The first half of Frozen Heart chills your blood, while the second warms your heart.
My favorite line, “Just because we don’t run away doesn’t mean we...moreThe first half of Frozen Heart chills your blood, while the second warms your heart.
My favorite line, “Just because we don’t run away doesn’t mean we’re mindless drones…”
Cressenda lives alone in an ice age, a post-apocalyptic world where memories of a Green Age still linger. If freezing to death isn’t enough, she must battle giant snarly beasts made from genetic experiments, avalanches, Reapers, falling icicles, and last but not least: The Affinity: a controlling, totalitarian government that matches people in order to improve low birth rates. Phew! That’s a lot.
While trading in town, a thief grabs her bag. She knows she shouldn’t follow him, but her anger gets the better of her, and she draws attention to herself. By a stroke of luck, the handsome, guard that reads her key card is a sympathizer, and doesn’t report her. She’s just about to leave when a blizzard warning erupts over town, and her only chance is to follow the guard home, leaving her vulnerable to everything she’s ever feared.
Annabelle Blume creates an intriguing sci fi world. I loved reading about Cressenda’s resourcefulness. She’s lived alone with her two sled dogs for ten years, and she knows how to hunt, cook, fight Reapers, and even build a solar panel. Beckett was a mystery to be unraveled, and my heart went out to him as I learned his tragic story. The heat between them steams up their icy world. Frozen Heart is a sci fi, dystopian novel with a blazing romance at its core. (less)
Excellent word building and charming story telling create a fantastical atmosphere that will transport you to a...moreHigh Fantasy Flash Fiction at its Best
Excellent word building and charming story telling create a fantastical atmosphere that will transport you to another world.
A dragon, a phoenix, a unicorn and more magical creatures populate this fantastical collection of flash fiction stories. Each story stands on it's own, but they also tie in nicely providing clues to a well imagined kingdom. (less)
Charlotte Davenport has an unforgettable kiss one night when she’s standing in line at the carnival: a kiss that will rival every other kiss she’ll ha...moreCharlotte Davenport has an unforgettable kiss one night when she’s standing in line at the carnival: a kiss that will rival every other kiss she’ll have for the next ten years. The mysterious and darkly exquisite Native American boy named Vincent Youngblood disappears soon after, leaving her craving more.
Years later, after being left at the altar, she’s back at the carnival, and so is the mysterious man of her dreams. More gorgeous than before, he’s excited to see her, and all she has to do is summon the courage to ask him out. Fortunately, he beats her to the punch.
The Carny is an original and fresh romance set against the festive backdrop of the carnival and the historical resort town of Astoria. The first chapter sucked me in, and I wanted to be Charlotte waiting in line for the Tilt-A-Whirl. What an amazingly magical moment! My heart went out to Charlotte as she dealt with the family she never fit in with, the job she never wanted to have, and the position she never thought she’d be in after moving back home at almost thirty. I wanted her and Vin to find their happily ever after, and Brooke Moss definitely delivers. I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future! (less)
Hannah, Makenzie, Jeremy, and Derek have lived underground in a refuge, hiding from “The Great Ones” who have enslave...moreEpic Sci Fi blended with Religion
Hannah, Makenzie, Jeremy, and Derek have lived underground in a refuge, hiding from “The Great Ones” who have enslaved humanity. They’ve never seen a star studded sky, smelled the wild tang of outside air, or met the enemy. The leaders have sheltered them for so long, Jeremy and Makenzie don’t believe the world has been taken over, and they steal the key to the elevator, leading Hannah and Derek on a dangerous adventure they’ll never forget.
Defenders of the Covenant is a fast paced, action packed read that makes you think. The religion blended with the sci fi nicely- not an easy thing to do- deepening the storyline. What I liked the most was the detail in each character, making them real kids with their own hopes and fears. For instance, Hannah is embarrassed that Paul will see her in her nightgown- a nightgown she’d embroidered with soft rose petals. This says so much about her character, making her so real and unique. I also found it interesting that she wishes, only for a moment, that Paul had joined them in the elevator and not the loyal and kind-hearted Derek.
Angie Lofthouse has written a fantastic debut novel, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future! (less)
A Rich Tapestry of Courtly Duty, Political Intrigue, and the Fight for Ultimate Power
Four Queens, All Sisters weaves the stories of four young girls a...moreA Rich Tapestry of Courtly Duty, Political Intrigue, and the Fight for Ultimate Power
Four Queens, All Sisters weaves the stories of four young girls all married off to Kings and other powerful men to secure their family’s stronghold in Provence, France. In planning these unions, their mother hopes they will hold family above all, but the very unions she arranges threaten to tear the sisters apart.
I loved this book, and I don’t read much historical fiction. I’d always thought of how wonderful it would be to be a Queen, but Sherry Jones paints a harrowing, realistic picture, which makes me thankful for the freedoms we all share in the modern world. These girls must use their wit to stay alive, never mind fawn over dresses and jewels. Forced to marry men they don’t love, who very rarely love them back, they must produce heirs to secure their positions, or the marriage they’ve given away everything for will dissolve.
The writing is elegant and flowing with a rich historical atmosphere right down to the mouth-watering feasts they lavishly displayed and secretly couldn’t afford. The four main characters are strong in different ways, and I cared for each of them, wanting so badly for this family to succeed. (less)
Women of Foxwick chronicles all of the powerful and clever woman living in Foxwick from the rulers down to the peasants and minstrels. Each tale works...moreWomen of Foxwick chronicles all of the powerful and clever woman living in Foxwick from the rulers down to the peasants and minstrels. Each tale works on its own, but they also tie together nicely to weave a tapestry of a well imagined world. Lady Bard is one of my personal favorites, telling a story about a lute player that must save the prince with her music to stay alive. Lady Death is a much darker quest story that really pulls on your heartstrings. Mage Game reminded me of a fantasy version of the Hunger Games- very neat and fun to read!
Each story features a strong female protagonist and gives you a window into the Foxwick world. (less)
A unique YA love triangle set in exotic Las Vegas and told through the eyes of an awkward, yet charming young man.
Favorite line that made me laugh out...moreA unique YA love triangle set in exotic Las Vegas and told through the eyes of an awkward, yet charming young man.
Favorite line that made me laugh out loud: “I’m not totally comfortable; I’m just used to being uncomfortable.”
Jameson has had a crush on his best friend, Sarah for years. The only problem is, he can’t bring himself to tell her, and now she’s dating the head quarterback. Their friendship is falling apart. To make things worse, his parents are fighting more than usual and the mood in his house is tense. The only thing keeping him together is his swimming and a mysterious college girl with Tlingit heritage and a big secret. Sky is forward and honest, and asks the same of him, which brings Jameson out of his comfort zone and makes his character grow. Honesty is the one thing he didn’t have with Sarah, because if he did, they’d be together now. Only, Sky is keeping her past from him, so she’s not totally honest until later on.
I loved how this story was told from the boy’s perspective! Perry does this “guy” voice so well, Jameson jumped off the page. I loved him from the very beginning, and I wanted him to get what he wanted so badly throughout this story. Sarah doesn’t know what she’s missing. And Sky, so mysterious, yet so forward. I loved how she was everything that Sarah was not. This was an excellently written love triangle. Reading these three teens talk back and forth was hilarious.
The setting in exotic Las Vegas with all the bright casinos and hotels was a breath of fresh air, and the rich heritages behind each character deepened the story. If you’re looking for a unique YA book, this is it. (less)
Blanche de Castille is the White Queen of France, using her beauty for power. Little does she know the very beauty she fl...more Engrossing Political Intrigue
Blanche de Castille is the White Queen of France, using her beauty for power. Little does she know the very beauty she flaunts inspires a traitor to poison the King, and by her own vanity, she loses her first love forever. Now she must defend her young son’s throne and herself against suitors that would steal it under her nose.
White Heart flows like beautiful music, every sentence crafted in a smooth lyrical tone that entranced me as I read. I was so impressed with how well-crafted the whole story was right down to the rich historical atmosphere and thick political intrigue. Blanche is such a strong and clever woman, and I loved reading about her thoughts and actions in such a trying time. Her bravery and gumption carries the story, and I rooted for her the whole time. The opening scene grabbed my attention and the story spiraled on from there with nonstop turmoil.
This is a prequel to Jones’s upcoming release FOUR SISTER, ALL QUEENS. Blanche is the mother-in-law of one of the four sister-queens, and I can’t wait to find out what happens! (less)
A laugh out loud story of high school drama rotating from the perspective of a bad boy down on his luck to a dreamy prince...moreGoing Under by Georgia Gates
A laugh out loud story of high school drama rotating from the perspective of a bad boy down on his luck to a dreamy princess who’s got everything going for her.
My favorite line (which drew me into caring for Jessie): “I had spent my entire life raising my hand to tell someone I didn’t have the things I needed and here I stood, 18 years old, still doing the same thing.”
Jessie has an old Jalopy, no money, and a backpack full of his grandmother’s dope. He needs a football scholarship to get out of poverty and his grandmother’s stinking, dilapidated trailer. Since he was forced to switch schools, he has to steal the reigning quarterback’s position, and it just so happens Jessie wants his girlfriend, too.
Claire lives in a protective cocoon where the only problem she has is an arrogant boyfriend and a dent in her fender. Her world is turned upside down when a new bad bay with alluring tattoos transfers to her school. He’s out for her boyfriend’s quarterback position, and he’s also out for her.
Going Under has witty dialog, real characters, and all the classic stereotypes of high school drama along with the silly mind games that teens play. I loved it. I enjoyed reading both viewpoints of the boy and the girl. It was fun to go back and forth between the two voices and see how different life is on the other side of the tracks.
I was especially drawn to Jessie, who grew up without decent parental figures or a stable home environment. For all his bad boyness, he has a big heart. I really identified with how people stereotyped Claire and thought everything was handed down to her, when she’d really worked hard to earn her valedictorian status. Great characters, great chemistry, and a lot of fireworks!
A sentimental journey about second chances and the importance of family and friends.
My favorite line: “Little moments like...moreFamiliar Ties by Naya Nikki
A sentimental journey about second chances and the importance of family and friends.
My favorite line: “Little moments like these when the two broken families became one…”
Amy Riley has a beautiful daughter, a husband that’s always away following his dreams, and a devoted best friend that needs her more than he knows.
Max West is a widower raising his daughter, who happens to be best friends with his ex-girlfriend, Amy Riley. He’s struggling to come to terms with the death of his wife, and how to explain it to his daughter.
Told in flashbacks and alternating point of views, Familiar Ties is a sweet romance that deals with big issues: Explaining death to kids, following your dreams verses family responsibilities, tense custody battles, and how an unconventional family can pull together in tough times. Past, present, and future converge in a nicely woven tapestry of special, life-changing moments in each character’s life. This dreamy, melancholy journey will make you laugh, cry, and jump for joy. (less)
A roller coaster ride with a sweet interstellar romance at its core…
Phoebus is a young Aresian escaping from his home planet to avoid executing fellow...moreA roller coaster ride with a sweet interstellar romance at its core…
Phoebus is a young Aresian escaping from his home planet to avoid executing fellow Aresians as part of his job. He has a Daimon inside him, a very special spirit guide that only occurs once a century. He doesn’t want it, but it has chosen him for reasons he can’t explain. He crashes on a post-apocalyptic Earth, and is taken prisoner by a band of young men who’ve lost their purpose in life.
Marissa is bound to be married to a village elder as his third wife. All the eligible bachelors in town left for a better life. She escapes in the middle of the night, journeying to St. Louis in hopes of a better life. Filled with guilt and despair, she stumbles upon a crashed space ship.
But, the village men have come back. They couldn’t find anything better in St. Louis, and now all they want to do is steal and have some fun. They capture Marissa and tie her up as they decide what to do with her. But, there’s another prisoner down in the cellar, a young Aresian that will change Marissa’s life.
Fighting Gravity is a story about two lost souls escaping oppression and trying to find a better life. They realize their “better life” can be found in one another. But, will they survive to enjoy their future together? Reich takes the reader on a thrill ride of an adventure. Not only does Phoebus and Marissa find each other, but they also discover a lot about themselves. There’s a great deal of soul searching, and I love how the characters develop and grow together in such a short time. The backstories that unfold throughout the tale are so intricate and well thought out, I loved finding out more about each character. The different culture on Aresian was so intriguing, it left me hoping Reich writes an entire book about Aresia.
I recommend this book to all futuristic fantasy and romance fans. (less)
An excellent mix of the supernatural with a sweet romance, a ghost ship, and a mission to save innocent...moreShadow of the Witte Wieven by Debbie Peterson
An excellent mix of the supernatural with a sweet romance, a ghost ship, and a mission to save innocent lives.
Aliyana is an undercover agent for the DEA. She’s out to bust the drug leader Emil in Columbia by going undercover and working for him directly. For her, this mission is personal. This man was responsible for her brother’s death, the only family member she had still alive, and she doesn’t want him to die in vain.
After Aliyana acquires a bunch of Emil’s secret files, her plans go awry when his lackey’s steal her only form of escape. She’s forced to pilot Emil’s drug filled plane and fly it across a stormy ocean through the Bermuda Triangle.
Her trip takes a detour to a world in between worlds, where she meets, Wolf, captain of the Witte Wieven, a ship used by the Dutch West Trading Company in the 1600’s. Wolf rescues her and brings her back to health. She confides in him, and he takes it upon himself and his crew to help her in any way they can.
Debbie Peterson has crafted a nice blend of supernatural ghosts, Bermuda Triangle lore, action packed rescues, and a sweet romance. Aliyana is a kick butt heroine that I found myself rooting for all the way through. The first chain of scenes where she escapes the clutches of the drug cartel show just how strong and resourceful she can be. But, she also has a sensitive side, and Wolf knows just how to bring it out. His century’s old chivalry is charming and refreshing. I also love the way he speaks with that touch of historical poetics.
The mystery kept me turning pages. I had no idea how Aliyana would get those files to the DEA, or how she could ever end up with a ghost and have their own happily ever after. You’ll have to read to find out. (less)
A powerful masterpiece, exploring tough issues, sweet love, and high stakes…
Julianne has worked hard her entire life, practicing her piano to get into...more A powerful masterpiece, exploring tough issues, sweet love, and high stakes…
Julianne has worked hard her entire life, practicing her piano to get into New England Conservatory, to leave behind the abuse, depression, and dysfunction of her southern home. When her teacher falls ill, she meets Issac, his young nephew and a recent grad of the same school she desires so much. The only problem is, she starts to desire Issac as well. His brooding mystery lures her in. She’s not the only one with psychological problems.
As a professional musician that once auditioned at the New England Conservatory myself, I found this story to be very interesting and very real. The main character, Julianne is moody like your average teenager, but as the story progresses, you start to learn why. She has some big problems: an abusive mom, a distant dad, an urge to cut her arms to feel pain and release, and the possibility that she’s inherited her mother’s psychotic traits. She is a very brave girl who stands at the edge of an abyss. Only music can save her, but can she overcome her emotional difficulties to become a great pianist, or will it all end in a tragic train wreck?
Issac is a mystery that I kept turning pages over to solve. Why did he leave the prestigious music scene in Boston? How does he feel about his new student, ten years his junior? When the truth finally comes out, it’s shocking! Boy, did it keep me reading. Phew! The relationship between Julianne and Issac is tumultuous, yet they can teach each other so much. As Mr. Cline puts is so eloquently when talking to Julianne, “You are the student he needs and he is the teacher you need.”
Dave is another story, so sweet, hilarious, if not a little potty mouthed, and always there for Julianne. I wondered if she’d ever see him for who he really was. The love triangle kept me turning page after page! I had no idea how it would turn out until the very last page, which shows how good a writer Stephanie Lawton is.
Want by Stephanie Lawton is a powerful masterpiece of a story exploring tough issues, sweet love, and high stakes; a whopper of a coming of age novel. (less)
I couldn't put this book down. I loved the "then" and "now" story lines and how they converged. I loved the d...moreExcellent Sequel with a twist at the end.
I couldn't put this book down. I loved the "then" and "now" story lines and how they converged. I loved the development of Julian's character, and the people in the underground.
Lauren Oliver writes such lyrical phrases that sing like music.
Kiera McLoughlin, or Mac, as her friends call her is a half banshee. She can kill or stun with a scream. But th...moreFantastic Magical Crime Detective Story
Kiera McLoughlin, or Mac, as her friends call her is a half banshee. She can kill or stun with a scream. But that’s only one aspect of her personality. She’s also a tough as nails cop with a softer side for romance novels. When her partner is killed by a mysterious otherworlder, she’ll do anything in her power to find the person, or perhaps sucubi responsible. Even if that means working with Aidan Byrne, a fellow cop from another agency whose good looks drawn her in despite her own reservations.
Banshee Charmer is a well-crafted legal thriller with its own system of rules for the magical creatures that inhabit this alternate world. Fast paced with sexy tension and a dangerous edge, it kept me on the edge of my computer chair, guessing just who Aidan Byrne was. The twists caught me off guard, and the chemistry between Kiera and Aidan sizzles. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Tiffany Allee threw a curve ball, and the story escalates into an intense conclusion that kept me reading until the very end. (less)
Johanna is a kindergarten teacher that thinks all the men in the world are schemers. Due to a little too much fun the day before V...moreHilarious, Sexy Fun
Johanna is a kindergarten teacher that thinks all the men in the world are schemers. Due to a little too much fun the day before Valentine’s day, she wakes up to a handsome man and kicks him out! Little does she know he’ll show up again as a knight in shining armor with an offer she can’t refuse.
Damon is a cute British Lord with sparkling green eyes. He needs to marry to save his fortune, and the only woman he wants is Johanna. Unfortunately, she doesn’t want him. He’ll have to try everything to win her heart, and in the process he learns about giving.
On One Condition is a laugh out loud hilarious story that I ate up, clicking from page to page as quick as I could. It’s hot and steamy, but also has a good deal of heart at its core, which gives the story depth. I love how Johanna is a teacher, and how all she wants to do is donate to the school for computers. What a great lady! Damon is sweet and manly at the same time, and his head-over-heels love for Johanna makes him so vulnerable and appealing.
Diane Alberts has written a fantastic Valentine’s Day chick-lit read that romance lovers will enjoy all year round. (less)
Linea is about to take the adventure of her life. As the linguist on the SS Perseid, she puts years of learning and hard work to the test to greet int...moreLinea is about to take the adventure of her life. As the linguist on the SS Perseid, she puts years of learning and hard work to the test to greet intelligent life in the galaxy. Unfortunately, the young man she’s trying to avoid is also on the team. Griffon is handsome and arrogant, and teases her from the moment she steps foot on the ship.
Besides the expected bout of homesickness, everything on the mission is going as planned. Until, Linea overhears a secret conversation in which her superior is keeping information concerning the mission from her.
The diplomatic mission has war-like undertones, and soon, Linea finds herself face to face with the enemy, a Medusan. After an unsuccessful exchange on the intercoms, their ship is attacked. Linea plunges to a post-apocalyptic Earth, where humans want to eat her for dinner rather than exchange pleasant greetings. Only through the help of a Medusan can she win her freedom. But, her heart will never be the same.
The tension is high and the action never lets down. Each character is endearing to the point where I want to reach in and save them myself! I was scared for Linea throughout her harrowing experience on Earth. She is such a sweet character and easy to relate to. Her nemesis, Aleszandro, is noble, adventurous, and kind hearted. Together they stir up a Romeo and Juliet like love amongst the stars.
Defying Gravity has everything you want in a space opera: aliens, romance, insurmountable odds, beautiful landscapes, dying worlds, space ship crashes, adventure…everything! I recommend this for anyone looking for thrilling adventure. (less)
Fitzroy: The Boy Who Would Be King by Kathleen S. Allen
Political Intrigue abounds in this historical fantasy featuring the great European legends of H...moreFitzroy: The Boy Who Would Be King by Kathleen S. Allen
Political Intrigue abounds in this historical fantasy featuring the great European legends of Henry the Eighth, Mary Tudor, and Anne Boleyn.
A cardinal rushes to the King’s chambers with pressing news. The Lady in Waiting for the queen has birthed a son, the king’s son, and broken the curse of miscarriages wrought by the queen. This boy is named Fitzroy in honor of his father, and whisked off to study at the castle. Because he is not the queen’s son, it is uncertain if he will be king. Only time will tell.
My heart went out to Fitzroy as he’s taken away from his mother and used as a back-up heir by a distant and philandering King. I enjoyed watching him grow up and develop friendships, making the most out of a precarious situation. It seems that being the unexpected son of a King is as much a curse as it is a blessing, defining everything in his life.
Interesting alliances and tensions create an air of political intrigue. This story paints the King as a manipulating, cold hearted, unforgiving man that uses people as pawns in his game. Perhaps it’s not far from the truth. The author has taken special pains to research the events, and even includes a paragraph at the end concerning where she’s taken liberties.
Overall, a nicely woven, heart wrenching tale. (less)
Mysteries abound in this suspenseful sequel to Psyche’s Prophecy. After the brutal death of her secretary, Arabel, Lara M...morePsyche’s Search by Ann Gimpel
Mysteries abound in this suspenseful sequel to Psyche’s Prophecy. After the brutal death of her secretary, Arabel, Lara McInnis is closing her psychology practice and moving to a sustainable farm with her boyfriend Trevor. Meanwhile, Raven, a Sidhe that has lived for centuries, is meeting with his clan, something that hasn’t happened in many years. Riots have broken out, and food is growing scarce.
Amidst all of this turmoil, Lara gets a phone call from a detective that helped her in the past. His daughter has gone missing, and she must tap into her psychic powers to help him find her. When she meets with him, she realizes he’s hiding something, and a single picture of his missing daughter gives her clues.
Despite having demons, Sidhe, psychic powers, a magical amulet, and an oncoming apocalypse, Psyche’s Search is very realistic. I’m impressed by how real and well rooted the characters and events are, and how they all tie together to create a genuine story. Trevor, Lara’s boyfriend is my favorite, because he is so caring and selfless. I love Lara’s logical nature, and how she must deal with illogical magic. Ann Gimpel’s writing is smooth and lyrical, and always calms me when I read it. She takes her time developing each separate storyline with the vision of the whole tapestry in mind. (less)
Geneva comes out of the darkness every so often to walk in the world of humans. Cursed by darkness, s...moreA Tragic Love Story Between a Human and a Vampire
Geneva comes out of the darkness every so often to walk in the world of humans. Cursed by darkness, she yearns for this world of life and light. But, she must be careful because if she's spotted, ever youthful, the humans will catch onto her and she'll expose her clan.
At an art gallery showing Geneva is shocked to find herself in a man's painting. Lewis Hunt, the painter, is drawn to her, and is willing to risk everything to find out why. When their worlds collide, old prejudices creep up, and they must fight to be together.
Seduced By Darkness is a sexy, dark tale with a kernel of hope at it's core. I enjoyed reading the lyrical prose and learning about Geneva's lifestyle as a vampire. (less)
An emotionally touching exploration of a life ended too short, but lived so very much.
Maddie is like any other 17 year old, except she's in t...moreEverafter
An emotionally touching exploration of a life ended too short, but lived so very much.
Maddie is like any other 17 year old, except she's in the Everafter; she's dead. Worse yet, she doesn't remember how she dies, and this truth keeps her from going to what awaits her beyond. All she can see are lost objects from her past, and each one brings her to a different memory in her life. Only through these memories can she figure out how she died, and who's at fault.
A true mystery lies at the heart of this novel, and it's only through the well written characters will you find the truth about Maddie's death. Even at the end, I had the wrong person in mind.
What I liked best about Everafter is the appreciation it gave me for the little moments in my own life. I looked back on all the little things I've lost and the memories that each object would bring. My favorite scene is when Maddie is shopping for baby clothes with her pregnant sister. She's so proud to be an Aunt, and reassures her sister that she'll be a good mother. I love this scene. It's these relationships that make a life, not whether you get a 4.0 in school.
Everafter is excellently written, thought provoking, and emotionally intense. I recommend it to anyone that has trouble being truly present in the small moments of their life. (less)
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