Hi everyone!

I took a 2 year hiatus while I adopted and adjusted to life as a Mom of 4 children. It’s been quite a ride, which I’m sure you can only imagine.

Now that life is settling down and I’m getting the hang of it all, I’m ready to jump back into writing. 🙌 So, here’s what I’ve been consumed by since we all landed somewhat up-endedly (not a word, but I’m going to take it anyway).

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout has been my 2022 sickness fix because I’ve been sick more than not since January 1.

I put off reading book one for a while just because I didn’t think I’d get all that into it. The fantasy/romance scene was a genre I love to write in, but until this year I hadn’t read much in it. So, I waited in line to check out this eBook from my library and kept delaying the delivery while I finished other books for Book Club, my in progress, and ones borrowed from friends.

So, when I finally got to this one, I was in a reading hangover. The first few chapters I felt were similar to the Selection series mixed with The Mortal Instruments, but I pressed on. And, I’m glad I did. I got sucked into Armentrout’s world, Poppy’s character, and the predictable, but entertaining plot.

THEN, whoa… in comes Casteel in all his Princely, female empowerment, and clouded history and all of a sudden the romance side of the genre falls into place. Which, let’s be honest, is the reason the description pulled me in. He’s charming, broody, and Armentrout’s physical descriptions are pure🔥

I’m not going to give a ton away, but Poppy, our MC, is “The Chosen” or the Maiden as she is called by everyone in this city. She grew up sheltered and naïve, everyone kept at a distance from her except for a guard and a ladies maid. She was treated poorly by the ones who were designated by the Queen to protect her. This definitely has the “What did they do to you” trope. And, man does Casteel not let us down in how he responds and how he treats Poppy.

Needless to say this series got a 5 ⭐️ rating from me, not because of the writing, but because of her world building, character development, and the build of the plot.

You can check out the From Blood and Ash series here.