February Reviews
Gates of Stone by Agnus Macaallan
Fantasy- Feb. 19th, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Gates of Stone is the first book in the Lord of the Islands series. This series is definitely the beginnings of an intricate and blood thirsty saga.
Princess Katarina wants power and to get it she will kill anyone who stands in her way. She plans are deep and her alliances solely with the motivation or claiming the Empire for herself.
Meanwhile, Prince Arjun’s easy life is soon to take a change when his father is murdered and he is forced to run. Hoping to regain his Kingdom and find revenge. If only he weren’t such and untried youth.
And Farhan, a spy for the Federation. A man deep in debt and cast adrift -who will he choose to aid?
All three characters play a part in the struggle for supreme power.
This story was complex as it balanced three main characters. Some converged and others the reader has yet to see how they will intertwine. Lush and historical. It has the feel of the tropics and the east. Filed with a sense of decadence and deep political calculation. Princess Katarina steals much of the story as her drive for power overrides all else. She is lethal, cunning, and coldly dispassionate. Her bloody swath through the kingdom makes her a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, Prince Arjun is young and naïve. He wants to find revenge but seems lost and seems to stumble his way. Farhan is a middle aged man that is tired and with nothing to loose. Of the three I felt sympathy for Farhan and Prince Arjun but oddly found that I could not like any of the characters in this novel. I found the story and plot interesting but because I could not get invested in the main players the story was, unfortunately, flat for me. I hope the next book will have a stronger and more focused Prince Arjun.
Elaborate story line and great world-building but unlikeable characters.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Shipwrecked with the Captain by Diane Gaston
Historical Romance - Feb. 18th, 2019
4 stars
Naive and pretty, Claire Tilson is a governess on a ship. She is on her way to meet her new charges. There she meets Lady Rebecca, a woman who looks almost exactly like her! As a lark, she and Lady Rebecca switch clothes to see if they can fool other passengers. But disaster strikes them when the ship is caught in a deadly storm and they are forced to flee for their lives. Things only get worse for Claire when she hits her head and can't remember who she is! Thankfully, she is rescued by the dashing Captain Lucien Roper. He becomes her life line. Kind and thoughtful he refuses to leave her until he is sure she is safely settled with her family. But since they are both under the misconception that Claire is Lady Rebecca the results are unexpected and result in heartache!
Lucien Roper admires the beautiful and kind Lady Rebecca. When he saves her he is dismayed to discover that she has lost her memory. Although he there is bad blood between his family and hers he feels bound to aid her. But the problem is that the longer he stays to help her, the further are his chances to be assigned a ship to captain (and his livelihood). As he and 'Lady Rebecca,' try to jog her memory he finds himself drawn to her kind nature. When they arrive in London and discover that she is betrothed to an older and emotionless man, Lucien must decide between a hopeless love or finding a job to support himself. Can Claire recover her memory in time or will these hopelessly tangled circumstances keep force her into a loveless marriage?
This engaging romance, is a fun romp as confusion between mistaken identities plays havoc with the characters. Poor Claire doesn't know what to think. Everything seems new and different. Plus she doesn't feel like a 'lady' in the least. As Lucian and her get to know each other more. It becomes harder for them to deny their feelings for each other. When they discover that she is betrothed, Claire feels she must honor her engagement even though she does not find anything in common with the distant Lord she is to marry. I loved reading Claire and Lucien get to know and admire each other! Lucien is very honorable and stays with Claire even though he could easily have left her to fend for herself. He wants to make sure that she is properly and happily settled- even if it cause him extreme financial hardship! Claire feels she has been a burden to Lucien and does not want him sacrifice himself by helping her more. But her heart longs for more. Both are caught in a web of unrequited love that they dare not announce to the other. I enjoyed this book. The characters deserve each other and the longing between them only made the ending all the more sweeter. My only quibble is that I wish Claire would have remembered sooner and she had been more proactive. Sometimes it seemed like she was a lost lamb. But then Lucien wouldn't have had the chance to come to her rescue!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Terminal Uprising by Jim C. Hines
Science Fiction- Feb 12th, 2019
4 stars
The second in the Janitor of the Post-Apocalypse series. This book is funny, irreverent, and completely unexpected. As the second book, it should be read after the first and is not a good standalone.
Mops and her gang of misfit human janitors believe that they are lucky. One of the few non savage humans saved by the Krakau aliens. But their sense of identity and universe as a whole is all shot to hell when they discovered that the Krakau are actually responsible for human suffering!! Justifiably upset, they take over the EMCS Pufferfish spaceship. This book takes place as they are on the run in their newly acquired ship.
Mops and her gang are just trying to keep afloat when they find themselves aligning with the Prodryan to take down the Krakau Alliance. Tasked with a secret and certain death mission to visit Earth and discover what experiments the Krakau are really doing there. But trying to stay alive takes precedence as other humans and the Krakau have marked them for death! Can Mops and her motley team figure out how to use their ship, keep it clean, and get along with a hostile ally?
This book is zany and tons of fun to read. The author’s imagination knows no bounds. Mops and her crew are courageous and LOL. The story line at first seems like a wild goose chase but I loved how the author surprised me. There is actually a fair amount of depth to the plot. But because I had not read the first book the series, I found it difficult to follow initially. This is why I would highly recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciated the humor and in jokes. If you enjoy light-hearted and crazy novels. Well, the aliens alone, are outrageous caricatures that will tickle your funny bone and keep you turning the pages. I heartily recommend this series.
The charm of the characters and the joy in this jaunty space romp made it well worth the read.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Three Eves by S.J. Day (AKS Sylvia Day)
Urban Fantasy –Feb. 5th 2019
4 stars
The Three Eves is a thick omnibus that follow the journey of Evangeline Hollis. Eve had the fortunate or unfortunate luck of having met the original Cain. A man so dangerous and sexy he was completely nforgettable and ruined her any man after. After a short fling, Cain left her. Heartbroken, this did not stop Eve from continuing to live a full life as an up and coming interior designer. Then her world changes when she is Marked by an angel who also happens to be Cain’s brother, Abel. Thus starts an unearthly triangle of lust, love and survival.
Cain was punished for killing his brother by becoming the original Mark. It is the Marks’ duty to kill demons and protect humankind. As one of their newest ‘recruits’ Eve must quickly learn to protect herself. She is being targeted because Cain has many enemies and she appears to be his one weakness. While Eve thought Cain was done with their affair he actually left her alone to protect her. And loves her still. Eve also is the only Marked to be Marked even though she is an innocent. All the rest of the Marks are Marked due to their past discretions and hope to kill enough demons to be forgiven and unmarked. But there appears to be a deeper game as Eve’s connection to Cain and Abel makes her a powerful target for those who would like to use her to wreck revenge against Cain. Caught up in events that she has no knowledge Eve must try to hone her skills and stay on top because the alternative in unthinkable…..
This story is sexy, fast paced, and wild! The author’s imagination is inspired. I enjoyed her take on angels and demons. And the world S. J. Day created is one where there is a lot to explore. Eve is a tough woman with two very enviable suitors. Abel and Cain are true alpha heroes dripping with sex appeal. Most of the stories focus on Eve trying to stay alive. I would have been nice if Eve had been able to find a way to take more control instead of always trying to play catch up. She, Cain and Able seem to be caught up in a web intrigue, manipulated by some very powerful players. I also liked how the author makes the angels, not completely angelic. They have faults and drives which make them scary cool. In some ways, they are more diabolical and cold than the demons or ‘evil’ characters. I found myself getting invested in this novel, so the one thing that bothered me is that this series ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. When I started this trilogy, I expected a solid resolution and when it didn’t this turned me off. Otherwise, this series is one that romance and fantasy lovers will soundly enjoy.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January Reviews
Moonlight Scandals by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contemporary Romance - Jan. 29th, 2019
5 stars
Darkly seductive brothers with a mysterious past and bedroom eyes will captivate readers. As the final installment of the de Vincent series. This book can easily be read by itself but readers will miss out on the rich and dramatic and climatic storyline that begins with the younger brothers in the series.
Moonlight Scandals focuses on the eldest brother Devlin, ‘the Devil,’ de Vincent. Heir to the de Vincent conglomerate. Aloof and cool headed he even has his brothers wondering what he is up to. Devlin is used to the unrewarding job of protecting his brothers even if that means dealing with their unsavory father and uncle. As the eldest he has dealt with mental and physical abuse and had to protect himself with a steely wall of indifference. But this is soon to change when he meets the indomitable Rosie Herpin. Rosie loves to live life. After her husband died she vowed to treasure each day and she isn’t afraid to speak her mind even if it is to the intimidating Devlin de Vincent. Devlin is puzzled how to deal with Rosie unbridled passion and lack of fear. He is used intimidating and taking control of a situation but Rosie doesn’t seem to understand that! But Rosie also makes him feel emotion and amuses him. When Rosie gets caught up in a suspected murder by Devlin’s uncle, Devlin is torn between trusting her or kissing her.
This was a knock out book! As the final installment readers of this series will be gratified to know that the build up to Devlin’s story was even better than anticipated. Usually when an authors creates a character that seems just too mysterious and larger than life they cannot realize him or her once that character finally gets their own book. I was simply blown away by Devlin’s character and give Jennifer Armentrout extra kudos for her fabulous writing. Although Devlin is secretive and too darn sexy he is finally able to show some emotion in this book without appearing wimpy. In fact, his reason for being so stoic soon become apparent and this reader found him the most admirable and misunderstood character in this series. He even show humor - which the heroine seems to drag out of him constantly. Rosie is a wonderful character because she just jumps in and speaks her mind. The results are often funny and I found the exchanges between Devlin and Rosie either super hot or hilariously funny! Their repartee had me whooping out loud and smiling as the outrageous things that came out of Rosie’s mouth and Devlin’s often shocked reaction. I didn’t expect to find this book so entertaining in a fun way. I expected dark and brooding as it often has undertones of a Gothic novel. That being said, the mystery is a complex and satisfyingly twisted. The suspense often tests the growing feelings between the two main characters and gives an added tension that makes this novel pitch perfect.
This novel is hands down the best romance I’ve read all year. A keeper that I will re-read over and over again.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Conspiracy by Kat Martin
Romantic Suspense - Jan. 22nd, 2018
4 ½ stars
This well written mystery is a passionate thrill ride and a spectacular introduction to the author’s Maximum Security series.
Harper Wilson has always had a crush on Chase Garrett. Now she’s an adult with a successful clothing business but she still feels that Chase wouldn’t be interested in her. Harper comes from new money and Chase comes from old, respectable money. She knows he views her as spoiled rich girl who happened to be his best friend’s younger sister. But Harper needs his help. Her brother, Michael has been missing for several days and she is worried something terrible has happened to him. Chase owns a private investigation/security company called Maximum Security. Although Michael and Chase parted ways she hopes Chase will agree to help her find Michael.
Chase enjoys his job but when it comes to helping Harper Chase he is reluctant. Not only is he attracted to her but Michael’s past drug addition ended their friendship on a sour note. Chase isn’t sure he wants to become entangled with their family again. But when Chase discovers Harper is going to look for Michael with or without him he decides feels honor bound to help her. However, being in her presence only fans the flames of his desire. And when they discover that Michael’s disappearance may be related to shady dealing by Harper’s father things only spiral out of control.
This story captivated me. Harper is a caring, strong woman who loves her brother. Although her father is a self-centered, power hungry individual. Michael and Harper have a special family bond. When Michael doesn’t communicate with her after promising to keep in regular contact Harper knows something is wrong. Harper soon finds herself on a mission to find Michael even if she has to take matters into her own hands. Asking Chase to help her is difficult but she know Chase is the best. I liked Harper’s determination and how she often surprised the ‘tough’ men in the novel with her guts and street-smart savvy. Harper is a self made woman who is also unaware of her charms. So I loved when Chase finally breaks down and begins to pursue her! And then her surprise and delight.
Chase has money, success and looks. He is also a happy single man who hasn’t even considered a permanent woman/partner in his life. Harper is making him re-evaluate his life and also keeping him on his toes. I liked how Harper challenges Chase and their ensuing steamy chemistry. The author’s also deftly shifts back to the villains as well as Harper’s father -keeping the reader on edge. Would they find Michael in time? I savored each chapter in this well written suspense novel and can’t wait for more in the series.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
December Reviews
Final Shadows by Kay Hooper
Romantic Suspense-Dec 31st, 2018
4 stars
Final Shadows is the last novel in the Bishop Files series. This series is a blend of paranormal, high suspense and mild romance. As the final book in the series, it assumes the reader is familiar with the characters. It could be read as a stand alone but it would be difficult for a first time reader to 'catch up' to the story line and the many characters and their history.
In this book, a nefarious group is kidnapping psychics and experimenting on them to try to discover how they have inherited their powers. The experiments are brutal and completely inhumane. However, they make a crucial mistake when they take a psychic which is protected by a man named Bishop. Bishop has amassed a special FBI unit composed of psychics that he uses to help him investigate crimes.
John Brodie and Tasha Solomon are part of his team. Tasha is used to hiding her powers and Brodie is the one person who can help her focus them. With Brodie she feel she has found someone who understand and supports her. And becoming part of the Bishop team gives her purpose. As all the team members race to find the find the missing physics they will discover more about their well organized and deadly enemy.
Although this book is marketed as a romantic suspense, the romance takes a back seat to the action and mystery. Brodie and Tasha make for a good couple but I didn't feel that I really got to know them. They are small parts of a large cast of characters that also includes Bishop and the enemy. I actually found myself more invested in the poor psychics who had been captured and their struggle to stay sane and alive. It was terrifying to read. I kept hoping Bishop and his team would find them in time. And I wondered if they would be alive or irreparably damaged from their experience. The most interesting character in the novel was actually a man who is the 'enemy.' Duran is a shady but sympathetic character who seems to want to help the psychics but has his own agenda. I would love if the author explored him further in a spin off! This book also highlights the taboo/moral question of genetic tinkering. I enjoyed reading this novel but I wished it had highlighted Brodie and Tasha more since they were on the back blurb of the book and I expected them to be the main characters.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson
Contemporary Romance - Dec 4th, 2018
4 1/2 stars
This fun, light-hearted read is the perfect remake of the ugly duckling fairy tale.
Charlotte and her sister Ginny are identical twins. They used to be close until their mother died when they were both 5. Before their mother died she had been a Miss American Treasure beauty queen. After her death they each grieved in different ways. Charlotte became the tom boy and bonded with her father while Ginny began entering beauty pageants -trying to follow in the steps of their mother. But the most important pageant to Ginny was winning the Miss America Treasure contest. Unfortunately, this year is her last chance as next year she will be too old to compete! Although they have drifted apart, Ginny invites Charlotte to stay with her at the final competition. But a mishap occurs when Ginny get an terrible allergic reaction and her face completely changes. Ginny is desperate to stay in the contest. The only way is to have Charlotte pose as her until she recovers! Soon bookish Charlotte soon finds herself impersonating her sister against her will. At first Charlotte feels like a fish out of water but soon she realizes she has her own beauty. But a moral dilemma occurs when she starts falling for one of the judges! Can she keep her lies or should she tell the truth?
This charming novel had me hooked from the first page. Charlotte is an engaging and self effacing character that doesn't seem to know her own worth. A librarian with an obsession with Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter novels. She has a quirky and sweet nature that readers will love. As she struggles to become a beauty queen and not just an impersonation of her sister you will cheer for her transformation. I liked that the author made this competition with characters that I enjoyed. I thought there would be backstabbing and little petty intrigues as other contestants tried to win the crown. But in this story all the characters seemed like genuinely normal people who just wanted to win fair and square. It made this book have a sweet, innocent feel that gave it an excellent feel good vibe. Even the hero has a mysterious air about him and a very decided Mr. Darcy feel that gives this book that fairy tale feel. This is a funny, inspiring and wholesome book that is good for adults as well as YAs.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
Contemporary Romance Dec. 4th, 2018
4 ½ stars
Christina Lauren just keeps getting better. Fans will love this unexpected, funny and bright new contemporary romance.
Millie Morris is a UCSB (University of California at Santa Barbara) criminology professor. She and her gang of guy friends from the UCSB faculty are best buds. But her best-est bud is Reid Campbell. This group of five are happy to get drunk together and love to play dumb games like monopoly. And although she is the only female in their group she has never been attracted to any of them 'that way' until one night. A night she and Reid have a half night stand. Although both agree it is more comfortable and better to stay friends. There is now a certain 'tension' between them that can't be denied....
To make things worse, they all agree to join an online dating site to find a date for the upcoming black tie event at their university. Somehow Millie gets rooked into writing all the guys profiles. But when it comes to her own. It is sadly flat. When they tell her she decides to set up another account under an alias that is more like the real, softer Millie. One she never shows the guys. And surprise, surprise, she is instantly matched up with Reid! At first Millie decides to write Reid under her pseudonym for kicks but soon it’s not a game and Millie is finally able to let her vulnerable side show. But what happens when Reid finds out. Will Millie be able to talk her way out of this debacle or will she loose her best friend forever?
This highly entertaining book will have you up all night. Millie and her gang of friends are just too addicting. It's sort of like reading the Friends television show. Everyone supports one another -even through their strange habits/issues. And you feel like you’re part of the gang the more you read on. It’s a big, warm and messy family.
Reid is the ring leader and the one who tends to keep everyone calm. He and Millie have been fast friends since she joined the UCSB staff. Their banter had me chuckling through the book. Millie is a cool cucumber. She keeps everything bottled up inside and is afraid to let her deep feelings show since her mother died. This year is especially bad for her since her father is very ill and her sister is asking her to help. Since her mother's death, Millie has had difficulty coping with more pain and she tries hold her feeling inside. She likes her guy friends because they don't push. Except for Reid. Reid loves all his friends but Millie has never let him get really close. If she did then she might be 'the one.' Which is why when he meets her alias on the online site he finds he really likes the real her! Reid is the opposite of Millie, he isn't afraid to show how he feels. Probably since his parents are happily married. The book alternated between Millie's point of view and then Reid's. I enjoyed reading how they interpreted the same dilemmas and how I got to see into each of their minds. Which made me feel even closer to them. They are a fun match and it was funny how the gang tries to help each of them as their relationship start to crumble. The authors created such wonderful characters that I wish would please write a sequel. (Strong hint!!) Also, I loved the feel of the book as I went to UCSB and it brought a lot of feel good nostalgia.
Unbelievably, deep and funny romantic comedy that will lift your spirits and make you clamor for more!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club