authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers
Title: The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea Author: Kerrelyn Sparks Series: Embraced (by Magic) #5 A satisfying conclusion at last I would like to thank Kerrelyn Sparks, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I tried not to spoil much, but there might be a few minor things here and there. Yaaaay! FINALLY we get answers to the questions we’ve had for years! Well, it’s only been a …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Alaskan Force series by Megan Crane is riveting, suspenseful, and combined with romance. What makes this series a stand out is the relationship and banter between the characters, with the mixture of honorably discharged special ops heroes, their dangerous missions, and the rugged Alaskan wilderness. They insert themselves into difficult and dangerous situations by protecting the vulnerable and rescuing those who need it. Below is a synopsis of each of the books with …
Book Review by Elise Cooper A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is an inspirational historical romance. It is a tale that delves into frontier life during the 1880s. Aggie Pratt, the heroine of the story—find an interview with her here—decides she must move away from her family and boyfriend in Buffalo New York. She answers an ad in the frontier town of Penance South Dakota where she becomes the beloved school teacher. She grows from a timid shy person …
Title: Ghosts I Have Known Author: Nhys Glover Series: Greyworld #1 Meh characters, predictable plot, too much “telling” Thanks to Maria Inot for offering me the opportunity to review this book, and thanks to Nhys Glover and TCK Publishing for allowing me to read a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Buy link: • Amazon • This is a well-intentioned but poorly written story that doesn’t develop a romance so much as act as a platform to explore …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Royal Kiss & Tell by Julia London shows why she is “Queen of the Banter,” writing family-focused funny and endearing tales with snappy, witty, and teasing dialogue between the hero and heroine. A Royal Kiss & Tell has some very funny moments as the hero, Prince Leopold and heroine, Lady Caroline Hawke argue and confront each other. For example, Caroline says to him, “given that your feathers have flocked together with his. I’d …
Title: A Dash of Romance Author: Paullett Golden Series: Romantic Encounters Anthology Series #1 More is certainly not less Much thanks to the author, who provided me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I don’t think there are any big spoilers, but beware to those who are super sensitive, I guess. This book is comprised of 15 different stories, all sharing genre and tone and style, so it’s not jarring to go from one to the …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Billionaire in Boots by Julia London is the latest of two books that show why she is “Queen of the Banter,” writing family-focused funny and endearing tales with snappy, witty, and teasing dialogue between the hero and heroine. The Billionaire in Boots has a lively dialogue, a sassy heroine, and a hero unsure of himself. But instead of having a royal environment this plot has a western cowboy theme. A scene in the …
Title: Dance Away with Me Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Series: n/a A return to form I was kinda nervous to crack this book open, not gonna lie. I was so disappointed in First Star and didn’t want to see more of the same. (Oh my god, was that really four years ago already? Holy shit.) But fear not! This felt like classic Phillips, and I adored it. There wasn’t a whole lot I didn’t like. Only a couple things come …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh is action-packed. This first in a series has great characters working together to solve a murder mystery. It is a tale of lies, deceit, abuse, jealousy, guilt, blackmail, and murder along with heartbreak scenes about family. The main character is Bree Taggert. She has left the town of her birth and rarely goes to visit, even though her sister Erin, her niece and nephew, and brother Adam live …
Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Secrets from a Happy Marriage, by Maisey Yates, is her latest book, in a new genre, but maintaining the same great story writing. This first women’s fiction novel has a mystery, some history, some romance, and a lot of family interaction. It delves into the relationships between mothers-daughters, and sisters-sisters, where forgiveness, hope, love, acceptance, and starting over are important themes. The story opens with mail order bride, Jenny Hansen, writing a letter in …