Cover2CoverBlog: February 2025

Feb 4, 2025

Early Reader Review: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: February 4, 2025

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27405327-pop-manga-coloring-book?from_search=true

https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Manga-Coloring-Book-Beautiful/dp/0399578471?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399578471&linkCode=as2&redirect=true&ref_=x_gr_w_bb&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20

Format: Ebook

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.

Review:

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the release of book two! This dark fantasy romance was everything I wanted—magic, mystery, and political intrigue woven into a high-stakes competition that pits England’s elite society girls against each other for a chance to win the Prince’s heart.

Ivy Benton is a resourceful, determined protagonist, fighting not just for her family’s status but for something far more personal—her sister’s stolen memories. The fae in this story are exactly as they should be: eerie, mischievous, and dangerously alluring. Every bargain comes with a cost, and the author does an incredible job of building suspense around these twisted deals.

And then there’s the love triangle—deliciously angsty and full of tension. Ivy is caught between Prince Bram, the fae heir at the center of the competition, and his human brother, Emmett, whose sharp wit and reputation for dalliances make their dynamic even more complicated. The banter between Ivy and the brother crackled with chemistry, and there was a constant push-and-pull, a lingering should they, shouldn’t they energy that had me completely hooked. This dynamic read more 'older teen' in the Young Adult audience, so I think a lot of adult readers will also enjoy it.

The worldbuilding was rich, the stakes were high, and the competition itself was filled with tension and deception. If you love Young Adult dark fantasy with a touch of romance and a ruthless fae court, this book is a must-read. I’m already counting down the days until the sequel!

Feb 3, 2025

Blog Tour: Frog Fish and Worm by Christina Bianco

Frog Fish & Worm by Christina Bianco
Publisher: Pegasus Publishers
Publication Date: January 30, 2025

About the Book:

Get ready to giggle with 'Frog, Fish, and Worm'!

This toe-tapping, fish-flapping, and worm-squirming adventure will have kids aged 2-8 in stitches.

Watch as these three tiny titans team up against the fisherman, Stan.

But guess who joins the underwater shenanigans?

A toothless Crocodile! With their hilarious hijinks and a pinch of teamwork, they give Stan the fright of his fishing life.

It's a rip-roaring rhyme-time, proving that even the littlest critters can outsmart the biggest bullies. So dive into this gigglesome, fin-tastic tale, and let the underwater fun begin!

Rating:

Format: Ebook
Source: From Zooloo Book Tours and the Author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Frog, Fish, and Worm is a lively, rhyming adventure that’s sure to get kids giggling. With bright, engaging illustrations and a playful rhythm, it delivers plenty of humor—especially with the worm on the hook, whose antics will have little readers laughing out loud. The story’s teamwork and silly twists keep the energy high, and the addition of a toothless crocodile adds even more fun to the mix.

That said, as an adult reader, I found some elements a bit off-putting. The fisherman comes across as somewhat creepy, and certain aspects of the worm’s depiction felt oddly suggestive, even if unintentionally so. While kids will likely be too busy laughing to notice, it may give some parents pause.

Overall, Frog, Fish, and Worm is a fast-paced, entertaining read for young children, with plenty of silliness to enjoy—just be prepared for a few moments that might raise an eyebrow.

About the Author:

Christina has had a successful career in the Art, Design and TV Industry before
owning her very own Art Gallery.

Inspired by her love of reading and doodling, Christina decided to put pen to paper and create 'Dorothy Dustbucket.'

Splitting time between Europe and the UK, she lives in the beautiful county of Cheshire, along with her husband and two children, who provided much of the inspiration for the children's books.

Find the Author

TikTok | Twitter | Instagram

Feb 2, 2025

Building the Book Pile #473

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people!

uuugh... I am sick, I think it is the flu or just a really bad cold. Either way, I feel disgusting. it is also in the negatives today, so I am just staying in and am going to cozy up with some Dayquil and a book. I hope you are better off than I am.

That all said, I did have time to prep some February reviews. Excited for the books coming out this month.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph