winning author of Swordheart and The Twisted Ones comes a saga of murder, magic, and love on the far side of despair.

What did I think of it:

I loved Swordheart, so I decided to give The Saint of Steel series a try as well. 

First pleasant surprise: this series is set in the same world as Swordheart! 

Second: the heartwarming coziness of this book.

Yes, this book totally made me cry not even one page into it, but overall it's so nice and cozy in its mood while still being suspenseful as well.

I really loved Stephen and Grace, was intrigued by and curious about some of the other characters, and kept reading to see what was going on and if Stephen and Grace would catch on quick enough to save the day. I also fell even further in love with this world, so you bet I will read the other books in this series as well.

Why should you read it:

It's a cozy yet suspenseful Fantasy Romance

Favorite Reads from 2025

 

I wanted to show you our absolute favorite reads of 2025 before trying to get back in regularly reviewing. (I've got a backlog of books I need to review still, so enough to review for the next few weeks.)

I did leave out rereads, so in months where a reread was my favorite book I picked the next best read.

In January A Sorceress Comes to Call by T, Kingfisher was my absolute favorite read.

In February it was more difficult to say which was my favorite, so I'm just listing both The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst.

The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn blew me away in March.

April was a tie again:

Enchantra by Kaylie Smith and The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher.

We didn't read a lot in May, so Resisting the Wicked Orc by Chloe Graves won from the two other books in the same series Voodoo Bride read that month. (Vexing the Grumpy Orc is her favorite, btw, but she read that one in March.)

Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert won by miles in June!

(I will confess to having read earlier versions before June, but in June I finally got to hold and read the real thing, so it counts!)

Love is a Warsong by Danica Nava was our favorite read in July.

The Brides of High Hill by Nghi Vo was probably our favorite read in August, but it might be Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher, which I think I finished at the end of August, but as I might have finished it in September, and had a slow month in September I listed it as the September favorite.

In October it was The Glass Slide World by Carrie Vaughn.

A Court of Sugar and Spice by Rebecca F. Kenney was our favorite read in November. Voodoo Bride might have gone on a bit of a binge and read 4 other books by Kenney after finishing A Court of Sugar and Spice.

For December it was difficult to pick again, so I will list both Paladin's Hope and Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher.

And I'm leaving out lots of other cool books, but to list all 76 books we read is a bit too much work.

Happy reading, everyone! 

My 2025 reading according to Goodreads

 First let me wish you all a wonderful 2026 filled with good books!

On this first day of the new year I want to share some of the graphics from Goodreads recap of my reading in 2026 just for fun.

All in all I had a great 2025 when it comes to reading.

Here's to lots more 5 star reads in 2026.