Subversive

Clandestine Magic #1

by Colleen Cowley

In an America controlled by wizards and 100 years behind on women’s rights, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance—the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.

Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.

Subversive is the first novel in the Clandestine Magic trilogy, set in a warped 21st century that will appeal to fans of gaslamp fantasy.

What reviewers are saying:

"A spectacular story of magic, politics, social classes, and the uncompromising need to do what you think is right." — Bookshelf Adventures

“I read this book in a day. I could NOT put it down.” — My Heart is Booked Blog

"What a captivating story! ... Readers who enjoy fantasy stories with strong female protagonists, magical powers, intriguing political plots, and a great love story will love Subversive." — One Book More

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fantasy Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Historical Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2020

About the author

Colleen Cowley writes romantic fantasy in warped real-world settings with wizards, amazing women, swoony pining and swoopy coats.

Get a free book and audiobook at colleencowley.com/new.

If you're a reader who prefers to know certain content details upfront, including whether any tropes you hate are waiting to spring, you can find that at colleencowley.com/details.

Reviews

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
Repeat after me....
magic feminists
mAgIc FemInIsTs
MAGIC FUCKING FEMINISTS!



That’s just brillaint I can’ttttt

Meet Beatrix Harper, she's principled. she's protective. and she's angry at how life has constantly given her the short end

fucking same girl

“Miss Harper,” he said, deeply impressed, “you’ve progressed faster in a single day than my classmates and I got in a month of brewing.”
She beamed. He felt a twinge at the thought of what he had in store for her”

Peter Blackwell, a wizard. a manipulator. and a right bastard

“No! Don’t cast magic on me.”
Well … shit.
He tucked the leaves back with shaking fingers. He’d miscalculated, then. Again. Not as badly as the last time, granted, but the stakes were far too high for more errors.”

I'm gonna be honest, I loveee me some antiheroes *who doesn't?*. Peter was a total asshole, completelytunnel vision to the point of idocracy, focused on his task but refusing to let Beatrix know a single detail about his real goal

But he was also so funny. He wasn't use to being questioned *which Beatrix did every goddamn day* and he ended up being even sassier than the heroine which was a cool twist that surprises me

The character dynamics, Everyone knows the trope of enemies working together. But my god, it was a literal antimagic feminist FORCED to be the assistant to th local town asshole wizard !!



They argued. they fought. they damn near tried to kill each other. For real, there was this one goddamn scene where he was trying his fUcKiNg hardest to blackmail her was some of the FUNNIEST shit I have ever read !!

“No, no, no!” he snarled, balling up all three contracts and throwing them across the room. They unrolled themselves, perfectly uncreased.
“Why is this happening?” she cried.
“I don’t know!” He kicked the contracts for good measure. “Just to spite us!”

I loveeee dual POVs, we got insight into each of their motives. Then each character got involved in dif situations which let us learn more about the world itself

We see one acting like a complete ASSHOLE *cough Peter cough* then read his perspective and have a bit of an ...



I really kinda hate when some authors try to give EVERY friggeeenn character a chapter with their POVs *it’s 2 much please stawp* , but this author perfectly balanced her two main characters

The slow burn love interest. like we knew it was coming but damn we took the long way around

“I wanted someone smart, someone capable, someone so driven to do magic that she pretended to be a boy to get into the wizardry exam.” He looked straight into her widening eyes. “Beatrix Harper. I wanted you.”

The world building. Okay here is where the creativity two fold. First we got the general world. Basically its women trying to win the vote… but in the context of magic *Fucking brilliant*



wOmEn ArE 2 wEaK fOr MaGiC



Beatrix is a member of and supporting her sister to be a LEADER in the friggen Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic

I friggen LOVED how she was a hero .. but she wasn’t the spotlight hero ya know??

She wasn't the one who makes the big speeches, who draws in the crowds, who rallies the people— that was her little sis. Beatrix was there TO GET SHIT DONE

Our other side characters included the ever fabulous Ella the sassy BFF and Lydia the little sister, the hope of the women's movement



and now ... my complaints

Are you seriously telling me that Beatrix is a 33 year old independent woman ... feels bossed around by her little sister and by her first grade teacher *da fuck* ??? There was just scene after scene where Beatrix's POV felt like a little girl just doing what she was told by her little sister... by her teacher... like no stop. she only ever showed a backbone around Peter

That ending??
yah fuck you too author, I need the sequel nowwwwww

Overall, I really really enjoyed this book. It never felt slow and the worldbuilding was creatively intertwined with the plot developments so it didn't feel boring or pAgEs full of descriptions *I get bored easily* I really loved Beatrix and Peter, they each had their own storyline that slowly became more and more connected. Peter fervently refused to get involved with ... people in general and kept trying to get out of stuff. Beatrix refused to let the world affect her without having any say, she PUT herself in situations. Let's see where they end up

BOOK TWO PLEASEEEE

[Colleen Cowley]

When I started writing this novel about an alternate-reality America with wizards in charge, I thought, "Oh, I'll set it in the near future. Yeah, 2020 has a nice ring to it."

But then the idea ballooned into a trilogy. Eight years went by as I wrote in evenings and on weekends, this world and its characters taking up permanent residence in my brain. So here I am, releasing Subversive in actual 2020.

I mean: That has a nice ring to it, too.

I like books with magic infused in the real world (or a warped version of it), plot twists, emotional payoffs and slow-burn romances between people falling for each other based on who they are rather than what they look like. If that's your jam, too, you might enjoy Subversive.

I'm sharing the first two chapters here.

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Clandestine Magic Trilogy, Subversive focuses on a woman and a man who find themselves on opposite sides of a resistance. Beatrix is a member of the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic, and Peter is a powerful wizard who has returned home to serve as the town’s omnimancer.

Beatrix is miffed when Peter manipulates her into serving as his assistant and worries that he hired her to spy on the League. With the encouragement of her sister, who is a leader in the women’s movement, and other members of the League, Beatrix determines to reveal Peter’s sinister intentions. However, the longer Beatrix works with Peter, and the more she learns about her old school peer, the more she realizes that Peter’s reasons for returning are far more dangerous than she ever expected.

What a captivating story! From the very first line, “Wizards never came to Ellicott Mills anymore,” I was intrigued. The characters, the complex and immersive plot, the unique magical world, the great use of symbols, the poignant themes, the references to mythology, the love story – I couldn’t get enough of it!

I think what I love the most is the way that the story unfolds. The story is beautifully layered, and the author’s skill in unraveling all of those layers is masterful. From the love story to the dystopic, male-dominated society to the political intrigue to the problems in Ellicott Mills, everything is woven together seamlessly and in a way that highlights the other elements of the story. The author’s use of atmospheric and sensory language further strengthens the novel.

The world in Subversive is immersive and fascinating. It made me think of what our world would be like today if, a hundred years ago, men discovered that they, and not women, had magical abilities. Women are subordinate to men, have few rights or opportunities, and are continually discriminated against. Their progression as a gender has been halted while men and society have progressed.

Men with magical powers dominate politics and the major roles in society, efficiently and legally placing themselves in positions of power with no chance of retaliation. Beatrix, her sister, and their friends are fighting for equality, which means banning magic. This, they believe, will give everyone a fair shot.

I love that the women in the story are depicted as strong, independent thinkers even though they are often dismissed as less than. They possess so many outstanding qualities that many of the men in the story lack. Intellect, passion, and determination abound in Beatrix’s core group of friends despite the barriers and struggles they face, and though their cause is a bit misguided, their intentions for equal rights is not.

Beatrix and Peter, the main characters in the novel, are fantastically developed characters. I love Beatrix’s strength and determination, as well as her selflessness. From a young age, she is dissatisfied with the inequities between the sexes and tries to affect change. Then, she puts her own ambitions aside to care for family. Beatrix has suffered many disappointments in life, yet she never gives up her pursuit of equality and women’s rights.

I also like that Beatrix struggles with feelings of jealousy, self-consciousness, and tentativeness. She becomes torn between meeting the needs of others and pursuing her own desires. Her character is so dynamically developed and likable, that I sympathized with her conflicted feelings about life and love.

Much like Beatrix, Peter is conflicted as well. He is a mysterious man who is clearly hiding something from Beatrix and the people of Ellicott Mills. He seems tormented by the past and must face his inner demons. In addition to some questionable actions he committed in the past, he does a few things in the novel that are pretty unsavory. There is a moral greyness to Peter that is prevalent in some of his actions and words, and it is fabulous.

"He’d cast himself as the evil wizard and would never be allowed to play a different role."

Peter sees himself as a villain, as do many of the people in the story. Even though he helps people free of charge, devotes time to aiding women who want to ban magic, teaches Beatrix the craft she desperately wants to learn, and worries about the future of their world, he still only considers the bad things he’s done. I was fascinated by his complexities and how he struggles with his conflicted feelings, especially where Beatrix is concerned.

Speaking of the relationship between Beatrix and Peter, I love their slow-building, enemies-to-lovers romance! From the beginning, even during the awkward interactions, their connection is clear. They have a complicated past and present, but I’m still hopeful for their future!

Beatrix and Peter are tethered together because of their magical contracts, and their bond allows them to feel each others strong emotions. It also affects their dreams and allows them uncensored views into each other’s minds. Neither wants to have feelings for the other, but they can’t resist the connection that they share. Their time together only strengthens this bond, and I loved every reluctant second of it! I enjoyed their personal journeys as well as their journey as a couple. Even though Beatrix and Peter have some serious issues that they need to address, I’m so rooting for them! They have tremendous chemistry, and several of their tender moments together are completely swoon-worthy!

Now, I absolutely adored the romance, but Subversive is about so much more than that. Poignant messages about family, love, the importance of personal and political ethics, societal inequities and prejudice, conformity, and staying true to one’s values are powerful and thought-provoking. This is a story that you think about long after you finished reading because it addresses so many relevant and poignant issues.

Subversive is a richly developed and fascinating story that I very much enjoyed. I can’t recommend it enough! Thanks so much to Colleen Cowley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I'm so late writing this review, and I sorta/kinda hate myself for it. This series was/is AMAZING - in my verrrry humble opinion. I rarely feel like I truly love an entire book series, but this one really knocked it out of the park IMO. THANK YOU ELIZABETH FOR THE REC!!!

The author kept me hooked for all three books, I couldn't listen to the audiobooks fast enough. And when I was done, I had a major book hangover.

FYI, there's a box set of the audiobooks available through audible - for one credit! What a deal! 🤑🤑

If I hadn't waited over a month to write this review, maybe I would be able to add something substantial. But my procrastination has instead left me writing this subpar review for a really awesome book.

Safety is good for the entire series, no om/ow drama, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow, some steamy scenes, they dream share for a good chunk of the first book, so it's very slow burn before anything actually happens in the physical world, heroine had one sexual experience just to lose it, and was celibate after, hero was a TECHNICAL virgin, but he had been with women in ways that wouldn't lead to pregnancy. No details given of his past.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was a fantastic freebie on kindle and I will definitely be reading the series, also available on KU.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Cowley shines with her debut novel “Subversive,” a 444-page political fantasy set in an America controlled by wizards, yet one hundred years behind women's rights. Beatrix Harper is an integral part of the resistance as her young sister leads the women’s fight for the prohibition of magic, but when wizard Peter Blackwell unexpectedly returns to their hometown and engages her as his assistant, she finds herself magically bound, locked in an uneasy detente.

When Beatrix discovers the secrets of both Blackwell and the government, she ponders the relative merits, and dangers, of what her own recently discovered magical powers mean for women, and the country. She must not only decide where her loyalties lie but navigate a personal and magical political minefield.

Cowley weaves a web of slow-burning forbidden romance and intrigue between wizard and his assistant in a fascinating and dangerous alternative 21st century America. If the rest of the books are as engaging and thought provoking as this page-turner, the “Clandestine Magic” series is sure to be a hit. Somebody call NetFlix!

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subversive is the first in a new adult romantic fantasy series by Colleen Cowley.  I have to tell you, I read this book in a day.  I could NOT put it down.  From the very beginning, readers are thrust right into the conflict.  There's no beating around the bush here.  I was relieved to find this novel lacking the first chapter info dump that plagues many fantasy authors.  Rather, the backstory is peppered organically throughout the book in a way that keeps you guessing about certain details, but never feels confusing.  Cowley's writing is enchanting without being flowery.  The pacing is well balanced, lacking "fluff" moments that bear no connection to the main or sub-plots.  

This story is told through dual perspectives, which is something that I've come to love in any novel that features romance.  Beatrix and Peter come from vastly different backgrounds within the same town.  I adore Beatrix and her willingness to do whatever it takes to support her sister despite considerable hardships.  She is fierce and unyielding in her principles, exactly what is needed from the heroine of this story.  However, it is her faults that make her truly relatable, among them, her reluctance to acknowledge her "selfish" desires to achieve her own goals.  I loved seeing her come into her own towards the end of the book and look forward to her further growth in the sequel. 

Peter was a poor orphan, whose luck changed when he was whisked away to train as a wizard.  Twenty years later, he returns to the town of his birth harboring a dark secret.  I found Peter to be endearing, yet sometimes oafish.  While his quick instincts tend to help more than harm, he often jumps into actions without much thought for the repercussions.  For this reason, I think some will be turned off by his character.  Once again, the added perspective of his point of view, provides some much-needed clues to his actions and his emotional responses to them.  I find this to be redemptive for his character in most instances and conclude that Peter is charming, yet misunderstood.  

There is plenty of action, mystery, and political intrigue to make this book compelling as merely a fantasy tale, but I was really driven to read this book for the romance.  Let me reiterate that the romance is certainly not the main plot point.  Readers that prefer more substance beyond romance will not be disappointed.  That being said, I live for enemies-to-lovers.  The slow burn in this story is immensely satisfying and, while there are some mild "adult" moments, the romance is by no means established by the end of this book, which just makes me all the more eager for book 2.  Fair warning, this romance develops under questionable circumstances and will not be everyone's cup of tea.  In an effort to remain transparent, but avoid spoilers, I will say that this does NOT involve rape of any kind, but could be considered non-consensual in terms of emotional response (think love potion).  

Set in a version of twenty-first century America, this America has not seen progress in women's rights since the early 1900s.  As such, this story reads more like a historical fantasy.  Additionally, the men who run the country are mostly wizards (magic-wielding being a skill limited to men).  Beatrix (in addition to her friends and sister) is a member of the Women's League for the Prohibition of Magic, a group fighting to displace the power of the country from wizards. This twist on a familiar landscape creates a world both familiar and magical.  Though the women of this novel are more obviously suppressed, one can't help but draw parallels to the real world and the battles that women continue to fight despite our many victories over the years.

The magic system in this book is not altogether unique in that it requires a "living" sacrifice to create magic.  In this instance, the sacrifice is usually a leaf that has been preserved.  I appreciate this limitation and solution as something that made it feel more realistic without making magic inherently dark or evil.

In case I haven't said it enough, I loved this novel and highly anticipate the next two books in the series.  I recommend this for mature fans of fantasy romance or gaslamp fantasy, who may have enjoyed books like The Midnight Bargain or Sorcery of Thorns.  

This title is set to release September 27, 2020.  It is free with Kindle Unlimited (and not much more if you don't have KU).  The best news is that the other two books in the series will be releasing later this year.  I already have the second book, Radical, on pre-order!

Thank you to Colleen Cowley for providing a free copy of Subversive in exchange for an honest review. 

You can find this review and others like it on my blog www.myheartisbooked.com I will be featuring author Colleen Cowley in my interview series for Self-Published Fantasy Month on September 25, 2020 so be sure to check the blog for that!

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting new series!

This book is somewhat of mishmash of genres, but in an absolutely delightful and captivating way. It even made me late for work as I couldn’t bear to put it down at that particular point. The author describes it as romantic fantasy, one that has a modern-day steampunk/urban fantasy setting, where magic and magical items have replaced some, but not all, technology. There are cars, phones and trains, but no internet or computers, so at times it felt like the 1980’s. However, the patriarchal society that they live in refuses to allow women (m)any rights and along with their floor length dresses (worn with high heels!), and societal expectations of how women should act, it often felt more akin to the early 1900’s. Yet there were so many parallels with modern day issues, so whilst my description of the world isn’t the best, the actual thing is incredibly captivating!



Both Beatrix and Peter are eminently likeable and very sympathetic characters. Both make mistakes, but they are very easy to forgive, though I really wish Beatrix would just go along with her feelings, however they came about! I don’t want to say too much about what happens because - *spoilers*!!! What I can say is that the plot rattles along with a good pace, my interest never once waned and I found it hard to put the book down when real life came calling.


I highly recommend this book (even though it's fairly low heat levels) and can't wait for the next book.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alternate history world where magic exists, but only the elite wizards may cast it and women are second class citizens. This intolerable way is about to be challenged by some unlikely champions and of course, I was all in for the ride.

Subversive introduces an America that is modern in some respects like tech and geo-political lines, but backward in others. Women have it the worst because their rights are stuck firmly in the nineteenth century. This is why Beatrix Harper and other women have formed leagues to challenge the establishment. Beatrix has known hardship and loss since her wealthy family lost all the wealth in the last Great Depression, her parents passed away, and she gave up a chance of her own college education and dreams to raise her younger sister and see her go onto college and her dreams. They are getting by with Beatrix working at the general store in their small town when a wizard arrives and strong hands her into becoming his assistant as the town's Omnimancer (jack of all magical trades town help). His method of co-opting her was the worst and something she will never forgive or forget no matter what even if he turns out to be her savior more than once.

Peter Blackwell is on a mission to keep a powerful magical weapon that he invented out of government hands and he knows it won't be long before they catch on to what he has done. He doesn't have the time to gain Beatrix Harper's help voluntarily and he can't trust her with his secrets since she has admitted to opposing wizards with her league activities so he does the unthinkable. Only, Beatrix isn't who and what he thought she was and he is pulled into her world as much as she is pulled into his dark, magical world of secrets. He set things in motion that he wish he could undo because he has come to care for Beatrix's respect and more.

Subversive takes the reader into a curious and fascinating magical world. It's not a place that is pretty and clean just because there is magic, but flawed because there are humans. Nonetheless, it pulls one in with Beatrix's vibrant personality, Peter surrounded by mystery, and the pair of them carrying secrets and plans of their own while stuck together in an antagonistic relationship by the force of magic.

I enjoyed how the author revealed this curious world as she went without huge info dumps so that the plot, the characters, the relationships, and the settings were not drowned in details. And, it would have been easy to do with all that needed to be explained and set up to show how the world around the characters worked. Instead, there was a good balance of forward action and explanation, character and relationship development. It also did a good job of setting up for a grander story that would continue beyond Subversive into further installments.

I liked both Beatrix and Peter. He does something harsh right at the beginning and it sets the tone for the rest of their story. They have a complicated relationship that spans the spectrum of feeling from hate to love. By the end, when she knew all, Beatrix still couldn't forgive or forget. I thought this was harsh since she found herself doing the same thing to someone else and for a similar reason. But, she has baggage. They both do. Subversive is only the introduction to their story and there is more to come. I will be curious to see where Beatrix's impulsive, stubborn decision not to listen to Peter's cautions in the end will take things.

As to the suspense and action side of the plot, it was riveting. There was fabulous rising and falling action throughout the story whether it was government agents trying to sniff out Peter's secrets or a saboteur trying to set up the women's league to fail and even get lethal to make them stop. It was exciting to see how the magic was used as weapon, defense, and investigation, but also daily life help. It got exciting several times in the book and I have a feeling that now that Beatrix is ready to take what she knows and go on the offensive that the action will just get more intense.

So, there is an enemies to lovers attraction, plots from a few directions, friendships, and secrets revealed and the book leaves things at a 'to be continued' spot. I was enchanted by this alternate history magic-laiden word, the characters, and the action. I can definitely recommend it to those who enjoy suffragette-style stories, magic and suspense, and a long, slow build story stretching over several books.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina Morland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to be a beta reader for Subversive and the entire Clandestine Magic series. So, I suppose you can say I’m biased—but you can also say that I’ve read this book many, many times, and never once have I lost interest or stopped loving the characters that populate this exciting and captivating novel.

Subversive is a brilliant example of storytelling. Author Colleen Cowley has created a world that is intriguing and unique while also completely believable. Her system of magic is fascinating, and the alternate history she has set in motion is chilling.

And her characters! Oh, you will not be able to forget her characters after reading this book. Beatrix Harper is a woman ahead of her times, especially in a 2020 America where women lack basic rights, including the right to vote. Peter Blackwell is a wizard—one of the select few men who can wield magic in this society—and he has a terrible secret. Together, they battle a corrupt wizarding government and their own uncertain feelings for each other—all to do what they can to right the wrongs of this upside-down society.

There may be those of you thinking, “Ah, this is a fantasy, and I’m not a fantasy reader” or “This has romance, and I don’t do romance.” My advice: forget about genre. This book is above genre. This book is about story. If you love the basic elements of storytelling—great plotting, a brilliant setting, and characters you’re rooting for every step of the way—you're going to love Subversive.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so lucky that I got a copy of this one!

This book was set in a world where magic is a commodity and only a few (only men) can wield it.

Obviously there would be:

• Omnimancer- official town magician where townspeople can request help for ailments, potions and stuff
• A wizard tired of the secret high profile R&D life who goes back to town
• A breadwinner lady who is part of a known anti-magic league forced to be his assistant

* What can go wrong?



Why I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book:

1.Dual pov.

There was no guessing of the motivation of the characters.

2.Great writing! Why is this author not famous???

 I am sure she will be and I am so lucky I get to read the first of her works!

3. I can imagine this as a movie. With dark windy setting, crisp leaves, beautiful clothes, old grungy house full of potential. I would watch it when I'm feeling blue or happy or want to curl up during rainy days with a good story to get lost in.

4. Lovable Complex Characters:
Peter (the wizard), Beatrix, Ella, Lydia

This one is the best. I loved how they all started truly awful or some, truly principled,some determined, others looking for their purpose. Reading throughout the book, I did not feel even once they were caricatures to make a point or characters to fill some trope.I felt like they were real people with real experiences and what they felt , I felt too.Reading this book was an experience! (I certainly do not make long ass reviews for books I only 'liked')

* Peter: He was born illegitimate, his father left, his mother and grand ma died and people just don't give a lot of chances to bastard boys. I almost cried when he looked at Beatrix' garden and saw the flowers and how he thought there were nice to look at but thinking they can't be cooked. I felt that. I knew that feeling. I ... just, Colleen, how do you know these things??

* Beatrix : I loved her! Her principles were strong. She raised her sister and put aside her life to make Lydia's better and I loved that she was human enough to sometimes feel resentment, a jealousy and part envy to her sister, who after all her hard work had reached a point in life she thought was over for her (Lydia going to college and becoming more educated than her).

* Beatrix and Peter : Their relationship was slow burn (although I knew at the first sentence they were the ones who will get together). There was a lot of parts in the book when I thought it would be too hard for them to reconcile. Beatrix was a hard ass feminist, and did not want to give up her scrap of rights to a man who likes to trample all over them. BUT, WE ARE LUCKY BECAUSE COLLEEN CROWLEY is awesome and wow.. just reading the book, i felt how intimate their relationship was. How they knew each other so intently without even them talking about it.

5. Who does not like ladies who know their worth and fight for it to death?

This book has a lot of dialogue on woman's rights and how hard it was for women to carve up a space for themselves. It was also a major contention in the book and have been a core element on how Beatrix makes decisions on her love life and her work.

6. Magic with no cat sacrifice!

They do it through leaves people! Leaves! (No spoilers so I won't continue)

7. THE AUTHOR WAS WONDERFUL!!

* she gave me an ARC copy
*she has this whole section in her website that is dedicated for readers who want to be told ahead on trigger content (it has helped me curb some of my anxiety on HEA's) link: https://colleencowley.com/details/

My ONLY ISSUES:

1. I don't have the second book! :(((((((((((((

2. I guess the cover could be better?? Still, the story was wonderful and I just loved it and would reread it again and again

Got this as an ARC copy and will be thankful my whole life.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
First off, this book is incredibly well-written, and I absolutely adored the first 2/3. It had me hooked. Complex female friendships, really cool magic building, thought-provoking discussions about feminism and gender equality, serious moral dilemmas, two fantastic main characters. The plot was suspenseful and yet cute. It reminded me of Paper Magician or Howl's Moving Castle.
Then we got to the last third, and everything went downhill. A lot of this may just be personal preference, but the last third of the book was all about sex, and that's not my style. It was quite jarring compared to the first half of the book, which had been very PG (with the exception of some f-words that just didn't quite fit with the tone of everything else). When the only major plot point becomes a will-they-wont-they-but-they-already have, there isn't plot left. The main characters become chained by their Freudian id, which might be philosophically intriguing but is practically quite irritating to read about. I found myself skimming over the end of the book, disappointed because much of the plot and thoughtfulness had disappeared. Overall, I found myself cringing as the book ended, missing that glorious book that had started me off and hating the book that I ended with.
I really can't say that I recommend this book to anyone--which makes me sad because I started out loving it so much. In my opinion, the two halves are written for two completely different audiences, which is a major disappointment and sells both halves short.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*
I loved the start of this! I enjoyed the fight for female rights all through the book as well.

The character development was a bit sparse at times, but that's what I expect in a book that sounds as whimsical like this. So that was not at all a problem for me. I did like the main characters, and enjoyed spending time with them.

I loved the way they were fighting for the right thing, even if it made life harder for them.
At times they were a bit too naive - sadly especially the female characters, but not as much as to really bother me.

There's a couple of mysteries and a darker backstory hinted at and slowly being revealed, and I liked how the switching bet even POVs allowed one to glimpse more than the characters, and therefore be able to puzzle out things.

My personal main problem was the love story. It was too much centered on sex for my liking. Not only am I not a fan of sex scenes, but it did feel like the attraction here was mostly physically. Which is not a bad thing in itself, just not to my taste. The strain on the relationship development (I can't say more without spoiling) just didn't really work for me. I understand how the author meant it to shape and warp their feelings. I just couldn't really click with it.

All in all an entertaining and fun book I do not regret reading, though I won't likely be picking up any sequels.

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This book.

I started “Subversive” yesterday evening, and I read the entire novel in two hours straight. I have so many feelings about this book! The humorous banter, the sizzling romance, and the incredible plot had me hooked from the start! The novel is told from the (third person) perspectives of both Beatrix Harper and Peter Blackwell. 33 year old Beatrix Harper’s life instantly changes when her old classmate Peter Blackwell, whom she hasn’t seen since she was 13, barges back into her life and reveals that he has returned to their small town to become the new Omnimancer. He immediately demands that she work for him as his assistant, stealing her from her previous employer, which annoys her off the bat. But as more details are revealed about Peter’s reappearance, and as Beatrix becomes more and more entangled with him, she starts questioning everything: from her loyalty to the League to the very truths of everything she’s ever been told about magic itself.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second read. Still really good. I took my time this time listening to the audiobook. The narrator does a great job and I enjoyed it.


First read. Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! It took a little bit to suck me in. And then all of the sudden, I was on a bullet train! This was a magnificent book! It’s 2020, but in a universe that got stuck when men with magic began to rule and kept women from getting the vote and more civil rights.

The issues of consent and force are so well explored in this book. And choice. Waking mind versus sleeping.

This was really good. Had a lot of what I enjoy in a historical novel without being in historical time frame.

And the romance is well built but twisty.

I loved it!!!

[Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon } · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ DNF 49% PNR Trope underneath a veneer of possibilities.

I really wanted to like this…😮‍💨

It included so much that is just…me 🥰
Feminism in an alternate history, romance as an addition, rather than the whole, magic, sassy FMC, and action [all it would be missing is splashes of comedy].

BUT IT LIED 😫😭
No world building. No details for where history changed or why. Just IS.
No discussion for how we [women], skidded off course.
What about witches? What about Salem? When were wizards introduced? Why weren’t they persecuted against as our history does to witches?

There is so much that is missing. We are just presented with a fait accompli, then given a conventional style regency romance, with some modern conveniences. Think Cold War level technology.

Perhaps they go into more detail later, but I doubt it, and I was too disappointed and bored to continue.

The FMC was snobbish and too quick to think the worst when she shouldn’t, and not when she should. She fights too hard when she should listen and learn more, and gives in when a fight is warranted. Cliché, tropes, and frustrating.

Wasn’t entirely sure about the MMC, he swung in too many directions, and was obviously written to create angst, when more communication could have resolved so much earlier on.

If you enjoy regency style romance, where the world is simply to enable it, with surface fantasy, where again the angst [so much angst 😜], and drama is a prop for before mentioned romance…this is technically well written, good dialogue, and genre faithful.

Apart from the wasted opportunity regarding the world building, this is not a ‘bad’ story, just not for me.

[Molly Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the bright side the book is written well enough and I’m surprised it’s not more popular. But the rest… I do not favor fantasy books where magic is used solely to the purpose of delivering the author’s message. I do not need to be taught about gender equality on my escapist hobby. I very well know myself where we are equal to men, and where we are not. And that’s not even the worst part. The worst part is again, again a very very special girl protagonist who is not like the others - which is especially funny to me, in a book concentrating on a fight for gender equality. But actually it’s not about equality at all. The message of those books is:
1. Women are better than men.
2. One woman in particular is better than all the other women.
3. Men ate manipulative in their nature.
Again, it’s written well, and the MCs are well developed, I think. I’m usually not a fan of double POV, but it was fine here.
Decide for yourselves.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting alternative historical fantasy with an unique magical system and budding romance storyline.



On one hand we have male wizards and magic dominating the ruling classes-along size a small town and a group of suffragettes trying to carve out space and opportunities for their fellow women and futures.

Our h, Beatrix, came from a once wealthy family that was devastated after her parents death- and has put aside her dreams of college to support her politically minded suffragette sister in her bid for leadership.

Things change drastically however when a former classmate turned magician Peter returns to the town to become its Omnimancer and insists - against her will- that Beatrix become his assistant. Their tense relationship gets even more fraught as she discovers secrets in his employ that might change everything.

With both Peter and Beatrix working against the powers that be, classicism, sexism, each other, and their growing attraction-the two might just find that they've set themselves on a path they can't turn back from.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women, wizards, leafs and magic.
A book about politics, magic, love and friendship. And above all: fighting for what you believe, you know, is right.
Set in a world slightly different from ours. With wizards ruling the land. Domineering women and men who can't do magic.
Well written, with some fascinating characters.
I'm looking forward to reading more about this wizarding world!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dave Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combining the struggle for equal rights with paranormal romance, Cowley crafts a tale that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and romance alike.

Wizards rule the United States of America and only men can cast magic. Beatrix Harper spends her days working as a shop assistant to pay for her younger sister’s education and her evenings supporting the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Until Peter Blackwell, the only wizard the town has produced, causes her to lose her job and all but forces her to work for him within minutes of his return. Despite his initial high-handedness and him representing everything she stands against, she starts to see a good side. But has a leading light in magical research really moved to a backwater town for a change of pace or does he have a more dangerous motive, perhaps the destruction of the League?

At it’s most basic Cowley’s plot is classic romance: when circumstances put two people from opposing groups in close proximity they realise they might like each other; a woman starts to see the good in two men of different character, each of whom claims the other is only pretending to be decent.

However, Cowley’s world both amplifies the aspects that define romance and counters some of the aspects that can frustrate some readers: in addition to the mundane miscommunications and misinterpretations that get in the way of love, magic adds the possibility of things truly not being what they seem and even a protagonist’s feelings not being real. Thus, readers who enjoy the dramatic irony of watching two people fail to realise they love each other are provided with plenty to enjoy while those who have a lower tolerance for people not just talking to each other are presented with plausible reasons why these characters don’t.

This enhancement of the normal also features in Cowley’s wider world-building. Set in an America at some point after the development of heavy industry but before the electronics revolution and ruled by male wizards, the society is inherently sexist; however, with only some men able to cast magic, women are effectively third-class citizens. Thus, some of those who support the idea that wizards shouldn’t rule the nation still oppose Beatrix and her sister because they are women. While this does echo intersectionality, Cowley does not lean heavily into the issue, providing a clear indication of the issue without overtly pushing the message.

In addition to extending the caste system, the presence of magic adds tension to the struggle for equal rights. While real-world history contains more than enough examples of dirty tricks used by unethical governments against those they consider a threat to their power, a government with the power to alter reality can access a whole new level of convenient “accidents” and gaslighting. Again, Cowley features this possibility without deviating from this fundamentally being a romance.

Where Cowley does definitely steer away from classic romance is in the ending. While this book does feature a complete arc, it is definitely also the start of a series; and leaves the happy ever after as something still to be pursued in later books rather than following the more usual romance series pattern of providing an apparent happy ever after that is then challenged at the start of the next book by new events.

Beatrix is a highly empathetic protagonist. Her combination of strong morals, belief in equality, and genuine desire to protect her sister create a dynamic tension where each of the options is commendable. This both allows for her to make decisions the reader would not have made without seeming foolish and to assert or compromise her principles without seeming naive or fickle.

The two wizards who she might love are skilfully balanced: one has brutally forced her into service and is acting suspiciously, but also seems to genuinely care for the well-being of the town and seems to support more equal rights; the other treats her well and offers to give her much she has been denied, but works for a secret unit within the government dedicated to maintaining the status quo.

The supporting cast are pleasingly nuanced, with members of each of the relevant groups having varied opinions and drives; thus, as with the real world, there are women who work to sustain sexual inequality and people who support rule by a group to which they do not belong.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to fantasy fans who don’t loath any hint of romance and romance fans who don’t disdain a whiff of the plausible impossible.

I received a free copy through a community for authors with a requesting fair reviews.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Wizards never come to Ellicott Mills anymore." (quote from the book)

That is until one does! And this Omnimancer has a history with Ellicott Mills and its residents, especially Beatrix Harper. But suspicions run high as to why he, Peter Blackwell, has returned. Beatrix soon finds herself working for him...but why her?

"She had a great deal of fellow feeling for that leaf, both of them helpless to resist the transformation he demanded." (quote from the book)

There is an urgency coursing through this novel. This urgency had me flying through this book. The tension, the secrets, the politics and the power the Wizards have over the country was fascinating. I didn't feel lost in this 'modern fantasy' at any time. It was well written and conveyed without a lot of 'explanations' to interrupt the story. It was seamless in the telling and the interactions of the characters were realistic. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

"He'd been doing a lot of things lately that one wasn't supposed to do." (quote from the book)

Now, I don't think I would have chosen this novel on my own without the recommendation of another, as well as a reviewer that I trust. Thank you both, you know who you are. I lean more towards Austenesque, historical novels and period murder/mysteries. But, 2020 had me stepping outside my normal genres. I must say, I am so glad I followed through on this one.

Brava, Ms. Cowley for this intriguing world you have built. I love the premise, the magic and the book cover!

[Vela Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to discover this book. It's not only one of my favorite romantic fantasy finds of the year, but a permanent addition to my forever favorites list.

This is a better-than-sleep book, my friends. You'll happily sacrifice those precious ZZZs to stay up all night and binge-read the entire series.

Colleen's vision of an alternate 21st century ruled by wizards will capture your imagination. The suffragette-era atmosphere is perfect for fans of Gaslamp fantasy, and the unique magic system is crafted with thought and detail.

It takes great skill as a storyteller to blend feminism and romance. Colleen does it beautifully. Subversive confronts the power dynamics between men and women head on and weaves them into a deliciously angsty, deeply satisfying romance. I love political romance, but even if you don't, you'll love the sparks that fly between Beatrix and Peter!

It means a lot to me that Beatrix is a 30-something heroine with real problems. The relatable life challenges she must overcome make her HEA feel like a real victory.

Did I mention that Peter is a long-haired wizard with a billowing coat, who becomes a defender of women's rights? Need I say more about this swoon-worthy hero?

Don't miss this gem of a book that so perfectly combines slow-burn romance, creative fantasy, and a cathartic portrayal of the struggles real women face and overcome every day.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.bookwormblues.net/2021/03...

I randomly nabbed this book off of Kindle Unlimited. It looked different, and I enjoy alternative histories so why not. In the end, I was left largely pleased with the experience of reading it. It wasn’t what I expected, and I left it kind of off-balance because it was just such a large deviation in some respects, from what I’d anticipated.

Reader, I love being pleasantly surprised.

Subversive tells the story of a woman named Beatrix, who, after her parents died in the last Great Depression, gave up basically everything to raise her younger sister, who is now a college student. Beatrix herself works in a local general store to make ends meet, and is involved in the League for the Prohibition of Magic. Into this mix arrives Peter Blackwell, an omnimancer who comes from Washington itself to help the people in this small town with potions and the like.

Soon, it becomes clear that Peter is not exactly what he seems, and neither is Beatrix. The book itself follows their journey. Slowly, Peter’s true motivations are revealed, and just as carefully, so is Beatrix’s latent potential.

I will say, a lot of this book focuses on relationships, both between characters, with family members, amongst the community and the like. Beatrix and Peter play really well off each other. Peter grew up with Beatrix before life happened and he moved away to do other things. These two characters have a shared history, but they are also very different people now, and while they get to know each other, in a lot of respects they are getting to know themselves as well, and I really enjoyed that dynamic. The author did an excellent job playing them off each other.

The magic system was unlike any I have ever seen used before, which was a delight. Leaves are collected from trees, and are, basically, the fuel required to cast magic. From a leaf, a person could create a pen, and parchment to write upon, or any number of other things (though herbs, potions, incantations and the like are used as well). One of the most important social elements of this book is also reliant upon this magic system. You see, sometime in this alternative history, magic was not only discovered, but it was has been understood that only males can use it.

So, we are dropped into this interesting alternative United States where males are given priority over females for many things, not just magic, but in this version of America, women’s rights are not a thing that exists. The standards of the time are very similar to the 1920s. For example, there is one point near the start of the book, after Beatrix has been strongarmed into being Peter’s assistant, where Peter gets harangued by one of the local busybodies about, basically, “What are people going to think about Beatrix with you alone in that big house and no chaperone?”

Interestingly, this book is set roughly in our same day and age, but with this 1920s feel to things (think prohibition), so readers get an interesting mix of modern and historical. Cars are relatively modern, but instead of computers, people are still using typewriters and etc. It created a world I didn’t expect, and I both felt very excited about this unique blend of elements. Though, I have to admit, this is probably my biggest drawback to the novel as a whole.

In some ways, I felt like this worldbuilding was supposed to be a bit more profound than it actually ended up being. Ultimately, I felt like this mix of elements muddied the waters more than it clarified them. I think it would have worked better if the entire book had just been set in the 1920s or somewhere around there (just pick a time period), because so many of the elements were true to that period, to the point they overwhelmed the modern details and I had to reread passages to pick the modern details up.

It took me a few rereads at the start of the book, for example, to understand cars were fairly modern. For another example, there were mentions of not wanting books about magic to fall into the hands of Germans and Japanese, at one point, and that’s something that’s very early to mid 1900s as well. When I really realized the book was set in the 2000s, I honestly was so surprised I had to re-read that a few times just to let that soak in. So it’s an interesting mix of modern and historical, but ultimately the historical overwhelmed the modern and I think it could have been a lot more meaningful and real if all the elements had been streamlined a bit.

However, aside from that one drawback, I thought the book itself was a true delight to read. It wasn’t one that makes you work too hard to understand it. The author did an amazing job at weaving together elements of the plot, the characters, and the world so revelations came at the proper time. There were few infodumps, and it was easy to follow what was going on. If some plot points were predictable (I could smell the romance thread a mile away, for example) it was easy to forgive. Not everything needs to be a huge surprise to be enjoyable. This book is the kind of thing you’ll want to pick up when you need to just relax, and detach from the world.

The writing was likewise well done. Never over-the-top, or purple, but just descriptive enough to bring scenes to life, and make the evolution of characters and situations really matter. I enjoyed, in fact, the way Cowley managed to make her story come to blazing life, without overwhelming any of the elements of it with overdone prose. Every word, every sentence, was carefully chosen for maximum impact.

Subversive is the start to a new series, and I fully intend on continuing on with it. Was it a perfect book? No, but it was extremely enjoyable, and a true gem. An absolutely enchanting marriage of Gaslamp fantasy and alternative history. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes me.

[Gena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. This has elements of wonderful, queue Peter, and elements of frustration, queue Beatrix. Because we get both points of view, i resonated with Peter. Trying to do the right thing, not sure who to trust, loving helplessly. Unfortunately Beatrix comes off as the weaker one, creating angst and having a single minded focus in rights to drive the plot. She doesn't try to see the others view and jumps to conclusions which has her alienating key people. She also has a bit of a martyr personality ie doing all for her sister but not talking honestly with her that is frustrating. So I'm reading on but i hope i like Beatrix more in the next one.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subversive takes the reader into a curious and fascinating magical world. It's not a place that is pretty and clean just because there is magic, but flawed because there are humans. Nonetheless, it pulls one in with Beatrix's vibrant personality, Peter surrounded by mystery, and the pair of them carrying secrets and plans of their own while stuck together in an antagonistic relationship by the force of magic.

I enjoyed how the author revealed this curious world as she went without huge info dumps so that the plot, the characters, the relationships, and the settings were not drowned in details. And, it would have been easy to do with all that needed to be explained and set up to show how the world around the characters worked. Instead, there was a good balance of forward action and explanation, character and relationship development. It also did a good job of setting up for a grander story that would continue beyond Subversive into further installments.

I liked both Beatrix and Peter. He does something harsh right at the beginning and it sets the tone for the rest of their story. They have a complicated relationship that spans the spectrum of feeling from hate to love. By the end, when she knew all, Beatrix still couldn't forgive or forget. I thought this was harsh since she found herself doing the same thing to someone else and for a similar reason. But, she has baggage. They both do. Subversive is only the introduction to their story and there is more to come. I will be curious to see where Beatrix's impulsive, stubborn decision not to listen to Peter's cautions in the end will take things.

As to the suspense and action side of the plot, it was riveting. There was fabulous rising and falling action throughout the story whether it was government agents trying to sniff out Peter's secrets or a saboteur trying to set up the women's league to fail and even get lethal to make them stop. It was exciting to see how the magic was used as weapon, defense, and investigation, but also daily life help. It got exciting several times in the book and I have a feeling that now that Beatrix is ready to take what she knows and go on the offensive that the action will just get more intense.

Leanne Woodward is a first-time narrator for me, but I was able to easily slip into the story and appreciate her way of voicing the characters and the storyline. A couple of the younger women voices were not as distinct from each other, but I still had no trouble knowing who was doing the talking. In truth, this is a re-read for me and an already amazing story was even more magical for me getting it in audio. I definitely want to listen to the whole series as told by Ms Woodward. The production was impeccable as well.

So, there is an enemies to lovers attraction, plots from a few directions, friendships, and secrets revealed and the book leaves things at a 'to be continued' spot. I was enchanted by this alternate history magic-laiden word, the characters, and the action. I can definitely recommend it to those who enjoy suffragette-style stories, magic and suspense, and a long, slow build story stretching over several books.

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Reviews. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUBVERSIVE is the first instalment in Colleen Cowley’s multi-genre CLANDESTINE MAGIC /paranormal/ UF/ Gaslamp fantasy series focusing on wizard/omnimancer Peter Blackwell, and store clerk/suffragette Beatrix Harper.

Told from dual third person perspectives (wizard/omnimancer Peter Blackwell, and store clerk/suffragette Beatrix Harper) SUBVERSIVE follows in the aftermath of thirty-three year old, Peter Blackwell’s return to his hometown of Ellicott Mills, a return that finds Blackwell hiding in plain sight since Ellicott Mills has not had a wizard in a number of years. Needing an assistant, Blackwell forces Beatrix Harper into a contract, a contract that will bind our couple in everyway possible but Peter Blackwell is on the run, and his return to Ellicott Mills coincides with the suffragette movement of the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic, a league that wants to curtail the use of magic, as well as the wizard’s who push back. With Beatrix Harper by his side, Blackwell quickly discovers that all is not well in Ellicott Mills, including the mysterious appearance of another wizard, and the possibility of a mole in the Women’s League organization. What ensues is the acrimonious but forced relationship between Blackwell and Beatrix, and the potential fall-out as magic no longer appears to be the domain of only men.

SUBVERSIVE is classified as ‘Gaslamp Fantasy’ - a sub-genre of both fantasy and historical fiction with elements of steampunk and the paranormal. The story line is set in an alternate 21st century, one in which the rise of feminism and equal rights has only just begun, and women are still considered second class citizens with no power, no magic and no rights. For decades wizards aka men, have controlled the world, using magic and the elements to increase their power and domination but subtle cracks begins to fragment their authority, and a magical weapon commissioned by our story line hero is needed to regulate the users of magic.

Colleen Cowley pulls the reader into an imaginary, enchanting and intriguing story of discrimination, magical power, fate and fear. An enemies to lovers, forced proximity relationship between a wizard whose secrets are dangerous and dark, and a woman who only wants the right to be considered his equal. The premise is fascinating; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is complex as the attraction may not be natural or from the heart.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Rk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine the situation we might be in if men had an additional advantage over women, besides just physical strength. Subversive introduces a world where men are able to do magic, and women are not, and it only takes a few moments thought to imagine how this imbalance might affect women’s rights.

Many of the great strides feminism has taken in the past few decades do not exist, and men who can do magic rule the world (or at least, America). But there’s a growing semi-underground resistance movement in the shape of regional chapters of the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic.

Beatrix Harper, the heroine, is part of one of these, and she is helping her firebrand sister Lydia run for leadership of her local chapter, while at the same time holding down a job to pay for Lydia’s college tuition. They live in a small town which has been without an Omnimancer (local wizard responsible for the town’s affairs) for five years, until Peter Blackwell arrives, an extremely talented wizard returning to his local town for mysterious reasons.

Peter hires Beatrix as his assistant against her will, and this prickly relationship becomes one of the main focuses of the book, along with Peter’s own secrets, and the increasingly brutal attempts of the authorities to bring Lydia’s journey towards leadership to an end.

I really enjoyed this book, the relationships are compelling and it’s well written. There’s some symbolism which is made more overt in the final few pages, where it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. The magic concept is really cool and original, and I also really liked the twisty feeling there is to the romance, although I think that bit is going to be fairly predictable (which is perfectly ok). It reminds me a bit of Naomi Novik’s Uprooted, and I think anybody who liked that will also like Subversive.

[Verdelite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! Be still, my feminist heart. I don't know why I thought this would be a light and fluffy read.
Spoiler: It was not.

Betrayal! Angst! Pining! Politically relevant topics that make want to rail against the world because of the injustice! Intrigues! More betrayal! I can't even.

This was definitely more emotionally involving and upsetting than I was in the mood for but, damn, am I invested now.

(It's not actually that upsetting probably, but I was in the mood for pure fluff and also, misogyny gets me riled up easily and quickly.) Which is why I can't say with 100% certainty that it was purely the author's skill in her portrayal of the injustice that women have to face - but to me, it definitely felt like an excellent and believable portrayal. YMMV.

My god. The reveal at the end. Gosh, the implications!! I am both anxious and excited to see where the author is going with this. Here's to hoping the plot doesn't fizzle out in the later installments although my blood pressure might prefer if it does!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

❇️❇️ONE WILD ROLLERCOASTER❇️❇️
Fascinating! Colleen delivers with this skillfully spun debacle, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, launching this jewel to staggering heights. Caught in a dizzying plot chocked-full of dubious drama, captivating intrigue, damning secrets, underhanded deals, shocking revelations, ruthless actions, relentless cunning, unidentifiable foe, escalating suspense and unnerving situations ensue, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, crushed boundaries and forced limitations are expanded and amplified, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of self preservation, powering through with such intensity and vigor, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere are realistic, complex and genuine with traits and qualities, adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Colleen, thanks for sharing this thrilling block buster with us.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much! It took me a little while to get into, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The slow-burn romance was absolutely sizzling, and the main plot kept me hooked the whole way through. This book definitely deserves a solid 5 stars, and I’m super excited to dive into the next books in the series!