Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label young adult. Show all posts

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Cut to the Heart


Book Blurb:

All Josie Framer wants is a man with fire magic—and to find the truth-knife that’s rightfully hers.

However, neither of these quests is going well.

After her latest date-turned-disaster, she's almost ready to give up—when she happens along the blade on the way home. Unfortunately, reclaiming her property makes her target of the Arcane Market, a nefarious underground trafficking ring for magical artifacts and magical beings.

To make things worse, she keeps running into Oliver Salamandras, a dangerously attractive fire elemental who’s on the run from his own hunters. Getting involved with him means more trouble. Plus he has enough baggage for an aircraft carrier.

If only he wasn’t just what she's looking for--right at the worst possible moment.

Faced with deadly foes and an irresistible stranger, a woman might just do something crazy.
Drastic.
Life-changing.

 



My Review:

Cut to the Heart by Janeen Ippolito is Book 1 of The Arcane Market Adventures. It is a two-book companion duology to The Steel City Genie urban fantasy series - a series within a series. It also has references to The Accidental Alien Romance Chronicles, taking place after My Alien Boyfriend and before My Alien Engagement. All of that might sound confusing, but the author does take the time to introduce some of the characters before jumping into Josie's story, who we first meet in The Steel City Genie series. Ippolito likes mashing things up and writing quirky characters. Her stories are fast-paced and laced with plenty of humor. It's good fun romantic fantasy with some deeper moments. This one has a strong Christian message in it too.

Related Posts:

About the Author:
Janeen Ippolito


Janeen Ippolito believes you should own your unique words—and make them awesome! She’s a multi-published author of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She’s also an experienced editor and marketing strategist, plus the head of Uncommon Universes Press, a publishing company with award-winning books. In her spare time, she helps her missionary husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, indulges her foodie ambitions, reads whatever books she feels like, and explores a slew of random hobbies. Her life goals include traveling to Antarctica and riding a camel while wearing a party hat. This extrovert loves to connect! You can follow her on the links below:


Disclosure: I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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Friday, October 16, 2020

Empire of War & Wings Books 1-3

Sting Magic

My Review:

Sting Magic is the first book in the Empire of War & Wings series by Sarah K.L. Wilson. It's a page-turner of a story! What would you do if you became the property of the empire because of your magic and everyone you love is at risk of death based on your conduct? That's what happens to Aella, a girl taken from the Far Reach where the people are tough, living free and proud. Not only does she need to learn how to be obedient, but she also has to learn how to control her aberrant magic. It's supposed to manifest as a bird but hers is an angry swarm of bees! Will she bend or break and what about her loved ones? How can she possibly keep them safe?

I love the magic system! It's so unique! Aella's bees are super cool and Osprey's Os is too. I loved getting to know Osprey and meeting Ivo toward the end. Aella, on the other hand, is hotheaded and not always an easy character to like. When she is given good advice, she stubbornly doesn't take it until she absolutely has to. She even acts like she doesn't know something when she does. It ends on a cliffhanger! I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Here's a quote from the book:
The truth is the only power there is. It's the only way to ever be free.

 
*********************

Hive Magic

My Review:

Hive Magic is the second book in the Empire of War & Wings series by Sarah K.L. Wilson. It's a page-turner of a story with a unique magic system and colorful characters. The violence is hectic.

Aella has become the property of Le Majest, the twisted prince, with her bee magic. She witnesses uncountable horrors and wants to fight back, but at what cost? One girl and her bees don't stand a chance against the evil empire. Osprey wants her to fight back, but he wants her to be smart about it. Things only get more tangled after the prince's magic manifests.

Aella is still sometimes hotheaded and difficult in Hive Magic, but she also experiences some character growth. She also learns more about her bee magic as it grows stronger. This was a wild ride with some crazy twists and turns. It ends on another cliffhanger. I definitely want to know what happens next!

Here's a quote from the book (Osprey is speaking):
"It's the air we breathe and the song we sing and nothing's ever going to stop us. They can come at us. They can carve us up and spit us out and we'll still be singing our freedom song."


*********************

Wing Magic

My Review:

Wing Magic is Book 3 in the Empire of War & Wings by Sarah K.L. Wilson. Things heat up as the rebellion escalates. The Forbidding reveals some of its secrets, which are just as twisted as it is. Aella experiences character growth as she meets one challenge after another. Will Zayana as well?

Aella is on the run from Le Majest and Osprey is in hot pursuit. She can't deny her feelings for Osprey, but he is bound by magic to return her to her cruel owner. She hopes to find an imprisoned general to rally the freedom fighters against the Empire. Her friend Zayana is not convinced that resistance is worth the price. Will Zayana choose to be a freedom fighter willingly? Will Aella find the general in time or will Osprey get to her first?

Here's a quote from the book (Aella is speaking):
"I'd rather fight for freedom - even if I lose - then die with their boot on my neck."


*********************

More Books by Sarah K.L. Wilson:

Tangled Fae Series:

The Dragon Tide Series:

The Dragon Chameleon Series:

The Complete Dragon School Series:

Other Books by Sarah Wilson:

*********************

About the Author:
Sarah K. L. Wilson

Sarah K L Wilson

USA Today bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson, hails from the rocky Canadian Shield in Northern Ontario where she lives with her husband and two small boys. Her interests include the outdoors, history, and philosophy. Her books are always about fantastical adventures in other worlds.

Sarah K.L. Wilson: Website

Disclosure: I received an ARC for each book. These are my honest and voluntary reviews.

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Friday, October 9, 2020

Reborn Cover Reveal and Series Sale


Check out the cool cover of Reborn (Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Book 3)! It's available for pre-order and releases on October 21, 2020. And, right now all the books are either on sale for under a buck or free!


Reborn (Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Book 3)
Book Description:

The worst blows come from those closest to your heart.

Idealistic superhero, Prism, has taken the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project to new heights. With her team thriving, her marriage to former supervillain, Fade, blissful, and her first child on the way, the life of her dreams is within reach ... but supervillains never rest.

When a mysterious gang of criminals targets superhero facilities, Prism's team springs into action. However, these villains have a nasty surprise in store for Prism: all its members are already dead … and one of them is a ghost from Prism’s past. One she can’t bring herself to take down.

Faced with an enemy who always strikes for the heart, Prism has impossible decisions to make. Choices that could cost her the things—and people—she cares for the most.

Only $0.99!

Free short story prequel!

Free eBook!

Only $0.99!

Want to See More H.L. Burke Books?
Check Out My Other Reviews:

Redeemed: Supervillain Rehabilitation Project
Reformed: Supervillain Rehabilitation Project
Daughter of Sun, Bride of Ice
2 Short Stories by H.L. Burke
Heart of the Curiosity
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 1
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 2
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 3
To Court a Queen
Spice Bringer
Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon
A Tale in Two Parts
Dragon's Curse - Book 1
Dragon's Debt - Book 2
Dragon's Rival - Book 3
Dragon's Bride - Book 4
Beggar Magic

About the Author:
H.L. Burke


Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.


All prices were correct at the time of posting. Please check, as prices may change.

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Friday, September 25, 2020

Ashen and Met By Midnight Blog Tour


2 Unique Cinderella Retellings!

Ashen
by H.L. Burke

Book Description:

Stealer of warmth, bringer of death. What if Cinderella had a secret that kept her locked away?

Unable to make her own body heat, foundling Lizbete survives in the tavern kitchen, drawing warmth from the fires, the sun—and sometimes, other living beings. Her days are spent cooking alongside the tavern owner and avoiding the suspicious gazes of the villagers in her small northern town. While she quietly longs for the handsome Brynar, she knows she has no chance with the mayor’s son, even if he invites her to the First Frost festival.

When sudden earthquakes strike Brumehome, blame falls upon Lizbete, and not even her friendship with Brynar can protect her. She finds shelter in the dangerous caverns of nearby Ash Mountain. There she discovers mysterious people with her same ability to draw heat—and a fiery doom in the mountain that slowly awakens with every quake.

Now the festival Lizbete thought to avoid is her only chance to warn the villagers. Yet even with Brynar at her side, can the strange girl dubbed the Ash Lizard hope to save the town that fears her?

A rugged YA Cinderella retelling set in a fantasy world with light steampunk elements.

Purchase on Amazon


Want to See More H.L. Burke Books?
Check Out My Other Reviews:

Reformed: Supervillain Rehabilitation Project
Daughter of Sun, Bride of Ice
2 Short Stories by H.L. Burke
Heart of the Curiosity
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 1
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 2
Green Princess Trilogy - Book 3
To Court a Queen
Spice Bringer
Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon
A Tale in Two Parts
Dragon's Curse - Book 1
Dragon's Debt - Book 2
Dragon's Rival - Book 3
Dragon's Bride - Book 4
Beggar Magic

About the Author:
H.L. Burke

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.


Met By Midnight
by Janeen Ippolito

Book Description:

An outcast prince. A captive healer. A single night that changes their destinies.

She lives a nightmare.

As a Mender, Renna is held captive to an endless cycle of receiving and recovering from the physical ailments of others—a cycle that led her mother to an early grave. When her father becomes deathly ill, Renna is desperate to save her only remaining family. Even if it means allying with criminals and taking an illegal mission into the royal palace on the night of their greatest ball.

He’s haunted by dreams.

Unable to be Mended, Prince Jaric’s existence is a curse to his family’s façade of health and security. Marrying him off at the ball and sending him to a distant dukedom is the royal solution—but Jaric has his own plans. For years he’s dreamed of a young woman, a strong-hearted Mender he would give everything for. When she arrives the night of his betrothal, he’s determined to discover her true identity. 

Met by midnight, their fates are entwined.

While escape seems the only answer, powerful forces conspire to keep Renna and Jaric within their cages. Forces that undermine the foundations of the kingdom itself—and threaten any hope of a future together.

This YA romance features Cinderella in an original fantasy world with a dystopian twist.

Purchase on Amazon


Want to See More Janeen Ippolito Books?
Check Out My Other Reviews:

My Alien Engagement
If Wishes Were Curses
Wish You Weren't Here

About the Author:
Janeen Ippolito

Janeen Ippolito believes in Jesus, true love, and the power of your unique words. She's a bestselling author of speculative fiction, writing resources, and poetry. She's also an editor, author coach, marketing strategist, and the president of Uncommon Universes Press. When she's not immersed in the geektastic world of words, she's helping her husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, exploring a slew of random hobbies, and posting up cute animal videos on social media. This extroverted writer loves to connect! You can follow her on the links below:

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Thursday, August 27, 2020

Sea of Starlight

Sea of Starlight

Sea of Starlight (The Riven Kingdoms Book 2) by [Shari L. Tapscott]

About the Book:

Title: Sea of Starlight (The Riven Kingdoms Book 2) | Author: Shari L. Tapscott | Pages: 252 | Genre: Fantasy Romance | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and Up

Book Description:

After meeting the mysterious woman of the forest, Rhys and Amalia are left questioning everything they know about the feuding kingdoms’ history, the two royal families that began the war, and their own turbulent relationship.

There is only one place to find answers—in Draegan, the cursed kingdom that lies across the Chasm. Rhys would like more than anything to keep Amalia away from the land of nightmares, sickness, and death, but the princess is determined to cross the rift.

And Rhys is determined to keep Amalia safe…no matter the cost. Even if she will despise him for it before their journey’s end.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Draegan, Rhys’s sister is faced with her own problems. Her father and brother are at odds, dark creatures are finding their way into the fortress castle, and a new prisoner is patiently chipping at the walls Cassia has built around her heart...

The adventure continues in the second book of The Riven Kingdoms.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Sea of Starlight is Book 2 in The Riven Kingdoms series by Shari L. Tapscott. This book is a page-turner with lots of danger and a slow-burn romance. All the characters are interesting and I would be happy if the side characters found love too!

Princess Amalia of Renove is far too trusting of Prince Rhys of Draegan who has been keeping secrets from her and even lying to her. Things don't go well for him. Amalia might be naive, but she's not stupid.

Prince Braeton, Amalia's twin brother, is just as gentle and kind as she. Both of them have a huge capacity for love and loyalty. His gentleness wins over the heart of Princess Cassia, but she's forbidden to be with him by her father and eldest brother. Things don't go well for Braeton, the captive of Draegan. Will Cassia and those men who are loyal to Rhys be able to save the day? I'll have to wait and see in Book 3.

This story left me hanging! I can't wait for the next book in the series! I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Related Posts:



About the Author:
Shari L. Tapscott

Shari L. Tapscott

Shari L. Tapscott writes romantic fantasy adventure and contemporary romance. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.

Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and several extremely spoiled pets.

Receive a free novelette when you sign up for Shari's newsletter: 



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Friday, July 31, 2020

Dragon's Reach

Dragon's Reach

Dragon's Reach: An epic fantasy adventure (The Keeper Origins Book 1) by [JA Andrews]

About the Book:

Title: Dragon's Reach | Author: JA Andrews | Pages: 614 | Genre: Epic Fantasy

Book Description:

The truth is neither plain, nor simple.

Sable, a reluctant thief from the slums, can feel truth when people speak. For years she’s been using that skill to try to break free from the vicious gang boss she's indebted to.

Escape comes in the form of an odd set of companions:
-a dwarf running from the past,
-an actor with a magical, glowing tree
-a too-helpful kobold,
-a playwright with a knack for getting stories out of people, and
-a man and woman with suspicious, magical powers.


But Sable’s freedom is short lived.

On the edges of civilization, they discover hidden, terrifying lies in the offers of peace from the brutal Kalesh Empire.

Now, she must return to the city she fled, and along with her companions, attempt an impossible task—convince everyone, including the powerful Dragon Prioress, of the truth.

Except the Kalesh web of lies has ensnared everyone.
With her land, her people, and everything she loves hanging in the balance, Sable is the only one standing between freedom, and certain death.


Purchase on Amazon:

My Review:

Dragon's Reach is Epic Fantasy with a hint of romance. It's a page-turner of a story that's unique and unpredictable. There's danger at every turn. J.A. Andrews creates colorful characters, brilliant world building, and witty dialogue. This is the first book in a new series and will leave you hanging. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Sable and the others!

3 Favorite Quotes from
Dragon's Reach:

“I think we become better people when we spend time imagining what other people are living through."

“She prayed for your safety and that your heart wouldn’t be broken by the world. That it would stay generous and kind.”

“Only the same law everything else is under. That our own actions shape and change us, even the small ones.” Cintis paused. “Especially the small ones.”

Related Reviews:

A Keeper's Tale and
A Threat of Shadows

How JA Andrews began writing her first book:

My husband was out of town for an entire month and bored every evening. So I made it my goal to send him a chapter a night, just for pure entertainment. I think I ended up writing only about 10 chapters, but I liked them so much that even though I let them sit on a computer neglected for years, the characters and the story kept calling me back. Eventually I pulled them out again and decided to finish the story. It turned into my first novel, A Threat of Shadows. And those early chapters are still some of my favorites.

About the Author:
JA Andrews

JA Andrews

JA Andrews is a writer, wife, mother, and unemployed rocket scientist. She doesn't regret the rocket science degree, but finds it generally inapplicable in daily life. Except for the rare occurrence of her being able to definitively state, "That's not rocket science." She does, however, love the stars.

She began writing stories and creating coloring books because these sorts of things need an outlet. And now good markers are a deductible business expense.

She spends an inordinate amount of time at home, with her family, who she adores, and lives deep in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, where she can see more stars than she ever imagined.

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Forest of Firelight

Forest of Firelight

Forest of Firelight (The Riven Kingdoms Book 1) by [Shari L. Tapscott]

About the Book:

Title: Forest of Firelight (The Riven Kingdoms Book 1) | Author: Shari L. Tapscott | Pages: 304 | Genre: Fantasy Romance | Recommended Ages: Young Adult and Up

Book Description:

From the author of The Silver & Orchids Series comes a breathtaking tale of two kingdoms torn apart by magic and the star-crossed lovers who set upon a perilous journey to reunite them before they fall into ruin.

Enter the world of The Riven Kingdoms.

After the sudden death of her brother, Princess Amalia is charged with what feels like an impossible task—she must choose the next king. Youthful thoughts of love are pushed aside as she accepts her fate, setting upon a quest throughout the kingdom to find a man worthy of her father’s throne.

Little does Amalia know, someone has already set his sights on her.

Rhys is a man of secrets, and his mission is simple: befriend the princess of Renove. Coax her to trust him, convince her to follow him.

Betray her when it’s time.

All goes according to plan until Rhys meets the princess. Amalia is a disaster. Never has he met someone so drawn to trouble. Never has he met someone so irritatingly likable.

He’s not allowed to fall for her.

She could never entrust him with a crown.

But, unbeknownst to them, their unlikely partnership might be the key to saving their entire world from a darkness that’s slowly creeping from the wounded earth that separates one kingdom from the next.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Forest of Firelight is a delightful story with lots of feels, but has treachery too, which keeps it exciting. This is a truly entertaining read with some witty banter and danger at every turn. Will Amalia fall in love with her self-appointed guardian Rhys, or will she discover his secrets before her feelings grow too strong? This is a first in a series with some big reveals at the end. I felt that the ending was too rushed and that it was a bit of an information dump. However, at least it doesn’t leave you hanging and you know there will be more good feels up ahead!

Related Post:

About the Author:
Shari L. Tapscott

Shari L. Tapscott

Shari L. Tapscott writes romantic fantasy adventure and contemporary romance. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave.

Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and several extremely spoiled pets.

Receive a free novelette when you sign up for Shari's newsletter: 



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Thursday, April 30, 2020

Innovator: The Everternia Saga

Innovator

Innovator: Adventure by Association the Everternia Saga by [Zen DiPietro]

About the Book:

Title: Innovator: Adventure by Association The Everternia Saga | Author: Zen DiPietro | Pages: 172 | Genre: Steampunk | Recommended Age: All Ages

Book Description:

A self-aware NPC takes on the machine she lives in.

Sally's taking control of her reality and kicking some butt in the process.

The more Sally learns about the world she lives in, the more she wants to improve it. Maybe that's the technie in her, or maybe it's her sense of justice. She's in charge of her life now, and she has a vision of a better Everternia, where people aren't such jerks all the time.

With an ever-growing group of friends, she'll find a way to make it happen.

For her, this is no game. This is her life.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review:

Innovator is the second book in the Everternia Saga. This is a whimsical steampunk story set in an RPG world. Sally is leading the way and her friends rally behind her. She has a magnetic personality.

The Everternia Saga explores living a meaningful life, building relationships, and creative thinking. I read this series to Amanda, my youngest daughter. It’s uplifting and fun. Often we found things that made us giggle. It’s a rare skill to write with heartfelt humor. Sadly, the ending was abrupt. Amanda and I wished there could have been a little more, maybe an Epilogue or something.

My Reviews of Zen's Books:


About the Author:
Zen DiPietro
Zen DiPietro

Zen DiPietro is a lifelong bookworm, dreamer, writer, and a mom of two. Perhaps most importantly, a Browncoat Trekkie Whovian. Also red-haired, left-handed, and a vegetarian geek. Absolutely terrible at conforming. A recovering gamer, but we won’t talk about that. Particular loves include badass heroines, British accents, and the smell of Band-Aids. Writing reviews, author interviews, and fun stuff at www.zendipietro.com.


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Friday, April 24, 2020

My Alien Engagement

My Alien Engagement (Book 2)
The Accidental Alien Romance Chronicles


She’s engaged. She’s transformed. She’s ready for anything. Except her future in-laws...

Kelley Vanders-Froggett’s life is finally in order again: she’s on break from a great job, she has a supportive family, and she has Anthony Salamandras, her hot alien fiancé who’s making it all too hard to wait for the altar. Yeah, she’s still figuring out his culture, but everything is finally falling into place for their life together on Earth.

Then Anthony’s brother shows up declaring Kelley unworthy to marry into his family—unless she passes ancient trials. Never mind that these trials haven’t been used in generations. Either Kelley proves herself worthy, or she’ll be separated from Anthony forever.

Three trials, no warnings, and everything on the line. But Kelley’s already survived one fiery test, and she’s not going home without her man, no matter what it takes.

My Alien Engagement is the second novelette in The Accidental Alien Romance Chronicles, a series of short romantic satires featuring a sassy heroine, a hot alpha with a side of derp, a sweet core, and a fiery happily-ever-after.

My Review:

This satirical romance novelette has a large cast of characters in a few short chapters. A couple of cameos pop in from Ippolito's The Steel City Genie series too! You'll need to read Book 1 (My Alien Boyfriend) first to fully understand what's going on. It's a fun quick read with some hot kissing! Kelley and Anthony go through so much in such a short amount of time that I wish we could have had one more chapter with them enjoying each other at the end.

Related Posts:

About the Author:
Janeen Ippolito


Janeen Ippolito believes in Jesus, true love, and the power of your unique words. She's a bestselling author of speculative fiction, writing resources, and poetry. She's also an editor, author coach, marketing strategist, and the president of Uncommon Universes Press. When she's not immersed in the geektastic world of words, she's helping her husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, exploring a slew of random hobbies, and posting up cute animal videos on social media. This extroverted writer loves to connect! You can follow her on the links below:


Disclosure: I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Read More

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