Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae Carson

 

Monster, Monarch, Maiden

By: Rae Carson

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Fiction

Length: 480 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Easy to Read, Page Turner, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters 

Release Date: August 25, 2026

    

    Monster, Monarch, and Maiden is an amazing stand alone story that captured my attention from the first page. For me, Rae Carson has never failed to build unique stories with lovable characters that capture and win my heart with their strength of character, mind and body. This story was no different, if anything it exceeds any story I have ever written by her.

Synopsis:

    Bria Angarsold loves her family and the life they have built around their inn. Unfortunately, she and her sister find themselves in a difficult situation when raiders come through their small town and take them captive. It appears she has no way out when a mysterious young man single handedly takes down Bria's captures and rescues her from the cage she has been held prisoner. Finding herself in the middle of no where with no food or gear to weather the cold temperatures and coming snowstorms, Bria offers her services as guide to the man who is her dark and mysterious hero. 

    Titus isn't much of a talker, but that is alright because Bria talks enough for the both of them. He is hesitant to make her his travel companion but before long she proves herself to be more than capable. Titus is on an important but mysterious quest. As he draws closer and closer to his end goal, he begins to realize that Bria has come to mean more to him than he ever meant her to. Where he is headed she cannot go. He has to decide if his mission means more than the relationship and feelings he has developed for Bria.

What I Loved:

• Bria: Bria is what I would consider the perfect character. The empathy that she feels for others makes her an endearing. Throughout the entire book she is eager to do for others. She knows her weaknesses but is also aware of her strengths and what those strengths bring to the mission. 
• Titus' Mission: Without giving away spoilers, Titus' backstory and mission are unique. He can come across and broody and difficult but as the story builds and you learn more about his history, he becomes more relatable and endearing.
• Gods and Monsters: The mythology built within some fantasy stories can make the storyline drag. Carson has developed a simple but complex mythos that wasn't difficult to grasp and is easy to remember throughout the book. 
• Stand Alone Story: Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fantasy series but sometimes it can be difficult waiting for the next installment and then trying to recall where the story left off. I did not feel short changed in any way with this stand along fantasy. Carson gave me everything I would want and need in a good fantasy book.

    The courage, intelligence and strength Bria showed throughout the book added to her ability to thrive. From the start of the book she showed a desire to survive whatever life brought her way an continued to build on her strength of character with each new hurdle she encountered. I found the story to be an incredibly satisfying read from start to finish.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.                                            

Available for purchase:

Amazon

    

Westward (Ashford Creek #3) Carrie Ann Ryan

 

Westward (Ashford Creek #3)

By: Carrie Ann Ryan

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Sports Romance, Fiction

Length: 260 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Emotional, Easy to Read, Romantic, Steamy, Page Turner, Hopeful, Sad, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters 

Release Date: July 27, 2026

    Carrie Ann Ryan wrote the story that I needed most right now in my life. Having recently experience a difficult loss in my family, Westward both got me out of my head and provided story that I could relate with. Atlas Carter and Elizabeth Ellis experience the second chance romance I was looking forward to reading and as always, Ryan provided all the good feels necessary.

Synopsis:

    The small town of Ashford Creek was where Elizabeth Ellis knew she would always return. After graduating college, she moved home to teach and provide assistance for her elderly parents. She was all they had in life and even though that meant the end of the long term relationship shared with her high school sweetheart, Elizabeth was willing to make that sacrifice. Growing up with her parents was difficult, they were never mean or unkind but they never truly related to current trends, that was where living in a small town was a benefit. Elizabeth could rely on her friend's parents to step in and act as a buffer between her and her parents when they couldn't relate. When Elizabeth learns one of her graduating students is struggling, she doesn't hesitate to step up and help him out, even if that means she finds herself in a whole world of danger. 

    Atlas Carter is somewhat of a small town hero. After graduating college he was drafted by Portlands' professional hockey and became an all star goalie for the NHL. This meant giving up on his one true love. Even though they parted ways, Carter always knew Lizzie was it for him. After a difficult season, he decides to return home to spend time with his family and to ponder a very difficult life altering decision. Atlas is getting older and his body is not able to endure what it once could. The bigger question is is Elizabeth willing to wait just a little longer to start the life they have always dreamed of?

What I Loved:

• Second Chance Romance: Second chance romance is an easy story to dive into. The characters already now each other, they have a history, the storyline jumps in where they left off. It doesn't take long to get to the steamy aspects of the book.
• Elizabeth's Heart: Elizabeth is everything a small town should be like. People there for people. By now we all know that Ashford Creek has a history and not all of it is very good. As a teacher Elizabeth wants to see her students be successful and if making small sacrifices will help she is willing to do what is needed.
• Atlas' True Love: As a professional athlete Atlas had every opportunity to be a playboy. Don't get me wrong, he had his fair share of relationships but Elizabeth was always his one true love. She waited for him, he waited for her, proving they were always meant to be.

I devoured this book in no time. It was such an easy storyline to slip into and enjoy. For most of the book I truly felt what Atlas and Elizabeth were enduring, my heart broke in some places, and in others I cheered them on. Since they ended their relationship on good terms there was never an enemies to lovers aspect; it was always about their second chance.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.                                            

Available for purchase:

Amazon