Tag Archives: Carmen

Hush by Carey Baldwin – a Review

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Hush by Carey Baldwin – a Review

 

Hush

Links to order Hush: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
Reformed bad boy Charlie “Drex” Drexler returns to his hometown of Tangleheart, Texas hoping to make peace with his dark past and make amends to those he’s wronged. He’s also looking to reconnect with an old flame. But Anna won’t cooperate, new questions tear open old wounds and his best friend’s wife and baby disappear. Can Drex and Anna mend their broken hearts while fighting for their lives and racing to bring mother and baby home safely?

 

Review:
I could not wait to read Hush by Carey Baldwin!  Do you remember how I gushed over First Do No Evil (I’m sure you can access it here, by the way!)?  I put the family to bed (Albert didn’t need much prodding) and sunk right in!  It started off so descriptive, so lovely, so swoon-worthy…I tweeted my love for it before I was done with the first chapter!  Without further delay…Charlie Drexler ran away from his problems 6 years ago, but breaking hearts left deadly impressions and he’s back in Tangleheart, Texas to right those wrongs.  Will the town be so welcoming?  Anna, aka “the one who got away”, sure isn’t.  And the more Charlie looks at her and calls her “Peaches”, the more she’s fighting herself for resisting!  Once you meet Charlie…who would want to?!

Anna Kincaid was the turned-down page corner in the book of Charlie Drexler’s life.  With a placeholder like Anna he had to question his decision to skip ahead in the first place.  

In all fairness, the suicide of Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, Megan, was the impetus behind his departure.  What weighed heaviest on his conscience, however, was that his too quick escape resulted in losing contact with his best friend, Anna.  Back in Tangleheart (pretty apropos), Charlie is resigned to facing his demons.  

What he hadn’t prepared for was this.  This neutral look on her face.  This indifferent demeanor.  It was as if Anna simply didn’t care one way or another that he’d returned to her determined to find out what he’d missed.  It was as if the girl who’d looked up to him, who’d, let’s face it, worshipped him, didn’t care one way or another that he’d come home.

Yeah, I like Anna already, too! 😀  This mild-mannered librarian is no wilting flower although her personal story is imbued with quiet suffering.  Charlie sets out to apologize and pour his heart out to Anna.  The process wasn’t handled in a typical way so conventional to romance novels.  Charlie was messed up, pure and simple.  When he broke up with Megan, she killed herself.  Instead of “manning up”, he left to enlist in the army and forget the past.  Trouble with forgetting the past?  You can’t forget the past.  Surely Charlie could have written a letter, sent an email at the very least?  Yeah, Anna (and I) want all those questions, and more, answered.  As charming as Charlie is (he serves up some steam!), Anna deserves the truth.

A back story of gritty suspense (Ms. Baldwin writes it so well!) begins when Charlie begins to detangle the last 6 years.  Megan had been cheating on Charlie…Megan never left a suicide note…Megan’s mother started receiving five hundred dollars every two weeks following her daughter’s death…These pursuits of truth added great tension and the revelations completely delivered satisfaction.  I got caught up in the mystery…started theorizing on my own.  I was way off, but isn’t that the beauty of a thriller?!  You will learn it all and realize that Ms. Baldwin’s writing is so effortless and finessed, you should read all her work, follow her on Twitter, become her friend on Goodreads, Like her on Facebook, etc.

My only criticism is that the book was just shy of 100 pages.  After enduring so much anguish, Charlie and Anna deserve an uncomplicated future…and sequel?  I’d sure read it!  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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Tonya Burrows – Wilde Nights in Paradise Guest Post & Review

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Wilde Nights in Paradise by Tonya Burrows – Guest Post & Review

 

wilde nights in paradise

Links to order Wilde Nights in Paradise:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
He’ll guard her body all night long.

Former Marine Jude Wilde’s motto has always been “burn bridges and never look back,” so nobody is more surprised when Wilde Security is hired to protect assistant district attorney Libby Pruitt, the woman he loved and left. Although she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with Jude, they’re forced to fake a relationship for her safety. He can’t ignore the heat still simmering between them, and when her stalker’s threats escalate to attempted murder, he’s left with no choice but to whisk her away to a friend’s safe house in Key West, FL. 

Cooped up in paradise together, Jude begins to chip away at Libby’s resolve to hate him. But even as she gives in to his proximity and her body’s demands for his, she refuses to fall for his charms again. Maybe a torrid affair in the sun is exactly what she needs to get him out of her system. But when her stalker tracks them down, can they escape the steamy Key West night without anyone getting hurt?

 

Review:
Wilde Nights in Paradise, a Wilde Security Novel by Tonya Burrows was the best read – a perfect, sexy, summer read!  Jude Wilde “was the family fuck-up and he’d made his peace with that”.  A month out of the Marine Corps lands him in the family P.I. business …bored as hell…until his former colonel and would’ve been/should’ve been father-in-law (refer to f-up label), shows up to hire him as his daughter’s personal bodyguard.  Someone is stalking Libby, she’s the assistant district attorney, and the threats have escalated to menacing levels.  How the heck is Jude supposed to be professional when Libby wants to kill HIM for breaking her heart?  Laying on the charm…reminding/demonstrating moments from their passionate past…all solid ideas.  😀  I devoured this book!    

The story begins in Washington D.C….8 years after Jude walked out of Libby’s life…2 days after proposing and putting a ring on her finger!  Who does that?!  It takes a loooong (but delicious and eventful time) to get to the truth.  When Jude shows up unannounced and dives right in for the feigned reconciliation (of course dad didn’t consult Libby on this genius plan), well hell hath no fury and all that!  Jude and Libby are shaken by their reactions to each other, but do their best to exude indifference (and suffer quietly).   

“Personal feelings don’t factor into anything for you, do they?  You avoid emotion like leprosy.”

“Pretty much.  Emotion is messy.”

When push comes to shove (a car literally runs them down), Jude opts to take Libby out of town to a friend’s house in Key West, Fl., until the stalker is in custody.  Falling into comfortable communication isn’t easy; their exchanges are simultaneously hilarious and bittersweet because it’s easier to point fingers and be snarky than face the aftermath of their broken engagement.  A subject neither one of them will broach. 

To be honest, the book then focuses on the tension of their living situation.  How can they continue to resist each other when they’re finding a new, healthy rhythm?  Broker an arrangement…or better yet, a plea bargain?   

…”You robbed me of eight years of my sexual life.  You owe me one night.”

…”Just one?”

“Yes that’s all.  I’m tired of pretending I’m not still attracted to you.  Since we have to live together for the foreseeable future, I want to get it out of the way now.”…

”But, Libs, you’ve been doing it all wrong if you think one night will satisfy either of us.”       

There…I’ve said too much!  At fewer than 200 pages, Ms. Burrows admirably delivers so many stories.  Jude’s relationship with his 4 older brothers is overflowing with love and misplaced anger that needs to be addressed (*sniffs*); Jude criticizes Libby’s conservative demeanor, but faces his role in that transformation; Libby finally gets her answers to Jude’s cruelty, but it creates new walls…I am leaving LOTS for you to discover and love.  Think of me when Jude reveals his romantic side with flowers…*sighs*…Oh, yeah, and the stalker culmination, too! 😀

I teased on goodreads about having to rethink my rating system after reading Wilde Nights because I gave it 5 stars…and had just awarded another book the very same.  I meant it both times.  Every story is unique and this one is no exception.  Ms. Burrows wrote a terrific book about honesty, regret, and discovery.  I even read the last scene to Sophia, my 11 year old, because their love story touched my heart.  She swooned, too.  I am crossing my fingers that Ms. Burrows has only begun to tell the story of the Wilde brothers.  Can they all be tamed?

“You should have put your swimsuit on.”

Resignation tinged her sigh.  “I was afraid this would happen if I did.”

“Hate to tell ya, babe, but this was gonna happen even if you were wearing chain mail.”

What are you waiting for?  Go get Wilde!!!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Guest Post

I love to travel.

Seriously, I get itchy feet if I stay in one place too long. My family now just rolls their eyes at me whenever I start talking about a new place I want to visit and/or move to. My current fixation is Florida. Sunshine State, here I come!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the world. I used to hunker down in the elementary school library with books about children from different cultures, fascinated by the glossy photos of girls with gold rings around their necks in South Africa and children releasing paper lanterns down a river in Thailand. I decided I wanted to be an exchange student in high school, and worked toward the goal until my junior year, when I spent six months living in Costa Rica. Since college, I’ve moved eight times in as many years because why stay in one place when there’s so much to out there in the world I haven’t seen yet?

But if there’s one thing I love more than seeing the world, it’s writing about it. To me, a book’s setting is more than a backdrop to the story—it’s a secondary character. It stages the tone and the mood of the book. (Who doesn’t love a steamy night at the beach? Or a cozy snowed-in cabin on a mountainside?) It can present obstacles to the hero and heroine. (Did I mention the snowed-in cabin scenario? That’s one heck of an obstacle.) It also presents unique difficulties to the writer, especially if said writer (me) has never been to Colombia (the setting of my first book, SEAL OF HONOR), or to Key West (the setting of my latest release, WILDE NIGHTS IN PARADISE).

I wish I could do on location research in each of the places I write about, and maybe someday I’ll be able to, but usually a lack of funds or time prevents me.  I do most of my research by reading books and looking at online photos and videos. In the case of WILDE NIGHTS IN PARADISE, I watched a ton of vacation videos on YouTube just to get a feel for the sights and sounds in Key West. For the sexy paddle board scene, I watched an online tutorial to learn the proper techniques. (Um, for paddling boarding part, not the sexy part.) I scrolled through cabin rental listing to see what the houses in Key West look like. I wandered Duval Street using Google Maps. I talked to people who have been there. Then, I crammed as much of my newfound knowledge about the place into the story as I could.

Sometimes setting research satisfies my wanderlust. Most of the time, it only intensifies it. So like I said before: Sunshine State, here I come!

Do you have a favorite setting to read about? Have you ever set down a book and thought, wow, I’d love to visit that place for real?

Big thanks to The Reading Café for having me today!


About the author
Tonya burrowsTonya Burrows | Writing has always been my one true love. I wrote my first novel-length story in 8th grade and haven’t stopped since. I received a B.A. in creative writing from SUNY Oswego and I’m now working on a MFA in popular fiction at Seton Hill University.

When I’m not writing, I spend my time reading, painting (badly), exploring new places, and enjoying time with my family. Give me a good horror movie over a chick flick any day. (And, let’s be honest, I’ll take a bad horror movie too!) I’m a geek at heart and pledge my avid TV fandom to Supernatural and Doctor Who. I’m also a big fan of The Voice. What can I say? Guilty pleasure.​​

I share my life with two dogs and a ginormous cat. We live in a small town in PA, but I suffer from a bad case of wanderlust and usually end up moving someplace new every few years. Luckily, my animals are all excellent travel buddies.

 Author Website: http://www.tonyaburrows.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tonyaburrows

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TonyaBurrows

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Hidden by Selena Laurence – a Review

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Hidden by Selena Laurence – a Review

Hidden

Links to order Hidden: Amazon

Description:
Nick Carlisle comes to Hawaii to hide—from what happened during his service in Afghanistan, from relationships, from his future. Lyndsey Anderson came to Hawaii to hide too—from the man who abused her, from the sacrifices she made, from her dark past. But when Nick meets Lyndsey, Hawaii gets a whole lot hotter, and they find they can’t hide their hearts. As Nick fights to come to terms with what he’s done, Lyndsey struggles to forgive herself for the choices she’s made. But when the dangerous past threatens the beautiful present, can they survive to learn how to love? And who will finally reveal what’s hidden?


Review:

Hidden by Selena Laurence impressed me.  A contemporary love story set against the backdrop of Hawaii can come across as unimaginative, but Ms. Laurence avoids that yardstick by layering her story with dark secrets, painful epiphanies, and a faith that will forever connect Nick and Lyndsey.  

Lyndsey Anderson wants to leave her past behind and settle into the life she’s pieced together “one yard sale at a time”.  Compared to three years ago, Lyndsey’s demanding school schedule, crammed in between her busy work schedule as a waitress, feels like luxury.  Just don’t fall for any guys (her mantra); avoid that complication of the heart.  But when gorgeous Nick Carlisle sits at her table, damn her traitorous heart for leaping to his attention.  This attraction may sound cliché, but I swear it’s not of the predictable variety.  We quickly discover that Nick is just as resistant (more like avoids) exclusivity, but his reasoning is a result of post-war trauma.

Trusting each other doesn’t begin to explain the myriad of problems surrounding, preventing this relationship.  When we start to learn their respective stories, your heart aches for this couple and you pray they figure it out before they lose what they’re building.  Nick suffers from a loss of life in Afghanistan that haunts his ability to be happy again.  Lyndsey’s brutal past at the hands of an ex-boyfriend dictates her fierce privacy.  As unique as their backgrounds are, Nick and Lyndsey unconsciously align themselves in misplaced shame.

“I nodded, thinking that was something we had in common – this aura of damage that seemed to float around our heads like cursed halos.  Maybe it was one of the things that drew me to her; we were both trying so hard to be “normal” when really we were anything but.”

When Nick and Lyndsey finally explore those mounting desires (heartily I might add — Hi-five, Ms. Laurence!) their link is solidified.  That is, until an outside source interferes in the worst way possible.  I didn’t see it coming; I celebrated too early!  L Ms. Laurence disturbs their short-lived peace with chaos and upends their HEA.  The once-strong relationship goes awry, confidence is shaken, and progress halts.  It was painful to read (choking up just remembering), but it allowed Nick and Lyndsey to be proactive about their painful pasts. 

“And maybe the reason you can’t trust me enough is because you can sense that I’m not whole yet.  As much as I love you, I’ve got to get me in order before I can be of use to you or anyone else.”

We are inundated by romance novels and they all deserve a chance (I have found gems over at Amazon!).  What makes this one so special?  Hidden is a cautionary tale about love and facing demons.  It earned my swoon and recommendation for being so well-written and touching on delicate issues that can be of service to all demographics of readers.  I laughed, I screamed, I cried.

“I don’t think we’re going anywhere,” I shot back.

“Would you like us to?”  He stopped and took my elbow so that I had to stop too.

I looked into his incredibly beautiful blue eyes.  “It’s all I’ve ever wanted,” I whispered. 

Awwwww….this book will surprise you!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

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Ward Against Darkness by Melanie Card – a Review

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Ward Against Darkness by Melanie Card – a Review

ward against darkness

Links to order Ward Against Darkness:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Description:
The last thing Ward de’Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can’t allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire. But the mansion is filled with monsters–human and undead–and Ward has no way of telling who’s friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She’s still dead and he’s still alive . . . for now.

Review:

“Come with me.  Whatever time you or I have left…spend it with me.” 

Although Ward remains at odds with his feelings for Celia, she is dead after all, staying together makes more sense.  This is where Melanie Card begins Ward Against Darkness in her Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer series.  Ward arrived just in time to spare Celia the “true” death, but they’re trying to outrun trouble (accused of murdering her father!) and functioning on borrowed time. 

The sequel hits the ground running (it’s literally only been a week since they escaped Celia’s home town of Brawenal).  Seeking refuge from “the house hunched like a misshapen monster” should have sounded warning bells, but before Ward is able to detain Celia’s impetuous nature, he’s assumed the role of Quirin Dagenhart…an apprentice-hopeful to serve Macerio Sanz de Cortia, a dark necromancer and current leader of the Innecroestri.  Basically, the exact opposite of everything the long, powerful line of de’ Ath necromancers Ward hails from (clever, Ms. Card!) and taught him since his gift of reanimating the dead began.  Riiiight…Problem is (and there are just SO MANY in this book!), Ward broke his own sacred rule when he “woke” Celia in the debut novel, Ward Against Death:

“Wakes were acceptable.  They were only for a few minutes, and couldn’t upset the balance between life and death.  But any spell that lasted longer, without the proper research, risked throwing everything out of balance.”

Well that’s exactly what Macerio wants in an apprentice and Celia’s “impeccable” unlife (Ward performed a complicated spell) have thrown Ward in the lead.  Yikes!  Problem is (I told you there were many!), Ward, the “reluctant necromancer”, doesn’t think he’s truly gifted; he improvised on the components of Celia’s spell and is frankly shocked it’s held (her vitality and appearance is completely realistic).  But for how long (another one of those pesky problems!)???  Macerio recognizes the flaws in Celia’s spell, but Ward/Quirin has to feign confident genius to earn trust…and ultimately steal three evil grimoires from the proverbial lion’s den.  The action just builds and builds…I’m exhausted!

It’s really quite exciting and interesting.  Ok, the first book threw me for a loop with the multi-layered world building.  I was frankly lost and highlighted my Kindle like mad.  LOTS of unfamiliar history and terminology tends to do that to a reader.  But consider this Ms. Card’s personal invitation to learn about necromancy, the veil, Quayestri, vesperitti, etc…The wonderful writing and engaging story lines, will grip draw your attention.  Stay and enjoy the fruits of her labor!  Do not miss out on this series!

As a lover of romance and HEAs, my only criticism is the lack OF it in the story.  Ward and Celia share two kisses in the introductory novel, but barely spend time together in the sequel.  Like I said, they are surrounded, deep in IT, that they’re off trusting other people; forgetting that this journey began with the “wake” that was only supposed to last 15 minutes, but has indelibly altered their lives.  Sure, they spend a lot of time denying those feelings and having multitudes of inner dialogue that usually end up avoiding resolution, but they never find the right time to make good use of their indefinite period of time.  Ugh.  Even having said that, man did I love this couple!

Ms. Card has done a brilliant job with this series and I strongly recommend it for everyone to read.  I’ve left out a lot purposefully (it’s extraordinarily difficult to read two books and only review one!), but one of the persons Ward trusted…well, let’s say it was an error in judgment of epic proportions and as a necromancer, it’s Ward’s responsibility to track her down and right the wrong.  Ward unintentionally severed a “soul chain”…creating yet another metaphysical anomaly…Good thing badass Celia (I SO omitted how awesome and tough she is; you are going to love her noble background and assassin ways!, WHAT?!), has no plans to leave Ward’s side.  MY plan?  Pre-order Ward Against Disaster and hope Ms. Card keeps me in mind for that review!!!    

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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Blurred by Tara Fuller – a Review

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Blurred by Tara Fuller – a Review

Blurred

Links to order Blurred: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Review:

I was excited to write this review because the sooner it was posted, the faster word would spread about this terrific world created by Tara Fuller.    In Fuller’s first book of her Kissed by Death series, Inbetween, we learn from the title of the introductory novel, is a “holding pen” and a primary setting for our supernatural characters:

“You might think of it as a sort of purgatory.  A type of limbo for souls who don’t quite belong in Heaven or Hell yet.”   

Blurred (the sequel) begins at a pivotal fire scene at the conclusion of Inbetween involving Cash and Anaya, the best friends of the original couple.  Cheesy?  After layers of the story are revealed, you will let out a resounding NO in response.   

Anaya is a soul reaper.  A spirit herself (as a result of good intentions), she is charged with freeing souls from the recently departed destined for heaven.  When Cash’s life is about to end, instead of performing her customary act of reaping, Anaya receives a contradictory order from Balthazar, the keeper of the afterlife:

“Not this one, Anaya.  This one is special.  No matter what, you will ensure that he stays in his flesh.”

As a result of the interference, Cash is suddenly exposed to the spirit world and it’s far from beautiful.  Black, nefarious shadows stalk and surround Cash with a deadly purpose.  Unbeknownst to Cash, these “shadow demons” recognize a kindred spirit.

“You’re balancing on this tightrope between life and death, a side effect of putting you back in your body at the fire.  These shadows are attracted to the scent of death and the emotions that accompany it.  The closer you get to death, the more appealing you seem.”      

Against her will (and more interesting wishes she TRIES to ignore), Anaya realizes her compliance in Balthazar’s plan is slowly killing Cash.

“I realized that I was giving something back to this boy, but it didn’t feel like it.  It felt like I was taking everything away.”

And in the exploration of those feelings (we did see Anaya surreptitiously sneak longing glances at Cash in the first book), Anaya can no longer deny a deep attraction.  Talk about spectacular revelations! 

This was a lovely story about surrendering to love, but I must admit it didn’t grab me as much as Finn and Emma from Inbetween.  While a bit of a scandal makes up their story, there was an undeniable draw to each other that made rule-breaking acceptable…and I’m a mom!  😀  Cash and Anaya have a rather special connection, even more profound than the original couple’s, but it developed rather slowly and with a bit of an “ick” factor FOR ME:  Anaya’s a 1,000 year old spirit and Cash is a 17 year old boy.  I am leaving out the particulars of what makes their relationship unique because I am not a spoiler, but because they’re rather significant, maybe it’s just MY own quirk?  I did mention the revelation was spectacular, right?  You decide. 

A tug of war back story keeps Cash’s life on the proverbial fence; where his desire to live or die begins to blur.  He’s living in an expired body and his options are running out:  Side with Balthazar (and Anaya) or join the underworld…embracing his role as a shadow walker? 

I really don’t want this to be over!  Ms. Fuller impressed me with Inbetween and Blurred, but there’s just so much more to discover.  Not only do I believe Balthazar’s story is begging to be told, but Easton, a secondary character, fellow reaper, and total badass, is quietly stealing hearts in the background.  Ms. Fuller’s voice was a breath of fresh air in a climate of stale YA.  I loved how she was able to weave in Finn and Emma without having them take over the story.    Ms. Fuller writes about enduring love stories…love stories that last several lifetimes…*winks*  I recommend this to everyone, but do start at the beginning…to get the full effect. 😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Outcast Prince by Shona Husk-A Review and a Giveaway

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The Outcast Prince by Shona Husk-A Review and a Giveaway

 A giveaway copy to WIN of THE OUTCAST PRINCE at every tour stop.

The Outcast Prince Banner

The Outcast Prince
Court of Annwyn #1
by Shona Husk
Release Date: July 2, 2013

The Outcast Prince

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2013

Just One Taste Is All It Takes…
This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost…
Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: I just finished Outcast Prince by Shona Husk and I’m sorry it’s done. I was such a fan of this book from the introduction of characters; the words started forming rather effortlessly into a glowing review. I hope I do it justice! Set between Charleston, South Carolina and the fairy world of Annwyn, Caspian Mort and Lydia Callaway discover that love doesn’t separate. It’s far from easy; outside influences, personal secrets and immortal beings with their own agendas do tend to make romance difficult. But when it’s meaningful, those obstacles become mere inconveniences.

A product of a dalliance between a human woman and Felan, the fairy Crown Prince of Annwyn, Caspian is a Changeling.
“Somehow his mother had convinced the Prince to let her go and give birth to him in the mortal world. Not a fairy and not quite mortal yet bound by the rules of both worlds.”

As such, Caspian has been allowed to escape the crush of fairy politics, but its lure is still in his blue blood (his magic touch is psychometry, the ability to read objects) and he longs to visit; to meet his father, to ask him why he was abandoned, to revel in all the purported beauty of fairy, but those desires are repressed. A temptation it must remain.

Speaking of temptation, here’s Lydia Callaway. Granddaughter of a prominent family from Charleston, Lydia has hired Caspian to value the famed Callaway House while the estate is in probate. Unprepared for Caspian’s good looks and unique ability to appraise objects, Lydia finds herself drawn to Caspian more than professionally.

Unbeknownst to either one of them, plus they’re too focused on finding each other incredibly attractive, a banished fairy, known as a Grey, has “made” Caspian; not his true parentage, but identified him as a fairy with “the touch” who can help him regain entry to fairy Court. The Window, a missing fairy mirror, when used in connection with the Counter-Window in Annywn, is a secret portal for traveling. If Caspian doesn’t locate the object, the Grey threatens to make life difficult (I referred to this in my opening). When things go awry, and INSIDE Callaway House, which is too close to Lydia, Caspian must make a deal with the Grey…and that arrangement alerts Annwyn…Daddy’s on his way! 😀

Felan as the Crown Prince, and legitimate threat to overthrowing his father the king, agreed to let Caspian be raised in the human world to prevent his son becoming a target for fairy manipulations (they are masters at trickery!). Relegated to clandestine parenting, Felan has provided for Caspian all along with a group of Brownies (another kind of fairy species who choose to live in the mortal world) to keep the Greys away and Dylis, Caspian’s own personal fairy protector of the last 35 years. The relationship between father and son is undoubtedly complicated, but Ms. Husk allows the reader a quality amount of dialogue to discover truths about each other. I was moved by the honesty.

There were aspects that felt overly rushed or lacking in details (Gran Callaway’s funeral services, Caspian’s visit to Annwyn), but there was more than enough to keep me thoroughly involved. Ms. Husk did an excellent job of keeping me on the edge regarding Caspian’s home. The lure of Annwyn was so palpable, so appealing; Caspian’s wavering allegiance almost had me convinced he belonged in the fairy world…almost.

“Fairies couldn’t make someone go against their beliefs or personal morals; all they could do was amplify the need.”

The need was mutual. Lydia was a balm for Caspian’s battered heart and Caspian began to right Lydia’s world after her grandmother’s death (and skeletons in her closet). Ms. Husk didn’t overindulge with the love scenes that have become so common, but thrilled with select intimacies that earned my swooooons. Her writing was purposeful and enticing. Yes, I do plan on devouring her catalog!

And so we arrive at the conclusion. I won’t reveal if the Windows are reunited, or if punishments are dispensed for brokering deals with banished fairies, but I can end this review on a positive note: Lord of the Hunt, Annwyn Book #2, is available next January!!! Trust me, there is SO much to explore. Do Caspian and Lydia travel to Annwyn…will Dylis and her freed mate get a story line…does Felan assume his father’s title of king…moreover, does Felan take a wife…I commend Ms. Husk for the overall story and the fairy world building. It is a setting I hope to visit in my dreams!

And in the end…the love you take…is equal to the love…you make…

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Carmen

About The Author beige

Shona Husk

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

 

 

 

Giveaway beige

The Outcast Prince Road to Annwyn Giveaway!

Shona Husk creates darkly sensual modern fairy tales, and first book in her new series, The Outcast Prince, is no different!

To celebrate, Sourcebooks is giving away copies of this book ALL MONTH LONG!

Each day this month, look for opportunities to win a print copy of The Outcast Prince with bloggers all over the book blogging community. Additionally, there will be a guest blogs and interviews with Shona throughout—a great way to get to know a new author!

The publisher is offering a paper copy of THE OUTCAST PRINCE to one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. The giveaway is OPEN to USA and CANADA only.

3. The giveaway runs from July 5 to July 30, 2013

Blog Tour Schedule

Follow along all month long for a chance to win a copy of this fabulous new romance novel!

7/2          Peeking Between the Pages
7/3          Debbie’s Book Bag  GUEST BLOG
7/4          Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
7/5          The Reading Café
7/7           Book Chick City  GUEST BLOG
7/8          Star-Crossed Romance
7/8          Sassy Book Lovers
7/8          Where the Night Kind Roam
7/9          Reading Between the Wines
7/9          Books-n-Kisses GUEST BLOG
7/10       Bitten By Love Reviews INTERVIEW
7/11       Manga Maniac Café INTERVIEW
7/11       Caffeinated Book Reviewer
7/12       Novels on the Run   INTERVIEW
7/15       Booked and Loaded
7/15       Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell   INTERVIEW
7/16       Book of Secrets   GUEST BLOG
7/17       Book Monster Reviews   GUEST BLOG
7/18       Thoughts in Progress
7/18       Anna’s Book Blog   INTERVIEW
7/18       Proserpine Craving Books
7/21       Book Lovin’ Mamas
7/22       RomFan Reviews
7/22       Night Owl Reviews   GUEST BLOG
7/23       The Royal Reviews   INTERVIEW
7/25       Fresh Fiction   GUEST BLOG
7/26       Romancing the Book  INTERVIEW
7/29       Urban Girl Reader   INTERVIEW
7/30       SOS Aloha   INTERVIEW

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The Golden Sword by Rosie Morgan – a Review

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The Golden Sword by Rosie Morgan – a Review

The Golden Sword

Link to order The Golden Sword: Amazon

Description:
Meet Arthur Penhaligon on the day his life changes – forever.
On the day he skateboards into the past, discovering a world of magic and mystery; unaware that he was chosen before birth to fulfil a unique destiny.

All Arthur really wants is to have a normal life, doing normal things.
But unknown to him, before he was born – a very long time before – Arthur was chosen.
And that will mean that his life is going to be anything but ordinary.
Skate-boarding down his local street he is suddenly aware that everyone has disappeared, except for just one man, a sinister stranger – and a crow. And the stranger is waiting for him.

Arthur and his friends, Nick and Tamar, quickly find themselves pulled into a strange world of deep magic, mystery and danger.
A world involving the murderous Crow Man, and Matearnas – the self-crowned Queen of Cornwall, determined to rob Arthur of his ancient birthright.
At any cost.

Normal is just about to go out of the window.

 

Review:
The Golden Sword, set in Cornwall, England, centuries after the rise and fall of Camelot, is about Arthur Penhaligon, a young boy destined for big things.  Author, Rosie Morgan, tells a lovely story about a normal teenager with normal wishes for a great summer.  When peculiar events interfere with said plans and can no longer go ignored, Arthur innately rises to the occasion.  Great-Uncle Lance must have had something to do with that?

Arthur is being stalked by a man wearing a long coat and wide-brimmed hat…and a crow.  From their first encounter, “the stranger slowly and deliberately raised one arm and pointed right at him” to a near confrontation that riled up and assembled a charming cast of cats in Arthur’s defense.  These surreptitious visits would soon turn more menacing and set off a series of events linking Arthur to the legendary past…and his imminent future.

Rosie Morgan is not retelling the legend of King Arthur – rather, she’s preparing the stage (and a sequel, I hope!), for young Arthur’s remarkable destiny.  Armed with Tamar and Nick as his trusty sidekicks (headed for the current-day Round Table?), “they were a force to be reckoned with when they were on the same side”.

Fortuitous meetings with members of the “Watchers” slowly, but assuredly, place Arthur in line for a triumphant conclusion.  Good versus evil ensues and Arthur faces Matearnas, an adversary unwilling to relinquish her “guardianship” over the land.  In spite of his disbelief over the impossible circumstances that have invaded his life, Arthur displays faith and allows fate to dictate his actions.  In a nod to the legend, Bedivere, a knight and loyal follower of King Arthur indicates to young Arthur that he is in fact The One:

“There are more things under the heavens than we can ever imagine, Sire.”

At 187 pages, lots of authors would overwhelm you and cram details.  This is an unhurried, albeit slow-paced, story of a boy gathering his troops for more adventures.  Will they all be of heroic proportions?  Who knows, but if Ms. Morgan supplies us with enchanting new quests, I’m reading!  The Golden Sword appeals to all ages and I think that’s important for the YA audience when, undoubtedly, the past will encounter the present.  Ms. Morgan entwines a brief history lesson while delivering a thoroughly enjoyable read about Arthur’s journey.     

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

 

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The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller – a Review

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The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller – a Review

the summer i became a nerd

Links to order The Summer I Became a Nerd: |
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller is not another YA story, let me clarify that right from the beginning.  When it’s this well written, forget the genre and submit to the story like I did.  Madelyne Jean Summers is a closet comic book/superhero junkie who buried her inner nerd after suffering a junior high school Halloween costume humiliation.  Five years later, Maddie is popular, dating the equally popular quarterback…and hating herself in the meantime.

I’m in a constant state of “no one can know,” and it sucks.

Desperate for the latest edition of The Super Ones #400, which was oversold (and currently on back order), Maddie dons her best “incognito ensemble” and ventures out to The Phoenix, aka nerd nirvana, to obtain her copy (it’s not like she can wait!), but is recognized by Logan Scott…her geek idol.  BUSTED!  In a panic that she will be “outed”, Maddie takes all kinds of measures to ensure Logan’s silence.  While “honesty is the best policy” and other lines of that ilk apply, let me remind you that this IS a YA story.  But it’s these experiences that help us to mature and to learn from the hurt that is inevitably caused when the “stacking” takes place:  Lie upon lie upon lie.  I found Maddie to be very relatable with a good head on her shoulders.  Yes, she allowed situations to override her common sense, but as a reader (and a mother) I was relieved when she let her conscience be her guide; before things spun out of control.         

Not only did Ms. Miller mention Robert Pattinson 2% into the dang book, of course I screamed and swooned, but the passion Maddie displayed for the pop culture was genuine and called to my own inner nerd.  I was Maddie’s sister of the heart and champion from the onset.  Purposeful choice of verbs, “dash”, “super-run” or achieving the second floor of her home by “leaps and bounds” were just spot-on and not at all cheesy, I swear!  There was a hypothetical battle scenario involving Darth Vader and Lord Voldemort that was clearly wrong, but that’s for you to decide…I guess?!  It was this enthusiasm, this contagious spirit of hers that made me cheerfully accept her “nuances”.

I twist my blond hair into a messy bun on the top of my head.  Can’t have any tendrils escaping while I’m reading and blocking my view.

You laugh…I high-five!!! 

I just looooooved this book.  Not only did it appeal to my eternal teenager, but it has a sweet, true love story (“He smiles a real smile.  This one is so honest and bright it’s almost blinding in its cuteness.”), a supporting cast of characters so endearing you wished they had more lines (I read the exchange between Dan and the burp scene to my husband and daughters!), an explanation to LARP of Ages (live-action role playing…it’s so popular!), but also of life’s lessons. 

From the FlyLeaf Review:
“An extremely adorkable read about being comfortable in your own skin.”

Awwwww….I couldn’t have said it any better. 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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