Tag Archives: Barb’s Reviews

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

Posted on by
16

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

 

 

Review:

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the conclusion of her Flesh and Fire series. Refresher: Born of Blood and Ash is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series. Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon. Nyktos (Ash) saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. Sera and Nyktos/Ash were so great together, with their chemistry off the wall, and in time, all of his people cared about Sera and her abilities.

As Sera reaches her Ascension, she will develop new skills, such as intuitions; as she returns to her family becoming the True Primal of Life. Sera, as the Queen, begins to put pieces together, especially what is behind the foreboding prophecy; with both Sera and Ash trying to convince the other courts to help stop Kolis. We learn quickly that Sera is now pregnant, with two boys; and Ash is happy and thrilled to be able to have children.  But first they need to find a way to get Kolis to entombed.

Kolis plans to take control Sera and Ash, which leads him to kill Sera’s entire family and her town. Everyone is dead, and Sera mourns the loss of her stepsister, wife, mother; leading Sera to lose control and destroy others.  Sera finds solace from Ash, who together will eliminate those close to Kolis.  She kills Veses, and Attes kills his brother, Kyn, as they needed to die.  The final battle to lock, and entomb Kolis away for centuries, was deeply intense. The Star that was intended to free Sotoria was stolen, as Calum hid it away, to be used centuries into the future.

We did get to see how Sera and Ash helped the ones they trusted to become new primals of those in other courts.  Attes plans to go into stasis to rest, passes his court to Lailah. Aios and Belle were great together, with Belle having her own court. Penellaphe also ascended.  I loved Reaver and Jadis, as they were cute; but I loved Nektas from the start to finish.  We also got hints leading into Poppy and Cas, with Sotoria being reborn.

 What follows is an exciting, emotional, sexy, intense, and romantic adventure, that had a number of reveals giving us clues of what is yet to come.   Sera is a fantastic and amazing heroine, being powerful, strong, courageous, determined and fierce. I also loved how much Ash loved Sera. Jennifer L. Armentrout gives us another very good story, with a bit slow early on, but the last third was awesome.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

 

Share

The White Picket Fence by Karen Rose – a Review

Posted on by
15

The White Picket Fence by Karen Rose – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo /  BAM

 

Description:
Tino Ciccotelli is a sketch artist who discovers his newest client, a victim of a vicious assault, is his former high school art teacher. He is devastated to see her injuries and determined to help the police catch her attacker, but he must also deal with the return of her niece, his first love who left him when their lives were just beginning.

Charlotte Walsh has always regretted leaving Tino, her fear of being stuck in marriage like her parents driving her away from Tino and his dreams of a house with a white picket fence. Her life did not play out as she’d expected and, after an assault by a stalker, has returned to Philadelphia, only to have her aunt targeted for violence.
​
Now she and Tino must work together to find the man who left her aunt for dead, but soon realize the killer’s true target is much closer than they think.

 

Review:

The White Picket Fence by Karen Rose is a novella based on her romance suspense series (30.5). An old favorite returns, Tino Ciccotelli; who is a sketch artist, passionately dedicated to helping victims identify those who were assaulted.   Tino returns to Philadelphia, to help a former high school art teacher who was brutally beaten; together Tino and the teacher are able to draw what she remembers. Tino is also faced with seeing his former girlfriend, watching over her aunt; she was his first love, who left him 17 years ago.

Charlotte Walsh has never forgotten Tino, and always regretted leaving him; which was due to her family and wanting to be free.  Charlotte was very close to her aunt, and she is devasted by the assault by an unknown stalker.  Charlie was a food critic, and one day she gave a bad review, which led her to be assaulted; the attacker was sent to jail.   Her life was difficult, especially with her continued damage of her attack; now she worries about her aunt. 

Tino and Charlie slowly begin have feelings again, but they both try to keep it at a distant, since there is someone out there who is determined to find Charlie.  Tino will get his brother, Vito (a detective) to help find out who is behind the threat against Charlie.  They learn that the man who attacked Charlie a few years ago, was murdered in prison. This leads to another person who is killing those close to Charlie; some one from the past, who will stop at nothing to kidnap her. Tino was determined to protect Charlie at any cost, despite Vito trying to keep him from getting involved. Will Tino save Charlie? 

I really liked Tino and Charlie together, and hoped they would find a way to start again.  It was also very nice to see Vito and Sophie again, as they were wonderful together. As we get closer to the end, all hell breaks out, as both Tino and Charlie’s life is in danger, with a twisted killer on the loose.  The White Picket Fence was a terrific read, that had us holding our breath.   The White Picket Fence was so very well written by Karen Rose.   This was a fast paced and exciting thriller, which I suggest you read. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

Share

The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

Posted on by
16

The Mirror by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
When Sonya MacTavish inherits the huge Victorian mansion on the coast of Maine, she has no idea that the house is haunted. The footsteps she hears at night, the doors slamming, the music playing, are not figments of her imagination. In her dreams she sees glimpses of the past. In the present she finds portraits of brides. And when she has visions of an antique mirror, she is drawn to it, sensing it holds dark family secrets.

Then one night the mirror appears and Sonya glides through this looking glass, into the past—and sees a bride murdered on her wedding day, the circle of gold torn from her finger. It is a scene that will play out again and again—a centuries-old curse that must be broken—and a puzzle she must solve if there is any hope of breaking the curse.

 

 

Review:

The Mirror by Nora Roberts is the 2nd book in her The Lost Bride Trilogy. The Mirror picks up immediately after the ending of the first book, Inheritance. Sonya MacTavish, our heroine, begins to settle into her daily life with her best friend Cleo; as they both adjust to the ghosts of brides, as well as the evil murderer Hester Dobb, who murdered all 7 brides.

Trey and Sonya are even more romantic now, as their relationship become more serious.   Cleo and Owen also became a couple; especially with all four of them constantly together. The Lost Bride Manor includes many deaths, with all the brides killed on their wedding day, centuries ago.  Now in present time, Sonya is determined to find a way stop Dobbs, and find all the missing rings from each bride, to force the end of the curse.  Other than Dobbs, the other ghosts are always helpful with both Sonya and Cleo; one sings songs, someone else makes the beds, cleans the kitchen, and even a young boy ghost, loves to play with Sonya’s dog.  Dobbs was always causing temper tantrums, with slamming doors, loud noises, her evil laughter and flying objects.

Sonya will learn more about the history of each bride, especially when she gets to enter into the mirror, finding herself decades in the past, witnessing live the happy days of each bride, before it ends in tragedy at the murderous hands of Dobbs.  Sonya also got to see Dobbs ripping off each of the wedding rings from each of the brides.

Sonya and Cleo were both strong and independent women; I loved their friendship, as they were always, they’re for each other.  I also loved both Trey and Owen, as they made wonderful couples, with the men both sweet and supportive. I adored the dogs that played a major part of the story, with Yoda, Mookie, Jones and Pye, Cleo’s kitten who became part of the group.   

The Mirror was another fantastic addition to this trilogy, with suspense, paranormal, romance, ghosts, supernatural, and an evil murderer. The Mirror was so very well written by Nora Roberts.  I loved the book, and cannot wait for the final book in the Lost Bride series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Posted on by
13

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

 

 

 

Review:

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in her new Bride of the Shadow King series.  We meet Princess Faraine, who is the oldest daughter Of King Larongar of Gavaria; as she has been banished to a convent, since her father was not able to arrange a marriage by the groom.  Now her younger sister, Ilsevel is refusing to marry King Vor of Mythanar, and Faraine is called home from the convent to calm her sister and convince her to wed the man her father wants her to marry. 

King Vor agrees to wed princess Ilsevel, because he needs human magic to save his kingdom; as King Larongar is determined to get Vor to help protect their own kingdom.  Faraine is on her way home, and she and her brother are attacked; King Vor with his team comes to their rescue. In a short period, as they head to Gavaria, with them having an instant connection, as their attraction is strong. King Vor is eager to take a human bride, as he is willing to do what is needed to help his people. When he meets the lively and talented, Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement; with the blessing of King Larongar.

When disaster strikes, and Ilsevel and her younger sister, are both killed in an attack by Gavaria’s enemy. King Larongar is determined to keep the marriage alliance, with Faraine now being forced to take her sister’s place; as a mage helps to change Faraine face to look like her sister. When she travels with Lyria to become King Vor’s new wife, as his Queen; she continues to wear a veil to keep her facial change. The wedding night approaches, with Vor and Faraine succumbing to their sexual feelings.  But Vor will discover the truth about Faraine, and all hell will break loose.

Bride of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn and forbidden romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal, sacrifice and death.  The finale was a wild intense ending, leaving us with so many more questions. Bride of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes.  Though there was some bad scenes as we got closer to the end, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

Posted on by
13

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

 

 

Review:

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is the first book in her new The Shards of Magic series.   I loved this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. We meet our heroine, Kenna Heron, who is human, and every 6 years the Fae, 4 women are selected to live a life of luxury within the faerie land of Mistei. Kenna’s best friend was one of those selected, and she goes out of her way to follow the selected, only to find out their lives are in danger; with the 4 missing, Kenna becomes trapped in Mistei to become a handmaiden to the heir of Earth House.

Kenna slowly becomes close to Princess Lara, especially trying to help her survive the dangerous and deadly trials, which each house will need to complete the six trials, to get immortality and magic. Each of the faerie houses are, Fire, Earth, Light, Illusion and Blood. Kenna was strong, in her ability to fight others secretly for Lara, using her cunning intellection in facing grueling and magical tests, as well as monsters; but her sentient dagger was her strongest ally, talking to her mentally; and always needing blood from the victims. 

Kenna will find herself caught up in a secret rebellion against the sadistic King Osric.  She begins to have strong feelings for the rebellion’s leader, Drusten, Fire Prince, which will change as we get closer to the end.  Void Prince, Kellan early on managed to get Kenna to discover the secrets he wants to know about; though as truths are revealed, the real culprit becomes a dangerous enemy. This was a very dark story, that is filled with twists, romance, intrigue, betrayal and an evil cruel King.

Servant of Earth was a fantastic story that kept me unable to put the book down, with an exciting plot that had friendship, rebellion, spice, alliances, politics, danger, magic and secrets. Servant of Earth was so very well written by Sarah Hawley.  Kenna was a fantastic heroine, helping to survive the trials and finding a way to overthrow the evil king.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read Servant of Earth, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch – a Review

Posted on by
13

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
In this one-of-a-kind mystery with heart and humor, a hilariously grumpy pony must save the only human he’s ever loved after discovering she stands accused of a murder he knows she didn’t commit.

Pony has been passed from owner to owner for longer than he can remember. Fed up, he busts out and goes on a cross-country mission to reunite with the only little girl he ever loved, Penny, who he was separated from and hasn’t seen in years.

Penny, now an adult, is living an ordinary life when she gets a knock on her door and finds herself in handcuffs, accused of murder and whisked back to the place she grew up. Her only comfort when the past comes back to haunt her are the memories of her precious, rebellious pony.

Hearing of Penny’s fate, Pony knows that Penny is no murderer. So, as smart and devious as he is cute, the pony must use his hard-won knowledge of human weakness and cruelty to try to clear Penny’s name and find the real killer.

This acutely observant feel-good mystery reveals the humanity of animals and beastliness of humans in a rollicking escapade of epic proportions.

 

 

Review:

Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch is a unique standalone novel about a Pony and his former owner, Penny.  Years have passed, and Penny has never forgotten her childhood memories of her love for her Pony, when she was 12 years old: she is now 37 years old.   The story opens when Penny opens the door, and the police are arresting her for a murder, that she may have committed when she was 12 years old.  She is whisked back to Ithaca, NY, where she grew up. 

Pony has constantly been passed over from many different owners, and now he is fed up, determined to find the only girl he ever loved; Penny.   Pony busts out and goes on a cross-country mission to find her. Pony can talk to all animals, and gets help from them, but the mission that he embarks on is a long-drawn-out journey.  It was fun with Pony being one of the narrators, and listening to him talk to the other animals; dog, birds, rat, sparrow, goat, butterflies and other species, who will eventually lead him to where he can find Penny.  Each animal has a distinct personality; including other horses who give Pony advice. Pony will also learn along the way, that Penny is in danger, and he needs to save her.   

Penny works with a law student, as her actual attorney only appears in the courtroom. Slowly, Penny’s memories begin to remember that day 25 years ago, when someone else committed the murder.  Pony also remembers when another horse played a prank on Penny and the boy she was riding with, leaving both stranded in the woods.  Of course, Pony feels guilt, as he is determined to rescue Penny; since she was attacked, and someone was killed; but Penny was not the murderer.  The family moved away, and Penny never was able to say good-bye to her wonderful Pony.

Penny’s daughter pays a big part closer to the end, as she finds Pony, and together they will help Penny discover the two villains who were the true murderers. I really loved Pony, and his friends who helped him to find Penny, and the real culprits. This was a wonderful ending.   Pony Confidential was an interesting and different kind of story, which was so very well written by Christine Lynch.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

Share

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith – Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
19

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

Description:
When a pyrotechnic engineer discovers her biological father is an international criminal, she must work with a sexy CIA agent to take him down in this thrilling adventure rom-com.

Andee Paxton knows she’s good at her job as a fireworks designer. What she doesn’t know is that her biological father is Holt, a dangerous arms dealer who has escaped prison. And now he’s searching for his long-lost daughter-dearest.

After the CIA surprises her with this news, they drop another bombshell: they want to use Andee as bait to capture Holt once and for all. But before the CIA can even attempt to spring their trap, she’s kidnapped along with the very hot Officer Adam Chan—all because they were too busy flirting to worry about silly things like “safety protocol.”

A fake relationship—for their protection, of course—and just a few explosions bring Andee and Chan closer, but there’s more than their growing connection at stake. If Holt’s plan succeeds, the world will be brought to its knees. Andee and Chan must rely on each other to stop him…or else everything (including their feelings for each other) might just blow up in their faces.

 

 

 

Review:

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith is the 2nd book in her My Spy series. The story picks up where it left off, with the CIA still actively on the hunt to find Holt, the dangerous arms dealer. Andee Paxton is very good at her job as a pyrotechnic fireworks engineer and designer; the CIA is aware that Holt is looking for his long-lost biological daughter (Andee). Andee decided to do a DNA test, and learns that Holt, is her real father and a dangerous villain.

CIA Officer Adam Chan meets Andee, who is being set up as bait to catch her father; but to her surprise, she is kidnapped along with Chan (he pretends that he is Andee’s boyfriend). They are both drugged and flown to France, where Holt is hiding. Chan goes out of his way to play pretend boyfriend, as he is sweet and protective; Chan also has a hearing disability.  In a short time, they both begin to have feelings for each other.

Andee and Chan must find a way to stop Holt’s evil plans, as well as discover a way to escape, not to mention getting the CIA to help find them. They were trapped in the catacombs by the deranged Holt.   Andee and Chan must rely on each other to trust themselves, to secure their freedom; as well as both of them definitely have chemistry. Using the fake relationship, turned out to be fun, and I really liked them together.  The scary part is Holt’s villainy that will bring upon global destruction and chaos, bringing the world to its knees.  He has created a pill that will kill those who take it, as he is determined to destroy the world.

Mr. Nice Guy was an exciting, action-packed, captivating thriller, with a sweet spy romance story.  Mr. Nice Guy was very well written by Tiana Smith, with a wonderful couple and a steamy romance. If you enjoy a spy drama, I suggest you read Mr. Nice Spy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Tiana Smith’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of MR. NICE SPY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from November 6th to 10th, 2024

 

 

Share

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

Posted on by
14

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells “small” fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

 

 

Review:

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong is a standalone novel, which is a cozy fantasy. Tao, our heroine, is an immigrant fortune teller, who travels with her mule, into many villages, offering only small fortunes.  Tao was born as Shinn, but lived her whole life speaking only fluent Eshteran. The story follows Tao, as she finds herself a new found family, filled with adventure and friendship.

Tao meets Mash, is a mercenary, (who is looking for his 4-year-old missing daughter): and his friend Silt, who is an ex-thief, who is charming, witty and funny.  Together the three of them travel to different villages, with Tao tells small fortunes, with Mash and Silt traveling with her; especially Mash continuing to look for his daughter. After visiting a few villages, they come across with Kina, who is sweet and loves baking, and decides to follow Tao, and become a part of the group. A short time later, we meet Fidelitus, who is a magical cat.  As they continue visiting different villages, they all bond together, as their friendship becomes more like family.

Tao is approached by a mage, who wants her to join the Guild, but she manages to escape, and they all continue to avoid the mages, who are hunting her.  Tao faces prejudice, as she wants nothing to do with the Guild, as she only does small fortunes, knowing privately she does have ability to be a seer, which she avoids at all cost; as Tao is bitter and resentful against the Guild.

Eventually, the army and mage, will find her, and bring her to the Guild, as they need to use her true ability to help read the truths. When Tao meets the High Mage, she learns more secrets that they need her help with.  She realizes that she is able to be a Seer, and help the Guild truly discover if there is war on the horizon.  Tao manages to reveal the truths, and accepts the High Mage allowing her to move on, but be available in future cases.  She manages to get some money, and free her friends, as well as the High Mage willing to find Mash’s missing daughter.

The Teller of Small Fortunes was a warm, wholesome, funny, cozy and wrenching story.  It was an emotional and thoughtful story, that was a terrific read.  The Teller of Small Fortunes was very well written by Julie Leong. A emotional comforting tale, with new found family, and wonderful secondary characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share