Tag Archives: Kate Golden

If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden – a Review

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If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s the duet of a lifetime when a rock star and his backup singer find a new kind of harmony off stage in this sensational contemporary romance.

Clementine Clark isn’t looking for love. Growing up with a single mom who weeps over a new guy each week tends to have that effect on a girl. But Clementine doesn’t mind being the rational one—she’s even buried her musical dreams so deeply within herself that she hardly notices the hole it’s left in her life.

That is until her best friend calls her with a life-changing opportunity: to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist. Clementine wants to reject the offer, but the pay is enough to change her and her mom’s life. Overnight, Clementine goes from serving enchiladas at the Happy Tortilla to belting high notes before a cheering crowd.

But the whiplash of trading small-town Texas for sold-out stadiums is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic Thomas Patrick Halloran. Poet, introvert, and lyrical genius, Halloran quickly gets under Clementine’s skin. The two couldn’t see the world more differently. And yet, over the course of the next eight weeks on tour, the romantic rockstar might just strike an unforgettable chord in Clementine. But will it be enough for an encore?

 

 

 

Review:

If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden was a wonderful sweet storyline set in the world of music/concerts. We meet Clemintine Clark, who has lived all her life in Cherry Grove, Texas.  She spent most of her life taking care of her mother, who suffers from fibromyalgia, and working as a waitress in a diner. One day, her best friend Everly, is offered a job for 8 weeks being backups to an Irish folk singer-songwriter Thomas Halloran’s tour.  When Everly is offered to open for one of pop music’s biggest acts, she calls Clementine to fill in on the Halloran tour for her.  At first, Clementine doesn’t think that she can’t leave her mom, but her mom pushes her to go; especially with the eight-week gig would cover her mother’s medical expenses. Clementine agrees to go on the eight-week tour. She quickly becomes part of the tour band.

Halloran is an Irish enigmatic performer, who has become very popular: he is a bit introverted, as he keeps to himself in his suite, preferring solitude over partying and groupies. Halloran is thoughtful, soulful, and an artist who creates his own music because the music created by himself. Upon listening to Clementine’s voice, Halloran switches her to sing the song (If Not for My Baby) with her on stage. One late-night, Clementine will meet the real Halloran by the vending machine, and sparks ignite between them; with a slow passion that in time they cannot ignore. 

Slowly Clementin begins to feel strongly for Tom, as she knew she was falling in love with him. Tom’s journey was inspiring as Clem allowing the opportunity to accept & fall in love. Tom understood many things about Clem, learning her insecurities, and worries about her mother.  With the magic between them escalating, their relationship continued to grow, with the members of the band all discovering that Tom and Clem were together.  I really loved the band, with Clementine becoming very close to them all.  Indy, Molly and all the others were all terrific.

If Not For My Baby was a heartwarming, romantic, fun, great characters, and great story.  It was wonderful being part of the music group, and the long hours, and the friendships. The relationship between Tom and Clem was beautiful, pure and sweet.  If Not For My Baby was so very well written by Kate Golden.  I suggest you read this wonderful book.

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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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love.

Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren’s Bay. Reeling from shocking revelations and her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.

Kane’s presence is unavoidable as he travels with Arwen and her friends to seek the Blade of the Sun, a legendary weapon inextricably tied to her fate and the future of the realm. Even an uneasy truce proves difficult as Arwen fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane, who is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.

As Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, she must discover the secrets of her past to defeat the monstrous Fae king Lazarus. But finding the light within might mean the death of her and everyone she loves.

 

 

Review:

A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden is the 2nd book in her The Sacred Stones series. After the climatic ending from A Dawn of Onyx, Arwen, Kane, Griffin, Mari and the rest of their group escape to find a sanctuary, which leads them to Citrine, in hope of finding some allies to defeat the Fae King Lazarus.  Arwen and Kane are both emotionally destroyed, after shocking revelations with Arwen discovering her new found powers, and her angry at Kane’s betrayal.  Arwen (the last full fae blooded born) who is destined to kill Lazarus, accepting her fate in a prophecy meant to be her doom.

Arwen has no choice to travel with Kane, since she is with the remaining group; Kane continues to protect Arwen, always able to handle her anxiety and keeping her calm. They do have an uneasy truce, with the prophecy on the horizon, and the group determined to find the Blade of the Sun; which is a weapon that would be able to use to kill King Lazarus.

The truce between Arwen and Kane is difficult for both of them, as Kane still has strong feelings for Arwen, including protecting her; she fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane.  In a short time, with the danger escalating when they cannot find the Blade, the chemistry and heat between them eventually opens their true feelings of love.  The side characters were very good, equally as good as Kane and Arwen. I did love Kane and Arwen together, but I also like Griffin and Mari together.

What follows is intense, non- stop action, as they travel through other kingdoms in the hunt for the Blade; including the journey through the cave and island. The last third of the book was full of adventure, danger, intrigue, fast-paced, twists and turns.  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 finally being together.

As we reach the last ¼ of the book, Arwen and Kane’s last battle was epic, with another betrayal that changes things.  The epilogue was wild and crazy, with a cliffhanger that was complex and an ending that threw us for a loop.   A Promise of Peridot is an exciting, non-stop action filled, with twists that had me unable to put the book down.  A Promise of Peridot was so very well written by Kate Golden. With that intense and wild ending, I can’t wait to read the final book in this trilogy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of A PROMISE OF PERIDOT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden – a Review

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A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden – a Review

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Description:
Captured by a king of darkness. Forced to find the light within.

Arwen Valondale never expected to be the brave one, offering her life to save her brother’s. Now she’s been taken prisoner by the most dangerous kingdom on the continent, and made to use her rare magical abilities to heal the soldiers of the vicious Onyx King.

Arwen knows better than to face the ancient, wicked woods that surround the castle on her own, which means working with a fellow prisoner might be her only path to freedom. Unfortunately, he’s as infuriating as he is cunning—and seems to take twisted pleasure in playing on Arwen’s deepest fears.

But here in Onyx Kingdom, trust is a luxury she can’t afford.

To make it out of enemy territory, she’ll have to navigate back-stabbing royals, dark magic, and dangerous beasts. But untold power lies inside Arwen, dormant and waiting for a spark. If she can harness it, she just might be able to escape with her life—and hopefully, her heart.

 

 

Review:

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden is the first book in her new debut The Sacred Stones series. We meet Arwen Valondale, our heroine, who lives all of her life in a small town, taking care of her sick mother and her younger sister; she also has the ability to use her healing powers to help people.  Arwen’s brother is in the army, helping to fight against a war against the Kingdom of Onyx; when her brother escapes a battle, he also steals some Onyx gold. The family knows they need to leave to another Kingdom, as the brother is being chased; Arwen runs back to get something and is captured by soldiers of the Onyx Kingdom. Arwen offers herself in exchange for her families lives; where she ends up in the dungeons, next to a handsome stranger. Arwen begins to work as a healer to help the injured in Onyx, where she will meet the feared King Kane Ravenwood.

Kane Ravenwood, our hero and the Onyx King, is charming, sexy, mysterious and cute flirtations; which Arwen will learn a short time that he was the handsome stranger, who was indeed the King. From the start, Kane found himself attracted to Arwen, being very protective, supporting her along the way; his devotion to her was wonderful, despite her determination to escape and find her family. Arwen was very well liked, as she seemed happy to be able help cure the injured, and made friends on Onyx; especially Mari, who became a great friend to Arwen.

In a short time, both Arwen and Kane begin have feelings for each other, with the banter, tension and chemistry between them being fun. I did like Kane, as he was always protective, and willing to help Arwen.  I also liked Arwen, as she was finding herself happy in Onyx, but was determined to do anything to find her family; but at times she was foolish in her attempts.  This was a slow burn romance, with Arwen knowing she was falling for Kane, but she continued to try to escape. 

In the last third of the book, everything changes, as we learn the truths of the enemy leader Arwen thought was good, turns out to be a major enemy of Kane; and secrets are revealed. The warring kingdoms, fae magic, dark prophecies lead to danger.

A Dawn of Onyx was a fun fantasy, in a unique world that was not only romantic, but dark kingdoms, fae, humans, as well as an excellent world building. The ending was a cliff hanger, leaving us to having to wait for the next book.  A Dawn of Onyx was well written by Kate Golden. I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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