Take a photo of a barcode or cover
momwithareadingproblem's Reviews (1.18k)
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Fools Rush In by Donna Frelick is the third book in Interstellar Rescue but it is also a prequel of sorts. In this installment we get Rayna and Sam’s story, how they met and events that are alluded to in previous books are played out in full. Captain Murphy is an easy going man who loves women, his ship and crew, and profit (he is a pirate after all), but there is one thing he hates…slavers. When he takes down a slaver ship with an undercover Rayna on board, he gets more than he bargained for.
I’ve always liked Rayna. She’s the epitome of bada**! She takes no crap from anybody, isn’t afraid to put the captain in his place and she’s fearless. Did I mention she kicks butt? Because the woman can fight!
Like Rayna, I’ve always liked Sam, but I think I’m in love now! He’s like a cross between Capt. Kirk in the new Star Trek movies and my favorite space cowboy Capt. Reynolds from Firefly. In fact I so pictured Nathan Fillion the entire time I was reading. I couldn’t help it. (On that same note Rayna was Zoe in my mind!) Okay back to why I like Sam. I loved that we finally get his backstory in this book. I always liked him, but knowing now what he came from helps to understand his previous actions, his weaknesses and his strengths. But what I truly loved was how he treated Rayna. I was full on expecting an alpha relationship, but instead he treats her as his equal. He doesn’t look down on her or believe that she shouldn’t do something. Instead he supports her and yes is a little protective.
I love the world-building in this series and this book in particular. It’s the first that is set entirely off Earth and in space. It’s a space opera so if that’s not your thing, consider yourself warned. The cast of characters are believable and a diverse bunch of aliens. I love how the author explains the differences by not pointing them out but allowing them to naturally come up (like with their size, skin color, even their language). I was fully immersed! AND I loved the plot! The plot centers around Sam’s ship rescuing a large group from slavers. Unfortunately for Sam there are spies on that ship hellbent on getting to the location they were being sent and basically starting a war. Intense and highly suspenseful!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I love a good sci fi and this one with it’s dry humor, dash of romance and adventure, I couldn’t resist it. If you’ve enjoyed the series or you’re looking for a good sci fi read, I highly recommend you start this one ASAP!
Fools Rush In by Donna Frelick is the third book in Interstellar Rescue but it is also a prequel of sorts. In this installment we get Rayna and Sam’s story, how they met and events that are alluded to in previous books are played out in full. Captain Murphy is an easy going man who loves women, his ship and crew, and profit (he is a pirate after all), but there is one thing he hates…slavers. When he takes down a slaver ship with an undercover Rayna on board, he gets more than he bargained for.
I’ve always liked Rayna. She’s the epitome of bada**! She takes no crap from anybody, isn’t afraid to put the captain in his place and she’s fearless. Did I mention she kicks butt? Because the woman can fight!
Like Rayna, I’ve always liked Sam, but I think I’m in love now! He’s like a cross between Capt. Kirk in the new Star Trek movies and my favorite space cowboy Capt. Reynolds from Firefly. In fact I so pictured Nathan Fillion the entire time I was reading. I couldn’t help it. (On that same note Rayna was Zoe in my mind!) Okay back to why I like Sam. I loved that we finally get his backstory in this book. I always liked him, but knowing now what he came from helps to understand his previous actions, his weaknesses and his strengths. But what I truly loved was how he treated Rayna. I was full on expecting an alpha relationship, but instead he treats her as his equal. He doesn’t look down on her or believe that she shouldn’t do something. Instead he supports her and yes is a little protective.
I love the world-building in this series and this book in particular. It’s the first that is set entirely off Earth and in space. It’s a space opera so if that’s not your thing, consider yourself warned. The cast of characters are believable and a diverse bunch of aliens. I love how the author explains the differences by not pointing them out but allowing them to naturally come up (like with their size, skin color, even their language). I was fully immersed! AND I loved the plot! The plot centers around Sam’s ship rescuing a large group from slavers. Unfortunately for Sam there are spies on that ship hellbent on getting to the location they were being sent and basically starting a war. Intense and highly suspenseful!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! I love a good sci fi and this one with it’s dry humor, dash of romance and adventure, I couldn’t resist it. If you’ve enjoyed the series or you’re looking for a good sci fi read, I highly recommend you start this one ASAP!
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
When I woke up last week I had a surprise on my kindle…an eARC of the highly anticipated Twisted Palace by Erin Watt. After I finished squealing and waking up the neighborhood, I dove right into the world of The Royals. If you have not read the previous books in the series, do NOT read this review, unless you like spoilers. Then by all means keep reading.
Where do I even start?! At the end of [b:Broken Prince|29519514|Broken Prince (The Royals, #2)|Erin Watt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464248584s/29519514.jpg|49812102], the author left us with two massive cliffhangers: Reed arrested for the murder of Brooke and Steve alive and well. I’ll admit I may have pouted and screamed at my kindle for more when I realized that was how it ended. I needed to know more and the author didn’t disappoint with Twisted Palace by picking up with Reed in an interrogation room. I’m pretty sure I didn’t breathe for a majority of this book. I caught myself holding my breath, gritting my teeth and skimming at times just to find out what was going to happen to the characters faster.
Ella is noticeably upset in this book. She’s feeling a little lost and I can’t blame her. She’s finally settled with the Royals and then her dead dad shows up to whisk her away. Ummm…NO!!! I felt so bad for her. Her boyfriend is facing life in prison or worse, her dad is tearing her away from the family she loves and no one seems to care what she wants. She struggles with doubting Reed’s innocence and her innate need to run from the conflict in her life.
Reed *dreamy sigh* is facing murder charges and knows he didn’t do it. So the question is who did, and it really plagues him. He has been unstable in the last books, but I found him a rock throughout the course of Twisted Palace. Not only does he maintain his innocence, he’s grown up in this book. The immaturity that was there is gone. He looks to his dad (who he couldn’t stand) for answers, he relies on Ella for strength, and continues to look out for his brothers. Seriously who doesn’t want a Reed?!
My favorite character though is Easton, and even though we see him far less than I’d like in this book, he is still my favorite. Ella’s age, East steps into Reed’s role. His bad habits seem to not be as bad as Ella needs him, Reed needs him. He steps into the role well, grounding Ella when she’s panicked and just being a brother. I seriously would have loved to have him as my brother, wildness and all!
The plot revolves around Brooke’s murder and the subsequent investigation. Who did it? And then there’s the mysterious reappearance of Steve. Where has he been? What kind of man is he really? Like the previous books in the series, this plot is fast-moving, driven by the drama that surrounds the characters. Personally, I usually steer clear of books like this that are full of teen angst and drama, but the writing and the characters drew me into the story immediately and I could not set it down. Even nearly a week after finishing this book, I’m still reeling from the story and wishing for more.
Overall, I loved this book! I loved the fast-paced story, the suspense of the investigation, the steamy and sweet romance between Reed and Ella, and all the Royal family. Fans of the series will not be disappointed! And FYI the author announced a book in the works for East *squee* so while this is the last book in the Royals series, there will be more from their world. Yay!!!
When I woke up last week I had a surprise on my kindle…an eARC of the highly anticipated Twisted Palace by Erin Watt. After I finished squealing and waking up the neighborhood, I dove right into the world of The Royals. If you have not read the previous books in the series, do NOT read this review, unless you like spoilers. Then by all means keep reading.
Where do I even start?! At the end of [b:Broken Prince|29519514|Broken Prince (The Royals, #2)|Erin Watt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464248584s/29519514.jpg|49812102], the author left us with two massive cliffhangers: Reed arrested for the murder of Brooke and Steve alive and well. I’ll admit I may have pouted and screamed at my kindle for more when I realized that was how it ended. I needed to know more and the author didn’t disappoint with Twisted Palace by picking up with Reed in an interrogation room. I’m pretty sure I didn’t breathe for a majority of this book. I caught myself holding my breath, gritting my teeth and skimming at times just to find out what was going to happen to the characters faster.
Ella is noticeably upset in this book. She’s feeling a little lost and I can’t blame her. She’s finally settled with the Royals and then her dead dad shows up to whisk her away. Ummm…NO!!! I felt so bad for her. Her boyfriend is facing life in prison or worse, her dad is tearing her away from the family she loves and no one seems to care what she wants. She struggles with doubting Reed’s innocence and her innate need to run from the conflict in her life.
Reed *dreamy sigh* is facing murder charges and knows he didn’t do it. So the question is who did, and it really plagues him. He has been unstable in the last books, but I found him a rock throughout the course of Twisted Palace. Not only does he maintain his innocence, he’s grown up in this book. The immaturity that was there is gone. He looks to his dad (who he couldn’t stand) for answers, he relies on Ella for strength, and continues to look out for his brothers. Seriously who doesn’t want a Reed?!
My favorite character though is Easton, and even though we see him far less than I’d like in this book, he is still my favorite. Ella’s age, East steps into Reed’s role. His bad habits seem to not be as bad as Ella needs him, Reed needs him. He steps into the role well, grounding Ella when she’s panicked and just being a brother. I seriously would have loved to have him as my brother, wildness and all!
The plot revolves around Brooke’s murder and the subsequent investigation. Who did it? And then there’s the mysterious reappearance of Steve. Where has he been? What kind of man is he really? Like the previous books in the series, this plot is fast-moving, driven by the drama that surrounds the characters. Personally, I usually steer clear of books like this that are full of teen angst and drama, but the writing and the characters drew me into the story immediately and I could not set it down. Even nearly a week after finishing this book, I’m still reeling from the story and wishing for more.
Overall, I loved this book! I loved the fast-paced story, the suspense of the investigation, the steamy and sweet romance between Reed and Ella, and all the Royal family. Fans of the series will not be disappointed! And FYI the author announced a book in the works for East *squee* so while this is the last book in the Royals series, there will be more from their world. Yay!!!
I received an eARC of this book from Barclay Publicity. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Wow!!! Just wow! The Blessed Knights by Mary Ting is the second book of the Angel Knights series and I could not set it down! The last book left us with a massive cliffhanger: Eli in the hands of Cyrus, stabbed with a piece of the true cross. The Blessed Knights picks up a week later in Eli’s POV. That’s right friends, alternate POVs from Lucia to Davin to Eli….LOVED IT!
Like the previous book in the series, Mary Ting has created a fantastical story set around historical/mythological events. It’s a perfect blend that kept me engaged to the last page. Between the riddles and the supernatural characters, this story is truly a MUST read for any fantasy fan. While I’m not a fan of angel/demon fantasy, this story has so much going on with the action, the mythology, even the historical spin on the Knights Templar that I was drawn in and fell in love!
After reading this book, I NEED to read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495]. While the series is a standalone/spin-off, many of the characters from the original play a big role in this series, specifically Davin and Michael. I love Michael! He’s formidable, a little intimidating and wholly in love with his kids Zach and Lucia. I love him. Lucia continues to battle her emotions, the human side of her in this novel and fight for her love. It’s interesting to see her from other perspectives. She seems cold but then you read chapters from her POV and realize how much she feels and how she locks it down. I empathize with her.
Overall I enjoyed this book! It’s a quick read because once you start it, you can’t stop. I fell in love again with Lucia and Eli, cringed during the fight scenes, and prayed all the characters would make it. If you enjoyed the previous books in the series, enjoy urban fantasy, I highly recommend you pick up a copy. It won’t disappoint!
Wow!!! Just wow! The Blessed Knights by Mary Ting is the second book of the Angel Knights series and I could not set it down! The last book left us with a massive cliffhanger: Eli in the hands of Cyrus, stabbed with a piece of the true cross. The Blessed Knights picks up a week later in Eli’s POV. That’s right friends, alternate POVs from Lucia to Davin to Eli….LOVED IT!
Like the previous book in the series, Mary Ting has created a fantastical story set around historical/mythological events. It’s a perfect blend that kept me engaged to the last page. Between the riddles and the supernatural characters, this story is truly a MUST read for any fantasy fan. While I’m not a fan of angel/demon fantasy, this story has so much going on with the action, the mythology, even the historical spin on the Knights Templar that I was drawn in and fell in love!
After reading this book, I NEED to read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495]. While the series is a standalone/spin-off, many of the characters from the original play a big role in this series, specifically Davin and Michael. I love Michael! He’s formidable, a little intimidating and wholly in love with his kids Zach and Lucia. I love him. Lucia continues to battle her emotions, the human side of her in this novel and fight for her love. It’s interesting to see her from other perspectives. She seems cold but then you read chapters from her POV and realize how much she feels and how she locks it down. I empathize with her.
Overall I enjoyed this book! It’s a quick read because once you start it, you can’t stop. I fell in love again with Lucia and Eli, cringed during the fight scenes, and prayed all the characters would make it. If you enjoyed the previous books in the series, enjoy urban fantasy, I highly recommend you pick up a copy. It won’t disappoint!
Kelly Oram never ceases to amaze me! Every time I think I’ve found my favorite book of hers, I read another and think “This is the best thing ever!” which is EXACTLY what happened while reading Serial Hottie. This is an older Oram book, published in 2012, but it was my first time reading it. Let me just tell you something: I was skeptical. How was my favorite author of quirky, fun romance going to pull off a psychological murder mystery? By adding her own brand of quirky characters and a touch of romance to the thriller that’s how!
Ellie is a memorable, fun character. She’s a tomboy through and through, yet in the summer she turns 16, she finds herself at the crossroads of womanhood. She’s battling her desire to play street hockey with ogling the new boy next door. As her feelings….erhm….hormones begin guiding her actions, the confident tomboy becomes the socially awkward shy girl. This is new territory that she’s never had to navigate before and I loved how the author brought the readers into Ellie’s struggles.
Seth *sigh* Seth is, according to Ellie and her sister, hot with a capital H. He is everything the boys at their school aren’t. AND he works out shirtless in his open garage every morning so the girl’s can spy on him. Yet there’s something off about the cute boy. He’ even more socially awkward than Ellie AND with a serial killer on the loose killing girls that fit Ellie’s description, well you see where this is going.
Overall I loved the story! I started it with the intention of reading a few chapters a week as part of a group buddy read, but wound up staying awake until 3 in the morning to finish it. Who needs sleep when there is a killer on the loose?! Kelly Oram put just the right amount of suspense to keep me turning the pages and left enough mystery surrounding Seth that she had me guessing until the end who the killer would be. AND guys…..I was surprised!!!! For the first time in a long while, I didn’t guess right! Big kudos to the author for keeping me on my toes! If you enjoy quirky romance and are looking for a little suspense, I highly recommend you dive into Serial Hottie asap. You won’t regret it.
I received an eARC of this book on Netgalley from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
I think I’m in love!!! Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason is the first book in her new series Harmony Harbor. If you liked her Christmas, Colorado series, then you will adore Harmony Harbor. The first book follows Sophie DiRossi and her return to her hometown after a fire took everything and traumatized her daughter. This same daughter is the reason she left Harmony Harbor in the first place, now she has to decide whether to continue to lie or risk telling the truth about the father.
Sophie DiRossi is a bit of a pickle. I liked her, admired her even for the lengths she goes to protect her daughter. Her daughter’s needs go above all else in Sophie’s life. And isn’t that how it should be for mothers? We put the lives of our children ahead of our own? So yeah, I admire her. What I didn’t like was the way she did it. At 18 and pregnant, she leaves home and tells a fabricated story about a fake father dying, afraid the real father would take her daughter away or make her give her up. I can understand at 18 being scared to come clean, even running, but once the baby is here shouldn’t you fess up? Shouldn’t you tell someone the truth?! I had a hard time with that.
Then there’s Liam Gallagher. I absolutely love this man! He is perfect….I don’t think I should say anything else about him because seriously his actions speak louder than words. This is a man who loved Sophie as a child, was heartbroken when she left and when she returns he falls for her all over again. He’s kind to her daughter, bonding over trauma they’ve both recently experienced. Nothing bad about this man….well one thing but I can’t discuss because I don’t want to spoil anything!
The main plot of the story focuses on Greystone, a large manor/hotel that the Gallagher family runs and the town leans on for tourist season. It’s failing. Enter Sophie who has just finished her classes to become a manger. She breathes life into the old place and romance into her own life. I liked the small town feel that is so similar to Mason’s other series. It brings quirk and I believe will tie the books in the series together wonderfully. I adored Liam and Mia, Sophie’s daughter. Mia is beautifully written and I loved reading as she came out of her shell.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a sweet romance for the holiday season, this is it!
I think I’m in love!!! Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason is the first book in her new series Harmony Harbor. If you liked her Christmas, Colorado series, then you will adore Harmony Harbor. The first book follows Sophie DiRossi and her return to her hometown after a fire took everything and traumatized her daughter. This same daughter is the reason she left Harmony Harbor in the first place, now she has to decide whether to continue to lie or risk telling the truth about the father.
Sophie DiRossi is a bit of a pickle. I liked her, admired her even for the lengths she goes to protect her daughter. Her daughter’s needs go above all else in Sophie’s life. And isn’t that how it should be for mothers? We put the lives of our children ahead of our own? So yeah, I admire her. What I didn’t like was the way she did it. At 18 and pregnant, she leaves home and tells a fabricated story about a fake father dying, afraid the real father would take her daughter away or make her give her up. I can understand at 18 being scared to come clean, even running, but once the baby is here shouldn’t you fess up? Shouldn’t you tell someone the truth?! I had a hard time with that.
Then there’s Liam Gallagher. I absolutely love this man! He is perfect….I don’t think I should say anything else about him because seriously his actions speak louder than words. This is a man who loved Sophie as a child, was heartbroken when she left and when she returns he falls for her all over again. He’s kind to her daughter, bonding over trauma they’ve both recently experienced. Nothing bad about this man….well one thing but I can’t discuss because I don’t want to spoil anything!
The main plot of the story focuses on Greystone, a large manor/hotel that the Gallagher family runs and the town leans on for tourist season. It’s failing. Enter Sophie who has just finished her classes to become a manger. She breathes life into the old place and romance into her own life. I liked the small town feel that is so similar to Mason’s other series. It brings quirk and I believe will tie the books in the series together wonderfully. I adored Liam and Mia, Sophie’s daughter. Mia is beautifully written and I loved reading as she came out of her shell.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a sweet romance for the holiday season, this is it!
I received an eARC of this book on Netgalley from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine is the first in her new series The Great Library in which the author has changed history, allowing the Library of Alexandria to survive. Imagine for a moment a world where books, actual physical copies, are illegal to possess. The bookworm living inside me just withered and died at the thought! This is only in part the world the characters face in this book.
I loved the alternate history in which the library has survived and become the Library, an all-powerful entity who controls the world governments, the information that is allowed in the public and silences those that oppose them. It’s truly a scary thought! The Library, while it is a thing, represents the oppressing government and is the point of antagonism in the series. I like how the author recreates a history in which the Library is similar to the Roman governments and Roman Catholic church during its early reign. It’s interesting to see the dynamic and effect books have on the society as a whole.
There’s a large cast of characters that resembles that of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson but the story itself is unique. I enjoyed the diversity of the characters with backgrounds from Britain, Welsh, German, America, Egypt, Spain, etc. It provided a glimpse of the way these countries fare against the Library.
Jess makes an excellent protagonist! He’s the underdog, raised in a smuggling family and in a life of crime, he makes himself a better person, strives to be at least. He’s passionate about books and preserving them, finding a way to share them with the world….but that borders on heresy to the Library. His smarts though gain him access to learn and serve at the Library.
The plot centers around Jess and his fellow postulants as they learn and are tested at the Library. I’ll be honest, I struggled in the first half of the story as the pace was slow, setting the stage for the series, BUT it picks up in the last half. I was fully immersed in the world created by Caine and found myself holding my breath, reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next.
Overall I enjoyed the story! The chemistry between the characters and the alternate history drew me in. I found myself wondering a lot of “what if’s” and doing my own research on names mentioned and events that happened. If you enjoy alternate history, action and adventure, and a large cast of characters, I highly recommend you dive into the series!
Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine is the first in her new series The Great Library in which the author has changed history, allowing the Library of Alexandria to survive. Imagine for a moment a world where books, actual physical copies, are illegal to possess. The bookworm living inside me just withered and died at the thought! This is only in part the world the characters face in this book.
I loved the alternate history in which the library has survived and become the Library, an all-powerful entity who controls the world governments, the information that is allowed in the public and silences those that oppose them. It’s truly a scary thought! The Library, while it is a thing, represents the oppressing government and is the point of antagonism in the series. I like how the author recreates a history in which the Library is similar to the Roman governments and Roman Catholic church during its early reign. It’s interesting to see the dynamic and effect books have on the society as a whole.
There’s a large cast of characters that resembles that of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson but the story itself is unique. I enjoyed the diversity of the characters with backgrounds from Britain, Welsh, German, America, Egypt, Spain, etc. It provided a glimpse of the way these countries fare against the Library.
Jess makes an excellent protagonist! He’s the underdog, raised in a smuggling family and in a life of crime, he makes himself a better person, strives to be at least. He’s passionate about books and preserving them, finding a way to share them with the world….but that borders on heresy to the Library. His smarts though gain him access to learn and serve at the Library.
The plot centers around Jess and his fellow postulants as they learn and are tested at the Library. I’ll be honest, I struggled in the first half of the story as the pace was slow, setting the stage for the series, BUT it picks up in the last half. I was fully immersed in the world created by Caine and found myself holding my breath, reading as fast as I could to find out what happened next.
Overall I enjoyed the story! The chemistry between the characters and the alternate history drew me in. I found myself wondering a lot of “what if’s” and doing my own research on names mentioned and events that happened. If you enjoy alternate history, action and adventure, and a large cast of characters, I highly recommend you dive into the series!
I received an eARC of this book on Netgalley from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
What an intense read! Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine picks up where Ink and Bone left off. Jess and his friends are separated, assigned their duties and rank within the Library. Nothing is what it seemed to be. The disillusioned Jess has accepted the awful things the Library represents, but he hasn’t given up on his friend who is presumed dead, the girl he loves locked away in the Iron Tower, or the fact that books/knowledge should be free to everyone. An uprising is coming, but who will survive?
As much as I enjoyed Ink and Bone, I liked its sequel better. Paper and Fire does not suffer second-book syndrome, that’s for sure! The action immediately starts as Jess and Glaine are training with the Garda and their assignment leads them to Scholar Wolfe and a failed assassination attempt. Jess is still a favorite character of mine. He is brave, loyal, and despite his upbringing cares deeply for those that he survived with. He will fight for them, no matter the cost.
With the world building out of the way, the plot of this book is more character driven as Jess learns more about himself and the man he wishes to be, the things he is willing to give up, and what is worth fighting for. I loved seeing the Automata in a new light this book. They are introduced as the robotic guards of the library during the last book, but the author features them prominently in this one. I liked seeing how the characters feared and interacted with these metal creatures.
The plot of this book is that of a dystopian. The characters are trying to overthrow the library and get knowledge back into the hands of the people. They walk a fine line between heresy and loyalists, their actions and what drives them pure. There is more action in this book than the last (if that’s possible), it seems every page is littered with blood.
Overall I enjoyed this read, finishing it in under a day! It was addictive and I had to know what would happen. My only complaint was the love interest for Jess. I just didn’t feel the chemistry or understand the bond between the two. I had a few eyeroll moments when reading their “passionate” kisses, more like hormones in overdrive. If you enjoy alternate history and liked the first book, I highly recommend continuing with Paper and Fire.
What an intense read! Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine picks up where Ink and Bone left off. Jess and his friends are separated, assigned their duties and rank within the Library. Nothing is what it seemed to be. The disillusioned Jess has accepted the awful things the Library represents, but he hasn’t given up on his friend who is presumed dead, the girl he loves locked away in the Iron Tower, or the fact that books/knowledge should be free to everyone. An uprising is coming, but who will survive?
As much as I enjoyed Ink and Bone, I liked its sequel better. Paper and Fire does not suffer second-book syndrome, that’s for sure! The action immediately starts as Jess and Glaine are training with the Garda and their assignment leads them to Scholar Wolfe and a failed assassination attempt. Jess is still a favorite character of mine. He is brave, loyal, and despite his upbringing cares deeply for those that he survived with. He will fight for them, no matter the cost.
With the world building out of the way, the plot of this book is more character driven as Jess learns more about himself and the man he wishes to be, the things he is willing to give up, and what is worth fighting for. I loved seeing the Automata in a new light this book. They are introduced as the robotic guards of the library during the last book, but the author features them prominently in this one. I liked seeing how the characters feared and interacted with these metal creatures.
The plot of this book is that of a dystopian. The characters are trying to overthrow the library and get knowledge back into the hands of the people. They walk a fine line between heresy and loyalists, their actions and what drives them pure. There is more action in this book than the last (if that’s possible), it seems every page is littered with blood.
Overall I enjoyed this read, finishing it in under a day! It was addictive and I had to know what would happen. My only complaint was the love interest for Jess. I just didn’t feel the chemistry or understand the bond between the two. I had a few eyeroll moments when reading their “passionate” kisses, more like hormones in overdrive. If you enjoy alternate history and liked the first book, I highly recommend continuing with Paper and Fire.
I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Death Thieves by Julie Wright is an interesting and unique take on the dystopian trope. Summer Dawn Rae living her life one day at a time in foster care with her twin sister when she is ripped from a car accident that should have killed her and taken to save an unknown future.
Summer is an easy to like character. While she makes rash decisions, she ultimately puts her sister’s needs first. She describes herself as the heat to Winter’s cool. Their names really reflect their personalities. Summer is outgoing, rebellious, and doesn’t take orders well. When a soldier from the future saves her from her death, she fights him. She wants to stay in her own time stream and live with the only family she knows. You have to admire her for that. She’s great at causing trouble.
The story revolves around this unknown future, a future where the human population is dying off due to a mutated STI/STD that causes them to be sterile. Summer is taken at the moment of her death so as not to disrupt the past and brought to the future to be a “New Youth.” Basically her and many others are there to breed and repopulate without the mutated infection. Obviously rebellious Summer is all for helping….NOT. It’s interesting story, yet the plot moves at a very slow pace until about the 60% mark. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still an interesting read, just takes a little while to get into the story.
Overall I enjoyed this unique take on time travel and dystopia. Summer is an interesting character as she tries to fit into this new society and get back to her sister. If you enjoy science fiction and dystopia, I recommend you pick up a copy for yourself!
Death Thieves by Julie Wright is an interesting and unique take on the dystopian trope. Summer Dawn Rae living her life one day at a time in foster care with her twin sister when she is ripped from a car accident that should have killed her and taken to save an unknown future.
Summer is an easy to like character. While she makes rash decisions, she ultimately puts her sister’s needs first. She describes herself as the heat to Winter’s cool. Their names really reflect their personalities. Summer is outgoing, rebellious, and doesn’t take orders well. When a soldier from the future saves her from her death, she fights him. She wants to stay in her own time stream and live with the only family she knows. You have to admire her for that. She’s great at causing trouble.
The story revolves around this unknown future, a future where the human population is dying off due to a mutated STI/STD that causes them to be sterile. Summer is taken at the moment of her death so as not to disrupt the past and brought to the future to be a “New Youth.” Basically her and many others are there to breed and repopulate without the mutated infection. Obviously rebellious Summer is all for helping….NOT. It’s interesting story, yet the plot moves at a very slow pace until about the 60% mark. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still an interesting read, just takes a little while to get into the story.
Overall I enjoyed this unique take on time travel and dystopia. Summer is an interesting character as she tries to fit into this new society and get back to her sister. If you enjoy science fiction and dystopia, I recommend you pick up a copy for yourself!
Home for Christmas is the first book I’ve read from author Melissa McClone and it won’t be the last! Set in the hills of Montana on a ranch, this holiday story unfolds in the best possible way with gingerbread, snow and mistletoe.
Rachel Murphy comes to Montana to spend the Christmas holiday with her big brother and hopefully convince him to come home to Phoenix with her. She needs a new start. Her business plan was stolen out from under her, along with the seed money. She needs security and her heart needs the pieces put back together. I like her! She’s tough, refuses charity, and even though it’s the holidays has plans to earn cash by selling her gingerbread creations.
Nate Vaughn is the owner of the Bar V5 Dude Ranch and the best friend of Rachel’s brother Ty. Nate is a businessman. He never wanted his father’s life on the ranch until his father nearly lost it all. With the help of Ty, Nate saved the ranch but it cost him his job, his fiancé, and the city life he’d become accustomed to. Now though he wouldn’t trade the life he’s built on the ranch for anything…until he meets Ty’s sister.
Operation Hansel and Gretel commence! Nate learns that Ty is planning to move back to Phoenix with Rachel and well Nate can’t run the ranch without him. So he needs to convince Rachel to stay. The problem, he falls for her, the forbidden fruit. She’s his best friend’s sister, practically family. He can’t touch her, he can’t stay away from her either. I loved the sweet friendship that forms between the two and the romance that slowly unfolds. It’s also relatively clean, as in fade-to-black type scenes.
Overall I enjoyed this novella! It’s sweet, light and funny. Rachel and Nate balance each other perfectly and I love Ty! Hopefully Ty gets his own book in the series….I need to look and find that out. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one.
Rachel Murphy comes to Montana to spend the Christmas holiday with her big brother and hopefully convince him to come home to Phoenix with her. She needs a new start. Her business plan was stolen out from under her, along with the seed money. She needs security and her heart needs the pieces put back together. I like her! She’s tough, refuses charity, and even though it’s the holidays has plans to earn cash by selling her gingerbread creations.
Nate Vaughn is the owner of the Bar V5 Dude Ranch and the best friend of Rachel’s brother Ty. Nate is a businessman. He never wanted his father’s life on the ranch until his father nearly lost it all. With the help of Ty, Nate saved the ranch but it cost him his job, his fiancé, and the city life he’d become accustomed to. Now though he wouldn’t trade the life he’s built on the ranch for anything…until he meets Ty’s sister.
Operation Hansel and Gretel commence! Nate learns that Ty is planning to move back to Phoenix with Rachel and well Nate can’t run the ranch without him. So he needs to convince Rachel to stay. The problem, he falls for her, the forbidden fruit. She’s his best friend’s sister, practically family. He can’t touch her, he can’t stay away from her either. I loved the sweet friendship that forms between the two and the romance that slowly unfolds. It’s also relatively clean, as in fade-to-black type scenes.
Overall I enjoyed this novella! It’s sweet, light and funny. Rachel and Nate balance each other perfectly and I love Ty! Hopefully Ty gets his own book in the series….I need to look and find that out. If you enjoy contemporary romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this one.
I received an eARC of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Initial Reaction
OMG!!!! I need more! Strain of Defiance by Michelle Bryan is topping my favorite list right now. It is the second book in the Bixby Series and picks up a few weeks after the end of [b:Strain of Resistance|29580837|Strain of Resistance|Michelle Bryan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459114457s/29580837.jpg|49642081]. I’ll be honest, I was concerned how the author would be able to keep the momentum and suspense going after the first book. I’m happy to say she did it and did it well! I devoured this book. I would’ve finished it in one sitting IF I hadn’t started it so late. I can’t remember another time that I was so engrossed and invested in a character.
Bixby’s back!
I love Bixby! She’s one messed-up chick though. She watched the world turn to hell and now she’s living to survive. She locks her emotions down and doesn’t let many people into her life. Why would she when they all leave? Yet the events in the first book have changed her. Bix is fighting her growing feelings for Luke, admitting she cares for the guys on her team and owning up/moving on from the grief of losing Sam.
All the characters I loved are back. Luke is still the “gentle giant” that Bixby referred to in the first book yet he’s also changed. He’s done waiting on Bixby to admit her feelings, especially when he can read her like a book. Gordon is still one of my favorite characters though he doesn’t play as big as a role in this book. The characters find a new colony of survivors in this book and so I don’t spoil anything I’ll just say I love them!
A New Threat
At the end of [b:Strain of Resistance|29580837|Strain of Resistance|Michelle Bryan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459114457s/29580837.jpg|49642081], Bixby and the others encountered a new mutation of the worms they are fighting. These are smarter, deadlier, and harder to kill. Honestly these guys scare the heck out of me and the characters! Why? Because they hide in plain sight as a human.
The plot revolves around finding a way to eradicate these guys. So Bixby and her crew on on a new mission: deliver the scientists they saved to a research facility. I liked this! This aspect of the plot forces them to leave the city they’ve made their home and in turn they encounter new dangers and new friends. It’s interesting to see this world evolve as the series continues. There is plenty of suspense as there are so many dangers even without the alien threat. I love it!!
Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book! I couldn’t read it fast enough. I love Bixby, the romantic trouble she entangles herself in, and the story itself. I’m fully invested. I’m on pins and needles needing to know what will happen next. And that ending *sobs* I can’t even….Michelle Bryan I need more ASAP PLEASE?!?!
Initial Reaction
OMG!!!! I need more! Strain of Defiance by Michelle Bryan is topping my favorite list right now. It is the second book in the Bixby Series and picks up a few weeks after the end of [b:Strain of Resistance|29580837|Strain of Resistance|Michelle Bryan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459114457s/29580837.jpg|49642081]. I’ll be honest, I was concerned how the author would be able to keep the momentum and suspense going after the first book. I’m happy to say she did it and did it well! I devoured this book. I would’ve finished it in one sitting IF I hadn’t started it so late. I can’t remember another time that I was so engrossed and invested in a character.
Bixby’s back!
I love Bixby! She’s one messed-up chick though. She watched the world turn to hell and now she’s living to survive. She locks her emotions down and doesn’t let many people into her life. Why would she when they all leave? Yet the events in the first book have changed her. Bix is fighting her growing feelings for Luke, admitting she cares for the guys on her team and owning up/moving on from the grief of losing Sam.
All the characters I loved are back. Luke is still the “gentle giant” that Bixby referred to in the first book yet he’s also changed. He’s done waiting on Bixby to admit her feelings, especially when he can read her like a book. Gordon is still one of my favorite characters though he doesn’t play as big as a role in this book. The characters find a new colony of survivors in this book and so I don’t spoil anything I’ll just say I love them!
A New Threat
At the end of [b:Strain of Resistance|29580837|Strain of Resistance|Michelle Bryan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459114457s/29580837.jpg|49642081], Bixby and the others encountered a new mutation of the worms they are fighting. These are smarter, deadlier, and harder to kill. Honestly these guys scare the heck out of me and the characters! Why? Because they hide in plain sight as a human.
The plot revolves around finding a way to eradicate these guys. So Bixby and her crew on on a new mission: deliver the scientists they saved to a research facility. I liked this! This aspect of the plot forces them to leave the city they’ve made their home and in turn they encounter new dangers and new friends. It’s interesting to see this world evolve as the series continues. There is plenty of suspense as there are so many dangers even without the alien threat. I love it!!
Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book! I couldn’t read it fast enough. I love Bixby, the romantic trouble she entangles herself in, and the story itself. I’m fully invested. I’m on pins and needles needing to know what will happen next. And that ending *sobs* I can’t even….Michelle Bryan I need more ASAP PLEASE?!?!