Tag Archives: Barb’s Reviews

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

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The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne – a Review

 

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Description:
The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season…

Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he’s just as fiery as his grandfather—and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.

As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.

 

 

Review:

The December Market by RaeAnne Thayne is a sweet romantic Christmas story that takes place in Shelter Springs. We meet Amanda Taylor, who owns the local soap shop, in the town of Shelter Springs, Idaho.  Amanda wasn’t always a fan of Christmas, due to the past in her childhood, especially with her bad father. She runs her store, The Lucky Goat, as well as being the head of the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market during the Christmas holidays.  Amanda keeps tabs on her grandmother Birdie, and goes out of her way to help the community of Shelter Springs. Amanda worries when she notices her grandmother has been hanging around a new resident in the Shelter Inn retirement village.

Rafe Arredondo, is the grandson of Birdie’s suitor, as he is somewhat concerned, though not as much as Amanda is worried.  Rafe has an adorable young son, Issac; as well as being the assistant fire chief and being a paramedic. After an accident on the job, Rafe is told to take a month off, with his broken arm; which finds himself becoming friends with Amanda; and young Isaac is so adorable, with Amanda totally loving him.  Both Rafe and Amanda have had heartaches in their past lives; Rafe having lost his wife due to a drug overdose, and Amanda losing a boyfriend due to a tragedy. 

In a short time, Rafe has strong feelings for Amanda, as they spent a lot of time at the Christmas market together; but Amanda refuses to admit that she is attracted to Rafe.  Both Amanda and Rafe have hard times with emotional issues in their lives, but their attraction continues to keep their paths intertwining.  Isaac was so cute, and he always invited Amanda to come to events, which brings Rafe too.  😊

The December Market was a wonderful, heartwarming romantic Christmas story.  I really like both Amanda and Rafe, and hoped that they would finally give into their love for each other.  The December Market was so very well written by RaeAnne Thayne.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden – a Review

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A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden – a Review

 

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Description:
They must save the world—but can they also save each other?

Kane Ravenwood, King of Onyx Kingdom, would go to the ends of the continent for Arwen Valondale, but what if she’s beyond even that? Broken in ways he never imagined he could be, Kane must find a way to fulfill the prophecy and kill his father, Fae King Lazarus. And after what he’s endured, he’s willing to save Evendell by whatever means necessary—even if that spells his own death.

Little does Kane know, he’s not the only one fighting for revenge. Arwen is no longer afraid to fight—no sacrifice is too great, no enemy too daunting. Now, nothing will stop her from destroying Lazarus and his allies, because she knows if she fails, both realms will be doomed forever.

 

Review:

A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden is the 3rd and final book in her The Sacred Stones romantasy trilogy.  This picks up a few weeks after the end of A Promise of Peridot, with Arwen captured by Lazarus.  Arwen fears Lazarus, as he plans on making her have children as his blood heir; she has been unable to escape, with Lazarus making sure guards are constantly watching her.

Kane, thinking that Arwen is dead, is determined to find the Blade that will kill his father, Lazarus. He leaves behind his team, to find his father; and while sneaks in at the ball, he is shocked to see Arwen, dressed to the hilt, and alive. Kane rescues Arwen, and together they manage to escape and find their way home; to gather their soldiers, and hopefully negotiate with other alliances.

Kane and Arwen return to the Rose Kingdom, with Mari, Griffin, Briar and others that are surprised and happy to see that Arwen is alive. They will need all the help they can get to fight the war against Lazarus.  Arwen (the last full fae blooded born), is destined to kill Lazarus, accepting her fate in a prophecy meant to be her doom; but Kane plans on getting the Blade and ensuring that he is the one who will kill his father, and answer the prophecy of his death.

Arwen becomes so much stronger and a badass (she becomes a Phoenix), believing in herself, and her powers, as well as her confidence and outlook on her life.   Kane loves Arwen so much, that he will do anything to keep her safe. I really loved how much both Arwen and Kane love each other. Great couple. I really liked the found family vibes, with so many of the wonderful characters, such as Mari, Griffin, Dagan, Briar, Wyn, just to name a few. 

What follows is an intense, non- stop action, dragons, war and spice.  Kane is determined to find the Blade that will kill his father and protect Arwen. The last 1/4 of the book was full of adventure, danger, intrigue, fast-paced, twists and turns, with an epic battle at the end.  I was unable to put the book down, as it kept my attention throughout. It was also emotional, as well as steamy; with Kane and Arwen being together.

This was a wonderful romantasy, with the war, exciting, non-stop action filled; and romantic side with the emotional love and spice. The climax and epilogue were great, especially with Kane and Arwen together. A Reign of Rose was so very well written by Kate Golden. I hope that Kate Golden will give us more into this unique world; perhaps Mari/Griffin, Hart Renwick or Aleksander.  Let’s hope, as I do want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery – a Review

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One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery – a Review

 

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Description:
Please don’t come home for Christmas…

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

 

 

Review:

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery is another one of her wonderful Christmas stories.  We meet Julie Parker, who owns a towing company and has two adult children; as well as a boyfriend, who happens to be 12 years younger than her.  With Christmas coming, Julie is looking forward to spending time with Heath, with her grown up kids making their own plans; but everything is about to change.

Julie’s ex-husband passed away a year ago, and both Nick and Dana have decided to cancel their plans, and instead get the entire family together, to honor their decease father. Nick, who is married to Blair, were planning on going on their belated honeymoon, but Blair is willing to cancel till the spring. Nick has another secret, which he isn’t planning on telling his mom, just yet; he does not want to take over the towing business. Dana, Nick’s sister, is unhappy, because her ex-boyfriend, Axel, whom she is in love with, constantly dumps her, and has done it again. Both Nick and Dana tell their mom they prefer to spend the Christmas holiday at the family’s huge cabin, in memory of their late father, which Julie agrees.  Julie is concerned, as she dreads the reaction from Dana and Nick, when they meet Heath, but when they arrive, they were perfectly fine getting to know Heath. 

The family meets at the cabin, where they will gather for 10 days; as the guest list continues to grow.  Nick and Blair, Dana, Heath and his two young kids, Blair’s mother Gwen (who was a terrible mother to her over the years), Blair’s uncle Peter, Huxley, co-worker friend, Heath’s ex-wife Tiffany, comes a bit later, when her boyfriend dumped her, and Axel, makes a later visit when he was hurt.  I actually enjoyed meeting all the family/friends/coworkers, who were all so wonderful. 

One Big Happy Family was a wonderful delightful story that made for a fun merry Christmas, even with some complications along the way.  The story was so much fun, with a lot of humor, a bit wild and crazy, some drama, and even chaos.  I loved everything about this enjoyable holiday story line.  One Big Happy Family was so very well written by Susan Mallery.  I suggest you read, One Big Happy Family, as you can never go wrong reading anything by Susan Mallery.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The House at Watch Hill (Watch Hill) by Karen M Moning-dual review

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The House at Watch Hill (Watch Hill Trilogy 1) by Karen M Moning-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 1, 2024

Zo Grey is reeling from the sudden death of her mother when she receives a surprising call from an attorney in Divinity, Louisiana, with the news she has been left an inheritance by a distant relative, the terms of which he will only discuss in person. Destitute and alone, with nothing left to lose, Zo heads to Divinity and discovers she is the sole beneficiary of a huge fortune and a monstrosity of a house that sits ominously at the peak of Watch Hill—but she must live in it, alone, for three years before the house, or the money, is hers.

Met with this irresistible opportunity to finally build a future for herself, Zo puts aside her misgivings about the foreboding Gothic mansion and the strange circumstances, and moves in, where she is quickly met by a red-eyed Stygian owl and an impossibly sexy Scottish groundskeeper.

Her new home is full of countless secrets and mystifying riddles, with doors that go nowhere, others that are impossible to open, and a turret into which there is no visible means of ingress. And the townspeople are odd…

What Zo doesn’t yet know is that her own roots lie in this very house and that in order to discover her true identity and awaken her dormant powers, she will have to face off against sinister forces she doesn’t quite comprehend—or risk being consumed by them.

•••••

Sandy’s review:THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL is the first instalment in Karen Marie Moning’s contemporary, adult WATCH HILL dark, paranormal trilogy focusing on twenty-four year old Zo Grey and the residents of Divinity Louisiana.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person (Zo and Alisdair) using present day, journal entries, and personal letters THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL follows in the wake of the death of two members of Zo’s family: Zo’s mother Joanna Grey, as well as a distant relative Juniper Cameron. As the sole living heir to her great aunt Juniper’s bloodline Zo Grey is invited to Divinity, Louisiana where she will discover that she is descended from a long line of powerful beings, and as such, the latest target of the townsfolk of Divinity but Zo has yet to come into her powers, powers that our heroine will struggle to control. From dark and light witches, and a warm vampire witch, Zo will come face to face with an uncertain future when the town takes aim at our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on Zo Grey’s foray into a world she knew nothing about. Hidden most of her life, always on the run with her ailing mother, Zo will soon discover, with the help of her best friend Este Hunter, and a haunting grimoire , the truth is much more heart breaking and anger-inducing than she could have ever imagined. Zo is a strong-willed, young woman whose life is changing rapidly.

There is a large ensemble cast of magical, powerful and determined secondary and supporting characters all of whom has varying degrees of magic and power. We are introduced attorney James Balfour, groundskeeper Devlin Blackstone, Rufus the owl, and Kellan. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and manipulation, magic and mayhem, family and friendships. The premise is captivating, enchanting and dramatic; the characters are magical and powerful. There are two men vying for Zo’s attention but their true intention may be something more nefarious than a one-night stand. THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

________

Barb’s Review: The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning is the first book in her new Watch Hill Trilogy. We meet Zo Grey, who is 24 years old, and grieving the sudden death of her mother; and seriously in debt, with multiple jobs. She receives a surprising phone call from an attorney in Divinity, Louisiana, as she has been left an inheritance by an unknown relative (she never knew), Juniper Cameron. Zo decides to drive to Divinity to meet the attorney, James Balfour, to learn about the inheritance.   She discovers that she is the sole beneficiary of a huge fortune, as well as a gothic manor house, built on Watch Hill. There are some terms; she must live in the house for three years, she will be paid 1 million dollars for the first and second years, and at the end of the three years, she will inherit 140 million, including all assets from Juniper Cameron.  The attorney, James Balfour, becomes her right-hand man, who will protect her against the many townsfolks who do not accept her.   

Zo learns more about the witch coven, who are part of Divinity, which has a dark history, with warring clans, and powerful enemies, which also include witches, covens, vampires, shapeshifters; and a ongoing battle between light and dark magic.  Kovan, is a 13-witch family with 169 members.  Zo is expected to become the leader, once she learns everything, including the magical powers that continue to increase.  Zo will need to get experience and training to fight her enemies.  Will she survive, as the witch clans will do anything to kill her.

Zo has been through a lot, especially waiting for the 7 days and nights until she is allowed to open a letter from Juniper, explaining her responsibilities, the town history, and more about her magical powers. Zo learns the secrets within the house, which will awaken her dormant powers. She will have to face off against sinister forces in Divinity that are determined to stop her from reaching her powerful potential. Zo finds herself lusting after Devlin, the Scottish groundskeeper, who also wants to protect her from evil.  I really did like James Balfour, Devlin and Rufus, the owl.

The House on Watch Hill is a fabulous dark fantasy, with a bit of mystery, danger, romance, sex, magic story line. It was very exciting as we get close to the end, which does end with a cliff-hanger.  The House at Watch Hill was so very well written by Karen Marie Moning.  I can’t Wait for the next book in this trilogy. 

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A Grim Reapers Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara-Review

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A Grim Reapers Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara-Review


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Description:
Sometimes it takes working with the dead to start living.

Kathy Valence is forty-two, mid-divorce, and pregnant with her ex’s baby. She’s also a modern-day grim reaper employed by S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences), but frankly that’s the easiest part of her life right now. Or at least it was, until her latest client’s soul goes missing.

When she finally tracks down seventeen-year-old Conner Ortiz, he angrily denies he died of natural causes, despite what his file says. He insists that someone at S.C.Y.T.H.E. murdered him, and he demands Kathy find out who and why.

Kathy has only forty-five days to figure out what happened to Conner and help him move on before the boy’s soul is doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever. She’s forced to rely on the help of her retired mentor, her almost ex-husband—and some sneaky moves by Conner himself. This is the wildest case of her career. . .and one wrong move could cost Kathy her job, not to mention her life.

 

 

Review:

A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxi Dara is an exciting paranormal story.  We meet Kathy Valence, who is 42years old, and in the midst of a divorce, even though her husband, Simon is thrilled that she is pregnant.  She is a modern-day grim reaper, who works for SCYTHE (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences (souls)). Her job is to collect a newly deceased person’s soul for processing to the afterlife; she is very successful at her job.

Kathy is assigned to case number 507032, who is known as Conner Ortiz, who was killed.  Conner is 17 years old, and Kathy cannot find him.  When she eventually discovers him, he tells her that he was murdered by someone wearing a SCYTHE badge. Connor at first was hostile, but in time, he was willing to work closely with Kathy, and find out who murdered him. Kathy’s mentor Jo, as well as her ex-Simon will also help her find out what is going on in the SCYTHE offices. Time is of essence, as Connor has a 45 day window, where if he doesn’t make it, his soul would be doomed to roam the Earth as a ghost forever.

I really liked Kathy, as well as Simon, who was very much still in love with Kathy, especially now that she was pregnant.  Her mentor Jo, was also lots of fun.  Kathy and Connor did become close, as she was determined to find a way to save him. They are racing against the clock, with Kathy, Jo, Simon and Connor investigate those who may be from the SCYTHE people; as she uncovers clues that could reveal what is happening.  I do not want to give any more information, as it could ruin the story for you. 

What follows is an exciting tense climax, with a few twists and turns along the way.  A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was a fun story, with some humor, mystery, suspense and a bit of romance.  A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer was very well written by Maxi Dara.  As noted, this was a fun enjoyable story line, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

                                  438 Melrose Court

I tapped the address in my file with the lid of the pen I’d been chewing on. Beside the front door of the sandy beige new build, swirly metal numerals confirmed my location. Four three eight. Weird. Definitely the right number, but this was all wrong. I turned from the house and glanced down the manicured lawn to the street sign across the road. It promised in no uncertain terms that this was Melrose Court, just as it was supposed to be. I shut my file with a defeated sigh and went back in through the open door a second time.

“Hello?” I called yet again as I stomped through the kitchen. It was a kitchen that belonged on a show about kitchens more than in somebody’s house: clean and white and open-concept, leading out into the high-ceilinged living room beyond. The “after” on a home renovation show. Not even a spoon in the sink or a crumb on the countertops. Which made the body sprawled across the tiled floor look even more out of place.

Now, slap a corpse on the floor of my dingy apartment kitchen and you wouldn’t bat an eye, at least in my line of work. But in a place like this, a dead body really spoils the ambience.

I rounded the island and reopened my file.

Case # 507032

Conner Mateo Ortiz

Age: 17

Cause of death: Seizure

Time to Collect: 4:30 p.m.

“Conner?” My voice ricocheted off the stainless steel and marble surrounding me. I crouched by the body and attempted to hover in a squat, but my left knee protested my weight with a defiant pop, and I wobbled forward. “Nope, nope, nope,” I muttered to myself, “no falling on bodies today. Not after last time.” I lowered myself to my steadily widening bum by 507032’s head. His rich brown locks fell over one closed eye, a spattering of freckles on his nose. I sighed, one hand at my stomach. Poor kid. He looked younger than his age lying there, long lashes pressed above bronze cheeks still full with the last remnants of baby fat. I’d found his basement bedroom not ten minutes earlier; a gallery of posters and mess and potential. It always felt wrong when they were young. Like their bodies should still have some life left in them. But of course, they didn’t. That’s why I was there.

Still, he was going to make me late, and the last man to make me late was the very reason I needed to get back to the office and then on my way home on time.

“Conner?” I tried again. Nothing. The house shuddered at my voice and fell still.

My phone vibrated in my back trouser pocket and I nearly puked, though I wasn’t entirely sure the two were related. I scrambled for the phone and hauled myself to my feet.

Simon. He got the table for six thirty instead of seven. Of course he did. Shit. If we weren’t already in the middle of a divorce, I’d consider filing over this.

This wasn’t the way it normally worked-the way it always worked. Death, for all its unpredictability and unknowns, was remarkably routine on my end. It was one of the things I loved most about my job. Someone under my department’s jurisdiction dies, I get the paperwork, carry out the collection, write up a report for Stu, and am on the couch watching Family Feud with a bowl of canned tomato soup by five thirty. That’s how it was, how it always had been for the six years I’d been a Collections Agent with S.C.Y.T.H.E. But somehow today was different. Case 507032 was different.

I glanced back over the boy. My client files were always pared down to need-to-know information, and in my position, there isn’t much I need to know. But it seemed clear enough from the body-long-limbed and dressed in faded jeans and a gray hoodie-that aside from his family’s apparent wealth, 507032 was your average, unremarkable teenaged boy. So the question was, why wasn’t he here?

I did a second tour through the house, Conner Ortiz’s name bouncing back to me in my own voice from the high ceilings of every starkly furnished room. By the time I’d circled back into the kitchen, it was after five.

“Conner,” I said into the definitively empty house, “I’m sorry.”

I closed my file for the last time and left 438 Melrose Court.

Excerpted from A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara Copyright © 2024 by Maxie Dara. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

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THE WRAITH KING by Juliette Cross-dual review

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THE WRAITH KING (The Rise of Northgall 1) by Juliette Cross-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2024

A brutal, bloody war against the ruthless Wraith King has cost the light fae more than innocent lives. Una Hartstone, Princess of Issos, learns the price the Wraith King demands to end the war once and for all. Her. In exchange for the safety of her people, she agrees to give her life-and her body-to her greatest enemy.

Gollaya Verbane is determined to fulfill his destiny and his god’s prophecy. When his seer points to the Princess of Issos as the key to the rise of the dark fae, he demands her submission. But when she finally yields, he realizes Una is much more to him than a priceless weapon.

A mystery that has haunted Una for years awakens when she is abducted and dragged back to Näkt Mir. The palace hides many dark secrets…and at least one traitor. A traitor determined to take King Goll’s throne-and all he possesses. What he doesn’t know is that Una’s magick is more powerful than he can imagine, and that Goll will burn the whole world to save her.

••••••

Sandy’s Review: THE WRAITH KING is the first instalment in Juliette Cross’ adult THE RISE OF NORTHGALL paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is soon to be King, Prince Gollaya ‘Golla’ of Northgall, and Princess Tiarrialuna ‘Luna’ Hartstone Verbane’s story line.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives including Luna and Golla, THE WRAITH KING follows in the wake of the forced relationship between our story line couple. Approximately five years earlier, moon Fae Princess Luna was a prisoner of the Wraith King, a spoil of war but her would-be rescuer would eventually become both her enemy and lover. Fast forward five years, Luna is once again a prisoner of the Wraith King but in the wake of his murder, his son Gollaya would ascend to the throne, claiming Luna as his Mizrah, his future bride. To avoid the annihilation of her people, who have already been ravaged by the plague, Luna agrees to Gollaya’s terms, facing a lifetime of hatred for a man she will never love. Leaving behind her ailing father and brother Baelyn, Luna must endure the humiliation accorded to all Wraith King MIzrah’s, a ceremony meant to ensure the King lay claim to mother of his future children but all is not well within the Northgall Kingdom, a traitor has set sites on our story line heroine.

The world building is detailed and complex with numerous supernatural and paranormal creatures ; ancient gods and goddesses; myths and mythology; madness and murder.

The relationship between Luna and Golla is a forced relationship ; an enemies to lovers relationship predicated upon the spoils of war. Luna struggles in the face of surrendering for the good of her people while Golla is determined to provide an heir for the Northgall people. As Golla struggles to keep his distance, Luna will discover that her fate has been decreed by the gods. Golla knew the moment he met Luna that she would be his destiny, his fate but never expected to force our heroine into a life she knew nothing about.The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and destructive secondary and supporting supernatural characters: fae, sprites, demons, dragons, and an assortment of mythical beasts and gods all with special abilities and powers.

THE WRAITH KING is a story of war and survival, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love. The multi-layered premise is detailed, complex and enchanting; the romance is fated and seductive ; the characters are determined and dynamic. THE WRAITH KING ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

 

________

Barb’s Review: The Wraith King by Juliette Cross is the first book in her Romantasy series, The Rise of Northgall. We meet our heroine, Una (Princess of Issos), who was captured by the evil King, who had her imprisoned and tortured. An old woman, on death’s bed, gave her some of her magical powers; and Una managed to escape.  In another part of the wing, Goll (his father had him captive in a cage), also escapes, and helps the young girl escape with him; as he carried her to freedom, Goll brings her close to her home, and moves on.  Both Una (princess of light fae); Goll will discover each other again 5 years later.

Una once is again captured by the evil Wraith King. Goll has been builting his own army, to defeat his father, the evil King.  When he learns that the young girl, he rescued 5years ago, was captured, he is determined to save Una, and kill his father.  Now King Goll (dark fae king), combines Northgall and Lumera under his control, forcing Una to become his Miszar (wife), and produce him an heir.  She finally agrees, to save her people from war, especially with a bad plague affecting those in Lumera.  In a short time, when they consummate their marriage, love will soon follow, as they both open hearts; with a prophecy and quests that lead to their destiny.

I loved Una and Goll together, they made such a wonderful unique couple.  Una turned into a fantastic heroine, always caring about her people, generous, loyal and her powers evolving. Goll was also very good, being strong, independent and totally in love with Una. Drakmir, (Goll’s Dragon) was wonderful, with Una loving him.  I also loved all the wonderful secondary characters that were part of Goll’s group, who were all great; especially I adored Hava. We did discover that a traitor was within their team, a bit closer to the end.   To say too much more would be spoilers.

The last half of the book was an exciting adventure, filled with many quests to find the missing ‘words’ to reveal the truths to bring the light and dark fae together; with the final climax a wild ending.  The Wraith King was a fantastic story, with non-stop action, twists, betrayal, as well as having gods, goddesses, myths and mythology. The Wraith King was so very well written by Juliette Cross.  If you enjoy a romantasy story line, filled with intrigue, prophecy, violence and sexy, you need to read The Wraith King.

 

Copy supplied for review

Juliette calls lush, moss-laden Louisiana home where the landscape curls into her imagination, creating mystical settings for her stories. She has a B.A. in creative writing from Louisiana State University, a M.Ed. in gifted education, and was privileged to study under the award-winning author Ernest J. Gaines in grad school. Her love of mythology, legends, and art serve as constant inspiration for her works. From the moment she read JANE EYRE as a teenager, she fell in love with the Gothic romance–brooding characters, mysterious settings, persevering heroines, and dark, sexy heroes. Even then, she not only longed to read more novels set in Gothic worlds, she wanted to create her own.

Juliette is a multi-published author, including her Nightwing series with Kensington Publishing and The Vessel Trilogy with Samhain Publishing.

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The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan – a Review

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The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan – a Review

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Description:
To the outside world, Imogen is a marketing dynamo. Her colleagues don’t know that while her high-achieving professional image is real, the happy childhood stories she spins are as fake as her pretend enthusiasm for Christmas. Working 24/7 has always been her solution to surviving the festive season—until burnout leads to a catastrophic blunder.

Suddenly, Imogen is handed a holiday gift she definitely doesn’t want: enforced time off work to recuperate. Then an invitation arrives from her favorite client, Dorothy, to stay at her guest cottage in the Cotswolds. From the thatched roof to the cozy open fireplace, Holly Cottage is a picture-perfect haven… Can it provide the fresh start Imogen so desperately needs?

For Dorothy, helping Imogen offers a longed-for chance to make reparations for her own past. But as her daughter Sara keeps reminding her, it brings risks, too. Yet Dorothy knows that only a leap of courage will allow her family to grow and heal. And perhaps this Christmas, with Dorothy’s help, the new life that Imogen is slowly piecing together could be better than anything either of them could imagine…

 

 

 

Review:

The Holiday Cottage by Sarah Morgan was a wonderful heartwarming modern Christmas story. We meet Imogen, who is very successful and happy in her marketing job; as she devotes all of her time to her job and clients.  Privately everything she reveals to her co-workers are in actuality illusions; such having, a boyfriend, family, and a dog.   Imogen had a terrible childhood, with a mother, Tina, who wanted nothing to do with her daughter, other than giving her money.  When Imogen is called to the hospital to visit her mother, she is late to a work-related project; which leads to her boss telling her she is burnt out, and needs to take a break for month away from her job.

Dorothy is one of Imogen’s favorite clients, and when she learns that Imogen is taking a break, she offers her to come to Cotswolds, and stay at her picturesque guest Holly Cottage for the month, which is close to Dorothy’s house.  Imogen accepts the invitation, where she will spend the Christmas holidays at the cottage.  Dorothy seeks her own redemption of her past, which will also change Imogen’s life forever.  Dorothy’s daughter Sara, who lives close by, with two children and her husband; as she fears that the secrets of the past, could cause a crumbling effect, if truths are revealed.

Imogene is thrilled to be able to stay at the cottage during the holiday season, and when she meets Dorothy’s family at the house, she accidently sees photos of her mother, and Dorothy’s family.  Imogene is shocked, and leaves the house, planning to go home; but when she slips in the snow, she is rescued by Miles and his dog. Imogen will learn from Miles many of the truths from the past, which make her willing have Miles and the dog help her go back to the cottage, where Sara and Dorothy find her.  As both Sara and Dorothy open their hearts revealing how they loved her, before Tina took her away. 

Slowly, Imogene learns the truths, and together Imogen, Sara and Dorothy will forge a bond, that brings them together, as a family.  Imogen realizes that her mother, was evil, and took away the family she never knew she had.  Her relationship with Miles also changes things, as they both will find love; not to mention the wonderful addition of the dog. 

The Holiday Cottage was a wonderful heartwarming story of family, friendship, hope, love, and discovering to cherish to their new found bond that will enrich their lives.   The Holiday Cottage is so very well written by Sarah Morgan. This was a captivating story filled with many emotions along the way.  I suggest you read The Holiday Cottage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel – a Review

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The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel – a Review

 

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Description:
Alfred Smettle is not your average Hitchcock fan. He is the founder, owner, and manager of The Hitchcock Hotel, a sprawling Victorian house in the White Mountains dedicated to the Master of Suspense. There, Alfred offers his guests round-the-clock film screenings, movie props and memorabilia in every room, plus an aviary with fifty crows.

To celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, he invites his former best friends from his college Film Club for a reunion. He hasn’t spoken to any of them in sixteen years, not after what happened.

But who better than them to appreciate Alfred’s creation? And to help him finish it.

After all, no Hitchcock set is complete without a body.

 

 

Review:

The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel is an exciting, intense suspense novel. We meet Alfred Smettle, who is the founder, and owner of The Hitchcock Hotel; a Victorian house in the White Mountains, which is also close to the college that he and his friends went to. Alfred is fanatic on anything by Alfred Hitchcock, making the hotel a masterpiece dedicated to his favorite director; with pictures, paraphernalia and special themed rooms. 16 years have passed since his college days, and Alfred decides to have a reunion at his hotel. He sends an invitation to 5 of his friends, who are now adults.

Zoe, who is a successful chef, has a problem with being sober.  She also dislikes Alfred, suspecting he did something bad in the past. TJ, works as a bodyguard, having added muscle over the years, he secretly is involved with one of the females.  Julius was always nasty to Alfred during their school days. Samira, is happily married with children, and runs a sex toy business.  Grace is happily married with a wealthy husband, as she also holds secrets from the past. Then there is Danny, an elderly assistant to Alfred, who helps him execute his plans, as well as spy on the visitors; but she too has her own secrets.

At first, I thought the first half was a bit slow, but that did change in the second half, which turned into and exciting thriller, with some twists and surprises.  On another note, I frankly did not like any of the characters, as each had their own issues, and not really likeable; but I guess we were not supposed to like them. Lol   At the college, they all spent a lot of time partying, drinking and not really dependable; as there were POV’s for each of the friends, learning more about their days at the college.

What follows, especially in the second half of the book, are a number of red herrings, with twists and turns, as all of them had their own bad secrets.  Alfred intended to give his old friends a taste of the past. The big surprise happens in the middle of the book, taking everyone by surprise. But the end was a shock, even though I sort of suspected who the culprit was.  The Hitchcock Hotel was entertaining and intense, with by the end of the night, one doesn’t survive and the other is the murderer.

 

 

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