Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Review: The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly


https://amzn.to/31Tnknl

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

One estate. Two heirs. No rules, only battle lines.

Sophia Anson does not have much in her life to call her own and never has. Nothing surprises or delights her more than to suddenly be named mistress of Rosennor Hall, and from a relation she had never heard of nor met at that. But her elation is short lived, for she is not the only heir to the estate, and the will is very specific. The two of them are to share Rosennor. Together.

Larkin Roth does not have time nor energy to deal with the twisted and ridiculous legacy left to him and the fair but fiery Miss Anson. He is determined to stand his ground and fight for every inch of the estate he can get, and he does not care what happens to her in the process. But a life in the same house as Sophia Anson could never be simple, and soon he finds himself thinking of her as more than just his enemy, and of Rosennor as more than just his inheritance.


My Review

I loved the unique twist in the plot of this book! Sophia and Larkin not only inherit Rosennor Hall together, but the will stipulates that the contents of the rooms and land that Larkin inherits belong to Sophia, and vice versa, among other crazy details. So much fodder for pranks... Larkin and Sophia initially despise each other because of the situation and the reactions they so easily pull from each other. I loved seeing them soften towards each other as they get to know the true character of their archnemesis ;) Larkin's mother has some sort of dimensia so she joins them on the estate as the "chaperone" and I loved the way Sophia had such a compassionate spirit for her. A fun and often surprising Regency story!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



The Rivals of Rosennor Hall is part of the ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, a set of stand-alone regency romance novels. Look for the complete collection of stories by these incredible authors:


https://amzn.to/31RpGTQ

A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman
 

https://amzn.to/2NowdS6

His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton
 

https://amzn.to/2KPpQ8N

An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold


Review: Always by Jody Hedlund


The prequel novella for the all-new Lost Princesses series!

https://amzn.to/2KAzg7F

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf's invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn't need or want Lady Felicia's help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives--and hearts--forever.


My Review

This is a great novella for introducing us to the backstory of the three lost princesses in Jody Hedlund's exciting new YA series! The reader is thrust into the action which never slows down- danger is nipping at the heels of Lance and Felicia throughout the story which gives it a quick, suspenseful pace. The world-building is vivid and I felt like I got a good sense of the setting as well as the dynamic of the kingdom, its people, and its enemies. The author skillfully weaves in character development and I felt invested in the fate of these selfless people who sacrifice for their kingdom. Lance's awakening of feeling for Felicia was sweet and I admired his fortitude over the years of denying himself. It makes their budding romance a little rocky, though, since he's not used to allowing himself any emotional connection to a woman. Felicia recognizes the noble qualities he has and appreciates the action he takes to protect her and the princesses. Their falling in love was only natural and I enjoyed the special moments they share. I'm so excited to read the books in this series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)



Don't miss the first novel in the Lost Princesses series . . .

https://amzn.to/2YRyV9H


Releases August 27, 2019

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Synopsis

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.





Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Review: The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White


https://amzn.to/2YYTaS3

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network—field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy that just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the too-intelligent Margot, but how to convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amidst biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them, but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save them all from the very secrets that brought them together.


My Review

I'm intrigued when the main character has an unusual process of thinking and the author successfully draws me into their mind. Two of my favorite examples are Pimpernel by Sheralyn Pratt and The Unlikely Master Genius by Carla Kelly. The Number of Love is now added to that list! Margot's mathematical intellect bleeds into her spirituality and emotions, and I was fascinated by the idea that she received her personal revelations and inspiration through the types of numbers that run through her head. She's pragmatic, but also caring and compassionate. I enjoyed the variety of facets to her personality and the way she developed with her new relationships with her friend Dot and romantic interest Drake. I appreciated Drake's realization that he needed to court Margot in a way that she would be open to receiving, and his creativity and gentle determination in reaching out to her and waking up her responses. Propelling the pace of the story is the wartime setting, the codebreaking, the secret agent activities, and the danger on the homefront. I was captivated throughout the entire book and felt it had a good balance of suspense, personal reflection, and relationships. I can't wait for the next book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Monday, August 19, 2019

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Dawnsinger by Janalyn Voigt #DSPrismTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/31O3ES4DawnSinger
(Tales of Faeraven #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
June 29, 2012 by Harbourlight Books

The High Queen is dying...

At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.

But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.

On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.


Excerpt


Shae put up her hood and left the shelter of the stronghold to follow the graystone path. A chill wind rippled through the folds of her cloak, and she shivered. Overhead, clouds unfurled in a pearling sky. She passed into green scented shadow, where notes of damp moss and ripe humus met her.

She shouldn’t have yielded to temptation and escaped into nature unescorted. In earlier days, she had roamed the grounds in freedom with no one caring. She couldn’t get used to the strictures placed on her now that she’d grown older. When would she learn to be more like Katera? She couldn’t remember her winsome twin ever causing their mother concern.
  
She would go back, but first she needed fresh air to ease the tightness in her chest. Shae wandered beneath boughs laced with new growth and came at last to her favorite place at the garden’s heart. Although the voice of a stream beckoned in the near distance, she paused beneath a stand of gnarlwoods, their ancient branches stretched wide. These trees had witnessed the construction of Whellein Hold, and they would remain when the stronghold’s mortar crumbled and its stones fell away.

She emerged from the copse into a meadow dotted with early flowers and bathed in morning light. The flutter of wings beat an accompaniment to the warbling of birds, and a wingen flitted through the lesser canopy to light in a nearby whispan tree. She stilled to avoid frightening the tiny bird, which dipped and bobbed its bright head to preen scarlet feathers.

With its grooming complete, the wingen lisped into sweet-sad song.

Shae smiled. “Sing, small one.”

But a shriek ended the wingen's song. Darkness extinguished its colors. Blood dripped from the foliage of the whispan tree, pure white only an instant ago.

Terror gripped Shae by the throat, choking off her scream.

The giant raptor had descended from nowhere and now flailed ragged wings as it rose, screeching in victory, its black eyes trained on Shae.

Pulse thrumming in her ears, she crept backward. Back, back she moved, her gaze never leaving the leathery beast in the air.

This made no sense. How could a welke have ventured so far north?

Her heel caught the hem of her cloak, and she slammed into the ground.

Fear yanked her to her knees. Shock brought her to her feet.

The whispan tree stood pristine as new snow. No blood stained the smooth bark. No movement stirred the silken plumes. No sign lingered of wingen or welke.

And yet she had seen... what?

“Lof Yuel!  Does this vision warn of danger?”



About the Author


Janalyn Voigt is a writer and professional speaker with a photography habit and a passion for travel. Her unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and fantasy creates worlds of beauty and danger for readers. Tales of Faeraven, her epic fantasy series beginning with DawnSinger, carries readers into a land only imagined in dreams. She is represented by Sarah Joy Freese of Wordserve Literary.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a fantasy-themed basket, hand-painted Pegasus mug, hand-crafted beaded votive candle bowl, dark chocolate bar, and a Tales of Faeraven bookmark (US only)

Ends August 28th, 2019

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Sunday, August 18, 2019

Review: When Mountains Sing by Stacy Monson


https://amzn.to/2KycfCi

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

When the truth cost her everything, she thought there was nothing left to lose.

Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity.

In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all.

Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future.


My Review

I'm torn on this book- there are things I liked about it, and things that bothered me. It was difficult for me to get involved in the story and invested in the characters at first, I think because there was a lot of mundane in the narrative. When Mikayla steals DNA from her family members for a DNA test I thought that was pretty unethical, and then her extreme over the top reaction was off-putting. I thought it was strange that she wanted answers but wouldn't listen to anything from the people who had the answers she was looking for. Once she was off on her adventure, calmed down, and got a job at the camp while she waited for someone to return to Colorado, I felt like the real character building began. I was interested in her friendship with Dawson and how he gently led her to a place where she could open up to her fears and turn to God with them. I didn't feel any romantic chemistry on her end- she seemed ambivalent about developing a long-term relationship with him because she had plans to leave. I appreciated the messages of faith and the way Mikayla enjoys her hands-on job of helping the youth fall in love with the outdoors versus writing about it for a magazine. Overall, I think with tighter content editing and more expression from Mikayla about her feelings for Dawson, this would be a fabulous book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Book Tour Grand Finale: Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine #FFHBTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Falling for Her Bodyguard
By Amy Vastine

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . Falling for Her Bodyguard is a story about opening your heart even when your head has been telling you to keep the walls up. Enjoy the excerpts and reviews - I hope you fall in love with the newest members of the Grace Note family as much as I did!

xoxo,
Amy Vastine

Remembrancy - Review

"But what tipped the scales for me in this book were the characters. . . . Then add in Donovan’s troubled nephew and adorable, energetic niece, and Falling for Her Bodyguard becomes that much sweeter. I didn’t even mind that I had figured out who the stalker was fairly early on. Getting to spend time with Kelly, Donovan, Graham, Avery, and several of the radio crew more than made up for it."


"I love Falling for Her Bodyguard. I am giving it four and a half stars. I highly recommend this fun, clean, heartwarming and sweet book. I would be interested in reading more books by Amy Vastine in the future."


A woman on her phone pushed open the door. “I understand you’re trying to protect me, but this is a little extreme don’t you think?” she said as she jogged down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Ending her call, she turned around and glanced up at Donovan. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her eyes were covered by aviator sunglasses. “Well, come on. He’s going to send you to the station regardless of what I have to say about it.”

This must be the niece. Dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt knotted at her hip, she didn’t give him many clues as to what she might have to do today. Donovan could see why Dillon told him Captain was protective. She was attractive, albeit a tad rude. She stormed ahead before coming to an abrupt stop.


"This is a new to me author and already I'm in love!!

The author has done a wonderful job in mixing this story with the right amount of mystery . . . . I really liked the story.

It kept me occupied until I realized what time it was!! I didn't even noticed the sun had begun to set tonight!!

I will be looking for more from this author!!!"

Pause for Tales - Review

"What a fun read this one was. I really enjoyed the give and take between the two leads, Kelly and Donovan. This being a stalker story the tension was always in the background giving a more forceful push for their relationship. . . . This was one story that was hard to put down for real life."


"I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a strong family foundation, lots of emotion and a hint of intrigue. The characters were very well developed, the story line was endearing and the overall outcome very satisfying. Really enjoyed watching this happily ever after evolve!"


He scooted his chair closer to Kelly’s and reached for her hand. “What do you want to do today? I was thinking we could do a little self-defense training.”

“I need to find a new place to live.” She held his hand in both of hers.

“You’re serious about that?”

“I can’t go back there. My lease is almost up. I was thinking about actually buying a place once I signed my new contract at work. When you’re in radio, you run the risk of having to move from town to town. A new contract at K104 means I can put down some roots finally.”

Onemused - Review

"FALLING FOR HER BODYGUARD is a fantastic character-driven romantic suspense that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something deeper yet still fun. I absolutely loved this read from the beginning that hooks you all the way to the satisfying conclusion."


"I always loved books with kids in it. . . . I loved reading about the different activities they had. Loved the family environment that Donovan’s had with his niece and nephew."


Donovan’s head hurt from trying to make sense of clues that added up to practically nothing. He only saw one solution to their problem. “I think we need to set a trap. I’ll have to coordinate with the other detectives, but I think we have you say something on the radio and you invite him somewhere to make amends. If he thinks you want to apologize, he could come into it without any thoughts of doing harm.”

Kelly cringed. “I don’t like that idea. Lying to trap this guy? I feel like that could backfire. What if he finds out I’m lying?”


"The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end. Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic. I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read."

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This was a really sweet story! Romance…drama…whats not to like?! . . . I haven’t read any of the other books in the “Grace Note Records” series-they can be read as stand alone novels. This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend this easy, heartwarming, fun book!"


“I don’t believe you aren’t good at everything and you don’t believe I’m as bad as I claim. That’s funny.” Kelly’s cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. “Maybe you can show me how to make something I can’t mess up. If I manage to make something edible on my own, it will prove I’m right about you and you’re right about me. We would both have to admit that you are good at everything and I am not as bad as I think I am. If I bomb, then you are right about you and I am right about me.”

The space between his brows wrinkled. “The way your mind works both fascinates and scares me at the same time.”

“I think that’s the perfect way to find out who’s right about who.”


"There was something wholesome and sweet about how this story resolves itself; as Vastine lets you take the adventure with Donovan and Kelly. In many instances, they were more caught inside the hours they spent with Avery and Graham; where they were laying down the foundation of a relationship but moreso to that, they were setting down a foundation for a family. Those hours were the most special of the story, as it is where you saw the barriers of grief and anguish starting to tumble down and where true healing could emerge. The kids needed someone as a mediator between themselves and their Uncle Donovan whereas where Kelly excelled at understanding what it was like to have a cop in the family, she also softened Donovan's heart to accept that sometimes life brings unexpected circumstances that are good for the soul."

Hallie Reads - Review

"I so enjoyed my time with these characters. Kelly and Donovan—plus the kids and the Nashville community—made reading Falling for Her Bodyguard such a delight. Any reader in need of a feel-good contemporary romance cannot go wrong with this book."


"These are such well-developed characters that I feel many will be able to relate to. Also, the plot just flows beautifully and one can't help but feel a part of the community and world that Vastine creates. Impeccable writing and a very new-to-me author and one I will enjoy reading more from! If you love a sweet romance with a handsome yet deeply romantic and caring Hero, then this is the book for you!"

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

“I’m going to kiss you to prove there’s nothing going on,” he warned her, waiting for her to protest. She didn’t. Her lips slightly parted and she stared deep into his eyes, making it hard to breathe.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Softly, gently. Convincing himself that this made him feel nothing was hard to do when it made him feel so much. His whole body felt like it was on fire and she was both the flame and the balm that would take away all the pain. His hand cupped her cheek and he tilted her face upward so he could deepen the kiss just a bit. Her arms snaked around his neck and held him in place.

The whole world dropped away and there was nothing but Kelly and this feeling—this feeling he couldn’t begin to label. All he knew was he loved it and hated it at the same time. He wanted to push her away and pull her closer. Nothing made sense. Instead of giving him clarity, he felt more confused than ever.

"Buy the book. Read the book. Fall in love with Donovan and Kelly like I did. I dare you and come back to tell how much I was right. I can wait. Ms. Vastine has written another wonderful story about learning to trust, fall in love and believe in yourself."


"I loved this story. It was a hard one to put down to get a little bit of sleep. So don't start reading it right before bed. It's a great addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming Series. And like I said, I'm going to have to find more from this author and the Grace Note Records series now."


"Falling for Her Bodyguard is swoony and sweet with just enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and riveted to the story. Each of the primary characters (Kelly, Donovan, Avery and Graham) are solidly drawn and multi-dimensional, and you’ll fall in love with each one. This story is delightful from beginning to end – a must-read for fans of sweet contemporary romance!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.


Other Books in the Series

Catch a Fallen Star

About the Author


Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

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