Review: Just Different Devils by Jinx Schwartz

Just Different Devils by Jinx Schwartz
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Hetta Coffey is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she's not afraid to use it—most of the time. 
She's an intrepid cruiser, but wild rumors of marauding gangs of flesh-shredding giant Humboldt squid on a rampage in the Sea of Cortez could keep even Hetta tied to an expensive dock. However, when the opportunity for an intriguing and highly lucrative charter arises she talks her best friend, Jan, into signing on for a mysterious cruise. 
Damn the calamari! Full bank account ahead! 

My Thoughts:

Hetta owns a small yacht and earns her living doing small jobs. She is hired to take a client on a month long fishing trip on her boat. Meanwhile, there are reports of people being killed by a Humboldt squid. Despite, the risk of being attacked by one of these, Hetta and her friend Jan take on this client. 

People all around Hetta are acting strange and some are even disappearing. Hetta is determined to solve this mystery with the help of her friends and her lovable canine. 

I really enjoyed this book. There were so many secrets and things happening that it kept me guessing who the bad guys were all the way to the end. If you love a good mystery, then this book is definitely for you. 

Review: The Giant Slayer by Isabella Fontaine & Ken Brosky

The Giant Slayer by Isabella Fontaine & Ken Brosky
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Europe: birthplace of Grimms' Fairy Tales. An unfamiliar land, brimming with its own breed of Corrupted who hide in the shadows, growing more evil with each passing day. For modern-day hero Alice Goodenough, this is more than enough to worry about. But she also has a fencing tournament to think about.

And a promise to keep with Sam Grayle, a Corrupted dwarf who schemes for more and more wealth. When their train breaks down in a small town in eastern Hungary, Alice finds the legacy of the hero is alive and well. Corrupted have visited this town before, and they aren't quite vanquished just yet. There's one left, hiding away, biding his time to enact a terrible price on his enemies. A little creature with big, big plans ...

Werewolves. Vampires. Giants. Europe is a different place with new dangers, new monsters and new surprises.

My Thoughts:

The Giant Slayer is book 7 in the Grimm Chronicles. Alice is once again dealing with the Corrupted. No matter where she goes or what she does, there is always a Corrupted out to ruin her day.

I absolutely love this series. I guess the best way to describe it is that the series is like Buffy vs corrupted fairy tale characters. Alice is out to eliminate the corrupted fairy tales characters. Even the ones that once were good have been corrupted since their story ended. Armed with a magic pen and knowledge of these fairy tales, Alice has to track them down and eliminate them one by one.

The series keeps getting better and better. The authors' make me want to know what happens next. I have no clue what will happen next but I am sure I will enjoy it as these two have an excellent imagination. If you read any book in the series, you won't be disappointed.

Review: Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis: 

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.

TOP 5 FINALIST for 2012 Best Indie Book, Young Adult Fiction - The Kindle Book Review

Open Minds is the first novel in the Mindjack Series, a young adult science fiction series. There are three novels in the original trilogy, five novellas that accompany the series, and plans for another trilogy in the works (see Susan’s latest novella, The Locksmith, for a peek at a new Mindjack character for the coming trilogy.) Subscribe to her newsletter, and get a short story for free!

READING ORDER
Mindjack Trilogy (novels): Open Minds, Closed Hearts, Free Souls
Mindjack Origins (shorts): Mind Games, The Handler, The Scribe, Keeper, The Locksmith 

The Locksmith is a standalone novella that can be read independently of the trilogy and novellas

My Thoughts:

Open Minds is the first book in the Mindjack saga. This book has quite an interesting concept. What if some people could read minds and others couldn't? Would you want people to be able to read minds or read yours? What if you were a mindjacker and were hunted and locked up because of your abilities to control others? Would you want to be a mindreader, a mindjacker or a zero?

Kira is one tough young lady. She is only 16 and has to deal with being different, violent criminals and corrupt government officials. I love how brave she is and how she struggles to do the right thing.

This is a totally new an interesting concept. It would definitely be a dangerous society to live in. Ms, Quinn has a vivid imagination and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

Review:The Devil In Disguise by Stefanie Sloane

The Devil In Disguise by Stefanie Sloane
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Filled with espionage and intrigue, Stefanie Sloane’s witty and sexy debut is a Regency historical—the first novel in a back-to-back Regency Rogues trilogy that features seductive spies and the ladies they must protect.

Lord William Randall, the Duke of Clairemont, is a rake with little regard for society—a most unlikely suitor for Lady Lucinda Grey. But his latest assignment for the Young Corinthians, an elite spy organization, involves protecting her from a kidnapping plot. To do this, the notorious “Iron Will” must use his devilish charm to seduce Lucinda and convince her he’s worthy of her attention. William never planned to become enthralled by the lovely Lady Grey—or to lose his own heart in the bargain.

Beautiful and fiercely intelligent, Lucinda has managed to gracefully sidestep even the most persistent suitors. Until the Duke of Clairemont, that is. She’s tempted by his sinfully sensuous mouth and piercing eyes, and finds it hard to resist the champion thoroughbred he offers her in exchange for the honor of courting her. Can she keep him at arm’s length when his touch begs her to let him so much closer?

My Thoughts:

At first glance, this book is your typical regency romance novel. However, the author has added the spy angle and it added so much more to the story.

Will, the Duke of Clairemont, is a spy with The Young Corinthians. He has been assigned to save Lady Lucinda from a kidnapping plot. As with most matters of the heart, things are not as easy as he planned.

I really enjoyed the spy angle to this book as well as the romance portion of it. I would definitely recommend this book to all the romance lovers out there.

Review: Initiation:The School of Exorcists by K.E. O'Connor

Initiation:The School of Exorcists by K.E. O'Connor
My Rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Ruby Carmichael is your typical teenage girl, trying to ignore the unusual fact she sees ghosts. After she almost kills someone, she discovers she isn't so typical and has abilities and responsibilities she's never dreamed of.

After almost ending the life of her school crush at a dance, Ruby is humiliated and confused. She isn't prepared for the revelation that she's fated to join the School of Exorcists, a mysterious school that trains young Senders in the art of crossing over the undead and protecting the world from dark magic forces.

In this fast paced teen and YA paranormal romance and adventure series, Ruby meets Andreas, an undead member of the School, who introduces her to the weird and magically freaky world of the School of Exorcists.

It's not long before Ruby also meets Zander Ford and falls in love. The road to happiness is thwarted by unstable ghosts, dark magic crazed family members and Ruby's own fears that magic and romance don't combine well.

There's also the issue of Jarrod Deveral, a handsome but dangerous magic using soul freezer, who lingers in Ruby's mind. With the romance heating up between Ruby and Zander, she can't ignore the issue that her birth parents are causing trouble by using dark magic.

But when Ruby and her new friends come under attack from dark magic, she must draw on her new found powers to save herself and the School she has grown to love.

Initiation, Book 1 in the School of Exorcists teen and YA paranormal romance and adventure series, features fast-paced action, romance, magic and mystery.
The School of Exorcists Teen and Young Adult Paranormal Romance and Adventure series categories:

- Teen and YA Romance Ghosts
- Teen and YA Fantasy Series
- Paranormal Books for Teens and Young Adults
- Free teen and YA paranormal and Fantasy Book
- Coming of Age Series
- Free Young Adult paranormal and Fantasy Book

My Thoughts:

This book was addicting. I didn't want to put it down. Ruby is seeing ghosts and really has no clue what to do about it. This is when her adoptive parents give her the manual. She finds out why she can see ghosts and what is expected of her. She is whisked away to a new school to learn about her powers and her destiny.

I loved this book! It has ghosts, senders (AKA exorcists) and oh so much magic! The book is very fast paced and my only complaint is that it is so short. There is a book 2 and it happens to be free so I will be reading it as well. I can't wait to see what happens next for Ruby & Andreas.

Review: Time Ship (Book One): A Time Travel Romantic Adventure by Ian C.P. Irvine

Time Ship (Book One): A Time Travel Romantic Adventure by Ian C.P. Irvine
My Rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Gripping, Enthralling, Imaginative & Hard to Put Down! 

A rip-roaring, page-turning thriller! 

If you don't believe time travel is possible, based upon the infamous US Defence Department's 'Project Rainbow', this book will make change your mind... 

The Story 
Who are the terrorists that have taken over an exclusive five star holiday resort in the Caribbean and are holding everyone to ransom? 
What is the dangerous secret that the terrorists carry, and why must their existence be denied and covered up at all costs to protect the future of mankind? 
And when you discover that the story is based upon a real research project that the United States government conducted, you will want to learn more, and may even ask 'could this really happen?' 
Download, settle back in a comfortable chair, and enjoy! 

What People are Saying about "Time Ship" 
"A riveting read that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing 'till the very end! This book has it all - mystery, romance, the past and the future. With brilliant characters and an attention to detail that paints wonderful pictures in the minds eye. It's funny, exciting and extremely clever. I was not able to put this book down, I was constantly eager to see what was coming next. It's a brilliantly written book that left me feeling like I'd been on an adventure." 

"I kept wondering how anyone could possibly have thought of this and then woven the story to such an extent that you actually believed that lots of this was fact and not a story at all! The ending was phenomenaland showed a more than fertile imagination. I laughed out loud! The books were read first by my husband who muttered every so often 'This guy is amazing. His writing is so clear, and his imagination is(literally) out of this world.' " 

" A brilliant concept - science put across in an easily understandable way and a thrilling read. Packed with thrills, spills (literally!), adventure, history, romance, thought provoking scientific possibilities of time travel and epidemiology. This book crosses so many genres yet contains plenty of fun and humour. A must buy. " 

NOTE: Book One of Two Parts: 
Please note that Book One continues seamlessly into and is concluded in Book Two. This is an excellent way to introduce yourself to this new and exciting author!- If you enjoy Book One, to continue the story you may then choose to download Book Two. Alternatively, readers are always recommended to purchase the full omnibus edition containing both Book One and Book Two. 

My Thoughts:

I started reading this book without any real expectations. At first, I admit to being a bit bored but I plowed through it and I was glad I did. Once the 4 hurricanes collided, I was hooked.

Captain Robert McGregor is a pirate captain from 1699. They are caught up in a huge storm and lose the other ships that they sail with. Determined to keep the crew on his remaining alive, he does everything he can to get through the storm.

Meanwhile, in the year 2014, there is an experiment going on during this same storm. They are trying to prove the existence of the Hunraken Vortex and time travel. Their plane, Stormchaser 3, is in the eye of one of the hurricanes.

The 4 hurricanes collide and something happens. The plane disappears from the year 2014 without a trace, The pirate ship from 1699 appears in the year 2014 near Puerto Rico.

This is where I started giggling. The pirates are not used to our modern conveniences. The things they believe and are afraid of have me rolling in laughter. For a book that I wasn't sure I was going to like, I really ended up enjoying it. It started off slow but if you persevere through it then you won't be disappointed. I certainly wasn't. I do have lots of questions left unanswered but since this is book 1, I am sure when I read book 2 I will get the answers I am dying to know.

Review: The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley
My Rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

My Thoughts:

This book is highly entertaining. Amelia has decided that it is time for her to get married. She starts to narrow down her marriage prospects when she discovers that the annual ball she attends on Christmas Eve has been cancelled.

Not happening! Amelia takes matters into her own hands and tells Benedict that she will plan the ball for him.

I laughed while reading this book. The poor guy didn't stand a chance. She breezed into his life and took over. It took her less than 12 days to completely take over his life and heart. I absolutely love these characters!! I want to read more about these two as they are such an interesting combination.

Review: Honeymoon for One by Lily Zante

Honeymoon for One by Lily Zante
My Rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Ava Ramirez has known happier days.

Suffering from fever and all alone at home on New Year's Eve, she is unceremoniously dumped by her fiance just six weeks before their Valentines Day wedding.

But instead of falling to pieces, Ava is surprised to find that she is more relieved than upset by this recent turn of events. So much so that she cancels all the wedding arrangements she had painstakingly made over the past year. All except for one.

She decides to go on her honeymoon anyway. Alone.

Hoping to find inner peace and a clarity of mind with her solo trip to Italy, Ava is even more surprised to find herself drawn into yet another romantic encounter with the mysterious Nico.

But is she ready to handle even more heartbreak so soon?

My Thoughts:

Lily Zante hit a home-run for me on this one. I needed a little bit of romance today and this book was exactly that.

Ava is engaged and planning her wedding. With 6 weeks left, she is sick and Connor is supposed to visit her. Instead, he leaves her worrying about him and goes to a party. Think that's inconsiderate? That's not all he does. When Ava calls him worried about his safety, he is at a party and breaks up with her over the phone. The nerve of some guys, right? Too bad this is a sad reality for some women. They date men who don't have a compassionate bone in their bodies.

Ava is left heartbroken as she cancels all the wedding plans. There is one thing left to cancel: the honeymoon. She decides to go on the honeymoon by herself. Go girl!! Italy, hot Italian guys and lots of tourist attractions to see- sign me up!

This book was full of romance, heartbreak and so much more. This book left me wanting to go to Italy myself. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Review: An Unintended Journey by Catherine Gayle

An Unintended Journey by Catherine Gayle
My Rating:3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Abby Goddard’s life is going along just swimmingly, apart from the disappearance of her life’s love—Wesley Cavendish, a man well above her station. Just before Christmas, Grandmama dies after revealing the identity of Abby’s grandfather. The Duke of Danby, no less. Now the entire family will travel to Yorkshire to confront Danby, hoping to gain a dowry for Abby. But then Wesley reemerges, sparking a hope Abby thought long destroyed.

Shall the prodigal son’s sole inheritance be an unsightly gash? Wesley Cavendish aspires to the political realm, despite his father’s near-murderous opposition…not to mention his opposition to Abby Goddard. But since Father died, will the new Earl of Fordingham rescind Father’s disgraceful allegations? Fordingham thwarts Wesley at every turn, threatening marriage to a prominent Tory family—which precludes Abby—to put an end to Wesley’s Whig involvement…unless Wesley can find a loophole.

***This was previously published in the anthology A Summons From the Castle, and then in the collection Charming and Just a Bit Disarming.*** 

My Thoughts:

I liked this book but as with most novellas, it is way too short. You don't get to really know the characters or learn much of their back story. It is all rushed to fit into 60 or so pages. I would have loved to have seen this as a full sized novel. It would have been a wonderful story if developed properly.

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
My Rating:5 of 5

Synopsis:

This is a world divided by blood - red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare's potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime. But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance - Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

My Thoughts:

This book is about a society in which people with red blood are ruled over by people with silver blood. The people with silver blood have abilities that they lord over the red bloods. The red bloods are tired of being treated poorly and are fighting back.

This is where things get interesting. Mare is a red but she has abilities like a silver and that means she is a danger to the silvers. They decide to keep her close, kind of like that old saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

Mare has no idea who to trust as there are a lot of lies being told. What is a girl to do when she is torn between two brothers and her own people?

I love this book! When I got to the cliffhanger ending, I wanted to go right out and get the next book. There is no much going on in this book and you find it hard to know who to root for with all the lies and subterfuge going on. I really can't wait to see what happens next. Now I am off to find a copy of book 2 ; )

Review: Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition.

With her contagious humor and cast of quirky characters, Janice Thompson gives readers more of the bridal business drama they want in a brand-new series all about those long-suffering people who make beautiful weddings happen. Readers are desperately waiting for more of Bella and this new series brings her back in a big way, while introducing new characters fans will love. Fans will laugh out loud as they experience this breezy and entertaining novel from a great storyteller.

My Thoughts:

Picture Perfect is a lovely story about a wedding photographer. Hannah is trying to make her business successful in her own blundering kind of way. She is always getting in her own way, doubting herself and her skills. Drew is a rival wedding photographer that she is always comparing herself to.

Hannah is full of envy and she constantly compares herself to others. She is very lacking in self confidence. She finds some really good friends along the way and learns a bit about herself as well as her heritage.There are Irish sayings scattered throughout the book which adds to the charm of it. The romance aspect of this book is sweet, gentle and faith based.

I love some of the language used by the author. I have never before seen the word "twitterpated" used so much in a book but it really did fit. The characters were fun and I enjoyed this book immensely. This book just makes you smile in its simplicity.

Review: One Wish by Michelle Harrison

One Wish by Michelle Harrison
My rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

One wish only, understood? There are rules, so listen good . . .

The Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree can grant your heart’s desire – just wish out loud, or hang a message from its branches. It sounds as though the Wishing Tree is just a sweet old tradition, but Tanya is only too aware how real its magic could be.

Tanya can see fairies, and would love to meet someone else can see them too. When she meets Ratty and his cheeky fairy, Turpin, it seems at last she’s found them. But Ratty has a secret, and a dangerous enemy who'll stop at nothing to get to him.

Tanya must use her one wish to save her new friend - but wishes should be used wisely . . .

My Thoughts:

If you could have one wish granted to you, what would it be? Would it be a selfish wish? Would it be something for a friend? Would it be a silly wish? Would it be a sensible wish?

This book is book 0.5 in the Thirteen Treasures series. It gives the reader insight in Tanya's background with the fairies. They were always getting her into trouble with her parents. They had so many rules and expected her to follow them, even if she didn't know the rules.

Tanya finds the Spinney Wicket Wishing Tree and meets Henry (AKA Ratty).  He can see fairies also and teaches her everything he knows about protection from them. Then Henry is kidnapped by one and Tanya is the only one who can help him.

This book has a bit of everything. We have a toad spell, a ghost, an imaginary friend, a memory weaver, a fairy magic battle, a wishing tree and so much adventure. I loved all of the books in the series but I think this one may be my favorite. It makes me wish for more......

Review: Forbidden by Tracy Cooper-Posey & Julia Templeton

Forbidden by Tracy Cooper-Posey & Julia Templeton
My rating:4 of 5

Synopsis:

Vaughn wants revenge. Elisa wants her son back. Neither expected to want each other.…

Elisa’s determined to have her son back at any cost, even if it means marry a vicious stoat of a man like Rufus Wardell, but her plans and her life are turned upside down by the sudden reappearance of Rufus’ grown and estranged son, Vaughn.

Lured by the contrast of Elisa’s sweet beauty with the wicked rumors of her wanton past, Vaughn embarks on a seduction as scorching as it is daring. What he finds is not at all what he sought: Elisa is an innocent, but with a sensuality so raw he cannot resist her...

...even though their passion is forbidden.

WARNING: This book contains frequent sex scenes and sexual language.

My Thoughts:

Forbidden takes place in England in 1835. Vaughn, the Viscount of Rothmere, comes home to fight his father for his inheritance left to him by his mother. Here he meets Elisa, whom his father has convinced to marry him in exchange for helping her find her son.

Poor Elisa has been ostracized from society because of a bunch of lies. Her son has been stolen from her and she thinks Rufus, the Marquis of Fairleigh, can help her.Vaughn and Elisa are helplessly attracted to each other but are embroiled in a web of lies and deceit.

I love this time period despite all the rules and restrictions of society. The glamour of the balls and house parties draw me in every time. Still, women are confined in a man's world and restricted by their rules. However, this book had something that most historical romance novels do not. A man willing to stand up to society and tell them they are wrong. A man willing to throw their own indiscretions in their faces publicly. Now that is love. A man willing to risk everything including being ostracized from society for the woman he loves. Yes, I am a romantic at heart and this book fed the romantic part of my soul. This book was worth the read and I am looking forward to the next book in the Scandalous Sirens series.

Review: Dangerous by Alycia Linwood

Dangerous by Alycia Linwood

My Rating: 4 of 5

Synopsis:

Eighteen-year-old Ria, a fire elemental and privileged student at the University of Magic, thinks nothing can get in the way of her happiness. Even when she falls for Michael, a boy whose element is different from hers, she is determined to make their forbidden romance work.

But when she starts experiencing the symptoms of magic disease that could rob her of her element, turn her into a cold-blooded killer, and shatter her life, all of her beliefs are put to the test. The only one who might be able to help her is Adrian, a mysterious, charming, and dangerous magic disease carrier, who also happens to be her least favorite person in the world.

In this book, their god has given everyone an elemental power of earth, air, fire or water. The only requirement is that they choose a mate with the same elemental power and do not mix powers. Of course, there are always people who follow their own rules and powers were mixed. 

Of course, the people in charge have to spin this to keep control of things and claim that some people have caught a disease. They claim that the disease is spread thru sex and that they lose their elemental powers. Effective way to spread fear, correct? 

Ria, Adrian, Paula and Michael are learning that some things they think they know are not as they appear. 

My Thoughts:

There is just something about this story line that really caught my attention. I couldn't put it down. Of course, the cliffhanger has left me wanting to go out and find book 2 right now. There are some grammatical errors with were a tad bit annoying but once you get past those, the book is really good.

Review: 13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison

13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison

My Rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put the past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn’t as easy as she had hoped . . . Hounded by those who would like her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is also haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch’s cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who swore revenge when she left him there.

Her past is about to catch up with her, but can she, Tanya and Fabian prevent it consuming her altogether? 

My Thoughts:

13 Secrets is the 3rd and final book of the 13 Treasures Trilogy. Rowan has moved in with Tanya's grandmother, Fabian and his father. Life was starting to settle down but when you can see fairies things have a way of getting out of hand quickly.

Friends (the Coven) and people that Rowan associated with before her visit to the fey world have shown up again. There is are children in danger from a changeling. This time the changeling has replaced an adult and seems fixated on a baby girl in the family. The "Coven" is determined to help this family. Tanya & Fabian are inevitably drawn into this.

The "Coven" is being attacked and Tanya & Fabian's family are in danger also. The 13 Secrets seem to be the center of this. What are the 13 secrets? Well, you will have to read the book to find out.

I was saddened to discover that this was the end of the series. I really enjoyed learning about the 13 Treasures, Curses and Secrets. The fairies are always up to some kind of mischief and I would love to read more about their adventures. Apparently, the author has decided the same thing though as I noticed that she went back and wrote a prequel to the trilogy, One Wish. I will be sure to let you know what I think of that book as I will be reading it also.

Review: 13 Curses by Michelle Harrison

13 Curses by Michelle Harrison

My rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When fairies stole her brother, Red vowed to get him back. Now trapped in the fairy realm, she begs an audience with the fairy court where she strikes a bargain. Her brother will be returned - but only if she can complete a task set by the court. In a world of trickery and deception, Red is about to find that not all is as it seems. For even if she succeeds, will the fairies keep their promise?

My Thoughts:

I am not feeling so well and it took me a bit longer than usual to read this book. I am going to keep this one a bit short, I hope you don't mind.

This is book 2 of the 13 Treasures series. Rowan (aka Red), Tonya and Fabian are back again and they find a whole new round of trouble.

Rowan is in the fey world looking for her brother, James. She is determined to find him and return home with him. She encounters the Hedgewitch and angers one of the fey along the way. She meets the combined courts of the Seelie and Unseelie and begs for her brother's freedom. The fairies give her a task. She has to find all the charms and return them to Tanya's bracelet. They are hidden and Rowan learns more about her past with each charm she finds. To her dismay, the treasures have become curses.

I loved the fairies and the little games they like to play. I don't want to give away the entire story so I will leave you by saying that this book is definitely worth the read.

		really liked it

		really liked it

Review: Tis the Season for Forgiving by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Tis the Season for Forgiving by Nikki Lynn Barrett

My rating:4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Eric Jensen doesn't need the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to know he's made his fair share of mistakes. The reminders haunt him every day of his life, but a terrible loss becomes an eye opener this holiday season. A heartbreaking question from a young boy pushes Eric to do some serious soul searching, and helps him strive to be better. 


Forgiving is the key... 


Petra Cavannaugh spent the past two years growing as a person. She left her ex-boyfriend and struggled to make it on her own as a single mother. When Eric shows up at her doorstep one night just needing to see her, she wonders if he's finally becoming the man she always wished he'd be. 


The best gift could be a second chance... 


As Eric shows a side to Petra she's never seen, the two grow closer. But is forgiveness enough to take another chance on love? Eric must learn to forgive himself, and Petra has to learn to put her trust in the new Eric and not let his past dictate her future. 


There are more than presents waiting to be opened. Will this Christmas finally open the two hearts sealed tightly shut?

My Thoughts:

Once again, I chose this book for its cover. Yes, I chose it because it is snowing on the cover. No idea what the book was about but I checked it out anyway. I have never read anything by this author and definitely wasn't disappointed.

This book is about a guy named Eric who has a lot of anger and can't seem to control it. He has alienated everyone he cares about and has no idea how to make it right. He meets Adrian, who has similar problems and the two of them become best friends. They are determined to get through this together. Adrian is killed and when Eric meets his friend's son it all hits home for him. 

Eric is changing and everyone around him sees it and forgives him but can he forgive himself? This book has a lot of emotions running high in it. Everyone has their own baggage that came out of this and this book takes you through how they deal with it. 

This book may be fiction but it will hit home with many people. The trials and situations in this book are all too real. There are people who struggle with abuse, alcoholism, anger management issues, parental issues, grief and so many more. People can change and this book is all about changing for the better. It is an emotional ride but this book is definitely worth the read. 

                                                                                                                                                

Review: Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small

Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

There has never been a woman like luscious, raven-haired, hot-tempered Skye O'Malley. She is the courageous seafaring captain of her own mighty fleet, and intelligent enough to win a battle of wits with Queen Elizabeth herself. Follow along as Skye O'Malley is swept up in a journey filled with romance and passion that takes her from glittering Ireland, to lush Algeria, to the heart of London in pursuit of a unique and eternal love.....

My Thoughts:

So I find myself wanting to review this book even though it has been a while since the last I read it. Bertrice Small has recently passed away and I find myself grieving the loss of a wonderful writer. She was known for writing historical romances that quite frankly got some mixed reviews because of the content. The characters didn't have boring lives nor were they 100% happy but who is really? She created depth in her characters that was built through their experiences, both good and bad. Yes, they experienced a lot of bad things but those things made the characters what they were.

Skye O'Malley has stuck in my mind since the first time I read this book. She was a strong, independent woman who faced every challenge thrown at her and overcame every one of them. There are many challenges that Skye and the men she loved had to overcome, including rape, incest, amnesia, kidnapping & sodomy. However, all things things are overcome and she manages to find love several times.

I love Skye's relationship with Queen Bess. When these two get along, they get along wonderfully but when they don't then the world knows they are feuding. LOL! Skye becomes a pirate and only captures ships that belong to Queen Bess in an effort to make Bess pay for interfering in her personal life. Who doesn't love a woman pirate?

I think the thing that stuck with me most was her spirit that couldn't be crushed, her independence, her strength and her intelligence. These are all the traits that I hope my daughter has and one of the many reasons I named her Skye.

Despite the many critics out there, this is still and always will be my favorite book. I will certainly miss the chance to see new Bertrice Small books but I will comfort myself by re-reading the many wonderful books she wrote in her lifetime. Ms. Small may be gone but she will never be forgotten as her books are her legacy.

Review: Sleigh Ride Together With You by JoAnn Durgin

Sleigh Ride Together With You by JoAnn Durgin
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

As the popular television co-host of Wake Up, Des Moines! Nicole Reardon has achieved her dream. So why has the network sent “image maker” Alex Kingsfield to the station? The irritatingly handsome man is also the first man she’s been attracted to since Jake Marston dumped her three years ago in Starlight, Iowa. When an unexpected assignment sends Nicole and Alex to Starlight, can she rise above the past and make this interview the defining moment of her career? 

Alex Kingsfield knows Nicole is poised on the cusp of network stardom. But beneath the professional exterior is a small-town girl at heart, genuine and God-honoring. Alex holds the power to boost Nicole’s career to unknown heights. Or crush her dreams. From any angle, he’s caught in a “no win” situation when he finds himself falling for the beautiful Nicole. What’s a man to do when love comes calling at Christmas?

My Thoughts:

So I picked up this book because it had a sleigh on the cover. LOL! Sounds like a silly reason, right? Well, I have become obsessed with reading challenges. In July, I discovered www.goodreads.com and now I am hooked. So I joined a team challenge call TowerTeams IV without having a clue what I was getting into. We can pretty much read whatever we want but there are goals that our team is trying to fulfill. If one of us has or finds a book that fits the goal, we can claim the points when we finish the reading the book. I try to read a book I already have on my kindle but every other day or so I try to find one to complete a goal that is posted. For the 25 Days of Christmas there is one additional goal added every day and this one was to read a book with a sleigh, reindeer or elves on the cover or in the title. That is when I discovered this little gem.

JoAnn Durgin has written a wonderful, faith-based romance. Like I said, I chose the book for it's cover and didn't read the synopsis so I really had no preconceived notions about the book. I fell in love with the wonderful little town of Starlight. I find myself wishing that such a beautiful, magical place really exists.

Of course, the town of Starlight is not the only thing good about this book. The characters go thru their lives putting their faith in God to make things work out for the best. That doesn't mean they didn't have problems and difficult decisions to make. They had decisions to make that affected their lives as well as other people's lives. Instead of making decisions in the heat of the moment, they prayed and made their decisions based on what God wanted and it all came together.

There are some really, really romantic moments in this book. I find myself wanting to go ice skating on a pond or on a nice sleigh ride with my husband. Yes, I am a romantic at heart and those of you out there that are romantics as well will find this book as touching as I did.

	5 of 5 stars

Review: Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

When Megan Murphy discovered a floppy-eared rabbit gnawing on the hem of her skirt, she meant to give its careless owner a piece of her mind, but Dr. Patrick Hunter was too attractive to stay mad at for long. Soon the two are making Thanksgiving dinner for their families.

My Thoughts:

I have read many books by Janet Evanovich and the one thing I know I can look forward to is the humor. This book does not disappoint. If it doesn't make you laugh, it will definitely make you smile.

Dr. Hunter's pet rabbit keeps escaping and wandering around Williamsburg. Of course, the rabbit just loves to nibble on Megan Murphy's clothing. Megan is convinced that Dr. Hunter is an irresponsible pet owner and is irritated with him. Then a random woman leaves her baby with them, mistaking her for his wife.

Dr. Hunter is sexy and a smart ass to boot. He insists on calling her Mrs. Hunter, kissing her and that they eat supper together every night as a family. Megan finally tells him that she has sworn off men and that she just wants to be friends. He tells her he doesn't want to be friend but lovers instead. The battle lines are clearly drawn.

I love how Ms. Evanovich has made Dr. Hunter a fun, teasing type of guy. He is certainly not boring or stuffy in any way, shape or form. I would recommend this book to all the romance lovers out there.

5 of 5 stars

Review: Five Seven Five by C.E. Wilson

Five Seven Five by C.E. Wilson
My Rating:5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Take only what can be used. Take only what won’t be missed. The Creators are watching all of us.
White Frost lives in a world cloaked in darkness and ignorance. While most people in her society are content to live in fearful peace, White’s cousin brings her words from the mysterious Unknown. Strange collections of written words that tease her that there may be more to the world than candlelight and dank hallways.
But when tragedy strikes, White can no longer rely on the words to give her solace. She must discover what lies beyond the only world she’s ever known… no matter the cost.
Eventually, White finds her way to the skies and there she discovers that the tantalizing clues of her words are only pale reflections of the massive and wondrous world above. Colors she never thought possible. Blinding light. And an impossible being who may or may not be the Creator of it all.
But this information comes at a price White Frost is not sure she can pay.
White’s hunger for knowledge proves to be her greatest strength and weakness as she strives to learn more. But as she learns, she has to wonder – is there such a thing as too much information? And what will happen as it brings her closer to a being who could destroy everything she’s ever known?
Find out in Five Seven Five, the first book in a two part series entitled The Boy with Words. 

My Thoughts:

I had no idea what to expect when I started reading this book. The book followed White throughout her days. In their colony, only the chosen ones could go to the outside world. She wanted so badly to know what was out there. She yearned for more knowledge and her every day life bored her. Her cousin, Shade, was one of the chosen ones and he would bring back slips of paper with words on them. White didn't know what the words meant but she cherished every slip of paper.

Shade was killed on one of his missions to the outside world and White's whole world turned upside down. She was alone with no family left and she was still filled with curiosity about the outside world. Then White found out how to get to the outside world and her life was filled with meaning again.

White traveled to the outside world. She met a human that was huge. Once she got past her fear, she wanted to know why he was so big and she was so small. This is when she learned about "The Forgotten Ones".

There appears to be a sequel to this book in the works. I have so many questions left after reading this book. Will the Forgotten Ones ever return to the way they were? Can White & Kel overcome their differences? The author can go so many ways with this and I am excited to see what they do with it.

5 of 5 stars