Warriors of Wing and Flame (Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2) by Sara B. Larson {Review}

Warriors of Wing and Flame (Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2) by Sara B. Larson

379 pages

October 27, 2020 by Tor Teen 

Source: Audiobook and I own a copy of the book

 

 

The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.

In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.

   

My Review: 4 Stars

Zuhra and Inara have a sisterly bond like no other and I love that. I have two sisters myself and love that intangible thread that ties us together, although theirs extends a little more than mine does through magic. Just a warning--this is the second book in the duology and MUST be read after the first. 

I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first, due to the fact that there was more action and romance verses world building. I loved watching these sisters gain strength and confidence in the roles they were thrust into and it was satisfying to watch the people come together for a common cause. The points of view alternated between the sisters and there were times when it was murky trying to figure out who was speaking, but I loved getting the insights from both sides.

It's no secret that I'm all about the romance and the sparkles of attractions that glimmered through the conflict and suspense were life. Larson did a good job of tying all these wonderful fantasy elements together--magic, friction, loyalty, and love. 

Content: mild romance; mild violence/peril

First Shift (The Wolves of Rock Falls) by AJ Skelly {Review}

First Shift (The Wolves of Rock Falls) by AJ Skelly

Paperback, First Edition

Published 2021 by Wild Rose Press, Inc 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

 

 

Sam Wolfe has been in love with Megan Carmichael for years. Too bad she's off-limits. She's human. He's not. When an accidental slip of his teeth endangers Megan and his entire werewolf pack, it's up to Sam to find a solution. Unbeknownst to them, Sam's bite has thrust Megan into the crosshairs of a killer. Sam and Megan must work together to find the threat, protect the pack, and maybe fall in love. But they better do it before the next full moon.  

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

It's a little cliche for a werewolf book to have a Wolfe family, but don't let that scare you off. Although this isn't my typical go-to genre, I found it to be interesting and entertaining. I love the world Skelly created, merging humans with werewolves. Although the main characters are teens, there are many moments of swoon, danger, and mystery swirling around them.

 

Sam and Megan are believable protagonists, acting their ages with the drama, jealousy, indecisiveness, and immaturity, but after a slowish accidental start, the growth that occurred within each of them and between them was as intense as the flourishing plot. I found myself deeply caring about what would happen and wondering how it would all resolve, especially when a few twists made their appearances. 

 

This isn't a one-and-done story, but is the start of something intriguing, and I'm looking forward to reading more to see how it will all come together. 

 

Content: moderate (PG-13) romance (passionate kissing, some innuendo, fade-to-black between a married couple, frank talk of sex); mild + (PG/PG-13) violence (wolf bites and fights/injuries); mild language

Sisters of Shadow and Light (Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1) by Sara B. Larson {Review}

Sisters of Shadow and Light (Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1) by Sara B. Larson

Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Published November 5th 2019 by Tor Teen 

Source: Audiobook, but I also own a copy

 

 

 

The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes....

Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.

On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.

For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.

 

   

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

Mysteries and secrets swirl around the magical hedge that has Zuhra and her sister, Inara, locked within. This story captures the depth of a sister bond well, also allowing for their individual growth as they strive to unravel things. The danger, adventure, tension, budding romances, and complicated relationships (especially with family) drew me right in. There is an underlying sense of urgency flowing in a current beneath the plot that sometimes left me feeling a bit anxious, but I loved the traditional fantasy elements that were showcased in a unique way.

Larson does a good job of incorporating the beliefs of two clashing worlds and the persistence and loyalties needed to merge and compromise such a skirmish. I liked the characters right from the start and enjoyed watching this new world develop throughout the pages. The magical elements were well done and although the story started out a little slow, it gained momentum as the book progressed and the culmination of events was definitely worth the wait.

 

Content: light innuendo, mild romance; mild violence

It Started in Budapest (Romance on the Orient Express) by Julie Daines {Review}

It Started in Budapest (Romance on the Orient Express #1) by Julie Daines

Paperback, 184 pages

Published August 10th 2020 by Covenant Communications 

Source: Library

 

 

 

Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can’t hold on much longer . . .

In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula. When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania, where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother immortal. Molly’s rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his own past. When he discovers Molly’s plan, Percy’s concern for the naive young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.  

 

   

My Review: 5 Stars

 

I just might have convinced my family to take a "small" detour to Forks, WA on our road trip to the Pacific Northwest several years ago, so I could completely relate to and understand Molly's desire to use the book Dracula as a roadmap and Bible to seeking treatment for her sickly twin brother. Their connection was extremely endearing.

Not only was the journey spent on the Orient Express exciting, but the secret disembarkment that began a dangerous, yet romantic, trek was thrilling. Percy, a new American acquaintance, just happened to turn up where ever Molly was and after a messy first meeting, their friendship began to blossom. Percy is great, accommodating Molly's fanciful whims, while watching out for her. I enjoyed the give and take of their relationship.

 

While the plot in this gothic romance is very compelling, I loved the parallels to real life that were conceived and drawn. The first book in the series is full speed ahead!

Content: mild romance; mild violence/danger

Marrying Miss Kringle: Stella by Lucy McConnell {Review}

 

 

Marrying Miss Kringle: Stella by Lucy McConnell

Kindle Edition

Published October 12th 2020 by Orchard View Publishing LLC 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

     

 

Christmas Magic is up to no good in this holiday romance about Santa’s daughter’s quest to find true love before Christmas.

Stella is the last “Single Kringle.”

Which means it’s up to her to save Christmas.

The trouble is...

The one man who makes her heart merry and bright—turned her down under the mistletoe.

Pastor Kristopher Willis performed the wedding ceremonies for all four Kringle sisters. He believes in Santa. He’s flown in a sleigh. But he doesn’t understand the true meaning of Christmas. He messed up with Stella last Christmas Eve and has no idea how to make things right.

The longer it takes for Stella to fall in love, the less Christmas cheer in the world. You don’t want to be around a grumpy elf during the holiday rush, and crowded department stores are a nightmare.

Can Santa’s Naughty-List daughter do the right thing this holiday season?

Find out in the 5th book of the Marrying Miss Kringle series.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

I'm always intrigued by Christmas magic and this story is full of rainbows, unicorns, and all the magic that surrounds one of the most beloved holidays.   

 

Stella's exuberant personality shines in her quest to be married in just weeks, in order to save Christmas. Although she has a lot of challenges going against her--such as naughty reindeer, orphaned children, a pastor who doesn't understand and truly believe--her strength and tenacity thrive, leading her into new and unexpected situations, but ultimately helping her achieve her dreams. 

 

Although things don't go according to plan, there is a definite cheerfulness that permeates these pages and casts a glittery, happy spell over this story. I enjoyed the cast of characters and their interesting adventures. 

 

Content: mild romance 

Enchantment by Camille Peters {Review}

Enchantment by Camille Peters

Kindle Edition, 376 pages

Published June 11th 2020 by Rosewood Publications 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

    

 

When Maren runs away from the threat of a forced marriage, the last place she expects to end up is the Malvagarian Palace, home to the enchanted gardens, a cursed prince, and a magical rose that traps her there. Crown Prince Briar isn’t pleased to be stuck with a troublesome guest, especially one as mischievous and curious as Maren. She, on the other hand, is determined to escape, but instead finds herself inconveniently falling in love with him. Despite her lack of beauty, feelings steadily blossom between her and the prince.

Their budding romance is soon threatened when sinister magic begins to eclipse the enchanted gardens, a darkness which quickly spreads not only to the kingdom, but to the king himself. In order to stop it, Briar and Maren will both be forced to make a heart-wrenching sacrifice, only to realize that the gardens’ requirements may prove too high a price.

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

I have to start by saying that this series has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen and the story found beneath this beauty was delightful.

 

Beauty and the Beast is one of my most favorite fairy tales and Peters does a phenomenal job of translating this tale into something fresh, making her own mark in the retelling world. The way she builds this world into something tangible is amazing and incorporating plants and nature is ingenious.

 

I'm a sucker for a crown prince and Briar was an intriguing character. I loved the way he interacted with Maren, how he stuck up for her, and the way they worked together to unravel mysteries, magic, and more in this winsome fairy tale romance. A book with charismatic characters is always a bonus and I really enjoyed watching the progression. Although there were few characters to start with, the ending had an influx and the climax was dazzling, making my head spin and giving me slight anxiety.

 

This book is long, so give yourself some time to get through it, but if you love fairy tales like I do, you'll enjoy it.

 

Content: mild romance; mild moments of danger/peril/adventure 

The Book of Sorrel by Jennifer Peel {Review}

The Book of Sorrel by Jennifer Peel

Kindle Edition, 276 pages

Published April 29th 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

     

 

An ancient curse. A forbidden love. Which will die first?

Sorrel Black’s family has been ruled by a book passed down from generation to generation. But now that it is in her possession, it has stopped working. For her alone, one critical piece of information is missing that will keep the curse, cast long ago as a punishment for her family’s rebellion, from being passed down to her own daughter someday. She hopes the book’s silence means the curse will end with her—even if it means dying alone. But then Eric Knight walks into her life and changes everything.

When investigative journalist Eric Knight is forced to take an assignment to interview bakery owner Sorrel Black, he has no idea that her story will become their story. That his secrets are her secrets. Now together, these born enemies turned lovers must not only face the curse that has separated their families for generations, but the reality that breaking the curse means breaking their hearts. For, in the end, only one family can survive.

 

My Review: 5 Stars

 

You know a writer can write when she pens a story that is well outside of her normal genre and absolutely nails it. I've been eagerly anticipating this story, wondering how in the world Jennifer Peel could pull of a fantasy, mingled with magic, a curse, and a healthy dose of steamy (yet clean) romance that tightly gripped me, heart and soul, but folks...she did it! She absolutely did it.

 

Sorrel is one of the sweetest, nicest, most talented characters I've had the pleasure of meeting and I was literally drooling over her edible creations. Eric is surly and mysterious, but his strong protective, courage side had me swooning pretty fast. In a mystical adventure, this story blends mortal life with slightly paranormal characteristics that results in a wonderfully intriguing and heart pounding urban fantasy.

 

I was completely captivated and so fascinated by the dream portion that I found myself actually dreaming of these dreams. Phew--pass a fan over, please. This story was highly entertaining and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that this is not the end of this legend.

 

Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, steamy kissing); mild+ violence (fighting, death, evil); moderate language 

The Seeking Serum (Potion Masters, Book #3) by Frank L. Cole {Review}

The Seeking Serum (Potion Masters Book #3) by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

 

    

 

Mezzarix has stolen the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters, and is preparing to launch his final attack on the potion-making community—which includes his own family.

Gordy and his family have gone into hiding, but when his mom uncovers some new information, she takes Gordy into the underground network known as the Swigs, a haven for renegade potion masters and black-market potions, to secure support in the fight against Mezzarix. But when Scourges, rebel potion makers acting on orders from Mezzarix, attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes with his life and is forced to leave his family behind.

As the fight intensifies between B.R.E.W. and the Scourges, it falls to Gordy and his friends—Max, Sasha, and Adilene—to locate Mezzarix's hidden headquarters, retrieve the Vessel, save the world, and unite the potion-making community.

The world of Potion Masters is full of fantasy and adventure as Gordy and his friends learn the power of friendship and loyalty, and to trust in their own individual talents.

 

My Review: 4 Stars

 

This is a series that must be read in order to fully appreciate and understand. The Potion Masters is a fun middle grade fantasy that lovers of that genre will enjoy.

 

Gordy and his friends are embroiled in some impossible situations as they battle to stop Gordy's grandfather, Mezzarix, from his sinister attempts to spread evil abroad. As this adventurous story progresses, the characters grow by leaps and bounds. It's enjoyable to have this book told from a couple of points of view, as it rounds out the story line, giving the reader insights into multiple characters thoughts, helping them to understand courses of action and reasoning.

 

This book is one non-stop adventure and thoroughly entertaining! 

Springback (Ring of Time #1) by Jana Miller {Review}

Springback (Ring of Time #1) by Jana Miller

Kindle Edition, 325 pages

Published July 5th 2019 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Just because someone CAN rewind time…doesn’t always mean they SHOULD.

Sixteen-year-old Chloe has always used her rewinding ability to keep her life as smooth as possible, flying under the radar. But when the golden strands of time start zapping her with erratic sparks, she fears that time itself might be in danger and reluctantly confronts Jake, the careless senior she suspects has the same power.

Their investigation into family secrets leads to a mystery surrounding an ancient amulet, and the two find themselves scrambling to locate the amulet before someone else does—someone who will stop at nothing to strip Chloe of her ability, even if it means erasing lives altogether.

When she discovers the truth about a tragedy that has shaped her life, Chloe is faced with heart-wrenching decisions—and the question she’s been avoiding for seven years: does this extraordinary ability give her any right to manipulate other people’s lives?

Springback is a suspenseful contemporary YA sci-fi adventure featuring a unique twist on time travel. Even more than being about supernatural abilities, it’s a story about being real, forgiving yourself, and making tough choices.

My Review: 4 Stars

I'm always good for an intriguing young adult fantasy and this one was definitely unique for me. In fact, thinking about the ability to have some control over time was kind of overwhelming. Chloe discovered her unique power to rewind time and live it over again years ago, but an unexpected outcome that resulted from a school assignment made her realize that she's not alone. The adventure that comes from this discovery was mind boggling at times, yet entertaining and engaging.

It's always fun to think about what superpowers you could have, but this made me think about the downside of said powers. Chloe and her friends find that they have to be forgiving and true to themselves, but they learn that it's not always easy.

This is an interesting time travel story with a slight suspenseful mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Content: clean

  

Burning Bright by Melissa McShane {Review}

Burning Bright (The Extraordinaries Book 1) by Melissa McShane

ebook, 318 pages

Published August 15th 2016 by Curiosity Quills Press 

Source: library
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    

In 1812, Elinor Pembroke wakes to find her bedchamber in flames—and extinguishes them with a thought. At 21, she is old to manifest magical talent, but the evidence is unmistakable: she not only has the ability to start fires, but the far more powerful ability to control and extinguish them. She is an Extraordinary, and the only one in England capable of wielding fire in over one hundred years.

As an Extraordinary, she is respected and feared, but to her father, she represents power and prestige for himself. Mr. Pembroke, having spent his life studying magic, is determined to control Elinor and her talent by forcing her to marry where he chooses, a marriage that will produce even more powerful offspring. Trapped between the choices of a loveless marriage or living penniless and dependent on her parents, Elinor takes a third path: she defies tradition and society to join the Royal Navy.

Assigned to serve under Captain Miles Ramsay aboard the frigate Athena, she turns her fiery talent on England’s enemies, French privateers and vicious pirates preying on English ships in the Caribbean. At first feared by her shipmates, a growing number of victories make her truly part of Athena’s crew and bring her joy in her fire. But as her power grows and changes in unexpected ways, Elinor’s ability to control it is challenged. She may have the power to destroy her enemies utterly—but could it be at the cost of her own life?

My Review: 4 Stars

It's no secret that I love a good Regency story, especially one with a brave, strong female lead and Elinor is just that. She turns her back on all she knows when her father gives her an ultimatum--she has two options and she discovers a third and doesn't look back, even when times are very intimidating and scary. 

As much as I love Regency balls, teas, courting, and the ton, it's refreshing to read a story that mainly takes place on the sea, in battles, and with the Royal Navy. And let's not forget about the pirates!

An added twist to this adventuresome story is the element of fantastical abilities. Elinor can command fire and other citizens on the seas have powers to combat. This story is fun and entertaining, and definitely different than any other Regency book I've read. I was pleasantly surprised.

Content: mild+ language; mild-moderate violence (deaths, battles, etc); mild romance (some innuendo included)

Midsummer Night (A Timeless Romance Anthology) {Review}

Midsummer Night (A Timeless Romance Anthology)

Kindle Edition

Published June 11th 2019 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Six Fantasy Romance Novellas in one collection:

Featuring Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg, with Julie Wright, Annette Lyon, Jane Redd, Amber Argyle, and Luisa Perkins.

ILLUSIONS OF LOVE by Charlie N. Holmberg:
Aster has worked as the great magician Celtin's assistant for two years and has been in love with him nearly as long. After hearing he'll be looking for a wife at the house ball, Aster disguises herself as a high-class woman so she can woo him away from other bachelorettes. But not everything goes according to plan...

DANCING WITH THE MOON by Julie Wright:
A girl may love a ghost, but where would they live? When a ghost who insists he isn't dead shows up in Grace's shed, he begs for her help. If they cannot reunite his spirit and body before the full moon rises, Arell will die in actuality and so will the royal family. The race against the moon becomes more frantic when Grace realizes she loves him and will die alongside him if she loses him. But can a ghost with no heart return her love?

THE TRUEST TREASURE by Annette Lyon:
(summary coming soon)

THE ISLE OF ROSE by Jane Redd:
Cornelia's greatest secret is that she can read minds. When her sister elopes with another man, Cornelia must stand in her sister's stead to marry Lord Moss, a man with the same gift, who has the power to expose her.

FIRE AND FOUNTAIN by Luisa Perkins:
Historian Lucie Tremblay loves studying Québec’s past, but when she accidentally travels back in time through a magical St. John’s Eve bonfire, she finds that life in 17th-century New France is far more complicated than it seems in books. As colonist Nicolas Beaubien tries to help her find a way back to 2019, Lucie finds herself falling for him—and must choose between her old life and new love.

LADY OF SHADOWS by Amber Argyle:
Every year, girls go missing in the night—taken by the beast of the Forbidden Forest. A beast that has haunted the town of Hamel for centuries. A beast that is now coming for Caelia.

Midsummer Night is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book

My Review: 4 Stars

Fantasy is not my go-to genre and I sometimes have a hard time getting into all the magical elements and creatures, but this collection was fun. I always know I can count on a sweet, clean, and entertaining book with a Timeless Romance Anthology.

Each story delivered a unique fantasy, with some elements more extreme than others--magic, fairies, mind readers, time travelers, beasts, etc. I loved that a couple of the stories had suspense in them, as I was not expecting that, and a well-written suspense is always a great complement to any story. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience and Heather Moore's story had a super fun twist on that trope.

I love to discover new authors and had fun with this set, but was a little disappointed that Amber Argyle's novella was a backstory for a series, which I haven't read, and left me a little confused because I wasn't sure what was going on and who the characters were.  

Overall, this was a great set to get those imagination gears turning and giving the reader an entertaining jaunt into the world of fantasy.

 Content: mild romance; mild violence

The Transparency Tonic (Potion Masters #2) by Frank L. Cole {Review}

The Transparency Tonic (Potion Masters #2)
by Frank L. Cole

Hardcover, 384 pages

Publication: January 16th 2019 by Shadow Mountain 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, Saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel—the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong.

Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own.

And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone—as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as “Silt.” It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever.

With both B.R.E.W. and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it’s up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it’s too late.

My Review: 4 Stars

Gordy and the gang are back to their adventures in this next installment in the Potion Masters series and you must read Book 1 to understand this one. 

These kids are now in 8th grade and a secret world of elixirists has been unveiled. There are so many foes abounding about and new characters emerge, which makes it difficult for Gordy and his friends to know who to trust. This society is mystical and fascinating, especially as danger escalates. The unexpected twists and turns make for a very exciting story and I'm eager for the next book, as this one ends on a cliffhanger, of sorts. 

This is a great book for the middle-grade fantasy lover. It's easy to let the imagination have free reign while reading these pages. 

Content: mild moments of action/adventure type violence

My 90s Boy Band Boyfriend by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

My '90s Boy Band Boyfriend by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition, 519 pages

Published August 30th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

   

Teenage singer Oakley Marsden is having a rough week. Pop-star Hudson’s rough week is twenty-three years long

Sixteen-year-old Oakley just wants to win a spot on TV’s The Next Radio Star. But when her bad audition goes viral, going back to school is a nightmare.

Even more humiliating, she discovers her own mother was a boy band groupie. Cringe. And Mom still has a thing for a nineties boy band killed in the tragic plane crash twenty years ago.

When things can’t get worse, a strange beggar guy ends up carrying Oakley home—and Oakley’s mom loses her mind. She’s convinced he’s the long-dead popstar Hudson Oaks, frontman for Girl Crazy and Mom’s long-lost love.

And the guy isn’t denying it. Curse him.

Oakley has to save her mom from this impostor before Mom does something insane—and before Oakley starts falling for his charm too.

My 90s Boy Band Boyfriend is a standalone story and book 2 in the Super Teen Queens series. It’s another hilarious teen fantasy with a romantic twist by clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. Great for fans of Kelly Oram and Judy Corry. 

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

I was a teen in the 90s and boy, did this book take me back to those days...the days of boy bands, big  curly hair, and baggie jeans. Oakley learns a lot about her mom's obsession with a certain lead singer of the band Girl Crazy, who supposedly died in a plane crash 23 years ago, when she tries out for a singing competition. When said guy, Hudson Oaks, shows up, everything gets a little crazy--hormones, danger, and a hidden mystery.


Although this story isn't completely believable (hello, time travel?), it's certainly entertaining and fun. My inner self is still around this age and it was fun to be transported back for awhile and pretend that it was me in this story. I loved the development that Oakley goes through, especially as she deals with her bullying classmates and a budding attraction. Of course, Hudson is my favorite. His young Tom Cruise looks, charming personality, zest for life, and determination to find justice wrapped him around my heart.

The zingy chemistry sputters to life at times, but there really isn't much that comes to fruition. I loved the intensity and sparks of feelings, but would have loved a few more kisses. Overall, this was a very fun and very entertaining read.

Content: mild romance; mild violence

Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg

Kindle Edition, 312 pages

Publication: July 17th 2018 by Mirror Press 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.

My Review: 5 Stars

This story is not what I was expecting at all. With a slightly depressing beginning, Gentry and her siblings, Rooster and Pearl, are trying to survive after their father leaves for the gold rush. In a wonderful and shocking mix of rich Western history, romance, and magic, the book really comes alive and captivated me from then on out.

The desperation rolls off of the pages through Gentry's character, as her family's struggles were realistic. I loved the characters--their relationships and emotions were gripping, and I especially enjoyed the friendship and bond they share with Hannah, a Mormon second wife, who has an interesting tie to their family.

The way the magic is tied to the story really invested me and had me curious. It really adds a unique element to a typical historical that sets it above and apart from the rest. 

Content: mild romance

 

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie N. Holmberg was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. Her fantasy Paper Magician series, which includes The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, has been optioned by the Walt Disney Company. Her stand-alone novel, Followed by Frost, was nominated for a 2016 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, and her novel The Fifth Doll won the 2018 Whitney for Speculative Fiction. She is a board member for Deep Magic Ezine and currently lives with her family in Utah.

Charlie’s links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7801879.Charlie_N_Holmberg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnholmberg/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CNHolmberg

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00KQQXYGK

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnholmberg/

Purchase links:

Ebook: http://a.co/5zd2GNh

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Veins-Gold-Charlie-N-Holmberg/dp/194715222X

Schedule:

July 16th: Book Geek Reviews

July 17th: Katie’s Clean Read Collection / Min Reads and Reviews

July 18th: Wishful Endings / The Bibliophile Files

July 19th: Heidi Reads / Books in the Skye

July 20th: R.Q. Woodward / Bookworm Lisa

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Super Daisy by Jennifer Griffith {Review}

Super Daisy by Jennifer Griffith

Kindle Edition

Published May 16th 2018 

Source: I received a copy, which had no influence on my opinions

 

 

 

Super powers? Super useless.
At seventeen, disgraced former beauty queen Daisy just wants to escape her viral-video past. The flaming baton that caught the stage and a judge’s pants on fire also burned up her dreams of someday becoming a serious TV journalist.
Now Daisy faces a dead-end summer job in her dead-end hometown. The only cool guy in Prairie Grass, Cliff Calloway, doesn’t even know she exists, and her arch nemesis is determined to keep it that way.
Then lightning strikes! Daisy crashes her jeep and a vision swiftly unfolds. “You, Daisy Blaine, have been selected for The Power.” In one fell swoop everything changes, but not for the better. Getting turned into a superhero by a goddess isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you want to keep a low profile.

Super Daisy is another fun escape from #1 best-selling YA author Jennifer Griffith.

My Review: 4 Stars

Sometimes it's fun to escape into a completely fantastical story. When I was younger, I used to like to imagine that I could gain a few superpowers and Daisy finds herself in possession of a few of these. In a fast-paced, almost bizarre at times, adventure, Daisy lives out any superhero lover's fantasy. In fact, her life is literally like a dream for awhile. While highly entertaining, I wish it could have been a little longer and not so rushed, but it still is very enjoyable.


Told in first person, Daisy comes across as a likable character and her strengths, weaknesses, and thoughts are worn on her sleeve. She is easy to cheer for and develops into an everyday heroine. This is a really fun and unique story and I hope there are more like it in the works.

Content: very mild violence; very mild romance

The Ultimate Agent by Derek Borne {Review}

The Ultimate Agent by Derek Borne
Virtuoso Press (May 13, 2017), 292 pages
Source: I received a copy from the author, which did not influence my opinion

  

WARNING: THIS MISSIVE CONTAINS CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

Your Mission:
Undertake an adventure of epic, global, and dire proportions.

Agent #524 - Devon Bertrand
Once a normal civilian, Agent Bertrand has been recruited by the Ultimate Agency—a secret organization of the world’s best spies. Now, after undergoing genetic upgrades, he has become a superhuman agent dedicated to fighting against all threats against the nation he now calls home.

Agent #146 - Brett Gallagher
A brilliant scientist, Dr. Gallagher invents and utilizes technologically advanced gadgets and weapons to fight against national security threats like a modern day superhero.

The Target – Maximus Romanov
Employed by a mysterious Russian terrorist group, Romanov is a superhuman operative wreaking havoc in the United States.

Mission Data – Confidential
Join Agent Devon Bertrand and Agent Brett Gallagher on a mission to stop Romanov from destroying the United States. As Bertrand and Gallagher work to discover why Maximus harbors a deep hatred toward America, they uncover a conspiracy brewing against the Ultimate Agency, and one man will make the ultimate sacrifice.

My Review: 3 Stars

I had my teenage son read this and he didn't make it past the first chapter because not only was it a little confusing, but all of the casinos and gambling totally turned him off. As for me, I enjoy superheroes and adventure movies and this book definitely has plenty of the heroes and action. But almost too much at times. I found my head spinning on more than one occasion. And the points-of-view changed often and into multiple characters' heads without warning, which gave me a little mental whiplash. 

The characters are your typically superheroes, but that's what made it fun, because it was entertaining to discover their talents and the ways they would use them. I love tales of good versus evil and enjoyed watching how that angle played out.

As with most of these types of stories, there are a few romantic tangles and although those aren't the main focus, they are my favorite part (of course), and this book had quite a few displays. I had a hard time feeling a connection with the characters in any romantic regard. The relationships didn't feel deep or genuine, but if you enjoy a superficial romance with much more detailed action, you'll probably enjoy this one.

Content: mild romance; moderate violence (superhero/action-type); mild language