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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
If you can’t tell, I love the Beckoned Series!
Beckoned, Part 3: With Love From Los Angeles by Aviva Vaughn continues the romantic relationship of Soren and Angela. These two are Ice and Fire. After Part 2, Angela doesn’t know where she and Soren stand in regards to their relationship. Their departure at the airport was cold. However, thanks to a friend, she is able to take a quick trip to Barcelona and visit Soren. In Barcelona, they finally become open with each other and believe they are off to a great start with their relationship. The only problem is when Angela has to return to California. Not only is the long distance a problem, but a man named Kieran also poses a threat. Kieran is the owner of a children’s bookstore. He is interested in Angela’s ideas for children’s books and offers to help guide her through the world of editing and publishing. The only problem is he is gorgeous and he is not only interested in Angela’s work. With Soren being far away and the jealous type, how will Angela and Soren ever be able to make their relationship work?
Another winner for the Beckoned series! It was so tempting to keep reading on to part 4! I love how the problems that Angela and Soren face are realistic for a long distance couple. Soren has always been possessive and jealous when it comes to Angela. Angela is a free spirit, who desperately wants to be successful. However, there are new characters in the mix. Kieran is gorgeous and witty. However, I was disappointed in his character. He often passes the professional line with Angela. She talks to him a few times about staying professional. She will let him know if he says or does something that she isn’t comfortable with but he still manages to pass that line.
I don’t want to give away the ending but it is intense! Once again, Aviva Vaughn pulls the readers in with romance, food, travel, and music! Overall, I love watching this roller coaster relationship! I can’t wait to find out what happens in part 4! Part 3 leaves off on a massive cliffhanger, leaving the reader desperate to find out what will happen next!
Beckoned, Part 3: With Love From Los Angeles by Aviva Vaughn continues the romantic relationship of Soren and Angela. These two are Ice and Fire. After Part 2, Angela doesn’t know where she and Soren stand in regards to their relationship. Their departure at the airport was cold. However, thanks to a friend, she is able to take a quick trip to Barcelona and visit Soren. In Barcelona, they finally become open with each other and believe they are off to a great start with their relationship. The only problem is when Angela has to return to California. Not only is the long distance a problem, but a man named Kieran also poses a threat. Kieran is the owner of a children’s bookstore. He is interested in Angela’s ideas for children’s books and offers to help guide her through the world of editing and publishing. The only problem is he is gorgeous and he is not only interested in Angela’s work. With Soren being far away and the jealous type, how will Angela and Soren ever be able to make their relationship work?
Another winner for the Beckoned series! It was so tempting to keep reading on to part 4! I love how the problems that Angela and Soren face are realistic for a long distance couple. Soren has always been possessive and jealous when it comes to Angela. Angela is a free spirit, who desperately wants to be successful. However, there are new characters in the mix. Kieran is gorgeous and witty. However, I was disappointed in his character. He often passes the professional line with Angela. She talks to him a few times about staying professional. She will let him know if he says or does something that she isn’t comfortable with but he still manages to pass that line.
I don’t want to give away the ending but it is intense! Once again, Aviva Vaughn pulls the readers in with romance, food, travel, and music! Overall, I love watching this roller coaster relationship! I can’t wait to find out what happens in part 4! Part 3 leaves off on a massive cliffhanger, leaving the reader desperate to find out what will happen next!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When Peter Davison’s son got engaged, he decided to write down some thoughts and advice for a successful and happy marriage. This 150 page, light-hearted “how-to” book contains advice on a variety of subjects that his grandson will experience in his marriage. The book contains advice on:
how to handle “the look”
how to be spontaneous
helping out in the home
being the husband his wife will brag about
gift giving
stocks
…and many more.
This short how-to on marriage is light-hearted and will have the reader chuckling. Most of the advice seems to be made in jest. However, this advice is only relatable for “traditional” marriages. The advice is very stereotypical and not relatable to everyone. For instance, he advises that if his wife is an awful cook, to eat the food anyway and don’t complain. In my home, my husband is the cook. He works all day and comes home and makes his family dinner. Why? Because he likes to cook and is the better cook. The author talks about how it’s ingrained in women from childhood about shopping. My husband splurges more than I do. And if either one of us wants something, we just tell the other.
Check out the rest of my review at
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
When Peter Davison’s son got engaged, he decided to write down some thoughts and advice for a successful and happy marriage. This 150 page, light-hearted “how-to” book contains advice on a variety of subjects that his grandson will experience in his marriage. The book contains advice on:
how to handle “the look”
how to be spontaneous
helping out in the home
being the husband his wife will brag about
gift giving
stocks
…and many more.
This short how-to on marriage is light-hearted and will have the reader chuckling. Most of the advice seems to be made in jest. However, this advice is only relatable for “traditional” marriages. The advice is very stereotypical and not relatable to everyone. For instance, he advises that if his wife is an awful cook, to eat the food anyway and don’t complain. In my home, my husband is the cook. He works all day and comes home and makes his family dinner. Why? Because he likes to cook and is the better cook. The author talks about how it’s ingrained in women from childhood about shopping. My husband splurges more than I do. And if either one of us wants something, we just tell the other.
Check out the rest of my review at
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks is the third book in The Embraced Series. I have not read the first book, but I did read the second book titled: So I Married a Sorcerer. The third book picks up with the third sister, Gwennore. She is an elf and has the gift to see people's injuries or illnesses. She and her sister's daughter are in a field when they are kidnapped by dragons. They are taken to the dragon's country where the Queen is mad and wants Gwen's niece for her own. She is able to get her niece returned home in exchange for her helping find out what is making the queen mad and causing the plague on the people. Silas, a dragon shifter, is the heir to the throne and the country's general. He enlists Gwennore's help show his country that they need to be cured and that there is no curse. He is quite enchanted with the elf woman and tries to help her see how smart, brave and valuable she is. However, they are all in more danger than they previously thought.
I really need to go back and read the first book. I don't want to miss a piece of this series. Once again, I am not a fan of the title or the cover. Some of the language was a little awkward as well. However, I really love the world building. It is a fun, romantic, epic story that I did not want to end. There were moments where I was laughing out loud and moments where I am pretty sure I was blushing. (It gets pretty steamy.)
I loved the main characters. Gwennore is complicated. She doesn't who she truly is or her worth. However, she has amazing development throughout the book. She finds her inner strength with encouragement from Silas. Silas is complex, funny and gorgeous (according to Gwennore). I really hope we get to see these characters more in the next book, which I will definitely be looking out for! If you enjoy fantasy, dragons, and romance then you will definitely love this story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Thank you, NetGalley!*
I really need to go back and read the first book. I don't want to miss a piece of this series. Once again, I am not a fan of the title or the cover. Some of the language was a little awkward as well. However, I really love the world building. It is a fun, romantic, epic story that I did not want to end. There were moments where I was laughing out loud and moments where I am pretty sure I was blushing. (It gets pretty steamy.)
I loved the main characters. Gwennore is complicated. She doesn't who she truly is or her worth. However, she has amazing development throughout the book. She finds her inner strength with encouragement from Silas. Silas is complex, funny and gorgeous (according to Gwennore). I really hope we get to see these characters more in the next book, which I will definitely be looking out for! If you enjoy fantasy, dragons, and romance then you will definitely love this story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Thank you, NetGalley!*
For February, my book club does a book swap. Well, somehow I ended up with 3 books to read! (not that I am complaining) Sundays at Tiffany’s by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet was the 2nd book I received for my book club for the month. The story starts out with a young girl named Jane Margaux. She is lonely and ignored. She doesn’t receive much attention from her mother. During this time, she has an imaginary friend named Michael, but the rules of imaginary friends require him to leave when she is 9 years old. Michael always remembers her. Jane always remembers him which is unusual because the children always forget about their imaginary friends.
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One of the things that I love about being a book reviewer for Indie or self-published books is that I find authors that I probably would have never heard of anywhere else. I am a fan of all genres, and that includes the romance genre. I especially have a weak spot for historical romance. I recently discovered Vonda Sinclair. I decided to start with her first book My Fierce Highlander in the Highland Adventure Series.
This story starts with Chief Alasdair MacGrath who is injured in battle in enemy territory. A young woman named Gwyneth Carswell discovers him and decides to help heal him. She is a healer and despises violence but does not want this man to die. She is able to heal him and he escapes. Her clan chief and cousin discover that she aided the enemy and attacks her home, killing her closest friend. She takes her son Rory to the MacGrath lands seeking shelter and safety from her own clan. Alasdair grants her refuge in his home since she had saved his life. Gwyneth is determined to earn her keep so she and her son can return to England, away from constant feuds. However, danger follows her and that brings her and Alasdair closer. However, can love keep her from fleeing to England.
Check out the rest of my review at
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
This story starts with Chief Alasdair MacGrath who is injured in battle in enemy territory. A young woman named Gwyneth Carswell discovers him and decides to help heal him. She is a healer and despises violence but does not want this man to die. She is able to heal him and he escapes. Her clan chief and cousin discover that she aided the enemy and attacks her home, killing her closest friend. She takes her son Rory to the MacGrath lands seeking shelter and safety from her own clan. Alasdair grants her refuge in his home since she had saved his life. Gwyneth is determined to earn her keep so she and her son can return to England, away from constant feuds. However, danger follows her and that brings her and Alasdair closer. However, can love keep her from fleeing to England.
Check out the rest of my review at
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
April is National Poetry Month! I love fairy tales and I love poetry so this seemed like the perfect combination! I have reviewed works by Beverly Holoka before and have always enjoyed them! Fairy Tales: Poems For Adults is 31 pages of wonderful poems inspired by fairy tales or even Holoka’s own stories. There are a few poems that are stories, just written in verse. Get drawn in with love, castles, mythological creatures, kings, queens, and knights. No matter what each poem contained, I enjoyed every single one.
I did have a few favorites:
*Waiting for You…Hopelessly
“This sunset is depressing for me
It was supposed to be ours not mine” -page 16
* Battle Against the King
“You realize you will lose this battle
Even as you plan my demise…
You realize you can KILL ME!
But never the truth inside.” -page 20
*She is the Phoenix
“The ashes hid her dark past…
The light illuminates her future.
Rebirth was the only option.
She’s brighter, higher, more beautiful than ever before.” -page 29
These poems all contain something meaningful. Some are delicate and heartfelt, some are passionate and determined! I loved the stories based on other fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White. But I really loved the stories that the author created herself. Some poems are darker and are meant for adults. If you love poetry and fairy tales then you will enjoy this delightful collection!
I did have a few favorites:
*Waiting for You…Hopelessly
“This sunset is depressing for me
It was supposed to be ours not mine” -page 16
* Battle Against the King
“You realize you will lose this battle
Even as you plan my demise…
You realize you can KILL ME!
But never the truth inside.” -page 20
*She is the Phoenix
“The ashes hid her dark past…
The light illuminates her future.
Rebirth was the only option.
She’s brighter, higher, more beautiful than ever before.” -page 29
These poems all contain something meaningful. Some are delicate and heartfelt, some are passionate and determined! I loved the stories based on other fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland and Snow White. But I really loved the stories that the author created herself. Some poems are darker and are meant for adults. If you love poetry and fairy tales then you will enjoy this delightful collection!
I am finally all caught up! For February, I had to read 3 books for my book club. The last book, The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin did not disappoint. The book introduces Cora Cash, a wealthy heiress in America. Some may think she has it all, the only thing she doesn’t have is freedom. Cora is determined to get out the grasp of her mother. While on tour in England, she meets a handsome Duke, who proposes a week later. From the outside, it would seem that once again she has it all. However, her husband is a man full of secrets. The English society is vicious. The only way to survive is to be stronger than she was before.
I had to be very simplistic in my synopsis, for there are so many details and twists. I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I was very excited to read this book. Although, at first, I could not seem to get into the book. It is quite slow. However, around page 100, the pieces started falling into place and I could not put the book down. There are quite a few storylines that really slowed down the pace, especially in the beginning.
Check out the rest of my review at:
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
I had to be very simplistic in my synopsis, for there are so many details and twists. I do not want to spoil it for anyone. I was very excited to read this book. Although, at first, I could not seem to get into the book. It is quite slow. However, around page 100, the pieces started falling into place and I could not put the book down. There are quite a few storylines that really slowed down the pace, especially in the beginning.
Check out the rest of my review at:
www.amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com
If you want a book that makes you think about the crossing of the lines of art and of societal conventions then this is your book! Exhibit Alexandra is the debut novel written by Natasha Bell. This psychological thriller really drives the reader into thinking about the concepts of identity.
Alexandra Southwood is a mother, wife, and art lecturer who disappears without a trace. Her husband, Marc, and two young daughters are left devastated as the police begin the investigation. With no body recovered, her husband believes his wife is still out there. He never ceases his search for her. Meanwhile, Alexandra is being locked away somewhere being shown clips of her husband begging the public for help. During this time she thinks about the beginning of her relationship with her husband and how she abandoned art school to become a dedicated wife and mother.
Check out my review here:
https://amandasbookreviewsite.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/exhibit-alexandra-by-natasha-bell-review/
Beckoned, Part 4: From Barcelona with Love by Aviva Vaughn picks up right where Part 3 left off. If you need to be caught up, I have reviewed Parts 1-3, so check them out. Well, Angela is back in Los Angeles and Soren in Barcelona, Spain. Long distance relationships are hard, however, Angela and Soren are trying to make it work. Soren hates being away from Angela and has asked her to move in with him in London after he is done with school. Angela is hesitant. She loves Soren but she can’t imagine living away from friends and family. She also has been working with the handsome, dark, and mysterious bookstore owner, Kieran. Kieran has been working with on editing her book and getting it ready to publish. However, they can’t deny the attraction that they have towards one another. Angela does everything she can to make sure the relationship stays professional. Soon, she reaches a crossroads. Does she make a commitment to Soren and move with him to London or does she give in to the attraction she has with Kieran? One thing is for sure, heartbreak is in her future.
Ugh. My heart. I have eagerly read this whole series. This one left me so heartbroken. I will not spoil it, but it did not have the ending I expected. In fact, the ending seemed to be a little rushed, considering there are three books leading up to this installment. However, I did love how all the characters grow and learn that the choices that they make require sacrifices. Sacrifices that will leave them scarred. One thing I do love is how all the characters have noticeable flaws. Angela is always running, making excuses to not fully commit and also doesn’t truly seem to know what love actually is. Soren is dedicated and loyal, but he is too loyal. He can be possessive and controlling. Kieran has issues. Drama seems to follow him. He does things without thinking. He often crosses lines without thinking.
However, as always, Aviva Vaughn’s writing is always so colorful and filled with music, food, and diversity! Although, I can’t say that I am loving this ending. It does make sense overall. (Sorry, I am struggling with my emotions at the moment.) So, let’s just say I am extremely eager to read part 5 that should be released this year! I need to know what will happen next! Catch up on the entire Beckoned Series before the release of Part 5!
Ugh. My heart. I have eagerly read this whole series. This one left me so heartbroken. I will not spoil it, but it did not have the ending I expected. In fact, the ending seemed to be a little rushed, considering there are three books leading up to this installment. However, I did love how all the characters grow and learn that the choices that they make require sacrifices. Sacrifices that will leave them scarred. One thing I do love is how all the characters have noticeable flaws. Angela is always running, making excuses to not fully commit and also doesn’t truly seem to know what love actually is. Soren is dedicated and loyal, but he is too loyal. He can be possessive and controlling. Kieran has issues. Drama seems to follow him. He does things without thinking. He often crosses lines without thinking.
However, as always, Aviva Vaughn’s writing is always so colorful and filled with music, food, and diversity! Although, I can’t say that I am loving this ending. It does make sense overall. (Sorry, I am struggling with my emotions at the moment.) So, let’s just say I am extremely eager to read part 5 that should be released this year! I need to know what will happen next! Catch up on the entire Beckoned Series before the release of Part 5!