Kristina Stangl's Blog - Posts Tagged "new-release"
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber Review
Ah, what a beautiful ending to a beautiful series. This is by far, perhaps, one of the best and epic love stories that I have ever had the pleasure to read.
Where shall I begin? Well, for starters, as the final novel to the OUABH series, all pending matters were finally put to rest and as readers, we all got our much deserved happy ending and what a happy ending it was indeed!
All questions posed throughout the series, dating back even to the Caraval series, were answered. From how Jacks became a Fate to who cursed his fatal kiss from the very beginning, to even Jacks' obsession with apples... everything was answered and nothing was left unaddressed. And as a fan to this series, I was very happy that all "t's" were crossed and "I's" dotted.
What I particularly liked about "A Curse for True Love," was that in this third and concluding novel, the narration was told from Evangeline's, Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives. Unlike the previous two novels that were primarily told from Evangeline's perspective, the third novel took a different approach and actually gave us the points of views from the two other leading men in this series. I found this to be a rather useful and clever tool, because it gave us unique insights into Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives and motivations from their sides of the story-- something that lacked in the previous novels. However, as much as I loved each chapter dedicated specifically to Jacks', I personally would have liked it so much more had there been a few more chapters focused on just him (I actually felt a bit disappointed that he didn't have as many chapters, in comparison to Apollo, which I felt could have had a few less).
Furthermore, while the first half of the novel was a bit frustrating due to Evangeline losing her memories from the end of the previous novel; however, I think the purpose of her memory loss was to also prove the point that true love isn't something that can be prevented or stopped. Even without her memories of Jacks, Evangeline is still drawn to him because in the end, true love is like a fire that once burned, it can never die, no matter the obstacles.
Ultimately, the moral of the story to this series is that nothing is immune to the power of love and that true love knows no boundaries, whether someone is a supposedly a "hero" or the "villain." It is through the act of love alone, that all things are made whole again. Furthermore, sometimes the people we deem as a "hero" really might be the true "villain," and the so-called "villain" also has the potential for redemption and that a happy ending is something earned, and not necessarily, given freely.
Also, true love is not meaningless spoken words, but actions. Actions taken to protect the ones we love most in this world. And in the OUABH universe, it's Jacks' undying love and devotion for the protection and care of Evangeline, a journey that takes him from the "villain" in the beginning of this series and eventually, transforms him into the unlikely "hero" and romantic lead by the end.
Lastly, the very fact that the Prince of Hearts was willing to freely sacrifice his own heart to protect her, says everything.
Highly recommend. A perfect ending to a spectacular series.
A Curse for True Love
Where shall I begin? Well, for starters, as the final novel to the OUABH series, all pending matters were finally put to rest and as readers, we all got our much deserved happy ending and what a happy ending it was indeed!
All questions posed throughout the series, dating back even to the Caraval series, were answered. From how Jacks became a Fate to who cursed his fatal kiss from the very beginning, to even Jacks' obsession with apples... everything was answered and nothing was left unaddressed. And as a fan to this series, I was very happy that all "t's" were crossed and "I's" dotted.
What I particularly liked about "A Curse for True Love," was that in this third and concluding novel, the narration was told from Evangeline's, Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives. Unlike the previous two novels that were primarily told from Evangeline's perspective, the third novel took a different approach and actually gave us the points of views from the two other leading men in this series. I found this to be a rather useful and clever tool, because it gave us unique insights into Apollo's and Jacks' perspectives and motivations from their sides of the story-- something that lacked in the previous novels. However, as much as I loved each chapter dedicated specifically to Jacks', I personally would have liked it so much more had there been a few more chapters focused on just him (I actually felt a bit disappointed that he didn't have as many chapters, in comparison to Apollo, which I felt could have had a few less).
Furthermore, while the first half of the novel was a bit frustrating due to Evangeline losing her memories from the end of the previous novel; however, I think the purpose of her memory loss was to also prove the point that true love isn't something that can be prevented or stopped. Even without her memories of Jacks, Evangeline is still drawn to him because in the end, true love is like a fire that once burned, it can never die, no matter the obstacles.
Ultimately, the moral of the story to this series is that nothing is immune to the power of love and that true love knows no boundaries, whether someone is a supposedly a "hero" or the "villain." It is through the act of love alone, that all things are made whole again. Furthermore, sometimes the people we deem as a "hero" really might be the true "villain," and the so-called "villain" also has the potential for redemption and that a happy ending is something earned, and not necessarily, given freely.
Also, true love is not meaningless spoken words, but actions. Actions taken to protect the ones we love most in this world. And in the OUABH universe, it's Jacks' undying love and devotion for the protection and care of Evangeline, a journey that takes him from the "villain" in the beginning of this series and eventually, transforms him into the unlikely "hero" and romantic lead by the end.
Lastly, the very fact that the Prince of Hearts was willing to freely sacrifice his own heart to protect her, says everything.
Highly recommend. A perfect ending to a spectacular series.
A Curse for True Love
Launching New Website
New official website for author, Kristina Stangl
For latest updates, release information and more, follow author page at:
https://www.kristinastangl.com
Happy Reading!
For latest updates, release information and more, follow author page at:
https://www.kristinastangl.com
Happy Reading!
Cupid's Serenade by Kristina Stangl (New Release!)
Dear Readers,
Introducing my latest release, Cupid's Serenade by Kristina Stangl. A new fantasy romance that's now available on Amazon. See the below previews:
Synopsis:
A cupid’s fate takes an unexpected turn, when she crosses paths with the ultimate Prince Uncharming...
Kordelia Silverheart, a champion and defender of true love, is a cupid that’s been given the most impossible task: finding Dr. Peter Murphy a love match. While mythology might only remember the names to her famous parents, Aphrodite and Ares, Kordelia has remained silently hidden from behind the shadows, while successfully pairing some of the most famous couples known throughout history. For centuries, she’s matched the likes of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Arthur and Guinevere, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, Romeo and Juliet, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, and Sultan Suleiman and Hurrem. Although she, herself, never experienced true love like her brother, Eros, and his wife, Psyche; Kordelia still remains a faithful believer in it. After all, she’s witnessed countless of sweeping and epic love stories and timeless fairy tale-like romances from around the world, for most of her entire existence. However, when her sister, Melissa, warns her to shy away from her next love match, Kordelia simply can’t find it within her heart to deny a challenge... especially, from someone, who’s in so desperate need of love the most...
Dr. Peter Murphy, the self-proclaimed antagonist of love, not only rejects it but also finds it to be nothing more than a false illusion. After suffering from heartbreak in the past, Peter has chosen a simple and uncomplicated life of bachelorhood, while running his dental practice in San Francisco. However, a chance encounter with Kordelia at a masquerade ball, changes everything for him. Can a recluse, headstrong and stubborn man find love again? Will Kordelia be able to make the impossible match? What happens when Prince Uncharming accidentally falls for someone, whom he’s not supposed to love? Or when the tables are turned in reverse and cupid, herself, ends up falling for the one man, whom she’s tasked to match? What then? Will true love find a way to shine, even on the broken hearted? Can romance spontaneously ignite, without the intervention of a cupid? And what is the real meaning behind true love to begin with?
Video Preview:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2086...
Follow me on Goodreads for more updates and info. To purchase a copy, please visit my website.
Happy Reading!
Kristina Stangl
Cupid's Serenade
Kristina Stangl
Introducing my latest release, Cupid's Serenade by Kristina Stangl. A new fantasy romance that's now available on Amazon. See the below previews:
Synopsis:
A cupid’s fate takes an unexpected turn, when she crosses paths with the ultimate Prince Uncharming...
Kordelia Silverheart, a champion and defender of true love, is a cupid that’s been given the most impossible task: finding Dr. Peter Murphy a love match. While mythology might only remember the names to her famous parents, Aphrodite and Ares, Kordelia has remained silently hidden from behind the shadows, while successfully pairing some of the most famous couples known throughout history. For centuries, she’s matched the likes of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, Arthur and Guinevere, Robin Hood and Maid Marian, Romeo and Juliet, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, and Sultan Suleiman and Hurrem. Although she, herself, never experienced true love like her brother, Eros, and his wife, Psyche; Kordelia still remains a faithful believer in it. After all, she’s witnessed countless of sweeping and epic love stories and timeless fairy tale-like romances from around the world, for most of her entire existence. However, when her sister, Melissa, warns her to shy away from her next love match, Kordelia simply can’t find it within her heart to deny a challenge... especially, from someone, who’s in so desperate need of love the most...
Dr. Peter Murphy, the self-proclaimed antagonist of love, not only rejects it but also finds it to be nothing more than a false illusion. After suffering from heartbreak in the past, Peter has chosen a simple and uncomplicated life of bachelorhood, while running his dental practice in San Francisco. However, a chance encounter with Kordelia at a masquerade ball, changes everything for him. Can a recluse, headstrong and stubborn man find love again? Will Kordelia be able to make the impossible match? What happens when Prince Uncharming accidentally falls for someone, whom he’s not supposed to love? Or when the tables are turned in reverse and cupid, herself, ends up falling for the one man, whom she’s tasked to match? What then? Will true love find a way to shine, even on the broken hearted? Can romance spontaneously ignite, without the intervention of a cupid? And what is the real meaning behind true love to begin with?
Video Preview:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2086...
Follow me on Goodreads for more updates and info. To purchase a copy, please visit my website.
Happy Reading!
Kristina Stangl
Cupid's Serenade
Kristina Stangl
Favorite Quotes from Cupid's Serenade by Kristina Stangl
“If they wanted Prince Charming, then he was just going to have to put on the greatest act of his entire life and become the ultimate Prince Uncharming.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“After centuries of promoting romance, Kordelia finally became the receiver to the very arrow of love, that she was once the archer to.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Rest assured that I, Kordelia Silverheart, will find your happy ending, even if I have to create it myself.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“May I ask as to why you’re so convinced, that I’m even deserving of such a happy ending? Maybe, a long time ago, I was the villain and thereby, don’t deserve it?”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Because all villains have a heart, even if they choose not to embrace it.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“It’s hard for men like him to accept the supernatural. They’re used to following rigid scientific frameworks. They often think with their minds, not with their hearts.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love was the cure for all. A medicine to the broken hearted. A final wish upon a shooting star. A dream gifted to all, regardless of one’s age, class, creed, religion or nation. Love was the key to all of life’s mysterious pursuits; for without it, humanity itself, would cease to exist.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“First love comes and goes. It’s fickle in nature. They’re like the wind that sneaks up on you on a mid-summer’s day, only to leave before autumn sets in. It’s a transitional sort of love. It helps to prepare you for the next stage of your life. It exposes you to what love could be; but not necessarily, on what love should be or is. It gives you experience. Insight. A point of reference. And once gone, it leaves a lasting impression on you, along with sweet and bitter memories. But true love, that’s something else in its entirety. Unlike first love, true love has no time limits. It’s everlasting. It’s enduring. It comes out of the blue, but when it comes, it stays put. While first love might have been a traveling gust of wind, true love is the blossoming of a flower. It starts off as a seed, but in time, it grows to become something rare and beautiful. Something to be admired and cherished. But most importantly, it’s permanent, so long as you care and tend to it properly.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“While he was the dentist, who was a stranger to a proper smile; she, on the other hand, was a matchmaker, who had never experienced true love, herself. So far, they were equals. They were both strangers to their own profession. And yet, here they still were.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“You can take the dentist out of the office, but you can’t take the dentist out of the man.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“There are many versions to love and not all types are equal; just like no two hearts are the same.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Much to her dismay, Kordelia finally began to sympathize with her past love matches. So, these intense and troubling emotions are what it felt like to be on the receiving end of an arrow. Except this time, it backfired. Alas, cupid blindly shot a blank arrow up into the air and miraculously, it landed straight through her own heart! One way or another, fate cursed the great archer, herself!”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“No, if I were to lose Kordelia, then that would literally be the death of me. For if my heart was able to break with Amy, then with Kordelia, my heart would stop completely.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love cured him. It cured him in ways that he never thought possible. The sad, loveless and hermit that he once was a few months ago, no longer existed. That version of Peter was long gone. Instead, he evolved. Blossomed.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“There was no world for him without her, because she already was his entire world.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“My home isn’t a home without Kordelia,” he proclaimed. “Therefore, wherever she is, out there in this universe, then that’s where I ought to be.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Darling, just as you can’t force someone to love you, you also can’t prevent someone from loving you, too. That’s how true love works.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“They were like two traveling birds from opposite ends of the world that accidentally fell for each other. And now, their worlds were colliding. Crashing. Ending.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love was simple. It was effortless. It was true.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Teresa, the day I find love is the day I stop being a dentist... and both you and I know that will never, ever happen,” Peter proclaimed.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
Cupid's Serenade
Kristina Stangl
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“After centuries of promoting romance, Kordelia finally became the receiver to the very arrow of love, that she was once the archer to.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Rest assured that I, Kordelia Silverheart, will find your happy ending, even if I have to create it myself.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“May I ask as to why you’re so convinced, that I’m even deserving of such a happy ending? Maybe, a long time ago, I was the villain and thereby, don’t deserve it?”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Because all villains have a heart, even if they choose not to embrace it.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“It’s hard for men like him to accept the supernatural. They’re used to following rigid scientific frameworks. They often think with their minds, not with their hearts.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love was the cure for all. A medicine to the broken hearted. A final wish upon a shooting star. A dream gifted to all, regardless of one’s age, class, creed, religion or nation. Love was the key to all of life’s mysterious pursuits; for without it, humanity itself, would cease to exist.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“First love comes and goes. It’s fickle in nature. They’re like the wind that sneaks up on you on a mid-summer’s day, only to leave before autumn sets in. It’s a transitional sort of love. It helps to prepare you for the next stage of your life. It exposes you to what love could be; but not necessarily, on what love should be or is. It gives you experience. Insight. A point of reference. And once gone, it leaves a lasting impression on you, along with sweet and bitter memories. But true love, that’s something else in its entirety. Unlike first love, true love has no time limits. It’s everlasting. It’s enduring. It comes out of the blue, but when it comes, it stays put. While first love might have been a traveling gust of wind, true love is the blossoming of a flower. It starts off as a seed, but in time, it grows to become something rare and beautiful. Something to be admired and cherished. But most importantly, it’s permanent, so long as you care and tend to it properly.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“While he was the dentist, who was a stranger to a proper smile; she, on the other hand, was a matchmaker, who had never experienced true love, herself. So far, they were equals. They were both strangers to their own profession. And yet, here they still were.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“You can take the dentist out of the office, but you can’t take the dentist out of the man.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“There are many versions to love and not all types are equal; just like no two hearts are the same.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Much to her dismay, Kordelia finally began to sympathize with her past love matches. So, these intense and troubling emotions are what it felt like to be on the receiving end of an arrow. Except this time, it backfired. Alas, cupid blindly shot a blank arrow up into the air and miraculously, it landed straight through her own heart! One way or another, fate cursed the great archer, herself!”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“No, if I were to lose Kordelia, then that would literally be the death of me. For if my heart was able to break with Amy, then with Kordelia, my heart would stop completely.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love cured him. It cured him in ways that he never thought possible. The sad, loveless and hermit that he once was a few months ago, no longer existed. That version of Peter was long gone. Instead, he evolved. Blossomed.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“There was no world for him without her, because she already was his entire world.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“My home isn’t a home without Kordelia,” he proclaimed. “Therefore, wherever she is, out there in this universe, then that’s where I ought to be.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Darling, just as you can’t force someone to love you, you also can’t prevent someone from loving you, too. That’s how true love works.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“They were like two traveling birds from opposite ends of the world that accidentally fell for each other. And now, their worlds were colliding. Crashing. Ending.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Love was simple. It was effortless. It was true.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
“Teresa, the day I find love is the day I stop being a dentist... and both you and I know that will never, ever happen,” Peter proclaimed.”
― Kristina Stangl, Cupid's Serenade
Cupid's Serenade
Kristina Stangl
Wake Up, Darling by Kristina Stangl (New Release!)
Dear All,
Introducing my latest release, now available on Amazon:
One woman is about to discover that her forgotten life isn’t such a fairy tale after all…
Karly Summers, a romance author, has just awakened from a prolonged coma. After surviving from a near fatal hit-and-run accident, Karly’s memories of her past are all but limited. From what she’s been told, she’s a famous romance author, as well as the wife to a prominent U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C. From the outside, Karly’s life seems all but perfect. Except it isn’t…
Someone wants her dead and until she uncovers the truth about her accident, then her past might still come back to haunt her. And this time, for good…
But Karly still has one ally. A stranger, who’s stood by as her mysterious protector. And although Karly can’t remember him, she does recognize his distinctive voice. Especially, whenever he calls her darling…
This Novella was also previously featured as episodes on Kindle Vella.
Novella is now available in e-book, paperback and hardcover editions!
Happy Reading!
Thank you,
Kristina Stangl
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Introducing my latest release, now available on Amazon:
One woman is about to discover that her forgotten life isn’t such a fairy tale after all…
Karly Summers, a romance author, has just awakened from a prolonged coma. After surviving from a near fatal hit-and-run accident, Karly’s memories of her past are all but limited. From what she’s been told, she’s a famous romance author, as well as the wife to a prominent U.S. Senator from Washington, D.C. From the outside, Karly’s life seems all but perfect. Except it isn’t…
Someone wants her dead and until she uncovers the truth about her accident, then her past might still come back to haunt her. And this time, for good…
But Karly still has one ally. A stranger, who’s stood by as her mysterious protector. And although Karly can’t remember him, she does recognize his distinctive voice. Especially, whenever he calls her darling…
This Novella was also previously featured as episodes on Kindle Vella.
Novella is now available in e-book, paperback and hardcover editions!
Happy Reading!
Thank you,
Kristina Stangl
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Favorite Quotes from Wake Up, Darling
“Because I’ve decided that this stranger is not death, but my savior. An angel who is desperately trying to keep me here on this earth. To stay alive. To recover. To reunite back with him. To simply be with him.”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“All my heroes in my novels, they’re based on you. The dukes, the earls and the wealthy lords from my stories, they’re all based on you…”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“The story is still unfinished and so, I’m determined to write the ending. But how should I end it? Give my heroine a happily ever after? Reunite Jacob with Karoline? What about my own life? What about my own happily ever after?”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“In the end, my mind might not recognize him, but my heart certainly, does.”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“All my heroes in my novels, they’re based on you. The dukes, the earls and the wealthy lords from my stories, they’re all based on you…”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“The story is still unfinished and so, I’m determined to write the ending. But how should I end it? Give my heroine a happily ever after? Reunite Jacob with Karoline? What about my own life? What about my own happily ever after?”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
“In the end, my mind might not recognize him, but my heart certainly, does.”
― Kristina Stangl, Wake Up, Darling
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Wake Up, Darling (Preview 3)
Hi All,
Check out the latest preview to my new release Wake Up, Darling:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2142...
Thank you,
Kristina
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Check out the latest preview to my new release Wake Up, Darling:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2142...
Thank you,
Kristina
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Wake Up, Darling (Preview 4)
Hi All,
Check out my latest preview to my new release:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2143...
Enjoy,
Kristina
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
Check out my latest preview to my new release:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/2143...
Enjoy,
Kristina
Wake Up, Darling
Kristina Stangl
