January 2025 Book Reviews #bookreview #books #amreading #readingcommunity @DWallacePeach @dwallacepeach.bsky.social @maurabeth2014 @colleenchesebro.bsky.social @YvetteMCalleiro

Hello, beautiful readers! I made sure to start the year with reading, one of my favorite pastimes. I set a goal for reading 30 books this year. Hopefully, I can not only meet that goal but surpass it! Here are my reviews for this month. I only post reviews that earned 3-5 stars from me.

Lassiter (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Book 21)

by J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Vampire Romance, Paranormal Angel Romance

Pages: 477

Book Blurb:

Destiny, duty, and desire clash in this epic new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Lassiter, the fallen angel, is too good at the savior business. In his new role overseeing the fates of all vampires, he’s influenced outcomes he shouldn’t have—so the Creator is calling him home. But the angel has a reason to stay in Caldwell. He’s bonded with a mysterious female who seemed to appear from out of nowhere...and has powers that defy all reason.

Rahvyn is well aware that she doesn’t belong in the present. And she never intended to stay, for her true place is in the past. Lassiter proves to be undeniable, however, and she lets herself fall for the angel—until a secret he’s been keeping comes out and she fears that for him, it’s not about love, but duty.

As the Omega’s son reestablishes the Lessening Society, and the Brotherhood must resume the deadly war, an unfathomable tragedy occurs. In the aftermath, Rahvyn has to decide whether to stay and help—or save herself from an immortal heartbreak she knows will crush her very soul...

My Review: 

If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know I LOVE this series! The previous book had several emotional gut punch moments, but this one took it to a whole other level! Make sure you have a box of tissues handy for this one!

Since his introduction to the series, Lassiter has been great comedic relief and a pain in the Brothers' sides. In this novel, we get to see a completely different side to him, a side that endears him to our hearts even more than he already was. 

Rahvyn is a badass! She is the antithesis of a damsel in distress and is exactly what Lassiter needs. Their love story was both beautiful and frustrating. Her abilities are insane, and I hope she plays a major role in future books.

Nate continues to hold a soft spot in my heart, and his journey in this book tore me up. I love the addition of Adrian and Eddie. I got to know them in Ward's other series, and I look forward to more of them as well. 

I am not one to give away storylines, so I will tread carefully here... The tragedies that take place in this story are rip-your-heart-out levels, as in curl up in your bed, hugging your kindle while crying! And still, I loved every word of this book! I cannot wait for the next one!

Fairies, Myths, & Magic II: Book 2: A Winter Celebration

by Colleen M Chesebro

Genre: Fantasy Anthologies, Mythology & Folk Tales

Pages: 155

Book Blurb:

In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.

From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.

Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.

My Review:

I loved the first edition of this book, which focused on the summer solstice, so I was excited about reading this edition that focuses on the winter solstice! It did not disappoint! The author begins by explaining the various yuletide myths through the centuries around the world. Then, she breaks the book into different sections to dive deeper into each of the myths. Each section contains short stories and poetry that reflect upon that myth.

The author shares the research she conducted to make sure her stories were historically founded. It's incredible how many myths were created around Yuletide in cultures around the world. It was also surprising for me to see how many cultures included stories about females within their myths.

I love this author's poetry. She is gifted in capturing the essence of an idea in so few words, especially in her short stories. I loved losing myself in stories about fairies, goddesses, and the fae. While our generation tends to see these as mythical creatures, there was a time when people believed them to be very real. 

I also loved that the author included a section at the end about crystals and how to use them (and other Yuletide symbols) to enhance your Yuletide celebrations. If you enjoy poetry and short stories or if you like learning about myths surrounding the holidays, I would definitely recommend this book.

The Christmas Boyfriend

by Maura Beth Brennan

Genre: Holiday Romance

Pages: 192

Book Blurb:

When Jess and Jake meet at a bar after their office Christmas parties, they find they have something in common. They have both been dumped by their exes the week before Christmas. However, they have taken very different approaches to their predicament. Jake is ready to move on, but Jess is determined to get her ex, Dylan, back. Still, the two come up with a plan and make a pact - that they will help each other get through all the obligatory holiday parties without looking alone or pitiful. All goes well except for one thing - Jake is falling for Jess, the exact situation they swore to avoid. When they are stranded by a snowstorm on New Year's Eve and forced to spend the night together, Jake decides Jess is the woman for him. Although Jess says she can't return his feelings, fate seems to intervene when a lost dog finds its way to Jake's door and he and Jess decide to care for him together. Jake is sure that this will bring them together as they shop for supplies, walk, and feed the animal. Jake begins to feel so sure about things, he buys a ring and decides to propose. But the day he has determined to give her the ring, Jess finds Dylan at her door, begging to come back. Jess tells Jake, but when she goes to see him at his house, he is gone. He cannot allow his heart to be broken once again. Jess realizes she has made a terrible mistake but fears it is too late. Will these two ever realize their love for each other at the same time?

My Review:

I'm not really into typical romance stories, but every now and then, I decide to read one, especially if it's an author I've read before and have enjoyed. This story opens with Jessica and Jake getting dumped by their exes right before the holidays. To drown in their sorrows, they each end up at a bar where they meet, though not in the most flattering of ways. With the holidays approaching and obligatory parties to attend, they agree to be each other's plus one to not look so pathetic showing up alone. 

I loved the beginning of the story and how Jess and Jake just kept annoying each other. I got a bit frustrated with each of their inner dialogues in trying to convince themselves that they just needed to stay friends. When they finally got out of their head and started to enjoy their time together, I was all in! And I absolutely LOVED Nick!

The characters were very believable, though I rolled my eyes many times at Jessica and wanted to knock her into reality a few times. Although I did find a few minor errors, they weren't anything that pulled me out of the story. If you enjoy chick flicks or romance stories, I have no doubt you will enjoy this story.

Tale of the Seasons' Weaver

by D. Wallace Peach

Genre: Coming of Age Fantasy, Fairy Tale Fantasy

Pages: 310

Book Blurb:

“Already the animals starve. Soon the bonemen will follow, the Moss Folk and woodlings, the watermaids and humans. Then the charmed will fade. And all who will roam a dead world are dead things. Until they too vanish for lack of remembering. Still, Weaver, it is not too late.”

In the frost-kissed cottage where the changing seasons are spun, Erith wears the Weaver’s mantle, a title that tests her mortal, halfling magic. As the equinox looms, her first tapestry nears completion—a breathtaking ode to spring. She journeys to the charmed isle of Innishold to release the beauty of nature’s awakening across the land.

But human hunters have defiled the enchanted forest and slaughtered winter’s white wolves. Enraged by the trespass, the Winter King seizes Erith’s tapestry and locks her within his ice-bound palace. Here, where comfort and warmth are mere glamours, she may weave only winter until every mortal village succumbs to starvation, ice, and the gray wraiths haunting the snow.

With humanity’s fate on a perilous edge, Erith must break free of the king’s grasp and unravel a legacy of secrets. In a charmed court where illusions hold sway, allies matter, foremost among them, the Autumn Prince. Immortal and beguiling, he offers a tantalizing future she has only imagined, one she will never possess—unless she claims her extraordinary power to weave life from the brink of death.

In the lyrical fantasy tradition of Margaret Rogerson and Holly Black, D. Wallace Peach spins a spellbinding tale of magic, resilience, and the transformative potency of tales—a tapestry woven with peril and hope set against the frigid backdrop of an eternal winter.

My Review:

This was such a beautiful story! Erith is the Seasons' Weaver, but she was thrust into that role when her mother suddenly left for the underworld. When the Winter King steals her tapestry for Spring and announces that Winter will continue until he is ready to give way to the other seasons, Erith finds herself in a race to save both the human and charmed. Unfortunately, her insecurities in her abilities hinder her ability to fight the Winter King. If she doesn't find a way to weave the next season, everyone will perish.

From the first pages of this book, I was enthralled. The author has such a brilliant imagination, and she is gifted with the power of imagery. I fell in love with the world she created and found myself finding moments to read just to visit it again. I felt as if I were right there with Erith for her whole journey.

The characters are well-created and believable, both human and charmed. The personalities she bestowed upon each one was perfect. The author has said in interviews that she borrowed ideas from various myths across the world to create her characters, and I believe she did a phenomenal job. The plot was well-paced. There was never a dull moment, and the twist midway through and then at the end tied everything together. If you love fantasy stories, this one is an absolute must!

Darius (The Black Dagger Brotherhood series)

by JR Ward

Genre: Paranormal Vampire Romance

Pages: 317 pages

Book Blurb: 

#1 New York Times bestseller J.R. Ward shares the passionate star-crossed love story of fan favorite, and original member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Darius.

Darius, son of Marklon, isn’t looking for love the night destiny comes to claim him. He’s also not expecting to crash his new car. But when a human woman runs out into the road and he must swerve to avoid killing her...everything goes off course.

Disillusioned by his King’s lack of leadership and the losses in the war against the Lessening Society, Darius finds purpose in protecting a woman he cannot make his own. Love finds a way, however—until the truth of what he is comes out and she leaves him in horror.

Unbeknownst to them both, Anne is carrying his young, a female who is destined to be Queen—and after a tragic reunion, he vows to protect their daughter. Resigned to perpetual sadness, he is determined to serve the memory of his beloved no matter the cost...unless by some miracle, fate sees fit to once again bring them together in this tale that is “full of drama, intrigue, and steamy restraint” (Booklist).

My Review:

I loved getting to know Darius and his story. I had felt robbed at the beginning of book one when Darius abruptly left the storyline (no spoilers). This book finally brings closure to his story as well as answers questions hovering over John Matthew. I loved how Darius took care of Anne from the very beginning, even before he knew he had bonded with her. I also became very frustrated with all the interruptions (lol), but I loved reading about the brothers. It broke my heart to see how disconnected they all were before Wrath found Beth. I loved that Darius had built the mansion, hoping they would all move in and be one family, and that dream finally came true. 

I knew the tragedy was coming (no spoilers), but it still hurt to read it. I'm not a fan of time jumps in story, so that was a little bothersome, but I understood their necessity since the book is still over 300 pages with the time jumps. The ending had me in complete tears, both Beth's scene with JM and the very last scene with Darius. This author really knows how to open the tear ducts.

I would not recommend reading this book first, even though it is book 0.5 in the series. The book contains spoilers for events that happen well into the series. This book should be read by the published date in order to really give it its full power.

Have you read any great books this month? I'd love to hear from you. :-)