“We have already discussed what I want,” Zeyphar continued. He slipped a finger around a lock of hair by the side of her face, and he crafted his expression into a reassuring smile when she flinched away. “I want Zlaet in my court. And I want you to assist me with this.”It’s been six months since Slate Melisande saw his ex-girlfriend Daniella O’Callaghan through a filter of dust and rubble. He knows approaching her puts them both at terrible risk, but every moment without her only stretches the pit of loneliness inside him. He’s not the same man as he was before—the life he leads now is more dangerous than either of them ever dreamed.
Dani has tried every avenue to return her life to a semblance of normal—without Slate, without the fae. When he crashes back into her life as suddenly as he left, she’s not sure she’s ready to forgive him just yet. Stitching their relationship together will require more than just casual and fun—Dani will have to dig deep into her own well of courage to let go of the ghosts of her past and move forward.
Meanwhile, conflict begins to escalate around them. It seems Zeyphar hasn’t dismissed Dani after all, and it’s clear he’s willing to use any weapon—or person—to bring his nephew to heel.
Once again, Dani finds herself embroiled in the trappings of fae politics, but this time, she refuses to run. Will she be a pawn in Zeyphar’s nefarious game… or will she be a queen in her own?
⚠Summer and Snow is an adult romantic fantasy that includes adult content, including graphic sexual content. Recommended for readers 18+. It is the second book in the Magic in Myth series, and the books MUST BE READ IN ORDER.
If you like JR Ward, Nalini Singh, and other paranormal romances, you won't be able to put down the fast-paced, addictive, sexy second installment of the Magic in Myth series.
J.S. Alexandria is actually TWO people behind the books—Jess and Sierra, two best friends who have been writing together for over 20 years.
Jess, however, is the face of the social media and marketing side. Anything you see on the internet or in public, that's Jess.
Jess and Sierra (collectively, J.S.) both love anime and video games, and their favorite genres to read are fantasy and romance. They are huge fans of J.R. Ward, Nalini Singh, SJM, Raven Kennedy, and dozens of other trade-pub and indie-pub authors.
During the day, you can find both women teaching and writing, and at night, Jess is often at martial arts class, and Sierra can be found organizing a DnD campaign.
This book does everything right. It is a masterpiece! The authors have a very unique voice and they have created a marvellous world which feels intriguing and lived-in.
I thoroughly loved this book! It has a perfect pacing, amazing characters and a fantastic story.
"Lore" has always been the strength of this series, and while being a book 2, we still are peeling back so many layers and diving deeper into the dense magical history of this world, and there's promise for so much more! There is an abundance of hints for what awaits in future books which is setup quite beautifully within the conversations between characters and then some more in the wonderful short snippets under the title, it's a unique storytelling choice I haven't seen before.
If you're a believer of 'a story is as good as it's villain', then this story has you covered. It's very difficult to create a scary villain, who is scary for his mind and not just raw power, and this book makes it look so easy.
I can't wait to see what else sprouts from their mind for book 3, it would have taken so much restraint to hide and only show glimpses of what's coming next!! It is an excellent way to keep the readers wanting more!
For me, this book does at times read like a YA - but I was completely fine with it. Also, this book, like the first one, is very heavily romance driven - but the balance between that and the fantasy plot is handled much better here and more cohesively - which doesn't make it feel like I was reading two books in one.
“Because without her, no one else can stop me from turning this world into ash and rubble at my feet.”
I love an ‘I would burn the world for her’ trope, and that is precisely what authors J.S. Alexandria deliver in their second installment of the Magic in Myth series, Summer and Snow.
I was salty with Slate after the infamous voicemail from book one. However, Summer and Snow’s opening line had me kicking my feet with laughter and hoping for a quick reunion. The first 35% is slower, but it is just enough time for Dani and Slate to rebuild their relationship. It is the perfect buffer for the rest of the book, which is filled with non-stop action, including magical battles and daring escapes.
The richness of the lore inspired by Asian and Celtic mythology only deepened in Summer and Snow. New characters and creatures are introduced, adding color and depth to the story.
The development of each character was superb. I loved that Roger got his own POV, and some questions from his backstory were answered. Compared to the last book, Ebisu didn’t have much page time. I missed his wisdom and quips, but I understand the focus of Summer and Snow was more on Slate’s character growth without the help of his father. Zeyphar’s villain arc stood out to me. Few books have a truly wicked villain, but J.S. Alexandria did an incredible job of making him grossly irredeemable.
While a few questions were left unanswered, like the nature of Dani’s power and her ancestry, the hints from the epilogue left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the Magic in Myth series!
Eloquently written, captivating, and a great story.
Being vague because of spoilers, but I love the banter and sass of the characters. Also, I loved the small details— there was a pop culture reference that made the little girl in me smile.
"Only she could break him and mend him between one breath and the next."
*A huge thank you to Jess and Sierra for allowing me to read an ARC of Summer and Snow!! All thoughts and comments are my own.*
Summer and Snow is book two in the Magic in myth series by J. S. Alexandria. This series does need to be read in order, so check out Frost and Sunshine if you haven't started yet. Please be sure to read the Author's Note at the start of the story for CW before you begin reading.
I've been impatiently waiting for this sequel from the moment I finished an ARC of Frost and Sunshine! I am so in love with this series and its characters. Summer and Snow picks up six months after the events in FAS. The first line had me laughing out loud for so long! The beginning of the story focuses on character and relationship development, which I adored. I was so glad that there wasn't a prolonged separation, and that Jess and Sierra gave Slate and Dani the time to breathe. Their chemistry...fire! IYKYK.
In addition to Slate and Dani, we are reunited with some of my favorite side characters: Roger, Kari, and Jian all are back and bring much needed wisdom and humor! The action picks up around the 35% mark, and the stakes are so high! I had so much anxiety for all of the characters through the later half of the story. I don't want to spoil anything...just know that Zeyphar is a wonderful villain. Makes your skin crawl. Absolutely no redeeming qualities. I love to loathe him!
I love the ending! There is a happy for now resolution, but there are questions and threats that still linger. The epilogue especially has me so excited for the next book in the series already!! I absolutely adore this series, and how the authors approached this book. It's got action, intrigue, adventure, character growth, spice, as well as different types of magic. So much fun that I couldn't put the story down. 100% recommend!
"How was it possible that the absence of one person could make a place feel like such a void?"
"As I said, I will deny her nothing, not even you."
"Here he was, a fae prince with ample magical reservoirs and decades of fighting skill, taken out at the knees by the one woman he'd literally trade his beating heart for."
"Sometimes a perfect match isn't someone you can keep up with, but someone who balances you out. Maybe he doesn't need someone to fight at his side, but someone to pick him up after the battle."
"Magic is not power when the enemy also possesses it. It simply is. And if used irresponsibly, it can lead to apocalyptic consequences."
"I shall take my place at your council table, princeling. To whatever end."
This book has everything you need to finish a duology. While the first book gives us Slate’s growth and perspective, this book is all Dani. I love seeing the characters develop and grow in who and what they are. The villain is scary AF, and sometimes I had to put the book down to breathe through the hard parts. And the hard parts, WERE NOT JUST HARD, BUT TORTUOUS.
But they were all worth it when you get to the end. The wonderful ending that makes every second of book 1 and 2 feel like a necessary buildup.
The books felt different to each other, like how the characters are different. The vibes are complementary, almost as if we could feel how one book is Slate and the other Dani. I enjoyed the new POVs and understanding some character motivations that were left unsaid in book 1. Especially *coughs* Roger.
I can’t wait to see what comes next from these authors, and I am so excited for the next installment, that I know will not be Dani and Slate, but one character who has grown on my so much that I NEED their story, now!
But I am a patient human being, I will wait… Because good things come to those who wait, right?
Laying in bed, after reading this book originally over 6 months ago, thinking “I really wanna re-read that book” and realizing I never wrote a review.
I cannot overstate that this series brings fresh feels to fantasy-genre themes that are familiar. And it is one of the top books/series that come to mind OFTEN as a reread I’d like to do.
Only reason I didn’t get to the review earlier was cause this year was the mental burnout of all mental burnouts.
Give this book a read, you will not regret it. Characters are 10/10, plot 10/10, villain 10/10 LOATH ENTIRELY, world 10/10 side characters 10/10!
Summer and Snow by J.S. Alexandria is a captivating mix of romance and fantasy, seamlessly blending faerie lore with modern-day conflicts. The rich world-building and complex characters drive the story, offering emotional depth and intrigue. Perfect for fans of romantic fantasy, this 2nd installment in the series delivers magic, tension, and adventure in equal measure. The ending leaves the reader excited for the release of book #3!!
I've never been one for fantasy - witches and vampires were as far as I had ventured. Knowing one of the authors, I read Book 1, Frost and Sunshine. I was hooked. Since the end of Book 1, I have eagerly awaited Summer and Snow. This sequel did not disappoint. I have been captivated by the stories of Slate, Dani, Roger, Jian and Kari... Now I find myself anticipating Book 3.
Frost and Sunshine was one of my top reads last year I've been anxiously waiting for Summer and Snow, and it did not disappoint!
If you're looking for an urban romantasy with all the vibes, flawless world building, witches, vampires, fae plus other unique beings, and a smoking hot mmc, this should be on your tbr!!!