When a shocking scandal
involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham
and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall
for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by
the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left
in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since
Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her
reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving
her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the
dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to
run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and
Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.
Opening line:
"Two hundred fifty miles into this journey and not a word spoken."
Deception, lies, romance, unrequited love and smugglers all roll along in Ms. Daines newest, delightful book.
Elaine's
family is still reeling from the death of her brother and now from the
scandal of something her father did. They move from London, and the
wagging tongues of gossips, back to Havencross, their little country
home. Elaine has no hope of marriage prospects now. How she wishes she
would have accepted the marriage proposal of Gareth now.
Gareth's
family is always reeling from a death. His father was killed by
smugglers and he wants them brought to justice. But the local
authorities don't seem to make any progress on finding the killers. When
he sees Elaine again, he tries to stay away from her; she did break his
heart, after all.
This story is set in Cornwall, England, in the
era when there were smugglers. The story is woven masterfully to
include tension, romance and suspense. There were tender moments between
different characters. I really enjoyed the interchange between Elaine
and her Aunt Rose and creating your own Camelot.
If you like regency romance, a well-written story and characters you can love, this book is for you!
PS I LOVE THIS COVER!!!
Being a bastard blows.
Tilla would know. Her father, Lord Kent of the Western Province, loved
her as a child, but cast her aside as soon as he had trueborn children.
At
sixteen, Tilla spends her days exploring long-forgotten tunnels beneath
the castle with her stablehand half brother, Jax, and her nights
drinking with the servants, passing out on Jax’s floor while her castle
bedroom collects dust. Tilla secretly longs to sit by her father’s side,
resplendent in a sparkling gown, enjoying feasts with the rest of the
family. Instead, she sits with the other bastards, like Miles of House
Hampstedt, an awkward scholar who’s been in love with Tilla since they
were children.
Then, at a feast honoring the visiting princess
Lyriana, the royal shocks everyone by choosing to sit at the Bastards’
Table. Before she knows it, Tilla is leading the sheltered princess on a
late-night escapade. Along with Jax, Miles, and fellow bastard Zell, a
Zitochi warrior from the north, they stumble upon a crime they were
never meant to witness.
Rebellion is brewing in the west, and a
brutal coup leaves Lyriana’s uncle, the Royal Archmagus, dead—with
Lyriana next on the list. The group flees for their lives, relentlessly
pursued by murderous mercenaries; their own parents have put a price on
their heads to prevent the king and his powerful Royal Mages from
discovering their treachery.
The bastards band together,
realizing they alone have the power to prevent a civil war that will
tear their kingdom apart—if they can warn the king in time. And if they
can survive the journey...
Opening line:
"Princess Lyriana came to Castle Waverly two months after I turned sixteen."
I
have to admit the title threw me off when I first got the book. But as I
read I totally understood the title. The story is full of adventure,
tension and a plot to stop a war.
Tilla is the main character, or
bastard. Placed to the side so her father king can produce legitimate
heirs, she longs for his approval and love. She's never invited to go
places with him or sit at his elbow at dinners. She's relegated to the
'bastard' table in the back, far away from others. Her best friend is
her half brother, another bastard, Jax. Miles is from a royal house but
is also a bastard BUT his mom said she would make him legit soon. He
hopes to marry Tilla. One fateful evening, two more bastards join the
table: Zell, a son from a warrior clan, and Lyriana, a visiting princess
who rules over all the lands. She's not so much a bastard, but we learn
through the story that being a bastard isn't always from a illegitimate
marriage.
These five are thrown together in a mission of survival
after they witness a horrific murder. Their faces are plastered
throughout the land so they are on their own to get to the country of
Lyriana's cousin who she vows will protect them. The tension is taut,
thanks to all who are hunting them down to kill them, including Zell's
crazy brother.
There is magic and romance and great characters. They
all grew as their quest moved along. The bad guys are real, the twists
are surprising but then again, not, and the fights are great. Their is a
bit of a love triangle, some generic tropes but there is also funny
dialogue, world building and character growth.
There is a scene with
talking about their "conquests," a make-out scene that turned into
something more (while not graphic still...) and plenty of swearing.
I look forward to reading the next book!
Thanks to netgalley for the early read.
Gina Graydon knows the
last thing she’ll attract on her holiday in France is an eligible
bachelor. Tall, outspoken, and with a weakness for laughing at the wrong
moment, not to mention being much too occupied with reading gothic
romances, Gina decides she’d rather live in her fictional world.
Besides, the only man who pays attention to her at the resort hotel
happens to be her father’s worst enemy. And that is far from romantic.
Reading in a secluded garden, and dreaming about the perfect kiss, all
keep Gina much too busy to consider Mr. Edmund Donaldson any sort of
hero.
AN OCEAN AWAY was originally published in the Timeless
Romance Anthology: European Collection, and it's a companion novella to
the USA Today bestselling romance HEART OF THE OCEAN.
Opening line:
"Gina
Graydon tucked a deliciously romantic gothic novel under her arm and
stepped onto the hotel balcony of her second-floor room."
Gina is
fun and spunky and adventurous. And the swoon-y Edmund was delicious.
Because this was a quick read, their romance blossomed quickly which I
don't always think is a bad thing. Especially when the reader gets to
the kissing soon. :)
Another great story from the amazing Heather B. Moore!
There is kissing and hugging and blushing in the story.
Deep within the palace
of the Mede emperor, in an alcove off the main room of his master’s
apartments,. Kamet minds his master’s business and his own. Carefully
keeping the accounts, and his own counsel, Kamet has accumulated a few
possessions, a little money stored in the household’s cashbox, and a
significant amount of personal power. As a slave, his fate is tied to
his master’s. If Nahuseresh’s fortunes improve, so will Kamet’s, and
Nahuseresh has been working diligently to promote his fortunes since the debacle in Attolia.
A
soldier in the shadows offers escape, but Kamet won’t sacrifice his
ambition for a meager and unreliable freedom; not until a whispered
warning of poison and murder destroys all of his carefully laid plans.
When Kamet flees for his life, he leaves behind everything—his past, his
identity, his meticulously crafted defenses—and finds himself woefully
unprepared for the journey that lies ahead.
Pursued across
rivers, wastelands, salt plains, snowcapped mountains, and storm-tossed
seas, Kamet is dead set on regaining control of his future and
protecting himself at any cost. Friendships—new and
long-forgotten—beckon, lethal enemies circle, secrets accumulate, and
the fragile hopes of the little kingdoms of Attolia, Eddis, and Sounis
hang in the balance.
Opening line:
"It was midday and the passageway quiet and cool."
I
LOVE the Queen's Thief series (most the King of Attolia) and I looked
forward to holding this book baby in my wee hands and take my time
reading it. When it came in the mail, I settled myself on my
comfy-reading couch near a sunny window and began. I didn't get far,
maybe 2 chapters before I had to set the book down do adulting things
like fix dinner for my hungry family (seriously! Couldn't they just pour
some cereal and milk?)(JK)
But I didn't make it back to the book and
it languished on the side table, calling out to me, wanting me to
caress its pages again. For some reason, I was able to resist it's siren
call. Probably because I didn't care about Kamet or the Attolian who
"steals" him. I ended up buying the audio book so I could listen to it
while I did house and yard work and it only took a few hours to finish.
I
did enjoy the story and the characters. BUT the biggest disappointment
for me was so little of the king and queen of Attolia. So little! And
then the author threw in something that made me think they wouldn't make
it into the next books, how many that will be. AND I thought this book
wrapped up the series. NOT.
I probably will read more only because I LOVE this series.
4 1/2 STARS
Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's
been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert
on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton
and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an
engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in
possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.
But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a
hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She
throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest
growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good
at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to
help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her
frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's
younger brother, Lucas.
Emma is determined not to fall for
Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing
like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money
caring for the less fortunate.
What she can't understand is why
Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so
clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. It isn't
until Lucas reveals to Emma that he was adopted into the Hampton family
that she begins to understand his loyalty to Blake as well as his
devotion to the child April-she is Lucas's biological niece.
Emma opens up to Lucas about the feelings of abandonment she has
harbored ever since she was a child and her mother left the family. As
she helps Lucas deal with his past demons, she is able to exorcise some
of her own.
Realizing that her love life is as complicated as
anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let
Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know
it's time for him to love her back.
Opening line:
"Jane Austen is a horrific liar."
LOL!
That is a great opening line. And for Emma Pierce, the sum of her romantic relationship.
Emma
is a Marketing guru in a successful health club company. Her boyfriend
is hot and rich. Her BFF is supportive and funny. Emma's got a great
life! Until she breaks up with said boyfriend because he was having
dinner with another girl. Not wanting to hear his excuses, she stomps
off only to be approached by the younger brother, Lucas.
They rest,
as someone likes to say, is history. Lucas is hired as a temporary
consultant to Emma's company and they are thrown together as partners.
Of course, this leads to thoughts and ideas and both fighting the
attraction because Emma is his older brother's girlfriend and Emma
because she's on the rebound. But they push each other away more because
they both feel inadequate with all the baggage they emotionally carry.
The
Emma comes through her tough times is beautiful and she learns to trust
and let someone close to her. It's a fun, romantic story with ups and
downs and a bit of kissing.
This is a great read for anyone wanting a good, clean romance!
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
5 STARS
PS I LOVE the cover!
In the second book in
The Hundredth Queen Series, Emily R. King once again follows a young
warrior queen’s rise to meet her destiny in a richly imagined world of
sorcery and forbidden powers.
Though the tyrant rajah she was
forced to marry is dead, Kalinda’s troubles are far from over. A warlord
has invaded the imperial city, and now she’s in exile. But she isn’t
alone. Kalinda has the allegiance of Captain Deven Naik, her guard and
beloved, imprisoned for treason and stripped of command. With the empire
at war, their best hope is to find Prince Ashwin, the rajah’s son, who
has promised Deven’s freedom on one condition: that Kalinda will fight
and defeat three formidable opponents.
But as Kalinda’s
tournament strengths are once again challenged, so too is her
relationship with Deven. While Deven fears her powers, Ashwin reveres
them—as well as the courageous woman who wields them. Kalinda comes to
regard Ashwin as the only man who can repair a warring world and finds
herself torn between her allegiance to Deven and a newly found respect
for the young prince.
With both the responsibility to protect her
people and the fate of those she loves weighing heavily upon her,
Kalinda is forced again to compete. She must test the limits of her fire
powers and her hard-won wisdom. But will that be enough to unite the
empire without sacrificing all she holds dear?
Opening line:
"Death has a stench, and it is not decaying flesh but the bitter scent of smoke clawing into my pores."
I
enjoyed this book just as much as the first one! I was enthralled from
the beginning and had a hard time putting the book down (I'm two hours
behind in my chores!!).
Kalinda is the same brave woman we watched
grow in book 1 but now she feels guilt for making bargains to save her
empire and those bargains didn't quite work out.
Deven is still the devoted guard who wants to help and protect everyone.
The
two are separated and a new "man" comes on the scene: Prince Ashwin. He
is instantly enamored with Kali. Unfortunately for him, he looks just
like his daddy who Kali killed: Turek.
There are also new friends
added, who I really like, and new relationships. There was tons of
palace intrigue that I thought Kali could dismiss because of who she was
and how strong she is but that didn't happen. There are reasons...
I was so annoyed and frustrated with certain characters that I didn't mind when they were no longer part of the story. :)
Kali has a decision to make: be set free or defend her people. It's a big decision with lives and love in the balance.
Emily
King does a great job developing characters and worlds and pulling
readers in from the beginning (and the readers don't get the floors
mopped because they. can't. stop. reading!).
I WILL read the third book! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Violence: fighting, whipping, death
Sex: kissing
Language: none
Omar Zagouri should have
known that the hunt for an ordinary art thief in London would end up
being far from ordinary. Abducted and carted across several countries
until he’s locked up in the middle of Jordan’s desert, Omar becomes the
target of an underground crime organization that dates back to the
Crusaders era. As Omar works to uncover the deadly secrets that connect
centuries of deceit, he finds himself trying to prevent an honor killing
from turning into another tragedy, while exposing the ancient crime
organization for generations of lethal corruption.
More Omar Zagouri Thrillers:
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
First Heist (novella)
Beneath (short story)
Opening line:
"Taheer Sayid picked up his cell phone and selected his most trustworthy contact."
HB
Moore kills it again! Another great addition to this series! I love how
there are two stories in each book: one set in the present and one in
the past; and they both have awesome romances!
5 STARS!
Anthony Blake is in love
with his best friend's sister, Sophia Elliot. But his plans to court her
are put on hold when he is forced to resume his role as an undercover
spy for the Crown. A secret document listing the names of the entire
network of British spies-including his own-has been stolen. To protect
Sophia, Anthony cuts off all ties to her and exchanges his life as an
honorable earl for the façade of a flirtatious playboy.
Heartbroken and confused, Sophia travels to India, hoping to find
healing in one of the most exotic regions of the British Empire. But the
exotic land isn't as restful as she had hoped. Instead, she finds
herself embroiled in a mystery of a missing sea captain, a possible
murder, and a plot that could involve the prince of India. And when
Anthony appears at the British Residency, asking questions and keeping
his distance from her, she is stunned.
She still loves him, and,
in her heart, she knows he loves her too. But how can she rebuild her
relationship with him if he won't confide in her? Does she dare offer
her heart to him a second time, or will their love be lost under the
India sun?
Opening line:
"Anthony Blake, the new Earl of Wilshire, stepped from white'sGentleman's Club with a light heart and a smile on his face."
On
the eve that Anthony Blake was going to propose to his best friend's
sister, he is thrust back into the British spying game that he thought
he left behind. Because of the danger his mission would bring to hs
family and loved ones he cuts off his relationship with Sophia Elliott
and resume his guise as a "womanizer."
Poor Sophia! She thought her
and Anthony had a spark of affection for each other and now he's
traveling the globe and flirting with all the women. How could she be so
wrong about him? She decides to get away from England and explore a
different country. And she's loving her adventure...until all of a
sudden, Anthony Blake is there beside her. She's hurt, confused and
angry. And she still loves him.
Trying not to blow his cover,
Anthony has a hard time concentrating on his mission while Sophia is
giving him the cold shoulder Or reminding him that they are brother and
sister (as he stated in his letter when he broke ties with her.).
But it doesn't matter if he's trying to protect her. There's romance, intrigue and a murder.
I
enjoyed this story! It clipped along with the tension and witty banter
and mystery. I really did like how the characters were kind to each
other and cared about each other. Other than the villain, of course.
Thanks to netgalle and Shadow Mountain for the early read!
5 STARS
When a shocking scandal
involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham
and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall
for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by
the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left
in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since
Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her
reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving
her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the
dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to
run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and
Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.
Opening line:
"Two hundred fifty miles into this journey and not a word spoken."
Deception, lies, romance, unrequited love and smugglers all roll along in Ms. Daines newest, delightful book.
Elaine's
family is still reeling from the death of her brother and now from the
scandal of something her father did. They move from London, and the
wagging tongues of gossips, back to Havencross, their little country
home. Elaine has no hope of marriage prospects now. How she wishes she
would have accepted the marriage proposal of Gareth now.
Gareth's
family is always reeling from a death. His father was killed by
smugglers and he wants them brought to justice. But the local
authorities don't seem to make any progress on finding the killers. When
he sees Elaine again, he tries to stay away from her; she did break his
heart, after all.
This story is set in Cornwall, England, in the
era when there were smugglers. The story is woven masterfully to
include tension, romance and suspense. There were tender moments between
different characters. I really enjoyed the interchange between Elaine
and her Aunt Rose and creating your own Camelot.
If you like regency romance, a well-written story and characters you can love, this book is for you!
As her first London
Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills
Daphne Lancaster's timid heart with dread. She hasn't her sisters
beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family's
enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.
But
Daphne's misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her
Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose
tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young
gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their
feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to
Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.
Yet
nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled
web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether
they are willing to risk everything for true love.
Opening line:
"Daphne
Lancaster stood hidden in the shadows of her brother-in-law's terrace,
spying on Society's first introduction to a young lady of unparalleled
beauty."
Poor Daphne! She is overshadowed by her beauty sisters;
placed in the corner and ignored. She feels this is justified as she had
been told many times how plain she is. A chance encounter with a kind
young man gives her hope that she isn't forgotten, and she falls in
love.
James Tilburn was the young man who called the young girl
Little Sparrow and stole her heart, unbeknownst to him, of course. Six
years later they chance to meet again. But it turns out to be more than
chance and the lies and manipulation could ruin James and Daphne's hope
at love forever.
Sarah Eden does a superb job at giving her
readers character they come to love as one of their own family members.
The plot moves along nicely as we move deeper into the story and
intrigue that is keeping the couple (or couples) apart.
I really
liked Daphne. I enjoyed watching her overcome her shyness and become a
stronger person. I liked James too but I really wanted him to man up and
tell Daphne the truth! I do have a confession...I ADORE the Duke of
Kielder!
Thanks to netgalley and Covenant Communications for the early read!
5 STARS!
From the publisher of
the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance
Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.
Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As
a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal
Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind
enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all
be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military
service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel
Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at
her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has
questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t
expecting—both of the heart and the mind.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As
a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his
family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance.
But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he
never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his
long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to
while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a
set-back after all.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne
Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune.
In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache
that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front
of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men
running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a
sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going
through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t
prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his
heart.
Another great addition to the Timeless Anthology!
Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns
""This is my cousin, Emma Standrich," said Jane Wetherby said for the hundredth time that evening."
Emma
feels she needs to become a governess to save her family. Colonel
Shelton is smitten with her and offers his hand in marriage and the
access to his money to help her save her family.
Emily and Edward by Heather Moore
""You
are nearly thirty years of age," Edward Blackwood's mother said in her
sharp voice as se peered at him through a raised quizzing glass."
Ah!
Emily and Edward! What a sweet story! Edward is happy with his life of
solitude but one look at his neighbor all grown up and he wonders if he
shouldn't change his plan.
Emily is reeling from the loss of her
father and doesn't want to be out in society but her mother insists they
go out. She finds Edward all grown up and wonders why she didn't notice
how handsome he was before.
A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly
"A season in London."
What
a fun read! Daphne is determined to ruin her season in London before
anyone else does and Jaime is determined to have a front row seat. Their
dialogue is snappy and intelligent and their chemistry sweet.
The comical, fantastical, romantical, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey. In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride,
featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble
steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because
sometimes history needs a little help.
At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey
is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy
to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling
problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane is about to become the
Queen of England.
CLEVER!
That's
what this story is all about! It's clever. Funny. Smart. Hilarious at
times. Intriguing all the time. The story of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine
Day Queen, is told from the three different, rich viewpoints, thanks to
three great writers. So many awesome quotes. Here's one that made me
laugh out loud (I was listening to the audio book which made my laughter
even more startling) and caused my children to look askance at me:
"Your mother was a hamster and your father reeked of elder berries!"
A Clan of ninjas in San
Francisco may sound improbable—but as the son of a ninja master, Tosh
Ito knows what lurks in the shadows of his city. Or at least he thought
he did.
When a killer with a poisoned blade starts cutting down
teens, Tosh enlists Amy Sato—newest ninja recruit and his best friend’s
crush—and sets out to uncover the killer’s identity. What they find is
ninjutsu more evil than they could have ever imagined.
As Amy and
Tosh grow closer, they discover their connection unleashes a legendary
power that could stop the murders. Problem is, that power may be exactly
what the killer is looking for, and wielding it could cost them both
their souls.
Opening line:
"All I wanted was sleep, but my stomach groaned until I couldn’t take it anymore."
Awesome,
fun story about teen ninjas and how they kick butt and still have time
to kiss and go to high school dances. I was drawn into the story right
from the beginning! I never felt lost with all the karate, ninja talk or
fight scenes. It was a unique story that I had to keep reading.
Present day: When a
young anthropologist specializing in ancient technology uncovers a
terrible secret concealed in the workings of a three-hundred-year-old
mechanical doll, she is thrown into a hidden world that lurks just under
the surface of our own. With her career and her life at stake, June
Stefanov will ally with a remarkable traveler who exposes her to a
reality she never imagined, as they embark on an around-the-world
adventure and discover breathtaking secrets of the past...
Russia,
1725: In the depths of the Kremlin, the tsar's loyal mechanician brings
to life two astonishingly humanlike mechanical beings. Peter and Elena
are a brother and sister fallen out of time, possessed with uncanny
power, and destined to serve great empires. Struggling to blend into
pre-Victorian society, they are pulled into a legendary war that has
raged for centuries.
The Clockwork Dynasty seamlessly
interweaves past and present, exploring a race of beings designed to
live by ironclad principles, yet constantly searching for meaning. As
June plunges deeper into their world, her choices will ultimately
determine their survival or extermination. Richly-imagined and
heart-pounding, Daniel H. Wilson's novel expertly draws on his robotics
and science background, combining exquisitely drawn characters with
visionary technology--and riveting action.
Opening line:
"The age of the thing is in the feel of it."
I wasn't sure how much I would like this book but I then I couldn't put it down so I guess it's safe to say I did like.
The
story is told in the past and present from two different viewpoints:
Peter the avomat, or robot and June, the human. I liked the back and
forth of the chapters and the telling of the history of our world. It
intrigued me how the author wove our world and the avomat world
together. He did a great job at world building.
Though I think the
characters cold have been written with more depth, the way the avomats
"lived" was detailed. I remembered the characters names and what place
they had in the story. Spoiler: there is no romance. I just realized
this as I was writing. Obviously, the story didn't need any. lol
I felt the ending came too quickly and maybe there will be another book? I'm not sure...
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
London barrister Jason
Jonquil has spent his entire life working to establish his identity as a
gentleman, a man of refinement like his father and brothers. But when
fiery Spanish beauty Mariposa Thornton walks into his office, he finds
himself losing his grasp on his dignified character. The woman is
infuriating, pushing him to the limit of his legendary patience.
However, her case seems simple enough—a small matter of inheritance. Or
so he believes.
Once a well-born lady, Mariposa fought to survive
the brutalities of Napoleon’s war on Spain. She braved horrific perils
and undertook dangerous missions on behalf of those fighting against the
invading French army. But her greatest battle still lies ahead: after
being separated from her family, Mariposa sets in motion a plan to
reunite with her loved ones in England. To avoid drawing the attention
of the French, Mariposa dons a carefully crafted persona to conceal her
true purpose. As Jason and Mariposa are drawn together by the case, they
come to know the people beneath the masks they both wear.
When
the truth of Mariposa’s quest is revealed, the couple is pulled into a
mystery that will test the limits of their courage—and expose the true
desire of their hearts.
Opening line:
"The
commotion outside his office ought to have served as something of a
warning, but Jason Jonquil, barrister and proud perfectionist, had done
nothing more than glance up from his ruler-straight stack of papers when
the first noises had drifted through his closed door."
Hurrah! Another story about the Jonquil boys!!
5 STARS
From the New York Times
bestselling author of the Tradd Street series comes a stunning new
novel about a young single mother who discovers that the nature of
friendship is never what it seems....
Recently divorced,
Merilee Talbot Dunlap moves with her two children to the Atlanta suburb
of Sweet Apple, Georgia. It's not her first time starting over, but her
efforts at a new beginning aren't helped by an anonymous local blog that
dishes about the scandalous events that caused her marriage to fail.
Merilee
finds some measure of peace in the cottage she is renting from town
matriarch Sugar Prescott. Though stubborn and irascible, Sugar sees
something of herself in Merilee--something that allows her to open up
about her own colorful past.
Sugar's stories give Merilee a
different perspective on the town and its wealthy school moms in their
tennis whites and shiny SUVs, and even on her new friendship with
Heather Blackford. Merilee is charmed by the glamorous young mother's
seemingly perfect life and finds herself drawn into Heather's world.
In
a town like Sweet Apple, where sins and secrets are as likely to be
found behind the walls of gated mansions as in the dark woods
surrounding Merilee's house, appearance is everything. But just how
dangerous that deception can be will shock all three women...
Opening line:
"The Playing Fields Blog: Observation of Suburban Life from Sweet Apple, Georgie; Written by Your Neighbor"
There is a lot of info in the first bit of this book! Smart, sassy, small town with drama.
What
a fun and intriguing story. There were times I wanted to put it down
when it dragged just a bit but the author made it so I really wanted to
see the relationships grow, the memories expanded on and the mystery
solved.
The Night the Lights Went Out was told from a three
different viewpoints: Sugar (young and old), Merilee and a anonymous
blogger. The blog brought in insight and lots of humor; so did Sugar.
She's quite a character (in all sense of the word). She's strong,
stubborn Southern woman who knows her own mind and will. But her facade,
and secrets, slip away as a newly-divorced mother of two rents out her
old home behind where she now lives.
Merilee is fresh of a divorce
and painful relationship when she meets Sugar and "the love interest (I
heard a man's deep voice draw that out...)." Lucky for Merilee, one of
Sweet Apple's favorite daughters is there to scoop her up and take care
of her "because that's what friends are for!."
This is a story of
relationships on all ends of the spectrum and it was enjoyable to watch
the build up of where the grenade finally went off.
I would read another of Ms. White's books!
L: a few swear words
V: a murder and fight at the end
S: kissing
Thanks to netgalley for the early read!
As a lethal plague
sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly
captured by the governor’s wardens and forced to submit to a test for
the deadly Scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results
come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison
turned refuge—and quarantine colony—for the ill. The Scourge’s victims,
Ani now among them, can only expect to live out short, painful lives
there.
However, Ani quickly discovers that she doesn’t know the
whole truth about the Scourge or the Colony. She’s been caught in a
devious plot, and, with the help of her best friend, Weevil, Ani means
to uncover just what is actually going on. But will she and Weevil
survive the Scourge—and the gorvernor’s wardens—long enough to make
their escape and expose the cruel plan?
Opening line:
"Few things were worth the risk to my life, but the juicy vine fruit was one of them."
I listened to this book and couldn't stop! Another great book from Jennifer Nielsen!
5 STARS
Cassie, the youngest of
six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter
society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose
extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora
is now entering her third season, and since their father has
decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no
choice except to wait her turn.
Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken,
East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and,
though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he
struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.
A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything,
but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie
begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good
intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.
As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are
tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to
reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?
Opening line:
"Cassie fidgeted with the skirt of her day dress and said a silent prayer: Please help me remain calm."
Cassie
is the youngest daughter (out of six) of the vicar and he and his wife
have decided that only one daughter will be out in society at a time.
This is frustrating for Cassie because her sister, Lenora, is shy and
anxious. To "help" Lenora, Cassie starts writing letters to Evan, a man
Lenora met at a ball, in Lenora's name. Cassie could not have seen the
problematic outcome of her innocent actions. This "help" proves to have a
ripple effect that is negative to those involved and those not. This is
really where the story sucked me in and held me tight.
Cassie fell
in love with Evan. Evan fell in love with the woman in the letters but
was determined to get to know Lenora better. Lenora was happy Evan paid
attention to her. Then Evan proposed to Lenora and everything went
downhill.
I wanted to keep reading to find out how in the world the
characters got out of this mess! It really seemed hopeless. Josi Kilpack
is an excellent writer who keeps her readers guessing and reading.
I
really, really loved the character arcs. Cassie's was especially
fascinating to read. She grew and matured so much in the story it was
delightful to read.
Thanks to netgalley for the early read. I loved it!
When kingdom come, there will be one.
In
every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is
born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a
coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry
flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a
poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a
stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom
the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.
But becoming
the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has
to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or
death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.
The last queen standing gets the crown.
Opening line:
"A young queen stands barefoot on a wooden block with her arms outstretched."
Oh man! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
5 STARS
On her eighteenth
birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally
access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter,
the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels
almost limitless.
But while her mother, the queen, remains busy
at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon, the corrupt king is
plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will
fling Evelayn onto the throne much sooner than she expected.
In
order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come
into her ability to shapeshift, and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir.
But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light
and Dark comes at a steep price.
Opening line:
"The jeweled forest blurred into a tapestry of color as Evelayn sprinted away from the castle."
An
intriguing retelling, or the start, of Swan Lake. Princess, danger,
magic, bad guys, one cute guy, this book has it all plus a slow burn
romance. Is the next one out yet??
5 STARS
