Book and Cosplay Item Reviews by Jess D Cosplay

I received "Forbidden Griffin" by Zoe Chant as an ARC.  "Forbidden Griffin" is a shifter romance between two exiled griffins.  While trying to avoid too many spoilers, Cela is exiled from Griffin Island because her babies were not born griffins.  A nice enforcer suggests she find Tyr to help her out.  Needless to say, Cela and Tyr get a lot more than they bargained for when they meet and Tyr helps Cela get used to living in a human world, as Cela had never been off the island.  They'd make a nice family... if only they could touch.  The story follows Tyr and Cela's journey to break their curse and become a family along the way.  It's a sweet story of new beginnings and second chances, as well as new and blended families.  Though this is the 8th book in Chant's Bodyguard Shifters series, it is easily read as a standalone, though there are a few references to things that happened in prior books.  I will definitely be going back to read the other books

I bought "Sound the Gong" by Joan He as it was the sequel to "Strike the Zither" which I have read before and loved.  Though it is a sequel, it is meant to be read right after "Strike the Zither" and should probably be considered one book broken up into two parts and read together.  I would not read "Sound the Gong" as a stand alone.  The series is roughly based off the story of the Three Kingdoms, but with a mainly female cast.  "Sound the Gong" starts off right after Zephyr makes the betrayal realization at the end of "Strike the Zither."  It follows Zephyr's journey as she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to get a chance to change fate and meet her goals to lead Xin Ren to victory.  Without giving too much away, it is a story of betrayal, forgiveness, hope, despair, and so much more in an emotional rollercoaster.  Will Zephyr ultimately get what she wants or will she have lost everything just for the chance?

I received "Shadow Dragon" by Lauren Esker as an ARC.  "Shadow Dragon" is a mix between cop case and shifter romance.  While trying to avoid spoilers, Caine and Gilly both have their reasons for being socially awkward, but they are pushed out of their comfort zones when Caine accidentally shadow walks into Gilly's home injured.  Their new friendship and Caine's recent job experiences and abilities lead them on an adventure neither were expected as their adorable romance unfolds, new friendships are made, and family is recognized.  Though this is the 6th book in Esker's Shifter Agents series, it is easily read as a standalone.  I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series when I get the chance. As a teacher, I like this book because it showcases two flawed, but still good individuals struggle and overcome their obstacles.  Are they fully perfect by the end of the book, no, and that is realistic.  It's a great example for stude

  I received an ARC of this book.  I originally noticed it because of it's beautiful cover, which led me to read the description and request the ARC. When Dreams Aren't What You Expect Them To Be The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantasy that is set in a China like world when alchemy is real.  You get a taste of Chinese culture in a fantasy setting.  Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist to help her family beat poverty.  She fights her way up to achieve her dream, only supported by her cousins and a powerless prince, as everyone one else tries to continuously tear her down. Only for reality to come crashing down on her hard.  Without spoiling the story, it's a page turner where you simultanously root for Zilan, want her to save the world, while totally understanding both the good and bad choices she makes to survive.  It's an interesting fantasy that really plays on the readers' emotions as Zilan faces many moral choices that determine who she becomes. I look forward

  Philliya's Neighborly Assistance Philliya's shop is once again at risk when a new neighbor brings trouble to her door. Without a moment's hesitation, Philliya investigates with her trust companion to come up with a golden solution that is somewhat legal to help her new friend and keep her customers. It's always enjoyable to see Philliya's thought process as she needs to come up with out of the box solutions for some interesting, and sometimes all too common, problems. Another great magical story that makes you wonder what will happen next. All I know is that I'd like to have Philliya on my side the next time I've got to deal with a creep. Go Philliya! Interested? You can buy it on the author's website and check out more in the series. https://store.annamittower.com/b/aDpSz?fbclid=IwAR1kjJ8EkOnleu4D5yonhvu5_M6PMbdZtYz8paUS6JarPmVsAf85yMWBRKg

"The Beastly Perfume" by Anna Mittower is another fun adventure where Philliya has to once again use her wits to solve a problem, but with a dangerous twist that she has to go out in the field herself to be successful, putting her life in danger. Traveling with her newest companion whom she has yet to name, Philliya gets more of a hands on experience than she bargains for. Even more adventure than the previous books in the story, it still has the problem solving cunning that we have come to expect from our quirky sorceress. As a cosplayer, who wouldn't enjoy Philliya's ever changing style and quirky personality.  As a teacher, these short stories are engaging and fun.  I look forward to reaching more in the series. ' #bookreview #salonofenchantedbeauty #beastlyperfume #annamittower