November Reviews
A Rising Moon by Stephen Leigh
Fantasy - Nov. 13th, 2018
4 stars
A Rising Moon is the second in the Sunpath Cycle. While it isn't necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, readers may be lost for the first two chapters until they are able to orient themselves.
Orla's people are called the Canteni. They have a special relationship with a powerful God. When they are imparted some of that Godly power they can create devastating destruction or beauty. Unfortunately, being a vessel for a God has a huge price - going mad! When the special people of her clans called Draoi are chosen to use this power it is channeled through them but also with the help of spirits from the past which want to take control of Draoi!
Orla's people have been subjugated by the Mundoan. A race that has enslaved them and repressed their religion. When Orla's father dies and she is taken from her brother and mother she is forced into servitude as a second wife to a cruel Mundoan soldier. Orla is able to escape when he dies but her only recourse is to find other Canteni who can help her nurture her burgeoning Draoi power. As Oral sets out to free power and her people she will face jealously, treachery, and suspicion. Can she still help them or will she succumb to the overwhelming stress of using her powers and end up mad like her ancestors before her?
This story starts out slowly as Orla is in enemy territory -scared and unsure of herself. Once she finds the 'hidden' Canteni and acknowledges her powers the pace really picks up and gets exciting. Orla's power are extraordinary which set her up for a lot of jealousy and backstabbing. Sometimes readers won't be sure who is friend or foe. Thankfully, Orla grows up quickly and starts to master her powers. Some of her decisions were unexpected but in a way that I liked. But there is always the underlying tension that she may loose control to the voices who want to take over her body and will. I really enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first as a more self confident and clever Orla shines through and surprised me and the other characters! Although she is young she is very admirable and mature. This book is definitely more interesting and more hopeful than the previous book about Orla's mother (which I actually found a bit depressing in sections). Fantasy lovers who like Druids and old word Roman times will enjoy this imaginative world.
Original and tense. This book expertly mixes with ghosts, magical powers and a desperate fight for freedom into an exhilarating read!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
October Reviews
The Dream Gatherer by Kristen Britain
Fantasy -Oct. 23rd, 2018
4 ½ stars
The Dream Gatherer is a short novella with two additional stories wrapped up in a hundred forty eight pages which includes comments from the author about the origins of her Green Rider series.
The first novella features a Green Rider named Danalong and Marin the ‘seawitch.’ Danalong is heart sore from the war and Marin gives him a much needed lesson. 4 ½ stars
The next story is about the a female team that must save themselves from seemingly impossible odds. 4 stars
The final story (which is the longest) is about the whimsical Berry sisters who live in ‘magical world’ -surrounded by powerful artifacts. Their home was damaged by a ship and they are returning to see the destruction. To create a positive mood, they decide to celebrate their homecoming by inviting guests and having a welcome home party. The catch is that these guests are coming to their party from within their dreams. The main guests of this novella are Alton and Estral. 5 stars
These short stories read like comforting bedtime stories. They are very fast reads that feature some illustrations. I loved the fun and cheerful romp back into the Green Rider world. The stories are upbeat and hopeful. They do not have the sorrow or angst of the later books in the series and they do not directly feature Karigan. In terms of reading material, this book is not worth the price. However, this book is the twentieth anniversary, ‘special’ volume. It is nicely packaged and if you love the Green Rider series this is a collector’s piece for fans of the series. I am definitely keeping mine.
This anthologies feature short gems that fans will not want to miss.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory
Contemporary Romance -Oct. 9th, 2018
4 stars
Charming, funny and completely unexpected.
Princess Theodora is second in the line to the Drieden thrown. Although she comes from a small country the royal responsibilities that she has weigh heavily upon her. As is her duty, she has agreed to marry a penniless Duke and create heirs for the future royal line. But when her fiancee leaves her at the alter she is humiliated. Never mind that she never loved him. But his disappearance is part of a larger plot. One which involves a devious and handsome spy, missing money and a vote that could abolish the Drieden monarchy forever.
This light-hearted book reminds me of a grown up version of Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries. Thea has had duty drilled into her from birth. Her grandmother, the queen is stern and controlling. Thea has never had time to become her own person when she has been so busy doing what she should instead of what she wants to do. But trouble and salvation starts when Thea escapes the pressures of her life and tries to break free. Thea is tested in ways she never expected. When she is blackmailed by a spy named Nick, she discovers a deeper plot that could mean her death. Ironically, being around Nick makes Thea feel alive for the first time. Nick is smart, cocky and totally unpredictable. Plus he knows just how to push her buttons! Thea knows she shouldn’t want a man like him but she just can’t help herself. This makes for a fun, fast and very sexy read.
A princess that gets her groove on makes for a fun-filled, smokin’ hot read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Search Image by Julie E. Czerneda
Fantasy - Oct. 2nd, 2018
4 stars
This new fantasy is wildly imaginative and suspenseful.
Esen and Paul are curators of an unusual, remote and much sought after library. They are great friends. They enjoy their simple lifestyle and amassing knowledge. Life forms travel from great distances for a chance to find answers at their library. But it is not only the library that is unique but Esen. Esen is an endangered alien being. One that many humans will not accept. The adventure begins when Paul hears that his father is missing and goes to find him. Then Esen finds a crisis linked to her past and must travel on her own journey. Can they both find success or will their missions end up in failure?
This story is part of the Web Shifter's series. Although is it possible to read this book as the first introduction to the Web series it would be difficult. Paul and Esen have a complex and rich background which would be hard to 'catch up' with without having some knowledge of their history and Esen's alien back story. This book as with many fantasy/science fiction books deals with prejudice. Alien life forms versus human. Esen and Paul are good friends but Esen is not accepted by his family or the friends that are not aware of real identity. She is forced to camouflage herself so her true nature is hidden. Esen can change her shape at will. She is kind, playful in nature and often misunderstood. But Esen’s uniqueness and her past is often shrouded in mystery. When she finds part of a missing friend we are introduced to her past as well as an emotional part in Paul’s history. I enjoyed reading Paul and Esen together. They are very supportive of each other but a large section of the story has them separated. Esen is a sweet character, at times like a very naive child who Paul needs to protect. Her perspective and interactions makes this book worthwhile.
A remarkable alien makes this new addition in the Web Shifter’s series one to enjoy.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
September Reviews
Sail Away With Me by Susan Fox
Contemporary Romance - Sept. 25th, 2018
4 ½ stars
In Susan Fox’s latest installment the Blue Moon Harbor series she brings to life the romance of a bad boy rock star and a shy book lover.
Julian Blake is a music sensation. Great looks and talent have brought him fame. Julian may seem to have it all but his past haunts, if it weren’t for a family wedding he would be happy never to return. When he arrives, he knows he needs to find a quiet place to play and write new music. But he soon discovers that his sanctuary is not so isolated. At first Julian feels resentment until spies Iris Yakimura more closely. Her quiet nature and appreciation for his music calm and ground him.
Iris is a dreamer. Introverted and shy, she loves her books and is waiting for a man similar to her personality to settle down with in Blue Moon. One of her favorite things is getting away to one of her favorite getaways in Blue Moon and relaxing. But then she hears beautiful music and discover the infamous Julian Blake is playing right next to her! When she tries to quietly leave Julian asks her to stay. And she finds Julian surprisingly down to earth and kind. Soon their friendship blossoms. But Julian’s past in Blue Moon has not been as idyllic as Iris’s and when secrets from his past surface Iris must make tough decisions about their ‘friendship.’ Can a sheltered woman crawl out of her shell to defend and support a man that she is coming to realize she loves? Of will she stay in safe comfortable life she has always known?
This gentle and unpredictable romance kept me up all night! The author cleverly starts out with the main characters agreeing to be friends which is why their relationship really grows and matures. She shows how they come to love and respect each other, unlike some romances where there only seems to be sexual chemistry and then author tells the reader the two main characters are in love. I enjoyed Iris’s character. Susan Fox excels at creating couples with seemingly uncommon ground (ideas, race, age differences) and developing their journey to love and romance. I liked that Iris epitomizes the stereotypical romance reader. Bookish and introverted I felt a lot in common with her. But Iris is surprising, although she seems timid once she makes up her mind she asserts herself and I loved how she was not timid when it came to sex. Julian has demons from his past which has stunted his growth and caused him deep pain. He needed someone who could understand him and be there for him. His character has a sense of isolation that I was happy Iris was able to fill. Julian must overcome his insecurities and self hatred to become a new man. I really appreciated the author tackling difficult modern day issues with sensitivity and love.
This book captured my attention and never let it go!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Phoenix Unbound by Grace Draven
Fantasy -Sept. 25th, 2918
4 stars
In Phoenix Unbound, Grace Draven brings us into a cruel world ruled by an Empire based on violence. Gilene is young woman with a secret. She can cast illusions and can work with fire. Each year young women are rounded up from towns and villages for a fire sacrifice where they are burned in tribute to the Empire's merciless God. But her village has a secret. They force Gilene to go each year. She uses her illusion to pretend she is a different girl and then escapes the fire using her magic. But each use of her fire magic cause her physical damage. The town'a last fire witch ended up crippled. Only this sacrifice she is recognized by the famed gladiator Azarion. Azarion has the ability to see through illusions and he has uncovered her secret. He has blackmailed her. Reveal her secret or keep it secret and release him from his imprisonment. So when she frees herself from the fire sacrifice, Gilene reluctantly frees the gladiator, too. But he betrays her and kidnaps her. Forcing her to a company him to his desert world. But Azarion promises to return her to her village before the next sacfirice if she helps him with his vengeance. Gilene unwillingly finds herself drawn to Aarion and his world where people with magic are respected instead of terrorized. Will she stay in the desert or go back to her village to eventually become a cripple herself?
This book has a fully fleshed world that is often grim and desperate. Gilene is a heroine who cares deeply for her family even though they do not stand up for her. I felt her home was unworthy of her since she sacrifices her physical and mental well being for them. Although she nobly wants to go back to the village to protect them. I wanted her to ditch her village and stay in the sweeping desert where people accept her for herself and even cherish her. Azarion is a man of depth and character. He is caught up in a terrible world of kill or be killed. He has survived being a gladiator and the merciless attentions of a sadist Queen. Although I didn't like how he blackmailed Gilene, I understood his need to return to him home and avenge his honor. At first I didn't really like either character they seemed heartless (even Gilene at times) to others and rough around the edges. But as they journeyed together I felt it brought out the best in both of them. I enjoyed how they played off of each other and grew to respect and find a tentative friendship. I was particularly drawn to the desert where the people seem to have a primitive ruler ship but actually is fairer and more noble than the supposedly sophisticated and cultured Empire. I hope the author will explore more of the desert world
Danger, magic and romance make this a satisfying read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Once a Scoundrel (Rogues Redeemed) by Mary Jo Putney
Historical Romance -Sept. 25th, 2018
4 stars
As the latest installment of the authors' Rogues Redeemed series, this swashbuckling romance can easily be read by itself.
Lady Rory Lawrence has it all. Beauty, brains and a rebellious streak that have been the bane of her father's existence. Although she is the 'baby' of the family and loved dearly, her latest escapade on the Barbary Coast has landed her in hot water. And a situation that her family is finally unable to extricate her from. For Rory has been capture by pirates and is being ransomed for the astronomical sum of fifty thousand pounds! But all hope is not lost when her mother raises some money and hires Gabriel Hawkins to negotiate for her release.
Gabriel comes from a long line of distinguished naval officers. Disowned by his grandfather for a past misdeed, he sails the sea with his loyal crew picking and choosing his jobs. When he is approached to save Lady Rory, Gabriel agrees despite vowing never to return to the Barbary Coast. When he meets her captor and is finally able to see Rory he is entranced by her beauty and courage. Gabriel is able to successfully negotiate release of Rory, her cousin, and the crew but only if he does a job for her captor. The mission is to sail a small menagerie, soldiers, Rory and her cousin to Constantinople. On their journey, Gabriel and Rory become close but when her captor reneges on his word what will Gabriel and Rory do?
This epic romance has it all: harems, abducted ladies, handsome rogues, dastardly villains and high adventure. I also liked that the author has a sweet, secondary romance in this book, too. Rory is independent and brash. She has lived life instead of being constricted by society's rules. Her stay in the harem has not dampened her spirit and her optimism and ingenuity carry the story. Gabriel is strong and misunderstood. Although he appears without honor, his deeds show him for a compassionate and tough adversary with integrity. I was glad Rory was able to see the worth man behind the 'rogue.'
This story was fun and entertaining. However, as a romance I never got the real feeling that Rory was ever in real danger so I didn't get the emotional highs and lows that make your heart race and make a book extra thrilling. All the characters were well thought out and I particularly liked Rory's cousin, the quieter and more gentle Constance. This novel has all the elements of a sweeping saga and would make for a fantastic, cinematographic movie. I can't wait to read more of this series and the next heroine who has many secrets and appears to be quite the spitfire despite her demure facade!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Late Great Wizard by Sara Hanover
Fantasy Sept. 11th, 2018
2 1/2 stars
Teenager Tess Andrews has it hard. Her wastrel father mysteriously disappeared and left her and her mother on their own nearly destitute. They luckily find somewhere to stay due to the kindness of their Aunt April. Tessa is smart and wants to go to college but the lack of funds or support leaves a bleak and uncertain future ahead. When her aunt signs her up to volunteer to deliver meals for the elderly she is disgruntled. But soon finds a sort of interesting friend in the old and cranky professor Brandard. When she gets a sudden call from him asking for help she quickly arrives at his home to find destruction and a young man who isn't all that he seems. Soon Tessa finds herself embroiled in a world of magic and evil that she may not be able to extricate herself from.
This unique fantasy is dark and twisted. Tessa is not the typical sweet, girly heroine with a good heart. Rather she has street smarts and a cynical heart. This can make it difficult to like her. The book starts slowly as Tessa is miserable about her life and must adjust to her new circumstances. The magic or fantasy in this book is not showy in comparison to other fantasy books on the market. The novel rather deals more with Tessa's interactions with suspicious characters who may want to harm her. I was disappointed that Tessa did not recognize the villain despite many clues since she was supposed to be intelligent. The end it also anti climatic and while not a cliffhanger did not have a satisfying payoff. Rather the ending seemed to be a plot device merely to open the way for another book.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Contemporary Romance -Sept. 4th, 2018
4 1/2 stars
A dreamy hero and a wild heroine make for a funny, cheerful and heart-warming romance.
Hazel Bradford is wild, warm-hearted and completely unexpected. Her outrageous personality is fun for most people in short spurts but longer than that and most men and woman can't handle the whirlwind that is Hazel. Hazel dances to her own tune and can't changer herself into the acceptable, bland, normal person everyone would feel more comfortable with. When Hazel was in college she became infatuated with her TA, Josh Im. Josh was two years ahead. Handsome, kind and nice. She always remembered him. When a chance encounter unites them, she and Josh become unexpected friends and roommates. Each tries to set the other person up with a blind date and the four of them double date. But although their intentions are well meaning each consecutive date turns into a disaster that only seems to get worse! Finally, Josh unintentionally sets Hazel up with an old boyfriend who broke her heart. And Josh realizes, too late, that their friendship isn't enough. He would like to be her boyfriend instead!
This entertaining romance was a laugh a minute. Hazel is a funny, lovable character. (Although I did fin myself sometimes cringing at some of her more spectacular moments.) I liked that she was unafraid to be herself and I especially liked that Josh accepted her for herself and took her embarrassing moments in stride. Josh's kindness and ability to laugh with good humor through her more outrageous moments and stand by side, melted my heart. Josh is an exceptional character. Level-headed, smart and most of all compassionate. He understands Hazel's quirks and embraces them. He doesn't get angry or try to control or belittle her like her old boyfriends. I also liked that Josh is in touch with emotions and actually realizes his feeling for Hazel and made mature decisions. He did not deny or run away from them. Although both characters were polar opposites there was deep love and respect. They balanced each other out and I enjoyed reading the epilogue at the end. And did I mention, I fell in love with Josh!
Fun and outrageous this novel would be a perfect romantic comedy as two very likable character rekindle a friendship that turns into a deep romance.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Night and Silence by Seanan MdGuire
Urban Fantasy -Sept 4th, 2018
4 stars
Night and Silence is the latest release in the October Daye series. As a Knight of the realm, October (Toby) is a heroine who often finds herself in danger and surrounded by enemies. When her human daughter, Gillian, is kidnapped Toby's ex comes to her. He is desperate for Toby to locate Gillian. But Toby and her ex are estranged. He prevented Toby from being any part of young Gillian's life. As a result, Gillian has a skewed (negative) view of her mother. To add to her troubles, Toby's fiancee appears to be avoiding her. As Toby looks for clues she hopes to find Gillian before it is too late.
This book is an emotional one. It is a bit shorter than her usual novels. However, it opens a large area in Toby's life that has been unexplored. It also shows how much Toby has changed from the person she was in the original books in the series. Toby is now more confident and her magical abilities have grown. Toby has felt the loss of her daughter and she still longs to be a part of her daughter's life. But she has a powerful adversary in Gillian's new stepmother Miranda. Miranda is a hateful human with secrets of her own. This book has many twists and turns which will shock/surprise readers. It also contains a bonus novella from Gillian's point of view. Which makes it appear that Gillian may play a larger role in future books. There is a lot to like about this book but I mostly felt bad for Toby having to deal with such difficult people -spiteful and ungrateful. Thankfully she has the support of characters like Quentin and May who make this book totally worthwhile.
A solid new installment but our poor heroine tries valiantly to help others who only seem to be resentful of her aid.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club