Housebroke by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

Housebroke by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
After her ex took all their money and bailed, Hazel Bristow is left broke and homeless. A friend whose home is on the market lets Hazel and her foster dogs stay there until it sells. It’s the perfect setup, until her friend forgets to tell Hazel she’s sold the house!

Linc Kennedy is shocked to find Hazel squatting in the house he just bought, but after some negotiating, he agrees she can stay while he’s renovating the place. Linc tells Hazel he’s an investor who renovates homes for fun-but having been burned in the past by women who have only wanted his money, he leaves out that he’s also extremely wealthy…

Hazel’s intrigued by sweet, funny Linc. But her track record with men isn’t great, and trust doesn’t come easy.

Linc’s never met anyone like the quirky beauty who puts everyone’s needs before her own. But can he figure out how to tell Hazel the truth without losing her?

 

 

Review:

Housebroke by Jaci Burton is a wonderful romantic comedy standalone novel. We meet Hazel Bristow, our heroine, who is living in a house that is currently for sale, with her 5 foster pups.  Hazel is still devastated that her ex-husband took all her money, leaving her totally broke and homeless. Hazel loves her foster dogs, who are all unique and lovable; this is her dream to save money and be able to foster dogs.  One night, she hears someone come into the house, thinking it was a burglar.

Linc Kennedy is surprised when a woman steps forward to attack him, especially since he bought the house that he will renovate.  Obviously, Hazel’s friend forgot to tell her the place was sold.  Linc at first tells her she has to leave, but realizing that she is homeless with the dogs, he negotiates and offers for her to stay at the Guest House for free, and he will pay her a small salary to cook meals for him. She made dinner that night, and Linc was thrilled with her cooking abilities.

I loved how wonderful Hazel was with the fostered dogs, as she loved each and everyone of them.  They each had their own personalities, and were so much fun.  Linc automatically enjoyed the company of the dogs, sharing the fun with Hazel. The element of the dogs and their individual characters, made this such and enjoyable and fabulous read.

In a short time, Linc and Hazel begin to become very attracted to each other, with the chemistry between them being steamy. I really loved them together and rooted for them to find their true love. Beside seeing Hazel and Linc falling for each other, I loved all the scenes with the dogs, which were so heartwarming.  Each of the dogs had their own personalities, and loved how different they were; Hazel was so devoted to each of them (Gordon, Penny, Lilith, Freddie, Mitzi and even Boo, who ended up being adopted).

Housebroke was a fun, cute, steamy romantic story, with fantastic adorable dogs; as well as a fabulous couple. Housebroke was very well written by Jaci Burton.  If you enjoy a light, sweet sexy romance, with fun fantastic dogs, you should read Housebroke.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of HOUSEBROKE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson – Review & Giveaway

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.

Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?

Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.

 

 

Review:

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson is a standalone steamy romantic novel.  We meet Mackenzie (Mack) Carter, our heroine, who is an ER doctor at Denver General; she is a wolf shifter (Omega).  Mackenzie has not had any successful dates recently, and is pressured by her grandmother, who wants her to find a mate to settle down. To get her grandmother off her back, she tells her she that she has met someone, though still in early stages. While in the lunch room, Mackensie is desperate and looks for the first man who walked in the room.

Noah Taylor, our hero, is a top cardiologist, who is the one in charge at the hospital; he is also a wolf shifter (Alpha). To his surprise, he is approached by Mackensie, if he would take a picture of her and him, to send to her grandmother, as a fake boyfriend.  At first Noah tries to ignore Mack, but he comes back to her with another deal.  Seems that Noah is being summoned to the board, regarding a tip that he is an Alpha (who might have violent tendencies), an identity that he has kept secret. Noah needs to convince the board that he has a mate, who keeps him in control.  Mack agrees to be Noah’s fake mate, if she will be able to tell her grandmother that he is her boyfriend. 

 People at the hospital are shocked to learn about Noah and Mack being mated; especially with Noah being very private, intimidating, and keeps to himself. Mack is the opposite, as she is sweet, friendly, and very outgoing, with friends throughout. Together, they both make appearances to show that they are mated, with Noah meeting Mack’s friends Priya, Parker and she meeting a friend of his (Peter), as well as Noah’s nasty coworker, Dennis.  

In a short period, slowly Mack and Noah become attracted to each other, with Mack being the one to get Noah to open up; as they were so perfect together.  The chemistry between them was sizzling and very steamy, as the fake mate does turn into friends with benefits; and soon they will find themselves inseparable falling in love. But Noah will be threatened by the nasty Dennis, promising to tell the board that he is not mated, and Noah will do anything to protect Mack, including breaking things off with her, as she could lose her job.  After being broken hearted, Mack with help from Parker, will discover about what truly happened, and finds proof to win Noah back, and stop the evil Dennis.

The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson was a fun, entertaining and very steamy romantic story line. I really liked both Mack and Noah, and rooted for them to stay together.  I will say, I thought the steamy sex scenes were a bit too many.  The Fake Mate was very well written by Lana Ferguson.  If you like romance, shifters, steamy sex, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FAKE MATE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra – Review & Giveaway

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Dorothy “Dee” Gale is searching for a place to belong. After their globe-trotting mother’s death, Dee and her sister Toni settled with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas, where Dee attends graduate school. But when Dee’s relationship with a faculty member, a bestselling novelist, ends in heartbreak and humiliation, she’s caught in a tornado of negative publicity. Unable to face her colleagues—or her former lover—Dee applies to the writing program at Trinity College Dublin.

Dee’s journey to Ireland leads her to new companions: seemingly brainless Sam Clery—who dropped out of college and now runs a newsagent’s shop—is charming and hot, in a dissolute, Irish poet kind of way; allegedly heartless Tim Woodman—who stiffly refused to take back his ex-fiancée—seems stuck in his past; and fiercely loyal Reeti Kaur, who longs for the courage to tell her parents she wants to teach underprivileged girls rather than work in the family business.

In a year of opportunities and changes, love and loss, Dee is mentored by powerful women in the writing program, challenging her to see herself and her work with new eyes. With her friends, Dee finds the confidence to confront her biggest fears—including her intimidating graduate advisor, who may not be so wicked after all.

Faced with a choice with far-reaching consequences, Dee must apply the lessons she’s learned along the way about making a family, finding a home…and recognizing the power that’s been inside her all along.

 

 

 

Review:

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra is a standalone novel based on a modern reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. We meet Dorothy (Dee) Gale, who with her sister, Toni, grew up with their Uncle Henry and Aunt Em in Kansas. While a student at Kansas University, Dee had a relationship with a professor for a couple of years, only to discover that he wrote a bestselling novel, as she ends up with heartbreak and humiliation. He used their relationship as part of the story, though he did make heinous untruths.  Dee is devastated by his betrayal, and decides to make a change of venue, applying to pursue her degree at Emerald Isle’s Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland; she is accepted into a creative writing program at the school.

Upon arriving at Trinity College, she is surprised that the person who accepted her, is now deceased, and she ends up with having to deal with a leader, who is difficult to deal with.  In a short time, Dee makes new friends, who are also searching for their own paths.  Sam Clery, who runs a store, and has given up on his desire to learn more, as he left the university upon his father’s death. Tim Woodman, a former military man, who lost his heart to a woman who betrayed him.  Reeti, who is now Dee’s roommate, is lacking courage to tell her parents that she wants to be a teacher in London.  All three of her friends are very supportive of Dee.  Dee’s sister leaves school in Kansas and joins her in Dublin; her sister’s name is Toni (close to Toto). ? Dee had relationships with both Sam and Tim, but she realized that Tim was her muse.

During her journey, Dee learns of opportunities, changes, friendship, love, as well as challenging herself to open her mind to new ideas in the writing program, with her advisor giving her help to build her confidence, discovering what has been always inside her.

The Fairy Tale Life of Dorothy Gale was heartwarming and charming novel inspired by The Wizard of Oz, but a modern version. It was a fun, entertaining story of self-discovery, with a bit of romance. The Fairy Tale Life of Dorothy Gales was very well written by Virginia Kantra.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE FAIRYTALE LIFE OF DOROTHY GALE  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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The Wonder of It All by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

The Wonder of It All by Barbara Taylor Bradford – a Review

 

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Description:
James Falconer–a tycoon and a self-made man, seems to have the world in the palm of his hand. But The Great War looms, and James decides to fight for king and country. The fighting is bloody and brutal, and James returns a changed man, with wounds both physical and mental. His beloved wife is dead, but a new woman returns to help nurse him back to health.

Georgiana Ward once held James in her thrall, but years have passed and bitterness has set in. Still, the old attraction is there and James is determined to make amends to both Georgiana and his child Leonie–now a grown woman and someone he hasn’t seen in decades. Leonie is having none of it, and is embarking on a dangerous journey with a man who might very well destroy her. As James fights to return to the man he once was, he needs to find a way to heal his body, soul, and family.

Told with Barbara Taylor Bradford’s inimitable style and flair for period detail , The Wonder of It All concludes House of Falconer trilogy that has followed the story of this remarkable family from Victorian times to the 20th-century.

 

 

Review:

The Wonder of it All by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the 3rd and final book in her House of Falconer series. The story continues with James Falconer, a self-made business tycoon, who runs Malvern; with the help of his brother and sister. James still grieves the loss of his wife, Alexis, and pushes himself to participate in the WW1 war, Major James Falconer goes to fight for his country, until he is hurt badly with multiple injuries and sent home to a hospital in England; once he is released, he still needs care, and Georgiana Ward returns after many years, to help nurse him back to health.

James has a daughter, Leonie, by Georgiana in the early years, and made sure they lived well. He would see her occasionally, but slowly when his daughter became a teen ager, he was buried with his business and she hardly saw him, eventually cutting her father out of her life. In the present, James wants to get to know his daughter, but Georgiana tells him that Leoni wants nothing to do with him. Once he is well, both Georgianna and James also terminate their relationship.  James did keep an eye on Leonie’s marriage, as he did not like the man she married.

With the war taking its toll on his business, James concentrates on rebuilding his empire, and eliminating some of the smaller stories, with help from Eddie, Rossi, and other partners.   James will be introduced to Annabel, an art connoisseur, and slowly they both become very attracted to each other.  James has feelings for Annabel, but the age gap difference (he is 13 years older than her), pushes him to break it off, and leaves London to work hard in rebuilding his business ventures.  

What follows is both and exciting and sweet final ¼ of the book, with James finally being able to meet his daughter, after her husband abused her, and Leonie realizing that her father was a wonderful man, and would always be there for her. James also realizes that Annabel, even with the age gap, was the woman he loved.  I loved Rossi and Eddie, who were always there for James, and together they brought the business back to the top.

The Wonder of it All was very well written by Barbara Taylor Bradford.  This is the 3rd and final book in this series, and if you have not read this series, you need to start with the first book in the House of Falconer series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Technically Yours by Denise Williams – Review & Giveaway

Technically Yours by Denise Williams – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Seven years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. When she is appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she has a chance to make lasting change for the organization, but a scandal has put their reputation at risk. Further complicating matters, Pearl didn’t expect the one man she hasn’t stopped thinking about in seven years to be the newest member of her board of directors.

Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator seven years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn’t for him. After five years with no contact, their connection is immediate despite the many roadblocks in their way and Cord must consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. 

Pearl and Cord both are hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk as they grow closer, but it becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them, and love isn’t easily debugged.

 

 

 

Review:

Technically Yours by Denise Williams is another one of her wonderful romance stories. The main characters are Pearl Harris and Cord Matthews, who we got a glimpse at in a previous book (The Fastest Way to Fall), with Cord very much in love with Pearl.   But she broke his heart five years ago, when she walked out of Cord’s life for a job opportunity in California that she had been waiting for.

Now Pearl is back in Chicago, with a job she loves, and to her surprise, she discovers that Cord has just joined the board of Pearl’s company, OurCode; a nonprofit organization aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code.  Cord is happy to see her, and privately tells her he still has feelings for her. Pearl is determined to keep Cord at a distance, especially since her ex-boss was fired, due to having an affair with a board member, causing issues from members and the board.  Pearl did not want to mix relationships that are personal and professional; and now she was promoted to Executive Director at OurCode. A romance between them would cause severe damage to her career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. 

The POV’s between Cord and Pearl go between the flashbacks in the past, when they met and loved; and the present time.  Cord immediately told Pearl about his feelings, but in a short time she also gave into her feelings, as their chemistry was off the wall. Pearl tries to keep their relationship quiet, as she feared she would lose her job.  The secondary characters were all very good, as I did like her family and friends, as well as Cord’s friends.  Tye (15 years old) was great, with her working with Cord on the codes, and Cord’s cat, Peach was cute. 

What follows is a wonderful, fun, emotional and sexy romance, with a fantastic couple we loved.  Pearl was a fabulous heroine, who also had strong feelings for Cord. At the same time, Cord was determined to protect Pearl, especially with her concerns about her job and keeping her director position. Cord would do anything to help Pearl, even if she did not want his help. Technically Yours was an emotional ride, that was also delightful, fun and engaging.  Technically Yours was very well written by Denise Williams.    I fully suggest if you enjoy pure romances, that you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of TECHNICALLY YOURS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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Manner of Death by Robin Cook – a Review

Manner of Death by Robin Cook – a Review

 

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Description:
In this new fast-paced medical mystery-thriller from the New York Times bestselling author Robin Cook, fan favorites Jack and Laurie must determine the manner of death after a pathology resident’s suspicious suicide.

Due to Jack Stapleton’s ongoing recovery from his near-death confrontation with a serial killer, his wife Laurie Montgomery, the NYC chief medical examiner, is carrying the load both at work and at home. When she insists an underperforming pathology resident named Ryan Sullivan assist her on a suicide autopsy, Laurie unknowingly provokes an emotional storm in the trainee.So, when Ryan himself appears on the medical examiner’s table days later, an apparent death by suicide, Laurie’s guilt compels her to try to understand why. Jack’s autopsy on the resident opens the disturbing possibility that the manner of death wasn’t suicide but instead a staged homicide. But staged by whom?Laurie ignores her own professional rules and responsibilities to investigate personally who might want Ryan dead…and for what reason. Thus begins a dangerous inquiry into a fraudulent but highly lucrative cancer diagnostics company, which might just cost Laurie her life.

 

 

Review:

Manner of Death by Robin Cook is a stand-alone mystery thriller. This is actually the 14th novel that features fan favorites, Laurie and Jack. Laurie Montgomery is the chief medical examiner in NYC; her husband Jack Stapleton is a pathologist, who is recovering from an attack by a serial killer (in previous book). Laurie decides to work with Ryan Sullivan, a pathologist, who is assigned to work for a month with the medical examiner team.   

Ryan comes across as unlikeable, as he is not happy about doing autopsies, especially since his experience with suicides as a child, as well as trying to take his own life in the past. Laurie takes him under her wing, to help him see a different look at how things are done.  When she explains about red flags on recent suicides, which are questionable, especially with 6 flags in a 6-month period. Are they truly suicides or homicide. Ryan requests Laurie to allow him to review these cases further, and she agrees to let him investigate.

Ryan will visit a number of medical legal investigators (MLI), asking questions regarding these suicides, and why they did not have enough information to look beyond a suicide. As Ryan gets deeper into the research, he finds that the deceases cases are linked to an oncology clinic, that gives early cancer testing results.  Both Laurie and Jack have warned Ryan are only to investigate within the department, but he makes a decision visit the company to make them aware of his findings

What follows is a wild and intense situation that will put a number of lives in danger.  When Ryan is found dead of an apparent suicide, Laurie steps up to find out why Ryan would kill himself.  She ignores her own rules of keeping things inside the office, and puts herself very much in danger, in her looking at Ryan’s paper work.

Manner in Death was a suspenseful, engrossing, intense and fast paced story that kept me glued to my kindle.  I could not put this down, as the last quarter of the book was so very exciting. Manner of Death is another wonderful thriller by Robin Cook, which was very well written.  If you enjoy medical mystery-thrillers, I suggest you read Manner of Death.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen – a Review

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen – a Review

 

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Description:
A darkly magical take on The Nutcracker where two sisters, cursed from birth, are forever changed one memorable Christmas. . . .

Light and dark—this is the destiny placed upon Natasha and Clara, the birthright bestowed by their godfather, the mysterious sorcerer Drosselmeyer. Clara, the favorite, grows into beauty and ease, while Natasha is cursed to live in her sister’s shadow. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Natasha gets her chance at revenge. For Drosselmeyer has brought the Nutcracker, an enchanted present that offers entry into a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets.

In this land of snow and sugar, Natasha is presented with a power far greater than Drosselmeyer: the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is also full of gifts . . . and dreadful bargains. As Natasha uncovers the dark destiny laid before her birth, she must reckon with powers both earthly and magical, and decide to which world she truly belongs.

 

 

Review:

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen is a retelling of The Nutcracker. It is a very dark story about a twisted tale between cursed twin sisters: one light and one dark. At their birth on a Christmas, they are cursed by their godfather, Drosselmeyer.  Clara is beautiful, everything light, and loved by all.  Natasha is dark, not attractive, always living in the shadow of her sister.  When they turn 17, Natasha is shattered when her boyfriend, Conrad is stolen by Clara to wed. 

Natasha hatred for her sister becomes darker, especially with Clara’s betrayal.  Drosselmeyer has brought the Nutcracker, an enchanted present that offers entry into a deceptively beautiful world: the Kingdom of Sweets. While in the Kingdom of Sweets, Natasha makes a deal with the Sugar Plum Fairy, to get her revenge on Clara, in return for the Fairy wanting to destroy Drosselmeyer.  Natasha will take over Clara’s looks and light life, as she feels she deserves this life, as well as Conrad; she also kills Clara, or thinks she has.  

Years pass, as Natasha finds herself not happy with her life as Clara, and she begins to see her evil decisions cause more harm than she ever imagined, with things of the past coming back to haunt her.  The beautiful world in the Kingdom of Sweets is in reality a decaying world, and once Natasha realizes Clara is still alive, but living under terrible conditions, she knows she has to find a way to change everything back. 

I was not a fan of most of the characters, including Natasha and Clara, as most of them were not really likeable.  The ending was nice, with both sisters, though never close, managed to find a way to salvage their own lives.

The Kingdom of Sweets was a depressing kind of retelling on the Nutcracker theme.  It was dark and gruesome throughout; with characters mostly evil. This was a gothic  story filled with magic, curses, family twists, in a tangled world of evil, hatred, bitterness.  The Kingdom of Sweets was well written by Erika Johansen.  

Reviewed by Barb

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Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

Stings and Stones by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

 

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Description:

An Elemental Assassin short story Collection. Flash back to one of Gin Blanco’s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Gin’s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Gin’s not around. From a ghost’s lost love to a villain’s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters.  

“Spider’s Bargain” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Death” — Gin Blanco
“Web of Deceit” — Fletcher Lane
“Poison” — Finnegan Lane
“Wasted” — Finnegan Lane
“Tangled Dreams” — Jo-Jo and Sophia Deveraux
“Tangled Schemes” — Bria Coolidge
“Spider’s Nemesis” — Mab Monroe
“Haints and Hobwebs” — Gin Blanco
“Parlor Tricks” — Gin Blanco

 

••••••

Barb’s Review:
Stings and Stones
is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Jennifer Estep’s website, while others have been featured in anthologies.

I enjoyed reading each and every short story, as it was so much fun. I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep and her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. Gin, Fletcher, Finnegan, Bria, Jo-Jo, Sophie, Owen, just to name a few, were wonderful characters throughout all the books.

At the end, Estep added an excerpt from her Galactic Bonds series, which was ok.

But I am thrilled that there will be more of Elemental Assassin and our wonderful heroine, Gin Blanco. If you have not read this series, you are missing a gem of a series.

 

Sandy’s Review: 

STINGS AND STONES by Jennifer Estep is a collection of ten previously released  (newsletter or website) short stories and novellas in the author’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series focusing on assassin and elemental Gin Blanco.

Told from several first person perspectives including Gin Blanco, Fletcher Lane, Finnegan Lane, Jojo or Sophia Devereaux, Bria Coolidge or Mab Monroe, each story line can either be a  prologue or epilogue to one of the instalments in the Elemental Assassin series, or a side story in which the reader is up close and personal with the private and personal lives outside of the main story lines.

Fast paced, entertaining and intriguing, STINGS AND STONE is a wonderful addition revealing a little background and history of the story line characters.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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