Review: A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

A Promise of Fire
Amanda Bouchet
Sourcebooks 8.2.2016
448 pages
**** Stars
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Source: ARC provided by publisher for honest review


Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…
Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

I've been into high fantasy novels Lately .  So when the opportunity to read A Promise of Fire was presented to me I jumped at it!  The beauty of a fantasy novel is being swept away into another world, being transported into the lives of complex and otherworldly characters. And it is by far one of the best things about being a reader.  And when the characters and story are done right...and you leave that otherworldly place behind you're  left with this...emptiness and a sense that maybe, just maybe it can actually be a possibility that world exists.  If only you could find the portal or magic closet to get there. That is how you know you've just read a good book.  Whether it's fantasy, sci-fi, romance...if you had any kind of after effects....I don't need to repeat myself.  And that's exactly what happened to me after I finished A Promise of Fire.

I enjoy mythology a lot and I was happy with how the author intertwined mythology with her story. Much like her main character, she didn't give too much away at once.  It kept me engaged as a reader, invested in the story as well as the characters. If you're preferred genre is fantasy you know how important world building is. IMO the plot is secondary to the world building because if you don't create a space for the story to unfold...it's just words on a paper.   I felt the world building and characters were amazing! Everything from the circus to the performers to Hades, all of it was utterly mesmerizing! Cat, our heroine, is going to have one amazing group of friends once all those formalities are out of the way.  Yes, I'm guessing here, but I got a sense of where this story might be heading.  Either way, I'll be reading the series.  

Speaking of Catalia (gorge name by the way!) I instantly liked her.  She reminded me of a cornered wild animal.  All claws and fangs but underneath is a very feeling and caring individual.  She was spunky, smart-mouthed and tough! My goodness what she endured....she's got liquid steel running through her veins.  When she meets Griffin her eventual love interest, oh my, the tension becomes so thick you can cut it with a knife.  Griffin is strong, confident, sexy, level headed, a great military man. I mean...where can I find one of these?! 

For a debut novel A Promise of Fire promises to be an exciting series full of action, angst and romance.  I am definitely looking forward to picking up this series.  If you're a fan of fantasy novels I highly recommend you pick this one up! 

Review: A Better Man by Candis Terry

A Better Man

Sunshine Creek Vineyard #1

Candis Terry

Publisher: Avon, 368 pages

March 29, 2016

Source: ARC galley from publisher

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Meet the Kincade brothers: they’ll do what it takes to protect their legacy—but what happens when love gets in the way?

Hockey star Jordan Kincade wasted no time ditching Sunshine Valley and everyone who mattered for a career in the NHL—a truth Jordan confronts when his parents’ deaths bring him home. Now he’s back to make amends, which begins with keeping his younger sister from flunking out of school. It’s just his luck that the one person who can help is the girl whose heart he broke years ago.

Lucy Diamond has racked up a number of monumental mistakes in her life, the first involving a certain blue-eyed charmer. She has no intention of falling for Jordan Kincade again, but when he shows up asking her to help one of her students, Lucy just can’t say no. Worse, the longer he’s back, the more she sees how much he’s changed. And so when a blistering kiss turns to more, she can’t help but wonder if her heart will be crushed again . . . or if she’ll discover true love with a better man

I love small town romances.  There's just something about the intimacy of it that makes falling in love seem...ethereal.  Being a new reader to Candis Terry I was more than excited to dive into this small-town, sports themed, second chance romance.  Did I forget to mention I love sports?! I totally do. Being a mom to three boys, it was kinda required of me to learn to like 'em.  Thus making me fall in love with sports because I spend a majority of my time on a field of some sort trudging along snacks and juice for the players.  But I digress.  I'm not here to talk about my personal life, that's a different blog ;-)

Jordan our main character is a star hockey player who spends most of his time in the penalty box rather than the ice, but he always makes those minutes count when he is on the ice.  His team has just won the game that will take them to the championship when he gets a call that changes his life forever.  A Better Man is aptly titled since Jordan has come to the reality that maybe he hasn't been the best version of himself.  Funny how tragedy will make a person introspect. Since being home Jordan's had time to learn more about the vineyard and all the secrets it holds.  He's slowly rebuilding his relationship with his family and learning how to be this different person that isn't just about hockey or winning or penalty boxes.

Review: Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden

Six Degrees of Scandal
Scandalous #4
Publisher: Avon, 384 pages
Caroline Linden
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**** Stars

Olivia Townsend is in trouble and out of options. Pursued by a desperate man in search of a lost treasure, which she doesn’t have, she’s got only two things in her favor: her late husband’s diary, which she was never meant to see … and the man who was her first-and-only-love. Losing him broke her heart, though she’s been careful to hide it for the last ten years. But when he comes to her aid and vows to stand by her this time, no matter what, she can’t help but hope things will be different this time.

James Weston has blamed himself for letting Olivia down when she needed him years ago, and he will not do it again. Fortunately, his unusual life has equipped him well to outsmart the villain chasing Olivia. Unfortunately, being so near her again threatens to expose every secret in his heart…even those that should stay hidden forever.

I'm a historical romance genre lover.  There's just something about the chivalric quality in a male character from the time period that really catches my interest and when you throw in romance..it's a match made in heaven.  For me anyways.  This quality was definitely not missing from our hero James in Six Degrees of Scandal by Caroline Linden.  However, don't be mistaken, just because it's "historical" doesn't mean the female characters written for that time period are weak or submissive. In fact it's the exact opposite for our heroine Olivia, she's every bit strong and independent as today's woman and I cheered for her all the way through the book.

I absolutely adored the beginning of the story, it gave great insight to the history of our characters and the way their lives were intertwined from the start.  So much is said in so little paragraphs, you would think it would take away from the plot and the characters.  However that wasn't the case for me. Because I was allowed to have back story, I was immediately hooked.  Oh the heart clenches I felt for our Olivia! And mind you this is within the span of the first 100 pages.  I'm telling you I.WAS.HOOKED.  When an author can have me invested in the story and the outcome so quickly, it's one I definitely keep my eye on.

Six Degrees of Scandal was enjoyable and an instant favorite for me.  An in-depth story full of wit,charm and romance not to be missed! I highly recommend this read if you're a fan of historical romance.  

Review: Ink & Lies by S.L.Jennings

Ink & Lies

S.L. Jennings

249 pages

***** Stars

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From International Best Selling Romance Novelist, Hope Hughes, comes a gripping, heartfelt tale of two lovers, fighting for the freedom to...

No. Scratch that. Too cheesy.

...two people, torn apart by the tumultuous tides of life, only to discover refuge in...

WTF? What does that even mean? DELETE.

...two people, confused as shit as to where they should be and who they should love and none of this means a damn thing because it's all lies!

Lies.

I'm not Hope Hughes. I'm not some fierce woman romance machine. Hell, I'm not even a woman.

I'm a liar.

And while I refuse to believe my own BS, deceit masked in heartfelt phrases of love and devotion, I want to make her believe them. Because maybe--just maybe--if she can find the soul within my words, she'll also be able to find the truth scribbled on my heart.

You see, I once lived for the perfect plot twist.

I just never expected to actually live it.

This is my story. Well, maybe her story. I just wish I could make it our story.

The one I'm still writing.

There are very few times when I read a book and have to stop and just take a breath at the end of it.   There are very few books that can make me experience every single emotion known to man in the span of 250 pages.   But that's exactly what Ink & Lies did.  I laughed, I got angry, I yearned, I had the heart clenches and I loved.  I loved this story!  There's no in-depth, twisted, mind-fu$&ing going on here.  It's an average story about your average boy & girl and there seemingly average friendship. What makes it extraordinary  is the glaringly obvious fact that this boy loves this girl and he doesn't even realize it.  What drew me into this story, into these characters lives is being able to see their love and live it while simultaneously getting a narration of their evolving relationship.  I'm not sure if I'm doing the book or author justice when I say that so I guess I'll just say that it was good, reeallll good!

Review: Tell the Wind & Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan

Tell the Wind and Fire

Sarah Rees Brennan

368 pages

Published by Clarion Books

Goodreads

** Stars

Tell the Wind & Fire is about a young girl called Lucie who lives in a New York very different from the New York we know: the city is torn between two very different kinds of magic, and Lucie’s own family was torn apart years ago by that conflict. Lucie wears magic rings and carries a burden of guilt she can’t share with anyone.

The light in her life is her sweetheart boyfriend Ethan, but it turns out Ethan has a secret too: a soulless doppelganger created by dark magic, who has to conceal the face identical to Ethan’s with a hood fastened by a collar nobody but a Light magician with magical rings can take off… and who introduces himself to both of them by, for reasons nobody can understand, saving Ethan’s life…

It's hard to perfect the Urban Fantasy genre.  The characters, story and plot need to be well thought out and developed in order for me to be fully engrossed and captivated.  Tell the Wind and Fire was an...interesting story.   It's supposed to be a take on A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens but to me it felt more like a mash up of The Hunger Games and Divergent.   I had a challenging time relating to our heroine Lucie in any capacity.  And at some points I even thought she was a tad whiny and emo with all her self loathing.

Movie Review: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I don't normally review movies on here, I don't normally review movies at all.  But for this movie I felt the need to review.  or speculate.  or vent. Whatever you want to call it, I just needed to get it off my chest! So I haven't read the book yet, but after watching the movie and discussing it with a fellow coworker I am definitely moving it up on my to-read pile.   I enjoyed the movie.  I'm not really into the whole "anti-hero" thing but for this movie it fit.  After the movie ended, I thought to myself "wtf was that" & " that chick is nuts! psychopathic!" but upon further contemplation I started realizing her husband is just as sick as her given the outcome of the movie. I mean really, the fact that he didn't do anything speaks volumes to his level of sickness.   The whole movie was a mind fuck and damn if I didn't like it!

As I said, I haven't read the book so I can't speak on how well the actors captured the characters and their nuances.  I will say the acting wasn't bad, definitely better than K. Stewart and E.Patton in Twilight.  I know.  Not even on the same level...I'm just sayin.

I guess it's safe to say I liked the movie.  I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Review: Red Fox (EiT #2) by Karina Halle

Red Fox by Karina Halle
Experiment in Terror #2
324 pages
Goodreads
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*** Stars

With Book Two of the Experiment in Terror Series, Perry Palomino and Dex Foray trade in the stormy Oregon coast for the unforgiving deserts of New Mexico. 

In the for­got­ten town of Red Fox, New Mex­ico, a Navajo cou­ple is tor­tured by things unseen and by motives unknown. Wild ani­mals slink through their house in the dark, a bar­rage of stones pound their roof nightly, and muti­lated sheep car­casses are turn­ing up on their prop­erty. Armed with a cam­era and just enough to go on, Perry and Dex travel to the des­o­late locale, hop­ing to film the super­nat­ural occur­rences and add cred­i­bil­ity to their flail­ing web­cast. Only their show has a lot more work­ing against them than just grow­ing pains. Tested by dubi­ous ranch hands, a ghost from Dex’s past, and shapeshift­ing decep­tion, the ama­teur ghost hunters must learn to trust each other in order to fight the most ancient of myths…or die trying.

Red Fox is the second installment in the Eit Series.  It follows our two main characters Dex Forray and Perry Palomino and there adventures in ghost....hunting?  I'm not yet sure what to call it or classify these two as.  Neither do they at this point.  So far in the story I know Perry has some "special" abilities and there's hints that maybe Dex does as well.  Lot's of foreshadowing and tension building  so far in terms of the relationship between the these two and what they're capable of.    Not so much in the first book, but in this one we get a better feel for Perry's feelings and even see some reciprocation from Dex.  I can sense their relationship is going to be complicated, much like the individual.    

This book takes them to New Mexico where they're called on to help a friend...help a friend.  What ensues when they arrive is nothing short of crazy.  It's to be expected I suppose given their choice of profession, but holy $^&t! Perry is one strong chick, that's all I can say.   At this point in the series I've realized that Perry is accident prone and a definite magnet for trouble.  The minute Dex leaves her alone she's in instnat peril.  Which at first annoyed me because really? Are we gonna play the damsel in distress part?  However, I've come to realize that's part of her charm.  Anyways, Dex and Perry are helping out a friend who's been experiencing poltergeist activity.  They live on this huge ranch in the middle of the desert which is prime real estate for weird happenings.   The cast of characters in this book are all very intriguing as well as suspicious.  During the entire book, I wasn't sure who was the culprit even though it was well obvious someone was behind the sinister activity, which definitely kept me interested in the story, characters as well as the outcome.

So far I'm liking this series.  I enjoy the fact that you have to follow these characters from book one as it gives readers a better appreciation for their growth, which I'm hoping I see in future books.  It's fun, light, creepy and sweet with a Supernatural-esque feel to it.

Review: Sketch by Laramie Briscoe

Sketch
Laramie Briscoe
190 Pages
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*** Stars

My name is Devin, but everybody calls me Sketch. I opened my own tattoo shop two years ago, and I’ve finally gotten to the point where I’m going to be able to give my wife everything she’s ever wanted. I’m going to be able to take time off and spend a day a week with her. In fact, tonight, I stopped and grabbed some wine, got her flowers, and those chocolates she likes. 

What I wasn’t prepared for was to be met at the front door by her carrying her sh*t out. 

She loves me, but she’s not in love with me anymore. What kind of bulls*it excuse is that? I’ve left her alone too often, I’ve been completely focused on one goal, and apparently she’s sick of waiting. 

So here I stand. Half the man I was, p*ssed as f*ck, because while I was busy making a better life for us, she was under the impression I was leaving her lonely. I know one day she’ll see what I’ve been doing has been for us, and when that day comes… She can damn well come crawling back to me.

Giving up is easy.  It's the making it work, that's the hard part

It's not too often that I can read a book and instantly relate to the characters.  But that's exactly what happened with Devin and Nina, from the synopsis to the prologue I was interested.

This is your typical newlywed lovers quarrel. Nina and Devin have been married for a few years now, building their lives. As it goes with a young marriage, some tough choices need to be made.  Which is exactly what Sketch was doing.  He was working day and night to build up his business and as things go with that, his wife was feeling neglected.   The story starts at this point and throughout the book we get to watch them grow as individuals as well as a couple.

I really liked the premise of the story and the story telling.  I enjoyed Ms. Briscoe's writing, for a debut novel I believe she has promise.  With that being said, I would have liked to have seen some build up with emotions.  The plot was a bit flat but not lacking, if that makes any sense.   I like my stories to have layers and depth and Sketch would have been so much better if there were more layers.  Take for instance the "dad" issue. It would have given the story more "meat" for lack of a better term, if the author had given a bit more on that. Because it was referenced quite a few times that they married young, more background would have given that aspect layers as well. There was very little build up in terms of angst and emotions. While the pacing of the story was quick I will say that I enjoyed it.

For the swiftness of it all, I became invested in these characters and I'd definitely read more of this authors work in the future.

Character driven with plenty of heat Sketch is one to read if you're like me and love HEA's.

Review & Teaser: I'll Be Home For Christmas by Lori Wilde

I'll Be Home For Christmas
A Twilight, Texas Novel
Lori Wilde
October 27,2015
416 pages
Publisher: Avon Romance
Source: Publisher
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Nothing says Christmas like New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde and Twilight, TX, and now Lori returns to Twilight for a brand new heartwarming holiday tale. The matchmaking members of the Cookie Club are up to their old tricks again!

Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe-a hometown guy with a restless heart-is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most…

…And who happens to be staying at his sister’s place over the holidays, while Joe’s sister is away. But Joe isn’t quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.

Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames “Trouble” won’t inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she’s never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…

If Twilight Texas is real, I'm immediately packing my bags and going there now! Lori Wilde's small town holiday romance is perfect to snuggle up with next to your fireplace with a warm glass of hot chocolate. Or wine. Or dog, cat...whatever. It's the perfect snuggle up book for the holiday season! Inspired by the movie The Vacation, Gabi decides to take a break from her life. Still grieving the loss of her brother, she's inspired by a snow globe to find that perfect town that's all about Christmas. She definitely finds it and more in Twilight! In a coincidental twist of fate the woman whom Gabi swapped homes with happens to have a brother. Who's hot. And looks good in a pair of wranglers. And who also happens to be her neighbor.

What I liked about this book is the predictability. I knew going in that Gabi was going to find a love interest, and I knew it was going to be Joe. What I enjoyed most about the book was the...unfolding of circumstances that allowed Gabi and Joe to become real for me. So often in romance novels the main love interests have situations that seem far-fetched so I appreciated the realistic qualities of the characters. Having that realistic quality also gave the characters depth. And who likes reading about flat, two dimensional characters anyways right? It's undeniable that Gabi and Joe are attracted to each other and it was entertaining to watch these two do the push-n-pull dance.

I'll be Home for Christmas was fun to read. It got me out of my reading slump and in turn I discovered a new genre I enjoy. I'm classifying this new genre as my guilty pleasure reading. If you enjoy reading small town romances I highly recommend Lori Wilde's Twilight Texas series. I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the books in this series!

EXCERPT

Gabi got out of the car and her designer heels sank into the damp earth. Not the proper footwear for navigating a pasture’s bumpy terrain. Maybe she should buy a pair of cowboy boots. Better yet, maybe she should get a motel room. What had she been thinking? In truth? She hadn’t fully thought this through. That’s what she got for not asking for details. An adventure was what she’d wanted and that’s what she’d gotten. Purposefully, she readjusted her chin, her spine, and her attitude. Okay. Bring it. She was on board with whatever circumstances threw her way. This was part of her journey. Had to embrace the new in order to strip away the old, right? The domed tent sat atop a plain wooden deck. Off to one side was a large chicken coop, and a black and white cow grazed contentedly in the field. Animals? Was she supposed to be taking care of animals? Katie hadn’t said a word about animals. Her heart, which had been nesting in her stomach, glided right on down to her shoes. Gabi had never had a house pet, much less been around farm animals. She hiccupped. Her lungs tightened and her head buzzed dizzily. Calm down. It was okay. She could handle this. Momentarily, she closed her eyes, let the fear wash over her and away, then brusquely dusted her palms. Move forward. The sun was sinking toward the horizon, bumping through gray clouds, sending cool fingers of winter to silver the long grass ruffling in the breeze. The scent of the lake and Christmas tree pine tinged the air, smelling both earthy and sur-real. She paused on the deck of the tent house, in-haled deeply, and listened to the silence. The chirp of a bird. The whisper of the wind. The gentle sound of her own breathing. Ah, peace. Nice. Very nice. She could get used to this. The ping of a metal axe against wood cut the quiet. Gabi lifted her head and glanced around. Less than fifty yards separated her from the Christmas tree farm, and through the branches of the trees she spied a man chopping at a fir that he felled in three easy whacks. He wore a blue flannel shirt that rippled in the back every time he swung the axe. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to the elbows, exposing forearms corded with muscles and giving her a show of strength, agility, and timing as he picked up the downed tree and tossed it effortlessly onto a flatbed trailer parked down the row of trees. Her gaze dropped to his masculine backside hugged by a pair of faded Levi’s. Uh- oh, she knew that butt. It was the same scrumptious ass she’d seen less than half an hour earlier at the coffee shop. It was He- Man.

Blog Tour: The Scene by Roxy Sloane Review & Teaser

   

Miami. The city of sex, sin — and secrets.

I came here with one mission: solve the mystery behind my brother’s death. Somebody’s got answers. Somewhere, I’ll find what I’m looking for.

I didn’t bet on Xavier. He’s my way into the scene — and my biggest threat. I should keep my distance, but I can’t stay away.

I'm playing with fire, and I just pray I don't get burned.

---

My Review

Sun, Sand and Sex.  Those three words perfectly describe The Scene by Roxy Sloane.  Set in the high society scene of Miami we meet Nikki & Xavier.  It's a chance meeting between two and they soon discover they have more in common than their physical attraction. 

Nikki has relocated to Miami to find out what's happened to her brother.  He unfortunately had a tragic accident and she doesn't believe what the police and other people are claiming happened to him.  So she sets out to play detective to find out the real story.  Enter Xavier, your quintessential billionaire bachelor.  He's hot, loaded, with a never ending sex drive all wrapped in this chivalrous, sexy man.  Seriously, he's THE package.  Where can I get one of these??! 

As I read each Novella, I was convinced that Xavier was more than meets the eye.  This is the genius of Ms. Sloane! She kept me guessing throughout each book and just when I thought I had it figured out she throws in this plot twist that seriously had me whipping my head so fast I thought I may have given myself whiplash.  It was awesome! And a great way to end this serial series.  

The character development was evident despite the pace and shortness of each book.  The plot is well developed which provided a steady & solid pace for the crescendo.  And let me tell you, once you've come down from the high of the story, you will be left feeling satisfied.  I was. 

The Scene gave me everything I enjoy reading in a book.  Romance, Depth, Character development and clear, solid writing. 

Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge

Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones
Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 326 pages
Source: Library
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 Few things in life can come between a grim reaper and her coffee, but the sexy, sultry son of Satan is one of them. Now that Reyes Farrow has asked for her hand, Charley Davidson feels it's time to learn more about his past, but Reyes is reluctant to open up. When the official FBI file of his childhood abduction lands in her lap, Charley decides to go behind her mysterious beau’s back and conduct her own investigation. Because what could go wrong?

Unfortunately, another case has fallen into her lap—one with dangerous implications. Some very insistent men want Charley to hunt down a witness who is scheduled to testify against their boss, a major player in the local crime syndicate. If Charley doesn't come up with an address in 48 hours, the people closest to her will start to disappear.

Add to that a desperate man in search of the soul he lost in a card game, a dogged mother determined to find the ghost of her son, and a beautiful, young Deaf boy haunted by his new ability to see the departed as clearly as he sees the living, and Charley has her hands full. The fact that Reyes has caught on to her latest venture only adds fuel to the inferno that he is. Good thing for Charley she's used to multi-tasking and always up for a challenge…especially when that challenge comes in the form of Reyes Farrow.     

My Review

"...I've only ever wanted you. You are literally the light in my darkness, the redemption of my past. I waited centuries for you to be born on earth, for me to be able to bask in your glow. You are like a gravitational force that lures me closer with each breath you take."

Insert happy, dreamy sigh here. Who knew Reyes had such a sweet side to him?

So it ends on a cliffhanger. Not really a fan of those but for this book, this series, this author, I'm happy with this ending. Very fitting in terms of plot arc and story development. It's perfect considering the love between Charley and Reyes.

As usual per Charley, her harebrained schemes and ADD addled brain provided copious amounts of entertainment and laughter. There were many moments of giggle fits which resulted in weird looks from strangers and my bf as a result. True Story. As usual with each installment, there's a lot happening in the story. With the introduction of the "dealer" and finally getting Cookie & Ubie to have a love connection.  Add to that, solving cases and learning about Angel's background- there was never a moment of dullness.  I was pleased with the pacing of the story, I felt like Charley was finally getting some answers! Which in turn, gave me a better understanding of her character, but that's beside the point! Charley and Reyes were finally moving into a relationship. 

I'm soooo curious to see how that plays out.  And with the ending?! Holy moley!!! Glad the seventh book is already out so I don't have to wait.


I'm always satisfied reading a Charley Davidson novel and I think this book has been the best one in the series yet!  With character driven stories and a plot that's well thought out, there's just no way one can't be enthralled with this series!

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Review: Summer Sins by Jennifer Probst

Summer Sins by Jennifer Probst
Published: August 4
Genre: New Adult, Romance
Source: eARC
*** Stars
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Summer fun before my wedding...

I have one goal this summer. Hang with my besties for some much needed sun, sand, and relaxation while I put the final touches on my idyllic wedding. I didn't count on meeting a smart-mouthed, bad boy biker whose gaze burns hotter than a beach bonfire. I never planned to lose myself, body and soul, and question my entire future. Now, I have to make a choice that’s tearing me apart, and could shatter the lives of the two men I love...

Turns into summer sins...

I have one goal this summer. CHILL. Do nothing. Nada. I need simple before I have to head into Manhattan to take on a high powered position on Wall Street. I didn't count on a dark haired, inky- eyed spitfire who'd spin my world upside down, or make me burn for things I never thought I wanted. I vowed to make her my summer fling, but had no idea she was claimed by another. And now that she possessed not only my body but my soul, the stakes are too high for me to lose her...

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

My Review

Summer Sins is a novella in the Hot in the Hamptons anthology.  This particular short story is centered around a young girl who has denied herself the chance to truly live for herself.   That is until she meets her match in the opposite sex who makes her...feel.  And soon she begins to question everything.

For being a novella, this story was packed with tons of story.  Jennifer Probst expertly wrote a story about second chances and all the emotions that entails within a certain amount of words.  And it was good! Summer Sins was my first time reading anything by Ms. Probst but it certainly won't be my last.   I was able to get a clear picture of the characters right away.  The doubt Storme was feeling about her future and Holden's bad boy-ness.   Can I just say, I am sooo glad is wasn't insta-love! Definitely insta-attraction but the love evolved with the growing relationship, in turn making it believable.   And holy hotness Holden! That boy's gotta mouth on him!

I don't want to give too much away with this review, it is a novella after all, because I want you guys to pick it up and read it! I assure you, you will not be disappointed.   It's got all the elements I love in a romance.  Strong female lead, strong (and sexy) male lead, believable emotions and scorching hot scenes!  This would be a good book to read while at the beach or to take you out of a book slump.  

Review: The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho

The Witch of Portobello
Paulo Coelho
Harper Collins May 15, 2007
320 Pages
Source: Library
**** Stars
GoodreadsAmazon | Barnes & Noble

How do we find the courage to always be true to ourselves—even if we are unsure of whom we are?
That is the central question of international bestselling author Paulo Coelho's profound new work, The Witch of Portobello. It is the story of a mysterious woman named Athena, told by the many who knew her well—or hardly at all.

My Review

I read this book in one sitting.  That's how captivated I was with the character.  When I first started reading, I really and truly thought it was meant to be an autobiography. Only when I got to the end, did I realize that-duh! It was all a part of the storytelling. Nope, I don't feel foolish at all!   I very much enjoyed Mr. Coelho's writing. Learning about Athena in past tense, through stories told by the people who knew her; I think that's what kept me engaged in the story.  She's like some mythical, mystical creature that aroused so many people to delve into the unknown, unexplored parts of themselves. Never staying too long, only long enough to turn your world upside down and then vanish into the night.  While everyone is left wondering if they were trapped in some weird dream.

It's not very often that I read a book that leaves me pondering after I've completed it.  I was truly bewitched with the storytelling!  And boy did it leave me wondering...was she just some crazy woman? Did she really posses the powers she believed she had?  I guess to answer my own question she did believe it.  Otherwise she wouldn't have garnered such a following.  Aside from the story itself, I could feel the message Mr. Coelho wove into the plot.  The messages of 'power of intention' and 'believe and you will achieve' were loud and clear.  It was quite empowering given the main character is a woman.

I'm glad I picked this up.  A unique story told with an equally unique and talented voice.  With substance, depth and a natural enigmatic quality The Witch of Portobello is one all fans of literary fiction will devour.

A Tale of Two Friends: My review of Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane

Kristin Hannah
Paperaback, 479 pages
**** Stars
Goodreads
Amazon

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the social food-chain at school. Then, to her amazement, the 'coolest girl in the world' moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all -beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be, but they make a pact to be best friends forever, by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

For thirty years Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship, jealousy, anger, hurt and resentment. Tully follows her ambition to find fame and success. Kate knows that all she wants is to fall in love and have a family but what she doesn't know is that being a wife and mother will change her. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart and puts their courage and lifelong friendship to the ultimate test.

   My Review

Firefly Lane follows the lives of two young girls Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey, into adulthood. The story chronicles their highs and lows and everything in between.   The novel starts out with a present moment in time, and immediately throws us into the past where we relive their lives, and end up at the beginning of the book.   Now I remember why I don't read Kristin Hannah books! Not because she's not good at what she does, it's clearly the opposite! She guts me everytime!!!! And like a moth to a flame I will most likely read the second book in the series.  I won't be able to help it.  I've become invested in these characters and I must see it to the end.  

At the start, I liked Tully.  She comes from a broken family which shapes who she becomes as an adult.  I started disliking her more than half-way through the book.   Her desire to "have it all" and be the center of attention turned her into a self-centered, hollow and envious character.  However, she redeems herself and essentially all is forgiven.  Such is the way with true friendship right?  We can be as ugly as we need to be and still have someone there who loves us enough to slap us upside the head. Which is exactly what Tully needed.  Her proverbial "slap" comes in the form of a grave realization about her bff and from there it's a smooth ride on redemption road. 

Kate is the backbone of the relationship.  She's loyal with a quiet strength about her and although she could be meek and a bit of a pushover at times, she grounds Tully.  She was so patient and caring, it made me mad that she allowed herself to be pulled along into Tully's dream.  Where was her voice in the friendship?  I felt like she measured herself against Tully and allowed herself to live vicariously through her bff.  However, for all of that, not once did I detect jealousy or see the green monster rear it's head.  Until she meets John "Johny" Ryan.  The love of Kate's life.  What a tangled mess of feelings!

Firefly Lane is realistic and poignant depiction of a bond, of soul mates, that spans three decades.  It's a story of love, loss, family and redemption.  Of picking up the pieces after being broken.  It's a story of being strong when you have no idea how to be and moving forward when you feel like you can't move.  And underneath all of that, it's the story of two girls who met one day and forged a bond under the night sky on Firefly Lane.