Category: ARC

Christmas in Harmony Harbor (Harmony Harbor: Book 9) by Debbie Mason

Christmas in Harmony Harbor: Includes a bonus story by [Mason, Debbie]

4 Stars

Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever

Date of publication: October 1st 2019

Genre: Romance

Series: Harmony Harbor

Mistletoe Cottage—Book 1

Christmas with an Angel—Book 1.5

Starlight Bridge-–Book 2

Primrose Lane—Book 3

Sugarplum Way—Book 4

Driftwood Cove—Book 5

Sandpiper Shore—Book 6

The Corner of Holly and Ivy-–Book 7 (review here)

Barefoot Beach—Book 8

Christmas in Harmony Harbor—Book 9

Where you can find Christmas in Harmony Harbor: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

Evangeline Christmas will do anything to save her year-round Christmas store, Holiday House, when high-powered real-estate developer Caine Elliot uses his money and influence to push through his competing property next door. When her last desperate attempt to stop him fails, she gambles everything on a proposition she prays the handsome, blue-eyed player can’t refuse.

Caine agrees to Evie’s bargain because how hard can it be to fulfill three wishes on the Angel Tree at Holiday House? The wishes have him reliving the Christmases of his past and taking part in the holiday festivities of Christmas present. But just when he begins to believe Evie might be his Christmas future, dark secrets from his past are revealed.

Will the last wish on the Angel Tree be enough to give Caine and Evie the happy ending they deserve?

First Line:

A power outage on Black Friday was the last thing Evangeline Christmas needed.

Christmas in Harmony Harbor by Debbie Mason

My Review:

I haven’t read a Christmas based romance that I didn’t like. Reading about two people falling in love during the most magical time of the year always gets me misty-eyed. So, when I saw that Debbie Mason had written another book in her Harmony Harbor series, I couldn’t wait to read it!!

I loved the plotline of Christmas in Harmony Harbor. It was fast-paced and well written. There was a spot in the book where it lagged. But the author was able to get the book back on track.

The storyline of Christmas in Harmony Harbor was interesting. It was a mixture of A Christmas Carol and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It reminded me of A Christmas Carol because of the journey that Caine took during the time he was with Evie. Each task he had to complete had him reflecting on his past, present, and future. It reminded me of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas because Caine’s heart grew three sizes too large towards the end of the book.

I was surprised to find out that Christmas in Harmony Harbor was going to be the last book in the Harmony Harbor series. That upset me because I didn’t want the series to end. Hopefully, the author will start a new series that features a least some of the unattached characters (thinking Clio here). That way, I can catch up on what the characters in this series have been doing.

Christmas in Harmony Harbor can be read as a standalone book. But, considering the intertwining storylines, I would read the previous books. I wish I did because some plotlines were mentioned that had me going, “Huh?”

I loved Evie, but she was a hot mess. She was trying to save her family business and disrupt Caine’s plans for her house. But, she did make me laugh during the book. I thought her idea to win Caine over by using the Angel Tree was perfect. I also liked how she saw the best in everyone/thing. Like her shop. It was a rat, and mice-infested mess, yet she loved it.

I didn’t like Caine for the first half of the book. He was hellbent on getting revenge on the Gallaghers on behalf of his grandmother. But then he met Evie, and he started to thaw. He agreed to 3 wishes from the Angel Tree. It was after that scene that I began to like him. But, I wish that he stood up to his grandmother sooner.

Caine and Evie’s romance was cute. They weren’t expecting to develop feelings for each other. Caine viewed Evie as a PITA, and Evie thought Caine was the second coming of Satan. But I saw that spark. The minute that Caine went into the basement and faced down rats, I knew it. I loved it, even though it was Instalove.

I thought that the secondary characters made this book. Caine’s grandmother, GG, Seamus, Evie’s mother, and all of the characters from the previous book added depth to the story. My favorite was Seamus. I had this mental picture of this barrel-chested, handsome Irishman helping his nephew. My least favorite was Caine’s grandmother. Up until the end, she insisted on doing things that harmed everyone. I also couldn’t get past what she told and do to Caine. I did a mental “WTF” when that came out.

The end of Christmas in Harmony Harbor was bittersweet. I liked it because I got to see Caine and Evie’s HEA. But I was sad because the author is ending the series.

I would give Christmas in Harmony Harbor an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is very mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Christmas in Harmony Harbor. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Cilka’s Journey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz: Book 2) by Heather Morris

Cilka's Journey: A Novel (Tattooist of Auschwitz Book 2) by [Morris, Heather]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Date of publication: October 1st, 2019

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction

Series: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz—Book 1

Cilka’s Journey—Book 2

Where you can find Cilka’s Journey: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

From the author of the multi-million copy bestseller, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, comes the new novel based on an incredible true story of love and resilience.

Her beauty saved her life – and condemned her.

Cilka is just sixteen years old when she is taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, in 1942. The Commandant at Birkenau, Schwarzhuber, notices her long beautiful hair, and forces her separation from the other women prisoners. Cilka learns quickly that power, even unwillingly given, equals survival.

After liberation, Cilka is charged as a collaborator for sleeping with the enemy and sent to Siberia. But what choice did she have? And where did the lines of morality lie for Cilka, who was sent to Auschwitz when still a child?

In a Siberian prison camp, Cilka faces challenges both new and horribly familiar, including the unwanted attention of the guards. But when she makes an impression on a woman doctor, Cilka is taken under her wing. Cilka begins to tend to the ill in the camp, struggling to care for them under brutal conditions.

Cilka finds endless resources within herself as she daily confronts death and faces terror. And when she nurses a man called Ivan, Cilka finds that despite everything that has happened to her, there is room in her heart for love. 

First Line:

Cilka stares at the soldier standing in front of her, part of the army that has entered the camp.

Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris

My Review:

I usually do not read books that are based on real events. I have found that my knowledge of the event overshadowed the book. I couldn’t help but compare what happened to what was going on in the book. I would almost always end up disappointed in the book. Then I read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which is the first book in this series. I was taken away by Lale’s story. Cilka was introduced in this book. She was a mysterious and enigmatic character. I wondered what happened to her at the end of the book. What I read in Cilka’s Journey broke my heart.

Cilka was a child when she caught the attention of The Commandant. Which sickened me in the first book. In this book, I was still sickened. What he did to Cilka in those years was heartbreaking. But, it was what happened after Auschwitz was released that broke my heart.

Cilka was found to be a Nazi collaborator because the Russian Army found out that she was sleeping with The Commandant. Instead of earning her freedom, she was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in Siberia. I was outraged when I read that. She was traumatized at a young age, forced to watch friends and family die/killed, and then, instead of being able to heal, she was retraumatized on top of that.

I know that I am making a big deal about Cilka’s age in this book. She was 16 when she was sent to Auschwitz. She was around 20 when she was sent to Siberia. She suffered trauma after trauma in Auschwitz. So, yes, I was shocked when the Russian Army sent her to Siberia. She was forced to do what she had to survive, which mean becoming a camp wife of a soldier. I can’t tell you how that affected me. The abuse shook me. She suffered in both places. There were points where I wanted to hug her, take her away, and get her therapy.

The prison camp in Siberia was as bad as Auschwitz. But, and stress this, the prisoners could leave, if they survived to the end of the sentences. It was an awful place to live. Disease and violence were rampant. To my knowledge, I don’t think that I have read a book that takes place in one. I have heard of them and have seen them mentioned in books.

Cilka’s Journey was not an easy read. There were times I had to put the book down and walk away because I was that disturbed by it. The emotional impact that it had on me lasted days after I read it.

The end of Cilka’s Journey was informative. The author included a note about Cilka and her life after the prison camp. While the characters portrayed in the prison camp were fictional, the camp itself wasn’t. The author explained what happened to it and when it closed down.

I would give Cilka’s Journey an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is graphic violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Cilka’s Journey. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Lethal Nights (Brute Force: Book 3) by Lora Leigh

Lethal Nights: A Brute Force Novel by [Leigh, Lora]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: September 24th, 2019

Genre: Romance

Series: Brute Force

Collision Point—Book 1

Dagger’s Edge—Book 2 (review here)

Lethal Nights—Book 3

Where you can find Lethal Nights: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

Ilya Dragonovich is no stranger to the dark side. As a safe-house owner for security agency Brute Force, Dragon knows that the battle line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man―and, sometimes, a beautiful woman…

Emma Jane Preston needs help. After her marriage crumbled, she believed she could get back to a normal, happy life. But her ex-husband moved among some shady characters, and now she needs the kind of protection that comes at a cost―one that only someone like Dragon can provide. But can Emma Jane trust this handsome, undercover operator to keep her safe when she is in danger of falling into the arms of the deeply seductive, fiery Dragon. . .and never letting go?

First Line:

Emma Jane Preston wasn’t certain what brought her awake, but between one second and the next she was fully aware, heart pounding, her mouth dry with fear.

Lethal Nights by Lora Leigh

My Review:

I was hesitant to review Lethal Nights. I had reviewed Dagger’s Edge this previous June and didn’t like it. What changed my mind was the blurb. It caught my attention and made me want to read the book. I am glad that I read Lethal Nights because I enjoyed this book.

The plot for Lethal Nights was fast-paced and well written. The author did a great job of keeping the frantic pace up the entire book. There were parts of the book where it lagged, but the author did a fantastic job of getting the book back on track.

I loved Emma Jane. She was a strong woman. The things she went through before Ilya would have broken a lesser woman. And the things she went through after him would have broken even a strong woman. I loved how family-centered Emma Jane was too. Her family and their safety came first. She wasn’t above hiding things from them (including what her slimy ex did). She was perfect for Ilya. She saw who he was beneath the tattoos and loved him. It was something that he needed.

I loved Ilya, but man, his personal life was a mess. No wonder he kept Emma Jane at arm’s length. I love that his past was a mystery. There were parts of his past that made me wonder how it is going to fit into the series. I mean, he is the heir to rule a tribe of Gypsies with powers. On top of that, Ilya is dangerous, and that part of him sent shivers up my spine. Because I knew that he wouldn’t back down when Emma Jane was targeted.

The romance between Emma Jane and Ilya was sweet but at the same time dangerous. I liked that Ilya fell for Emma Jane the minute he saw here. He respected her enough to leave her alone so she could recover from her divorce. But, once she got attacked at her house, all bets were off. And that’s when things started to heat up.

The sexual chemistry and attraction between Emma Jane and Ilya were intense. What I liked is that the author didn’t have them jump right into bed with each other. Instead, they took it slow. There was a point where I got frustrated. I wanted them to have sex, release the tension, and do-over. But, it was a great move on her part. She held them from having sex until the middle of the book. Talk about explosive!!! Then she built that tension back up.

The plotline with who was trying to kill Emma Jane was full of suspense and danger. There were two people who I felt were behind the attacks. Of course, I was surprised at who it was. I was also surprised at how depraved this person was.

I do wish that Ilya’s Gypsy background was revealed sooner. I was fascinated by it. I wanted to know more about how the Dragon King worked, what his title entailed. Some of it was explained, but I felt a lot of left out. I got a suspicion that there was some paranormal element to it.

I do want to drop a warning. This book covers some heavy situations. Even I had issues reading some scenes because of what happened. There are child abuse and domestic abuse in this book. There are several vivid scenes of Ilya being abused by his uncle and stepfather in the book. Those scenes made me cry. There is also a scene of domestic violence that involved Emma Jane and her manchild of an ex-husband.

The end of Lethal Nights was exciting. I can’t get into it because of what happened, but I will say that Emma Jane and Ilya get their happily ever after. Now, I do wonder who will be in the next book.

I would give Lethal Nights an Adult rating. There is explicit sex. There is explicit language. There is graphic violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Lethal Nights. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

The Grace Year by [Liggett, Kim]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books

Date of publication: October 8th, 2019

Genre: Young Adult

Where you can find The Grace Year: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

Survive the year.

No one speaks of the grace year. It’s forbidden.

In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive.

Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other.

With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

First Line:

No one speaks of the grace year.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

My Review:

From the minute I read the blurb for The Grace Year, I knew that I wanted to read it. It had all the earmarks of a book that I would love. A strong female main character and a storyline that seems to be fantastic. I am glad that I read The Grace Year. It ended up being all that and then some!!

The plotline of The Grace Year sucked me in. It was well written and fast. Yes, quick. This book took place over the girls 16th year, and it flew. Oh, man, it did fly. I loved it!!

I liked Tierney. She was one of the most influential female main characters that I have read to date. I liked that in a society that viewed women as the lesser sex, she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion. I loved that she didn’t want a man to make her happy. But I felt that her behavior in the last half of the book contradicted that. But that is what made me like her character so much!!!

Tierney and Ryker’s storyline was interesting to read. I am not going to get into it because there are some significant spoilers. All I have to say is that there were times where I was heartbroken and then times where I was elated. I know, such a contradiction but once you read the book, you will understand.

The plotline with Hans surprised me. I was not expecting him to do what he did. I put the book down and said, “No way.” Then picked the book back up and continued reading. It explained so much. So much!!!

I do want to comment on the women in the village. I thought one thing when I started reading the book. By the end of the book, my view about them changed. Tierney’s mother was a huge one.

The end of The Grace Year made me cry. All I have to say is that it was bittersweet. Because of the way it ended, I am hoping that there is a book 2.

I would give The Grace Year an Older Teen rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 16 read this book.

I would reread The Grace Year. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Delicious Disasters by Isabella Louise Anderson

This is my stop during the blog tour for Delicious Disasters by Isabella Louise Anderson. This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 7 till 20 October. See the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/blog-tour-delicious-disasters-by-isabella-louise-anderson

Delicious Disasters

By Isabella Louise Anderson

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Romantic Comedy

Age category: Adult

Release Date: 7 August, 2019

Goodreads

Book Synopsis:

When Tessa Markham’s bookstore gets bought out, she is forced to face an uncertain future. After her best friend challenges her to start baking, she accepts—even if the last time she baked wasn’t what she would call a delicious success.

After a small kitchen fire, Tessa’s life begins to change. She finds encouragement from a sexy fireman, agrees to a questionable ruse to help another business owner with a complicated situation, and needs to be there for her best friend now more than ever. 

Can a delicious disaster lead to a new future and a successful baking career?

Excerpt:

Having changed clothes, feeling refreshed and more than ready to tackle icing the cakes she and C.C. had made, her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number, but she answered anyway. “Hello?” 

“Is this Tessa?” a woman asked. 

Noting that the woman’s voice sounded slightly familiar, Tessa replied, “Yes, who is this?” 

“This is Lorie Rain, C.C.’s boss,” she began, pausing so Tessa could reply. 

“Oh yes, I remember you.” The almost icing thief! 

“Wonderful!” Then with a click of her tongue, she continued, “I hope you don’t mind, but I got your number from C.C. I’m calling to place an order from you for four dozen cupcakes—they’re for my daughter’s cheerleading team. I need each dozen to be a different color—red, yellow, green, and purple—those are my daughter’s favorite colors.” Letting out a giggle, she added, “I would have my housekeeper do it, but she can’t be bothered with such mindful tasks, you know what I mean?” 

Is this woman for real? “I’d be happy to help you,” Tessa said to Lorie as she quickly grabbed a pen and notepad to take notes. “When do you need the cupcakes by?” 

“I need them to be delivered tomorrow at The Eternity Gymnasium at noon, and not a minute later.” 

What the hell! Tessa looked around her kitchen, thankful that she’d—just by chance—bought cupcake tins earlier that day, but with less than twenty-four hours’ notice, it seemed like an extreme task to begin so late in the day. “First of all, Lorie, thank you for contacting me. On second thought, and I hate to say this, but I’m unable to help you on this matter after all. With little time, I wouldn’t feel comfortable selling them.” That was somewhat a lie, because cupcakes were easy, but pretty colorful cupcake decoration was time-consuming. 

“C.C. promised you could help me,” Lorie whined. “If you’re a real baker, then why can’t you do this?” There was a long pause on the other end of the phone before Tessa heard a whimpering sound. Her voice was high-pitched, which led Tessa to know that she was playing the guilt-trip card. “I’ll pay extra,” Lorie exclaimed quickly in what seemed to be a begging tone. 

Tessa closed her eyes, gnawed on her bottom lip, and tilted her head back, hating herself for what she was about to say. So giving in and realizing that her night would involve a lot of work and no play, in her singsong voice, which she and C.C. often referred as her play- nice tone, Tessa said, “I will make it happen.” 

Giveaway:

Grand prize is

  • $50 Amazon gift card

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1000e4f1327/

Purchase Links:

Amazon

Books2Read

Isabella Louise Anderson grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day, nothing has changed. Aside from writing, she focuses her time on featuring other authors and their books on her blog, Chick Lit Goddess, along with sharing book reviews. Isabella Louise is also a member of the Romance Writers of America.

She lives in Dallas with her husband and their two cats, enjoys spicy Indian and Mexican food, margaritas, and red, white, and rosé wines. She loves spending time with family and friends and cheering on the Texas Rangers.

Isabella Louise Anderson is currently working on her next release.

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Tour Schedule
7 October
Read with Me – Review
Euthalia – Review, Excerpt and Interview

8 October
Comfy Chair Books – Excerpt

9 October
Binding Addiction – Promo Only

10 October
Lisa Book Life – Excerpt

11 October
Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt
the bookworm lodge – Promo Only

12 October
TMBA Corbett Tries to Write – Excerpt and top ten list

13 October
Underneath the Covers – Excerpt

14 October
Sandra’s Book Club – Review
Paulette’s Papers – Promo Only

15 October
The Genre Minx Book Reviews – Review

16 October
Book Lover in Florida – Review and excerpt

17 October
My Reading Journeys – Review and excerpt

18 October
We All Make Mistakes in Books – Review

19 October
She Writes About It – Review
20 October
All the Ups and Downs – Excerpt
Review after tour
Comfy Chair Books  

First Line:

Tessa Markham’s time as a small bookshop owner was over.

Delicious Disaster by Isabella Louise Anderson

My Review:

When I read the blurb for Delicious Disasters, my interest was piqued. This book sounded like something that I needed to read. See, I had been getting a little burnt out from reading. I needed a book that I didn’t have to focus on or had a super intricate plotlines/characters. Delicious Disasters was that book for me. I am glad that I read it!! It was a much-needed change of pace for me.

The plotline for Delicious Disasters was medium paced. I didn’t find myself being rushed along while reading. I also didn’t find myself mentally urging the plotline to go faster. It was perfect!! There were a few lags in the plotline, but the author was able to get the book back on track.

I liked Tessa. I could relate to the hijinks she got herself in. Like forgetting about the cake in the oven and having the fire department come out. Been there, done that. How about dating two guys at once? Been there, done that a bunch of times (don’t worry, way before I got together with BK). Taking on more than she can handle, yeah, living that life right now. I did question some of her decisions too. Like pretending to be Jake’s fiance. I understood why she did it but still. It didn’t make sense to me. The other huge one is when she took another one of Lori’s orders. Sorry, but that would have been a hard no from me.

I did think that Tessa was a bit selfish during Delicious Disasters. It was clear that C.C. was going through something, and Tessa was all about her issues. I didn’t blame C.C. for blowing up at Tessa. Not one little bit. I thought that it should have happened sooner in the book.

Tessa’s relationship with Brye was cute. I agreed with what Brye said in the middle of the book. It was wrong of Tessa to do what she did, and I didn’t blame Brye for what he did. Now, Tessa’s relationship with Jake was a whole other story. I didn’t like Jake from the minute he was introduced in the book. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way. And man, was I vilified!!! All I have to say is that he got his in the end.

The end of the book was cute, but it was a little predictable. I had guessed at everything that happened. I did like how Tessa handled the whole Jake situation, though. Talk about karma!!

I would give Delicious Disasters an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is mild violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Delicious Disasters. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Amy’s Square by Dominic Schunker

Amy's Square by [Schunker, Dominic]

4 Stars

Publisher: Off World Publishing

Date of publication: October 1st, 2019

Genre: Science Fiction

Where you can find Amy’s Square: Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

The world continues to let children die every day from thirst and starvation, poisoned water and disease, and the world continues to let the Earth die.

A man, destroyed by the desertion of his wife, comes out the other side and finds a mission. It’s bold. It’s crazy. He’s not totally sure what’s at the end of it but he has to follow it. It’s a terrifying leap away from his world but it ends up being a mission to rescue the very substance of life.

From the ancient Aztecs to the Moroccan desert, Spanish highways to the remote fields of Russia, clues appear, people die and someone gets ever closer to him.

The children, the generation who must eventually find the answer, silently guide him to the truth.

And it’s a truth that will change everything.

First Line:

It’s only when a mosquito lands on your balls do you learn to resolve your conflict without violence

Amy’s Square by Dominic Schunker

My Review:

When I read the blurb for Amy’s Square, my initial first impression was that this book was going to be a book like The DaVinci Code. Since I liked The DaVinci Code, I decided that I would read Amy’s Square.

Amy’s Square’s plotline took a while to get going. It crept, which I didn’t enjoy. I understood that the author was world and character building, but I wanted it to go faster. When the book finally did get moving, about halfway through the book, it flew along.

Another issue that I had with Amy’s Square is that it was filled with British slang. At first, it confused me (and my phone got a workout from Googling it), but I got used to it.

I pitied Abe for the first half of the book. I couldn’t imagine being dumped the way he was. No wonder he was a mess!! I would have been too. Then the second half of the book came around, and I loved him. When he got his diagnosis, he decided to live. That included spying on a company called xLight and refinding love.

The author didn’t get into xLight. What was explained as it was a huge corporation that had its hand in some bad things that were happening. On the one hand, I wished that he told it, but on the other hand, I loved the mystery.

The end of Amy’s Square had a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming. The first one left me with my mouth open, but the second one made me put my book down and say, “NO!!!!”.

I would give Amy’s Square an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Amy’s Square. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Highland Jewel (Royal Highlander: Book 2) by May McGoldrick

Highland Jewel: A Royal Highlander Novel by [McGoldrick, May]

5 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Date of publication: September 24th, 2019

Genre: Romance

Series: Royal Highlander

Highland Crown—Book 1 (review here)

Highland Jewel—Book 2

Highland Sword—Book 3 (expected publication date: March 31st 2020)

Where you can find Highland Jewel: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

The next book in the new lush Scottish historical series from USA Today bestselling author, May McGoldrick.

Maisie Murray is the picture of docility, quiet and compliant in the eyes of her family. To her activist friends, however, she’s a fearless crusader for women’s rights. In the wake of the Peterloo Massacre, Maisie and a friend found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society, and she carries the banner for universal suffrage.

Niall Campbell, a hero of the wars, a decorated officer of the Royal Highland Regiment, is battle weary and searching for stability in his life. A fierce warrior by training and a poet at heart, Niall walks away from the shining career that lies ahead of him, to the dismay of his superiors. In saving his sister when a protest turns violent, he meets Maisie. Their relationship begins as one of experience versus idealism, of scars versus hope. Soon, however, he finds in Maisie the heart he longs for.

When Niall’s sister is arrested and disappears, he quickly realizes his life is not his own, for the British authorities have a mission for him to accomplish in exchange for his sister’s freedom. Overnight, Maisie loses Niall, her friend, and her home. And the wake of the riots that sweep through the cities of Scotland, Maisie’s own sister Isabella is branded a traitor to the crown, and the family must flee to the Highlands. Here in the heart of the Highlands, Maisie runs into Niall again. He has a new name and carries a message of hope―but Niall has a task to complete―and their future rests on their ability to overcome the forces that divide them, or―for the future of Scotland―she must stop the man who owns her heart.

First Line:

Caroline stared down at a carriage that had been brought around from the stables.

Highland Jewel by May McGoldrick

My Review:

Highland Jewel has been on my must-read list since I read Highland Crown. I usually don’t get excited for 2nd books in series. They can be used as a filler book, or the characters aren’t as good as book 1. I have very rarely read a series where book two not only keeps up the pace from book one but exceeds it. Highland Jewel did that.

Highland Jewel’s plotline was fast-paced and well fleshed out. There was no lag in the plotline, which surprised me. There was also no dropped storylines, which thrilled me to no end. What I liked is that the author took the storyline back to before the events in Highland Crown. She was able to make a believable storyline for Maisie while keeping true to the events in Highland Crown. I loved it!!!!!

Maisie surprised me. The picture the author painted of her in Highland Crown was turned upside down. I would have never expected her to be a crusader for women’s rights. What stunned me even further was that she was doing this in an era where women had zero rights. Her passion for what she did carried off the pages. I didn’t understand why she didn’t come clean to her sister and her husband with what she was doing. It puzzled me for most of the book. But a crucial scene with Archibald answered that for me.

I loved Niall. I liked how he had an open mind. When he opened up to Maisie and explained that his parents raised him like that, I started to love him. For a man in that time to think as he did was amazing. He might not have agreed with what Maisie and his sister did, but he supported them. I did feel bad that he was pressured to do what he did. But, he ended up getting the last laugh in the end. Loved it!!

The romance between Niall and Maisie was bittersweet. I loved watching them fall in love. That scene in the coffee house was terrific. Just two people talking and getting to know each other. Their forced separation brought tears to my eyes. What Maisie had to endure, and because of what Niall was forced to do, it made their reunion bittersweet.

While Highland Jewel can be read as a stand-alone book, I would advise reading Highland Crown first. That way there is no confusion when the book goes back to eight months previously, right before the events of Highland Crown.

The storyline with Cinaed was continued into this book. It is essential to keep that storyline in mind because everything that happens in the latter half of the book centers around it. Cinaed’s mother is discussed more, and the real reason she sent Cinaed away is revealed.

The storyline involving Fiona was intriguing. She was part of the same feminist movement that Maisie was. I did raise my eyebrows when she was arrested and held. I had a feeling why, and my feeling was right.

The end of Highland Jewel was exciting. I loved how Niall and Maisie’s storyline ended. Talk about giving me a heart attack at one point. I almost hyperventilated!! The storyline with Cinaed and his mother took an exciting turn, as did the storyline with Fiona. The lead into Morrigan’s book was excellent!! I can’t wait to read it.

I would give Highland Jewel an Adult rating. There is sex. There is no language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Highland Jewel. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Demons at War: Urban Fantasy (The Brotherhood of the Beloved: Book 2) by P.A. Minyard

Demons at War: Urban Fantasy (The Brotherhood of the Beloved Book 2) by [Minyard, P.A.]

4 Stars

Publisher: Capraro Press

Date of publication: August 17th, 2019

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Series: Brothers of the Beloved

Encounters with Demons: Urban Fantasy—Book 1

Demons at War: Urban Fantasy—Book 2

Where you can find Demons at War: Amazon

Book Synopsis:

What if at death, you were given the choice to keep living?
Continue the Beloved saga in the second book in this award-winning sci-fi series of good vs. evil!

A young Civil War major, Daniel Parker, is killed during a fight at Antietam. Not all that unusual, except that it’s not another an enemy soldier who does the deed, but a vengeful demon who disguises himself as an officer to enact his sworn revenge against the Beloved. Meet Benedict.

Daniel is given the choice between passing into the Father’s kingdom or joining the Brotherhood of the Beloved. When Daniel accepts the bizarre offer, he returns to his family as a Beloved, thinking his experience was the result of an injury-induced hallucination. His family, unaware of his death, eagerly welcome him back home, particularly his younger, gentler brother, Jonathan. 

When Bernard— Daniel’s assigned guardian— arrives, though, Daniel learns that his new existence is no fever dream. He really is dead. 

This is the second novel in a sci-fi saga of good vs. evil. If you like fast-paced thrillers, geeky heroes and demonic villains, you’ll love this high-octane series from award-winning author P.A. Minyard.

First Line:

By now, you’ll have heard of the siege at Fort Sumter and our boys’ valiant struggle at the misguided hands of our Southern brothers.

Demons at War by P.A. Minyard

My Review:

I have an admission to make. I kept pushing Demons at War to the backburner. Not something I like doing. Plus, I was a little iffy about reading Demons at War. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it by reading the blurb. Well, I am happy to say that I enjoyed reading Demons at War. But there were some things that I didn’t like, and that kept this book from being a 4-star review.

I do want to point out that Demons at War in the 2nd book in The Brotherhood of the Beloved series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. I loved it!!

There is a lot of violence in Demons at War. The book takes place during the Civil War (Union side), and there are several battle scenes. I could have cared less about the violence. I expected it from the title.

The plotlines in Demons at War got a little confusing for me towards the middle of the book. The switch the POV Daniel to Benedict) was unexpected and did throw me off the story for a while. I also didn’t like that there was a dropped storyline. What happened to Benjamin? It was left that he ran off after his brother’s death, but it was also hinted that something terrible happened to him. I grew frustrated that nothing else was mentioned.

The characters in Demons at War were well fleshed out. I did like Jonathan and Daniel, but there were times where I grew frustrated with them. I got frustrated with Daniel because he refused to listen to Bernard’s warnings. I got frustrated with Bernard because he left Daniel alone to discover his powers. I didn’t understand it. Jonathan frustrated me because he took too many risks at the end of the book and look where it got him!!

I was fascinated by the Beloveds and how they hunted demons. The whole sucking their lifeforce through a scar interested me to no end. I also liked how they were called to kill demons. I wish more had been showcased in the book!!

The end of Demons at War was heartbreaking. I can’t get into it without spoiling the ending, but I was shocked.

I would give Demons at Waran Adult rating. There is no sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Demons at War. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr

What Rose Forgot: A Novel by [Barr, Nevada]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Book

Date of publication: September 17th, 2019

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Where you can find What Rose Forgot: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

In New York Times bestselling author Nevada Barr’s gripping standalone, a grandmother in her 60s emerges from a mental fog to find she’s trapped in an Alzheimer’s Unit in a nursing home. How does she convince anyone that she’s not actually demented? Her relatives were the ones to commit her, all the legal papers were drawn up, the authorities are on the side of the nursing home, and even she isn’t sure she sounds completely sane.

First Line:

Rose’s head drops, jerks, and she’s awake.

What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr

My Review:

I was on the fence if I wanted to read What Rose Forgot. The blurb didn’t give me any insight into the book. What made up my mind was reading other reviews. Either people loved it, or they didn’t. I am glad that I read What Rose Forgot. It was an exciting, action-packed book.

What Rose Forgot plotline was fast. There were a couple of times where the book did lag. The author was able to get the book back on track after the first time it lagged. The second time, though, it didn’t. Weirdly enough, the lag came at almost the very end of the book.

I loved Rose!! I did wonder, for the first half of the book, if she was having issues with her memory. I did think to myself, “Does she have Alzheimer’s?” My question was answered in the second half of the book. I will say that Rose is a tough cookie, too. She took several beatings during the book that would have broken a lesser woman.

I loved Rose’s relationship with Mel. Their exchanges made me smile and added some much-needed humor into the book. I liked that Rose treated Mel with respect. She listened to what she had to say and, most importantly, she didn’t treat her like a kid. She treated her like an equal, and I loved it!!

I was saddened by how her stepsons treated Rose. Unfortunately, it is an accurate reflection of how our elderly get treated today. Put in nursing homes and forgotten about by their family.

The mystery angle of the book was wonderfully written. I thought I had everything worked out, only to have my theory thrown out the window. I wasn’t shocked at who was behind everything, though. There were some significant clues dropped throughout the book. It was the other half of what happened that surprised me.

I wasn’t a fan of the ending of What Rose Forgot. It seemed rushed to me. I can’t get into much without spoiling the ending. So, I will leave it at that.

I would give What Rose Forgot an Adult rating. There is no sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread What Rose Forgot. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

An Unorthodox Match by Naomi Ragen

An Unorthodox Match: A Novel by [Ragen, Naomi]

4 Stars

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Date of publication: September 24th, 2019

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Religion

Where you can find An Unorthodox Match: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | BookBub

Book Synopsis:

California girl Lola has her life all set up: business degree, handsome fiancé, fast track career, when suddenly, without warning, everything tragically implodes. After years fruitlessly searching for love, marriage, and children, she decides to take the radical step of seeking spirituality and meaning far outside the parameters of modern life in the insular, ultraorthodox enclave of Boro Park, Brooklyn. There, fate brings her to the dysfunctional home of newly-widowed Jacob, a devout Torah scholar, whose life is also in turmoil, and whose small children are aching for the kindness of a womanly touch.

While her mother direly predicts she is ruining her life, enslaving herself to a community that is a misogynistic religious cult, Lola’s heart tells her something far more complicated. But it is the shocking and unexpected messages of her new community itself which will finally force her into a deeper understanding of the real choices she now faces and which will ultimately decide her fate.

An Unorthodox March is a powerful and moving novel of faith, love, and acceptance, from Naomi Ragen, the international bestselling author of The Devil in Jerusalem.

First Line:

Leah Howard sat there facing Rabbi Weintraub’s empty chair, rehearsing what she was going to say to him.

An Unorthodox match by Naomi Ragen

My Review

When I got the invite to review An Unorthodox Match, I almost didn’t accept it. I do not read books that are straight, religious books, even those that are masked as women’s fiction. But the blurb caught my attention, and I decided to read An Unorthodox Match.

Having grown up in a community that was Jewish, I assumed that I knew a lot about the religion. I always knew that there was an Ultraorthodox part of the religion but knew nothing about it. Then I read An Unorthodox Match, and my mind was blown. There was so much that I didn’t know and so much that took me by surprise. It was learning about the Ultraorthodox religion that made this book for me.

I liked Lola/Leah. But I do wish that her backstory had been told better. I got a little irritated because her backstory was broken up. The author did say at the beginning of the book that Lola/Leah had been through a lot as a child and an adult. But after that, it was fragmented and drove me nuts. It wasn’t until that important scene with Yaakov at the end of the book that everything was put together in chronological order. I also thought that Lola/Leah was too lenient with Shaindele after what that twit put her through. But I will get to that in a little bit.

I liked Yaakov and felt awful for him. I guessed what had happened to his first wife early in the book. His grief and guilt came off the page. I wanted to hug him and tell him it wasn’t his fault. I liked that the author made him human. He had three children at home who he needed to take care or and provide for. He did what he had to, which included giving up his studies, to care for them. That included going to someone to help find a wife (which is done in this religion).

I do have to mention Shaindele, Yaakov’s oldest daughter because she played a massive part in Lola/Leah and Yaakov’s relationship. I didn’t like her. I found her behavior disrespectful throughout the book. I did feel bad for her. Losing her mother the way that she did and not being told the truth about how/why she died was traumatic. But it did not excuse how she treated the younger children or Lola/Leah. Which is why I was surprised that Lola/Leah talked Yaakov out of doing what he wanted to do.

I did find how hard it was for Lola/Leah to be accepted into the enclave fascinating. I had no idea that it was so hard for converts to be accepted into the Ultraorthodox enclaves. I had no clue that even if they did marry, that their children would never be accepted. The prejudices were outlined perfectly in this book. There was a point where I thought Lola/Leah was fighting a losing battle.

The romance angle of the book wasn’t up and in your face. Lola/Leah and Yaakov had to overcome a lot even to meet. But once they met, I could see the attraction. What I liked also is that there was zero sex. No kissing. Per the religion, Yaakov couldn’t even touch Lola/Leah. So kissing her was out of the question. I loved watching their romance develop without that. It was refreshing.

The end of An Unorthodox Match pulled at my heartstrings. It was a typical HEA that made me tear up. What I appreciated was that the author included a glossary with all the Jewish and Yiddish terms that were used in the book. I was getting a bit frustrated and ended up googling 90% of those terms. I wish I had known about it earlier. It would have saved me a whole lot of frustration.

I would give An Unorthodox Match an Adult rating. There is sex. There is mild language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread An Unorthodox Match.  I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**