Charlotte's Secrets by Maryam Malik

Charlotte’s secrets, Demon’s love 

Synopsis:

As the dark ages reign over England, Julian, an ordinary village boy is condemned for Charlotte’s mysterious murder, his wife and to his surprise - a princess of royal blood. Oblivious of the presence of a centuries old demon, Julian is imprisoned in Elijah’s inescapable dungeon where he waits for the injustice of gruesome death. But when the young ban is rescued at the hands of an unexpected guardian…he learns of his role as salvatoris libeeret - the single truth that will alter his destiny forever. As alliances form, secrets unfold, and enemies reveal themselves, Julian must decide  who to trust and how far he is willing to go of the only woman he’s ever loved. 

My review: ****

This book is honestly one of the best debut novels I have come across.  The imagery, character development and writing style in general amazed me, everything seemed so vivid and real, which I really was not expecting from a debut. Julians love for Charlotte is very real, and you can’t help but love them for it. Julian is very much that character you cannot help but root for from the very beginning, his determination and what I can only call worship of Charlotte really makes you feel for him. 

As you know I am mainly a reader of Young Adult books so to delve into this book has really opened up a whole new reading world for me. The paranormal and magic was so easily intwined throughout the book, I worried it may feel somewhat out of place in what I first assumed would solely be a ‘historical romance’ however the whole thing flowed beautifully. My only one issue was that I would have loved to have read more about Watson and even the Queen. Especially from their perspectives. Fingers crossed for book 2 ‘Reign of a New Queen’ which I cannot wait to get my hands on!

'Robin in the Hood' By Diane J Reed

Robin McArthur has the perfect life, that is until it begins to fall apart, piece by piece. Her wealthy father is hospitalised after a stroke, her stepmother flees the country and to top it all off it turns out her father may not be as wealthy as she assumed and instead has been racking up million in debts. Robin is left with two choices, stay in a care home where she will most likely never see her father again, or risk it and sneak her dad out of the hospital and hit the road. but not before stealing a care and acquiring some well needed money. Robin finds herself flung from the high life to a backwoods trailer park brimming with magic, hope and most surprisingly to her, love. Cue Creek, Robins literal partner in crime, the typical bad boy you cannot help but love, which is really the last thing Robin needs. Creek not only steals her money but something much more precious, her heart.

I have to say the character building in this novel was brilliant! When I first came across this book I was skeptical about Robin as a person, I instantly assumed due to her background story that she would be shallow and spoilt, but much to my surprise Robin was strong,witty and clever, everything I admire in a female protagonist. Robin and Creeks love connection was absolute perfection, it was so real and clung to my heart the whole way. Definitely one of the most original modern day takes on a original fairytale, and by far a superb book! Definitely worth the read!  (4/5 stars)

I'm Back!

So these past few months I have been quiet busy going through the transition of 'Relatively carefree student' to 'Full time, slightly lost in orbit woman child' which apparently has left me with little time to actually review anything. But now I am slightly more settled into my current stage of life I am ready and raring to go! I currently have two new reviews ready to go live within the next week or so so stay tuned because they are absolute belters!

Thanks for sticking around!

Chelsea Jade (slowly regaining momentum and hopefully not so lost in orbit)