The Brilliance of Stars (Jack and Ivy #1) by J'nell Ciesielski

 

Washington DC, 1914. Ivy Olwen knows how to survive on the streets without two coins to rub together. But when she finds herself whisked into a secret society that seeks to maintain the balance of good and evil in the world, she can’t believe there’s more to life than just surviving. In the hallowed and historied halls of Talon, she learns European languages and ballroom dancing, as well as demolitions and sharpshooting—in short, everything a spy and assassin will need to survive in the field.

The first day Jack Vale meets Ivy, he knows she is not to be underestimated. The second day, he knows his heart will belong to no one else. Between sparring bouts and constellation gazing, Jack takes Ivy under his wing, and the two form a bond that soon turns to love.

While the rest of the world tumbles into war, the two embark on an official mission to take down a madman who has left a trail of blood and murder across Russia. Little do they know the unfathomable peril waiting in the wings of a chaotic Europe.

When Jack and Ivy are thrust into encounters each more terrifying than the last, Ivy must determine how far she will go to save the man she loves. Equal parts historical fiction and adventure novel, Ciesielski’s epic tale of espionage and romance will leave readers both enchanted and thrilled.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

When I come across a book I want to review I usually scan the synopsis briefly to see if I am interested.  It's usually not something I commit to memory, especially if I am familiar with the author in some way.  Sometimes in the interim between agreeing to read the book and actually sitting down to read it, (which can be a couple months) I forget what the book is about.  This book really surprised me.  Caught me off guard.  I have read other books by this author and this book wasn't really like those.  It had a different feel to it that I wasn't expecting.  

There is a constant, pressing forward momentum in this story.  It's got a LOT packed into it's pages.  History, danger, intrigue and evil.  I loved the first half of the book as we learned about Ivy and Phillip, their backstories, how they came to be with the spy organization.  The growing friendship between the two and Jack was a good one.  How can you not sympathize with the plight of orphans?  Scrappy, brilliant orphans who finally find a place to belong.  Yeah, there was some tugging of the heartstrings.

I didn't fully get the romance between Jack and Ivy because it was certainly unconventional and a bit out of the scope of what I understand.  Fighting each other to blood one minute and kissing the next.  Yeah, I don't really get that but I surely did love Jack's complete devotion to Ivy, especially once he took the leap to tell her.  Once he was all in, he was ALL IN.  I love that kind of loyalty and devotion.

The second half of the book definitely grew in intensity.  It was a crazy whirlwind of places, people, intrigue and violence that just got crazier and crazier.  By the time I reached the end, I felt quite over done.  Overwhelmed.  The other aspect I was caught off guard about was the ending.  I didn't realize I would have a cliff hanger ending with some heavy foreshadowing of things to come.  I don't love cliffhangers.  I'm going with a 3.5/5 stars for this one.

This book releases November 1st.

Content:  violence, death, peril, kissing.  Fade to black intimate scene between a married couple.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

 

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

* Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm always on the lookout for books by this author.  She excels at giving me characters who grow and develop throughout the book.  Lily was questionable to me in the beginning and I wasn't sure I was going to like her but it didn't take too long for me to change my mind.  I loved how hard Lily worked to bring light and sunshine to those who needed it.   I always knew I was going to like Alec even when he was growling, brooding and barking.  His sense of duty and loyalty were there from the beginning and are traits I always find attractive.

The story evolves as threats and mystery enter from the shadows.  It gave life to the book and helped with the forward momentum because things got a little slow here and there.

I enjoyed the Scottish setting and the large cast of secondary characters.  This book was a good one and provided an excellent distraction.  As always, I will be watching for future books from this author!

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, war time violence talked about.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This is the first book I've read by this author and I am really excited to be able to add her to my list of historical fiction authors to follow!  I am a fan of historical fiction and this one was so engaging and interesting to me.  The 1940's setting in Paris during WWII was the perfect backdrop for this book.  

All three of the main characters (Kat, Barrett and Ellie) in this book were so interesting.  It was a pleasure getting to know them and understand their fears and dreams and see how those motivated their actions.  They were all layered and human, making mistakes, making sacrifices and showing courage.  Trust didn't come easily for any of them yet they all desired it.  Trust and love.  Which leads me to the growing romance between Kat and Barrett.  Mmmm, yum.  I loved it.  The attraction, the chemistry, the kissing.  Yup, it was nicely done.

Once I got into this book I had a hard time putting it down.  It had an excellent balance of intense situations and emotional moments.  The plot moved forward at a good pace and I was fully invested in it.  I was surprised a few times with the twists the plot took which is always a good thing!  I loved this story!

Content:  violence, peril, kissing, mention of affairs and mistresses (with no details)

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.