historical - No Apology Book Reviews

Interview with Amanda Quick (Tightrope)

May 24, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Tightrope is a fabulous mystery, typical of what readers have come to expect from Amanda Quick also known as Jayne Krentz. This action based plot has secrets, betrayals, Hollywood actors, circus characters, spies, gangsters, and a sweet romance, although the focus is more on the suspense than the romance. The plot has Amalie Vaughn putting the past behind her, especially the recent attack from the Death Catcher, a serial killer who targeted trapeze artists. …

Interview with Liz Freeland (Murder in Midtown)

May 5, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Murder in Midtown by Liz Freeland brings to life New York in the early 1900s. Besides a good mystery, readers will be enlightened about the different social issues during that era. The plot begins with a fire breaking out at a publicity house. It is the one Louise Faulk works at while waiting to see if she has passed the exam to become a NYPD police officer. As the investigation of the charred ruins …

Interview with Jillian Cantor (In Another Time)

April 6, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper In Another Time by Jillian Cantor is a love story. Hanna Ginsburg is in love with Max Beissinger but also is in love with her music. She has hopes and desires to become a concert violinist. This story shows how the rise of Hitler affected people’s hopes and dreams. Even though Max and Hanna have fallen in love they cannot marry because in Hitler’s Germany marriage between a Jew and Christian has been outlawed. …

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

November 4, 2019March 26, 2019

Title: Wicked Saints Author: Emily A. Duncan Series: Something Dark and Holy #1 Wow this is a lot better than I—never mind I would like to thank Emily A. Duncan and Meghan Harrington at St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to participate in the blog tour. I received a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Seriously, if you don’t want major twists spoiled for you, do not read on. *sigh* I avoided reading this book because …

Interview with Stephanie Marie Thornton (American Princess)

March 23, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton delves into the larger than life of America’s darling, First Daughter Alice Roosevelt. As the oldest child of Teddy Roosevelt, the press swarmed upon her as they do the Royal family today. The book describes how Alice became a rebel having to endure betrayals, scandals, and tragedy; yet through it all maintained her wit and composure. Alice was described as unapologetic, unconventional, beautiful, headstrong, fashionable, and influential. She …

Elise’s Review – The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

March 16, 2019

Book Review by Elise Cooper The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer delves into how loved ones are never forgotten within the backdrop of WWII. At the drop of a hat someone’s life can change all of sudden, which is what happened to a family after the Nazis occupied Poland. Based on her own family, Rimmer tells how “my grandparents were Polish Catholic. They never spoke a lot about what happened to them before they immigrated to Australia. We …

Interview with Sarah Sundin (The Sky Above Us)

March 9, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin is a historical romance novel focusing more on the history than the romance. Throughout this series she intertwines World War II military history with a developing relationship. The series follows three brothers who are all fighting in Normandy. The first book highlighted Wyatt Paxton, the oldest, who joined the navy. This one is about Adler Paxton, the middle brother, who enlisted in the Air Force, and the …

The Duke and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden

November 4, 2019February 23, 2019

Title: The Duke and the Enchantress Author: Paullett Golden Series: The Enchantresses #2 Wonderfully complex characters, minor narrative issues My thanks to Paullett Golden, who asked me to read a free copy of her novel in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t like Charlotte or Drake as they were portrayed in the first book. I thought she was a whiny woe-is-me brat and he was an obnoxious, selfish asshole. I was very curious about this second book, because I …

Interview with Alyson Richman (The Secret of Clouds)

February 15, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman brings to life the bond between a teacher and student. In the current environment, it is a reminder of how precious a life is even for a fleeting moment. It is a story of hope and the dreams of a young boy who readers will connect with immediately. The book opens with Sasha and Katya living in the Ukraine. They move to America but discover their young …

Interview with Paullett Golden (The Earl and the Enchantress)

February 2, 2019February 2, 2019

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Earl and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden brings to life the 1790s in this historical novel with a touch of romance. As an English professor at the American Military University she has decided to become an author as well. In this debut novel her heroine lives in King Arthur’s birthplace, while the hero lives where King Arthur supposedly died. Throughout the story tidbits of King Arthur are weaved as the mystery develops regarding …