Shari L. Tapscott

I don't want to stop reading, the novel is so good. I was a little worried when the novel opens with a spoiled sounding princess and a naive prince, but get past the first two chapters and the story dives into adventure, intrigue, and a plot so deeply woven that I am screaming. Just screaming. Pippa is a feisty princess, but despite her flaws, her heart is amazing. I love how, as the story grows, everyone is fighting for what is right, despite the odds stacked against Pippa. I love all the show more princes, and the ladies. Every character has me cheering for them in this crazy tournament, but I am solely team Archer. Wow. Just wow. Absolutely a clean read for adults on down to preteens. show less

Shari L. Tapscott uses the 'FMC inherits a shop and animal and must run the business before receiving any money' trope in her cosy contemporary fantasy, so that's not new but what she's written here is absolutely delicious! I fell into the story quickly and did not want to leave Moss Hollow.

The characters were all quirky in their own ways, fun to spend time with and their interactions ranged from hilarious to 'hide the knives'! I was captivated by Kit, our pixie FMC. Her magic was wonderful show more while occassionally being embarrassingly awkward and her nascent connections to her new friends were heartwarming. They're all colourful magical types, with unique backstories and challenges, adding energy and interest in spades to each page.

The slow burn romance with Ash (neighbour, town councillor and handsome high fae) had me on tenterhooks with will they/won't they tension. Their relationship progressed in a lovely way from spontaneous yet perplexed attraction through the full sprectrum of tentative to fierce caring, with dashes of humour. The ending of the book though......wow. Where is the author going with that??? And how long do I have to wait to find out??

The path to turn Rowan back into his human form was full of emotion. Ms Tapscott pulled out all the stops and practically bled loneliness, heartbreak, grief and worry onto the pages. It was mesmerising. If the next book deals with the consequences of his 'return' to his family and community then I'm sure I'll need tissues.

This really was a delightful story. If you need a respite from high stakes actions and consequences, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. show less

This was a fun, light read. Shari Tapscott took a familiar story and turned it on its ear. Etta is a third child, the only daughter, and an aunt leaves her some coin to buy boots for her cat. Sound familiar? But Etta buys them for herself instead. Add in a prince, a chocolatier, and others, and the story takes off.

I loved this novel! This is the best of all the novels this author has written. Oh, Captain Avery, let me count the ways I love you. Lucia is spunky and lovable. The action kept coming with not a moment wasted. I devoured this story. A few surprises and a few anticipated moments that did not disappoint. Steamy, but clean. Romantic fantasy readers will eat this up!

Reader Rated for age 14 for some mild kissing and mild action and adventure.