tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75474468125015008802024-03-17T20:01:07.166-07:00Visionary Druidic DreamsRaonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.comBlogger257125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-44161185167820508502024-03-12T17:36:00.000-07:002024-03-12T17:36:26.552-07:00My review for Janna MacGregor's A SIMPLE SEDUCTION<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbx7vnoKKDif-MBwDfAZZCdr8cpk5iM9nAXZ_RQJEYwVJzFGipHWAOjBSea8CSVjCLde9cm2Z3OLDB0iSJKIwKIM3OAkejfFgEqiyz2ITybnzoyIMBggITLUHmyWKipzfz_OGfO5uawbNLZKe7MTLKdytvCwfwVjPIurJRx1jjwaJhAgwJgkeTBQ0/s2560/204911212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbx7vnoKKDif-MBwDfAZZCdr8cpk5iM9nAXZ_RQJEYwVJzFGipHWAOjBSea8CSVjCLde9cm2Z3OLDB0iSJKIwKIM3OAkejfFgEqiyz2ITybnzoyIMBggITLUHmyWKipzfz_OGfO5uawbNLZKe7MTLKdytvCwfwVjPIurJRx1jjwaJhAgwJgkeTBQ0/w312-h499/204911212.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">A
SIMPLE SEDUCTION<br />
</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Janna MacGregor<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
April 2, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
---<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
B0CRLNXCMK<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.jannamacgregor.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Honoria “Noria” Ardeerton is the eldest sister of
the Duke of Pelham. She sneaks into her brother’s masquerade to experience one
night of pleasure. Noria meets Marcus. However, she never expected him to be
her brother’s best friend. Or for them to be caught in a compromising position.
Noria fears an old family shame could harm his charity if she marries him. Can
Noria find the strength to exorcise the past? Or will it have the power to
destroy everything that she loves?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus Kirkland, the Earl of Trafford, wants to find a
wife who can help him with his charity. He never expected to find his ideal
bride at his best friend’s annual masquerade. Marcus is convinced Noria is
perfect for him, but she insists on a one-time, no attachment affair. After
their one night together, he discovers his lover’s identity. Now he must
convince Noria to marry him to save both of their reputations. Can Marcus
soothe all of Honoria’s fears enough to marry him? Or will this jeopardize his
friendship with Pelham?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am still undecided on my feelings for Honoria. There
were moments when she aggravated or annoyed me. I understand her reservations,
especially on the marriage front. Anyone would. However, she did some things
that came off as foolish. What I like the most about Honoria is her good heart.
She enjoyed helping her brother look after his tenants. Honoria even treated
servants with respect and kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Marcus has a heart of gold! I adore the charity that he
has started. Marcus intends to help children who were like him, orphaned young
without relatives. Unlike his peers, he does not want to ignore their plight. I
like the patience that Marcus showed Honoria. Deep down, he knew there was a
reason for her reluctance. Marcus tried everything to overcome her fears. He
refused to give up on her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A SIMPLE SEDUCTION is the first book in Janna MacGregor’s
brand-new historical romance series, MILLIONAIRES OF MAYFAIR. My wish came
true! I had hoped the author would write a series about the Ardeerton siblings.
Pelham intrigued me in HOW TO BEST A MARQUESS (the last book in THE WIDOW RULES
series). I especially wanted to see how he would react to his sisters’ love
interests. He did not disappoint me! I also adore the close bond the three
Ardeerton siblings share.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a feeling I know who Pelham’s heroine will be. His
book will be a second chance trope, my least favorite. Which dims my enthusiasm.
I wonder if Pippa will be paired with Ravencroft. Their book I will anticipate.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-58277253677351301552024-03-08T16:58:00.000-08:002024-03-08T16:58:05.720-08:00My review for Kerrigan Byrne's "A VOCATION OF VIOLENCE"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rcro2AlsjDGf4D9jGHzNFpe-sgCYjD56h-q2cRUXt5ogXVPVhGyd3CEgB3pX-SYTm9apGjLuZxudetJFuIvBwtA4VyFyh3vJLdPWNUzg1p1kXqQS-wn05-XV35mfXJ1DWFQMLlKk-h7LAR93QPQnp20C3OTD23YeMZ5VRj4HUnNop3EAQFPImiRP/s1500/141238908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rcro2AlsjDGf4D9jGHzNFpe-sgCYjD56h-q2cRUXt5ogXVPVhGyd3CEgB3pX-SYTm9apGjLuZxudetJFuIvBwtA4VyFyh3vJLdPWNUzg1p1kXqQS-wn05-XV35mfXJ1DWFQMLlKk-h7LAR93QPQnp20C3OTD23YeMZ5VRj4HUnNop3EAQFPImiRP/w314-h471/141238908.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #538135; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">A Vocation of Violence</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance, Historical Mystery<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kerrigan Byrne<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
April 23, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Oliver Heber Books<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
---<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Fiona Mahoney is a crime scene cleaning specialist. She
decides to defy Jack the Ripper’s written ultimatum by taking a lover. However,
a demimonde’s murder disrupts Fiona’s planned interlude. When her childhood
friend becomes the prime suspect, she is determined to prove his innocence. The
case takes Fiona into dark and dangerous territory. What secrets will she
unearth? Can Fiona find the real murderer before her friend hangs? And does
Jack the Ripper have a hand in this?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sadly, Fiona did not choose who I had hoped. Yeah, I am a
little disappointed, but I am also okay with her choice. I almost thought Fiona
would pick my least favorite one. I never saw his appeal. When I am not
enamored with a certain pairing, it dims my enjoyment of the story. However, I
am glad I persevered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scene between Fiona and ‘her choice’ is nicely done. Kerrigan
Byrne does not go into explicit, steamy detail as in her other novels. The tone
and pacing did not call for it. Which I am totally fine with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cannot wait for the next installment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-50781343542808801592024-03-01T18:26:00.000-08:002024-03-01T18:26:26.588-08:00My review for Donna Grant's ENDLESS SKYE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign0ENI-jwfESSfH9fSd2E71UIEQsPitCWdsGndaT9pddRjbncSv0MEuG3eehyz2aTEXL1YhbrSGk1BCbcx8IV049yMAnHy0rsBuIYArSJ_y1Kf4du7GkT3D_aAL9wUR-TBW3OrYwHBlsHayn9kStgk50BpdMLhVnusLqVtNS8hMHnuG5XdO6LDNf9/s1260/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="840" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign0ENI-jwfESSfH9fSd2E71UIEQsPitCWdsGndaT9pddRjbncSv0MEuG3eehyz2aTEXL1YhbrSGk1BCbcx8IV049yMAnHy0rsBuIYArSJ_y1Kf4du7GkT3D_aAL9wUR-TBW3OrYwHBlsHayn9kStgk50BpdMLhVnusLqVtNS8hMHnuG5XdO6LDNf9/w274-h412/unnamed.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #2f5496; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent5; mso-themeshade: 191;">ENDLESS SKYE</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Paranormal Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Donna Grant<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
March 12, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
DL Grant, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
B0C7N8RF23<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://donnagrant.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Willa Ryan’s attempt to steal a particular book goes
horribly awry. She has no choice but to flee to Skye to join up with her
brother and his friends. Willa manages to reach the isle only to succumb to her
injury. She later learns that a mysterious man saved her. Jasper may be the
only person who can properly heal Willa’s wound. Will Willa be able to trust
Jasper? Can she help the Skye druids fight against their dangerous adversaries?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jasper McCabe is a grifter – a person who adopts identities
to con others. He agrees to get close to Willa to infiltrate her brother’s
network of druids. Everything about his latest job feels wrong, especially when
he finds Willa injured. Jasper cannot help but be captivated by both Skye and
Willa. The druid makes him rethink his career choice. Which side will Jasper
choose? And what role does he play in the upcoming battle?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I only have one real problem with Willa. Basically, I did
not like how easily she divulged certain information to Jasper. I know it was
necessary for the story’s pacing. However, it just felt wrong, especially for a
person you are not sure you can trust. I did get bored with Willa’s sibling
squabbles with her brother. Yes, I understand she chaffed under his
overprotectiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jasper is a con man with principals. He only steals from
the rich, he never takes all their money, and no violence. I like that about
his personality. I honestly did not know what a “grifter” was until this book.
It is something I never heard used before.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ENDLESS SKYE is the fourth book in Donna Grant’s
paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This series is yet another spin-off
from her others (DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIORS, DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, and REAPERS).
The SKYE DRUIDS can be read separately; however, it is better to start from the
beginning to understand the world and the troubles each set overcame to this
point. Characters from the other books do make an appearance, such as the
MacLeod Druids. It is nice to see the Warriors again. I miss them!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-11198000397953050432024-02-23T13:57:00.000-08:002024-02-23T13:57:48.133-08:00My review for Angie Fox's DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVKJavMx6DnEsliOF_0WecQ_UCigsZvK5kFzK5pLgjMy9LYiMl1tZY_2GrQxsbhi0YUjOJ5U2djc7PqezCJbQhz75CzpSAaihn3jsMZQ2NKoa9qy_TFPCVVVJ9EuRIJ2klP82VWGx_1rFYzD3laGgOVehk_0b9Eq2ycqPC1O7kd1U2jWD-tKw9a32/s1500/131079414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="972" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVKJavMx6DnEsliOF_0WecQ_UCigsZvK5kFzK5pLgjMy9LYiMl1tZY_2GrQxsbhi0YUjOJ5U2djc7PqezCJbQhz75CzpSAaihn3jsMZQ2NKoa9qy_TFPCVVVJ9EuRIJ2klP82VWGx_1rFYzD3laGgOVehk_0b9Eq2ycqPC1O7kd1U2jWD-tKw9a32/w298-h461/131079414.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #c45911; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 191;">DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Paranormal Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Angie Fox<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
March 19, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Moose Island Books<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781957685175<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://angiefox.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sugarland, Tennessee has not always been the safe and
peaceful town it is today. It too has a dark and seedy past… Or so Verity Long
discovers. When her ghostly sidekick’s girlfriend gets possessed, she jumps in
to help. All the clues lead to a 1956 cold case. Verity and Frankie’s
investigation takes them to an abandoned drive-in and an Irish mob’s pub. Can
Verity solve the case in time to save her ghostly partner and his girlfriend? And
are some secrets better left buried?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Verity always struck me as the selfless type. So, it is
no surprise that she willingly offered to help Frankie save Molly. She would
never leave any friend, the living or the ghostly, behind. I like the support
Verity gets from both her sister and Ellis. Verity knows that when it comes to
information, Melody is her “to go” person. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love Ellis’ steadfast belief in Verity’s ability. He
may worry but Ellis knows that she will do what she feels is necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Frankie the German is totally stepping up. In this story,
he demonstrates what he is willing to do for Molly. It is nice seeing him being
so selfless for a change. Yeah, Frankie still has some deep-seeded issues he
needs to work on. But I believe he will eventually get there. I suspect that
once he realizes he can trust Verity will Frankie move on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The one character that surprised me the most in this book
is Virginia, Ellis’ mother, and Verity’s nemesis. I always hated the despicable
things she did and said to Verity in the earlier book. Virginia deserved the
comeuppance she received in book eleven, GIVE UP THE GHOST. I notice that it
humbled her, especially towards Verity. I am also glad that she finally noticed
the upstanding man that Ellis is. It always takes a distasteful situation to
find out who cares for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DEATH AT THE DRIVE-IN is book thirteen in Angie Fox’s
paranormal-mystery romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. The story
can easily stand alone, yet I suggest reading the series from start to finish. Each
book shows the trials both Verity and Frankie underwent in their unlikely
partnership. Poor Ellis, he hardly showed up in this story. That is the only
nitpick I have. The only question I have is… When is Verity’s grandmother going
to make an appearance!!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-77926459945090798252024-02-19T13:17:00.000-08:002024-02-19T13:17:30.621-08:00My review for Laura Lee Guhrke's "LADY SCANDAL"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwGSx2HKDmHVfW-2UGQHyVqRUwEUOhirfNhQPx-_SoKxueZnd7thBepw4QfZs3w1SDB1R2MtOjGfdGsX7EtHYYo1U5JGMvrW5W2W6RqvUkUDYK0mvR2ceTNBITDtPUUHqmksxcay36HjI7X04kZ7FqPdYtxBuEAk5pSKooQfPkbved7dwLn9GGY5s/s600/181530302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwGSx2HKDmHVfW-2UGQHyVqRUwEUOhirfNhQPx-_SoKxueZnd7thBepw4QfZs3w1SDB1R2MtOjGfdGsX7EtHYYo1U5JGMvrW5W2W6RqvUkUDYK0mvR2ceTNBITDtPUUHqmksxcay36HjI7X04kZ7FqPdYtxBuEAk5pSKooQfPkbved7dwLn9GGY5s/s320/181530302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #833c0b; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">LADY SCANDAL</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Laura Lee Guhrke<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
June 18, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781538722640<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://lauraleeguhrke.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Delia Stratham differs from most ladies of her
station. She works as an event/party coordinator at a ritzy London hotel. Delia
fears for her employment when Simon Hayden begins to oversee the hotel. At
first, she thwarts the man’s every move. Delia’s attitude towards Simon begins to
change. The infuriating man makes her feel alive again. Can Delia trust Simon
with the hotel and her heart? Or will she put her trust in the wrong man again?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Simon Hayden, a newly titled viscount, is a successful
hotelier. His friends entrust him to figure out why the always bustling Savoy
Hotel is in the red. Simon begins his investigation with Lady Delia, especially
her part within the hotel. The beautiful yet vexing widow is not what he
expected. Simon knows he must keep an emotional distance with the woman;
however, he cannot seem to resist Delia’s natural allure. What truths will
Simon uncover about the Savoy Hotel? And will Delia threaten his strict
business ethics?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am delighted that Delia received her happily ever
after. She deserved one. I adore the role Delia played in Max and Evie’s
relationship in the previous book. She helped both to realize that they
belonged together. I also like Delia’s thoughtfulness towards the working
class. Unlike her peers, she never once looked down upon them. Instead, Delia
got to know each one employed at the hotel. There is one nitpick I have about
Delia. I dislike how she excused her fellow peers’ abdominal entitle mentality.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Simon’s humble beginnings make him the perfect balance
for Delia. He does not through around his title to get special treatment. Simon
prefers to work for everything he needs or wants. I admire Simon’s work ethics.
He does not believe in mixing business with pleasure. Simon fights his growing
attraction to Delia so it would not interfere with his investigation. I respect
Simon for rather having evidence of a person’s guilt before condemning them.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LADY SCANDAL is the second book in Laura Lee Guhrke’s
historical romance series, SCANDAL AT THE SAVOY. The story can stand alone. There
is no ongoing back plot that spills over into this novel. The hero of the first
book, BOOKSHOP CINDERELLA, does have a role in this story. I am bummed that
Evie never appeared in the story. She did get mentioned here or there. However,
I like how the author gives us news of their continual happily-ever-after.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I suspect the next book will be about Lady Kay, Delia’s
friend, and Devlin, who happens to be Simon’s pal. I cannot wait to see if I am
correct. I wondered what transpired between the two fifteen years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-37706576356678693712024-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:002024-02-16T17:57:31.154-08:00My review for Karen Rose's "BURIED TOO DEEP"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0uYwsSC2cRXTQsO2IH8fG0zsUt732QhBLDQwvY9wxYYqZmGNZaJX43rT3-Meo03cjWYjxUqJqJIHPYRZX1d5R8Aw_rFaYugnanRqsZo9DDn0_1HQdZtQcsrTD5gmc139TAepbIgvfn79n_nrGX-hcXitjpUxEgTFt3NIZ4qT2iSq7Q7ug4Ajl8tA/s2560/202241027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1695" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0uYwsSC2cRXTQsO2IH8fG0zsUt732QhBLDQwvY9wxYYqZmGNZaJX43rT3-Meo03cjWYjxUqJqJIHPYRZX1d5R8Aw_rFaYugnanRqsZo9DDn0_1HQdZtQcsrTD5gmc139TAepbIgvfn79n_nrGX-hcXitjpUxEgTFt3NIZ4qT2iSq7Q7ug4Ajl8tA/w295-h447/202241027.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BURIED TOO DEEP</span></u></i></b><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Romantic Suspense<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Karen Rose<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
August 13, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Berkley Publishing Group<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780593638583<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.karenrosebooks.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Phineas “Phin” Bishop works as a handyman and nighttime
security for a PI firm. He wants to become a private investigator; however, his
PTSD makes him a flight risk. When a colleague is hurt during a break in, Phin steps
forward to help find the one responsible. Their investigation brings them to
Cora Winslow. Something about her helps Phin calm his mental demons. He will do
anything, even face his inner issues, to keep Cora safe. Can Phin overcome his
PTSD to protect Cora? Or will it jeopardize the entire case?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cora Winslow is a competent librarian in the Garden
District of New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father’s discovered body raises a lot
of questions like “Who killed him?” and “Who exactly is writing letters to her
signed by him?” Cora also needs help catching the person breaking into her
home. She soon finds herself entangled in something far more troubling than she
bargained for. Cora cannot help but feel safe around Phin. Can she help the
Broussard team in their investigation? Or will Cora end up just like her
father?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is no secret that I have a weakness for the
wounded/tortured hero types. Phin piqued my interest since his part in BENEATH
DARK WATERS, book two. When I learned this novel was his story, I could not hit
“request” fast enough. Phineas made quite the impression on me. He is a broken
man still grappling with his PTSD, especially the effect it has on his family
and friends. My heart hurt for him. I only have one small nitpick. I
desperately wanted a reuniting scene between Phin and Jace. He had been so good
to the teen in the previous book. It disappointed me when there was not one.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cora really impressed me. I admire how easily she
empathized with Phineas. From the moment they first met, Cora never once saw
him as broken or lacking. Instead, Cora saw a man struggling with his PTSD. I
also like how she tried to bolster Phineas’ confidence whenever they flagged. Cora
refused to allow him to buckle beneath his mental demons.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BURIED TOO DEEP is the third book in Karen Rose’s romantic
suspense series, NEW ORLEANS. It is also the twenty-ninth book in her ROMANTIC
SUSPENSE series. I have not read all of Karen Rose’s books, just a few here or
there. The ones I did read, I enjoyed immensely. The author meshes crime
stories with romance effortlessly. Yes, the romance element takes a back seat
to the suspense of the plot.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I browsed through the books listed under the ROMANTIC
SUSPENSE series. I suspected that many of the side characters, mostly the couples,
had books. I never realized that I read Phineas’ sister’s book, even wrote a
review for it. It is understandable that I forgot about it since I read ALONE
IN THE DARK back in 2015. I have been searching for a book involving Stone and
Delores. They did play a role in AITD because I remarked on it in the review.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-32838673669693165282024-02-11T18:02:00.000-08:002024-02-11T18:02:17.353-08:00My review for Nagisa Furuya's "NUMBER CALL"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPRlohdguWaHveAAvX2rkwRwXY6EWjEjwxaYKUKeh9sFMC-iBpvV6z3qZE8pfF_c_vy-vc1iVY4kkhXfFhomO7qomEv29hsKnzsfGp9tW5DDiOz24omoteuRsphZWUoTG7gfLpU7zBRllIxeLA4ksBbSYKqcwBaK5LzZwvLDhyphenhyphenKA8FtmECJ-5DXA1/s364/cover320417-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="255" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPRlohdguWaHveAAvX2rkwRwXY6EWjEjwxaYKUKeh9sFMC-iBpvV6z3qZE8pfF_c_vy-vc1iVY4kkhXfFhomO7qomEv29hsKnzsfGp9tW5DDiOz24omoteuRsphZWUoTG7gfLpU7zBRllIxeLA4ksBbSYKqcwBaK5LzZwvLDhyphenhyphenKA8FtmECJ-5DXA1/w289-h412/cover320417-medium.png" width="289" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NUMBER CALL</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Boys Love<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Nagisa Furuya<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
March 12, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kodansha Comics <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781646519460<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eito and Hachi both have “eight” in their names. They
meet by chance when Hachi finds Eito’s test paper and remarks on his name. Their
commonality helps them become fast friends. However, things turn awkward when
they both realize their true feelings. Can Eito and Hachi overcome their
awkwardness before graduation?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NUMBER CALL is a cute and wholesome read. There are no
explicit scenes. The romance is more slow burn than raunchy. Eito reminds me of
Uenoyama from Given, especially his behavior once he realizes his true feelings
for Hachi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I also enjoyed the mangaka’s art style.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-43820988880448158252024-02-11T16:38:00.000-08:002024-02-11T16:38:42.510-08:00My review for Jennifer Haymore's "How (Not) to Hate a Duke"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNctKuUFo8_bHBZH_r_QysnGzqmyuxHQneyinDCVDB_lKdbmOD88zU7pR5uR0yf9R-F28HVd6CsR2yRw7jlh-F7p-XGvz_YF8WoF9xq4zt4l8B71M2p83s_-AfGNxkrILSVi2DKIWLSLZWOOkLdnFPFr8CvAl8XVVpojV1tl7ZfinIY81oRXThiS4/s383/cover314461-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNctKuUFo8_bHBZH_r_QysnGzqmyuxHQneyinDCVDB_lKdbmOD88zU7pR5uR0yf9R-F28HVd6CsR2yRw7jlh-F7p-XGvz_YF8WoF9xq4zt4l8B71M2p83s_-AfGNxkrILSVi2DKIWLSLZWOOkLdnFPFr8CvAl8XVVpojV1tl7ZfinIY81oRXThiS4/w280-h420/cover314461-medium.png" width="280" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">HOW (NOT) TO HATE A DUKE</span></u></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Jennifer Haymore<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
February 19, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Entangled Publishing,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LLC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781649375957<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.jenniferhaymore.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Miss Georgiana Milford is one of the richest heiresses in
England. She wants nothing more than to escape the many fortune-hunters
sniffing at her skirts. Georgiana agrees to attend a two-week country party
with her friend. She never expected to encounter her family’s mortal enemy: the
dastardly St. Clair’s. No matter how hard she tries, Georgiana finds she cannot
escape the scoundrel. However, she starts to see that Theo is not the
blackguard her father painted him to be. Will their family’s enmity keep them
apart?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Theophilus “Theo” St. Clair, the seventh Duke of
Desborough, wants to prove to everyone that he is nothing like his father. However,
his neighbors thwart his every attempt. Discouraged, Theo agrees to attend a
country party only to find the youngest Milford in attendance. He cannot seem
to avoid the shrew. Their time together allows Theo to discover another side of
Georgiana. Can Theo right the wrongs his late father committed? Or will they
stand in the way of his relationship with Georgiana?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Georgiana irked me for most of the book. I understand the
animosity between her family and Theo’s. It all started with the late duke. However,
Georgiana’s father did some underhanded and petty things as well. I expected
her to admonish him for his spitefulness. Instead, she excused them, as if her
father was in the right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Theo won my heart instantly. I could not help but
empathize with him. He is a man unfairly branded by the sins of his father. I
admire Theo for wanting to fix all the wrongs his sire had done. I also
commiserate with him over all the pettiness he endured by the Milfords. It would
discourage even the staunchest of hearts.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">HOW (NOT) TO HATE A DUKE is a standalone historical
romance by Jennifer Haymore. However, the couple from EARLS RUSH IN do play a
role in this book. Charlotte and Finneas are friends with both Georgiana and
Theo. I do hope we get to see a story for Theo’s brother Sebastian with
Georgiana’s sister.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-45001748109741269262024-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:002024-02-09T10:51:56.478-08:00My review of Tsuyoshi Yasuda's The Blue Wolves of Mibu, Volume 1<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnkcoq6nnarxMFhpC3ZyY-aJ5pX7mjl_mSIBXnN11BGJvh4XXo7Z6D83AdjPjO_2HOdVE2F5rydtQXOSFcyPkya9pneq9aPXbGtuOygPMXRqCZzcBgDKyV2-Se4i3snFroTq1wmVx9ENpG6J7SdisOHyIHTzfbzhZKlx4vrzNNY7GCWPINFc8Tj8-/s363/cover320353-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="255" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnkcoq6nnarxMFhpC3ZyY-aJ5pX7mjl_mSIBXnN11BGJvh4XXo7Z6D83AdjPjO_2HOdVE2F5rydtQXOSFcyPkya9pneq9aPXbGtuOygPMXRqCZzcBgDKyV2-Se4i3snFroTq1wmVx9ENpG6J7SdisOHyIHTzfbzhZKlx4vrzNNY7GCWPINFc8Tj8-/w320-h455/cover320353-medium.png" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE BLUE WOLVES OF MIBU </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Volume 1<br />
Historical Fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Tsuyoshi Yasuda<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
February 27 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kodansha Comics<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9798888770832<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thirteen-year-old orphan Nio wants to change the world
for the better, especially for children. He grew up during a turbulent time in
Kyoto. Nio encounters two mysterious yet interesting men at the shop he works
at. When they rescue him from trouble, he agrees to become the third Wolf of
the Roshigumi. Nio needs to discover his own sense of righteous justice, so he
can move forward. What trails will Nio face?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I like to try out any new anime and mangas that involve
the Shinsengumi. Hakuoki and Peacemaker – the animes -are to blame for my
interest and curiosity about them. It is neat to see different artists’ and
authors’ versions of Hijikata, Okita, Kondo, and the rest. Tsuyoshi Yasuda made
both Hijikata and Okita “pretty boys”, I noticed; however, I still prefer
Hakouki’s versions, along with their personalities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE BLUE WOLVES OF MIBU, like Hakuoki and Peacemaker,
involve a teenager joining their ranks. Through trial and difficulties, these
youngsters must discover for themselves what paths they should take. I cannot
wait to see what kind of role models Hijikata and Okita will be to Nio and his
future. I will definitely be picking up this manga to see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-45725924745620044872024-02-08T17:08:00.000-08:002024-02-08T17:08:57.410-08:00My review for Charis Michaels' THE PRINCE'S BRIDE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3CZQKX2VBKpnOlZVk4T1r6gDaovGN5RTORSyZg7ZcwXlcFO4ZnzBoZSGIFVlw9f6780Nr8HXpCoPexNtq9ypXx8_xQ3UELqZ-4BeLG-R4DvqeugtX1zS7Sp3LRjaz44z0IUZoWgg9VAto2TRGFa9YfbjVzulj9_rhw3axTvjpvsvyvQdVetBSMVl/s2560/197447983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1612" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3CZQKX2VBKpnOlZVk4T1r6gDaovGN5RTORSyZg7ZcwXlcFO4ZnzBoZSGIFVlw9f6780Nr8HXpCoPexNtq9ypXx8_xQ3UELqZ-4BeLG-R4DvqeugtX1zS7Sp3LRjaz44z0IUZoWgg9VAto2TRGFa9YfbjVzulj9_rhw3axTvjpvsvyvQdVetBSMVl/w318-h504/197447983.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #c45911; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">THE PRINCE’S BRIDE</span></span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Charis Michaels<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
May 21, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780063280106<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://charismichaels.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Marianne “Ryan” Daventry desperately needs to find
her missing betrothed – an exiled French Prince believed to be dead. She
follows the only clue left her: an old letter postmarked near an ancient,
spooky forest. Ryan finds herself rescued by a gruff and reclusive horse
trainer, only to discover he is the prince she is searching for. However, Gabriel
is reluctant to help Ryan escape his cousin’s evil machinations. Can Ryan
convince Gabriel to leave the safety of his forest home? Or will she be forced
to find another way to save her home and her sisters?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gabriel Reign purposely abandoned his royal persona. He
now lives a modest life in the middle of the forest working with horses. However,
his solitary life is turned upside down when Gabriel rescues a woman from
highwaymen. The lady turns out to be his childhood betrothed. Gabriel
empathizes with Ryan’s plight, but he fears leaving the safety of the forest. Can
Gabriel find the courage to step out of his comfort zone? Will he willingly
assume his old role to protect Ryan?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ryan surprised me in a delightfully good way. She is a
woman who knows her limitations and accepts them. I admire Ryan’s inner
strength. She would do anything to protect her home and sisters from a
self-absorbed jerk. Ryan even dared to travel alone without protection. What I
liked the most about Ryan is her acceptance of Gabriel’s fear. She understood
his reluctance to leave the forest; she did not berate him but empathized with
him.<i><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I admit I have a weakness for any hero who shares my
youngest son’s name (lol). Even better when that hero is a wounded or tortured
type. Gabriel totally tugged on my heartstrings. He is a survival, one who has
endured such heartrending ordeals. I understand Gabriel’s reasons for becoming
a recluse living in the forest. The author did a good job showing the effects
of his trauma. And I like that Gabriel was not instantly “cured”. Every
milestone he faced was a trial for him.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am new to this author’s works. Sadly, I did not read
the first book (SAY YES TO THE PRINCESS). I remember looking at it, intrigued
by the synopsis but my review queue was full at the time. My loss, one that I hope
to remedy soon.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, that aside, it did not hinder my ability to
follow and enjoy the story. The book can easily stand alone. Elise and Killian,
the couple from the first book, play a vital role in the second half of the story.
I am anticipating the next (and final) installment!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-34635350707551645182024-02-01T16:41:00.000-08:002024-02-01T16:41:21.039-08:00My review of Jill Shalvis' "THE SUMMER ESCAPE"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTIYToqn3XjGYX5eBnA95UWzpRNnDDTLy5aU50yPZtuBJzHOAOpJ0I3hqeOyHoOblhsTcrJzT4MkwOkCR_9aHWdlefaoneNTPdFnhyphenhyphenJt_SCLrOUYnvWjmoNgVur6Ex9c6GxaPdKGAlOi2YW7AQvORGE7Ap2bs6NKn3kuLdCJs7cASnl_x03K4rA7W/s445/199142186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="297" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTIYToqn3XjGYX5eBnA95UWzpRNnDDTLy5aU50yPZtuBJzHOAOpJ0I3hqeOyHoOblhsTcrJzT4MkwOkCR_9aHWdlefaoneNTPdFnhyphenhyphenJt_SCLrOUYnvWjmoNgVur6Ex9c6GxaPdKGAlOi2YW7AQvORGE7Ap2bs6NKn3kuLdCJs7cASnl_x03K4rA7W/w304-h454/199142186.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">THE SUMMER ESCAPE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Contemporary Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Jill Shalvis<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
June 11, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780063235816<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.jillshalvis.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anna Moore is a private investigator. She finds a rare
coin in her deceased father’s possession and gets it appraised. When Anna
learns it was stolen, she intends to clear her dad’s name. However, a certain
charismatic yet annoying man insists on being a part of the investigation. Anna
plans to keep Owen at arm’s length. Add in a meddlesome, heavily pregnant
sister into the mix. Can Anna and Owen find the other coins and missing necklace?
What truths will she learn about her father?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Owen Harris co-owns a local adventure company. When a
certain rare coin appears in the news, he intends to return it to its rightful
owner. Owen believes Anna’s father is behind the decades-old theft. He coerces
her into allowing him to accompany her in the investigation. However, Owen
never intended on feeling a connection with Anna. As the case deepens, his
opinion begins to change. Will Owen get his elderly great-aunt’s property back?
Can he and Anna find the true culprit?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anna and Owen have a lot in common. I like how they both
believe they are not “keepers”. That they both keep people at arm’s length,
afraid to let people in enough to hurt them.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love Anna and Wendy’s closeness. Even though Wendy
annoys her, Anna still knows that her sister loves and worries about her. I
like how Owen falls first, especially since he tends to keep emotional distance
from the women in his past. I also like his care for his great-aunt. Dementia
is a cruel disease. Jill Shalvis does a superb job of showing that, and its
toll on their family and loved ones.<i><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE SUMMER ESCAPE is the sixth book in Jill Shalvis’
contemporary romance series, SUNRISE COVE. Each installment can stand alone. The
only thing that connects each story together is the setting: Sunrise Cove in
Tahoe, California. I do wish that the characters from the prior books would
make an appearance, even if the role is tiny. I just miss them!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jill Shalvis never fails to make me laugh. And this book
is no exception! There were several scenes, especially involving Wendy, that
had me snickering. I always know when I pick up a book with her name on it, I
am going to thoroughly enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-45824032435816595702024-01-15T23:17:00.000-08:002024-01-15T23:17:41.224-08:00My review of Kiyuhiko's THE WHITE AND BLUE BETWEEN US<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE27yl_g79A3n9FexQNHi95a9-zQ_jbcHVkiAfXIohtQ9bwj2iKEdcuXkWN1As8SgDfo1nzPowIHGgeWI0h7-t7dQ-AZRxunHmMOzRFQaerVYZOfidq63zOFit0DAbvy9o7WKCihtVeHkOv1295w_LJ2n8zbpR2TzP8CtWToiciAsgOjyUtMdofZrw/s367/cover312058-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="255" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE27yl_g79A3n9FexQNHi95a9-zQ_jbcHVkiAfXIohtQ9bwj2iKEdcuXkWN1As8SgDfo1nzPowIHGgeWI0h7-t7dQ-AZRxunHmMOzRFQaerVYZOfidq63zOFit0DAbvy9o7WKCihtVeHkOv1295w_LJ2n8zbpR2TzP8CtWToiciAsgOjyUtMdofZrw/w286-h412/cover312058-medium.png" width="286" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">THE WHITE AND BLUE
BETWEEN US</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Boys Love<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kiyuhiko<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
February 13, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kodansha Comics<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781646519774<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
3.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hozumi returns home after seven years. He discovers, at a
school reunion, that his friend and first love became a shut in. Hozumi wants
to make amends for rejecting Mishima. However, Mishima rebuffs his every attempt.
Hozumi desperately wants to explain his reasons for breaking up with Mishima.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mishima’s entire world revolves around the lighthouse. He
does not associate with anyone in his hometown. Then the person responsible for
breaking his heart returns. Mishima distrusts Hozumi. However, Hozumi refuses
to leave him be. Can Mishima and Hozumi make peace with their past?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The story (and art) was “okay”. Even in the romance novels
I tend to read, I am not a fan of second-chance trope. I always feel cheated
out of the romance (as in the start of their attraction, following the build-up
and then the confession). I guess I expected a little “more” from the plot and
storyline.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a quick read.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-85537637138932116832024-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:002024-01-12T10:46:00.389-08:00My review for Larissa Ione's LEGACY OF TEMPTATION<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyWYDWFr9LijAo7EVXvfrtoaweai_eV5a4aQQsfpm3VH4qmed89cjqMCim9OG18NbAKLFS9ZAZYFlJ7TUAubeDVmce2k_lG7fpkWa-XiQQh_P0Zlu2o4pGGLbn5U4dvuj0YeO-sJ5yRl30MdBHewdtMmq5jQoKZHfwBZ3U3DoqvKLpgfF-K14J7iL/s1500/174057689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCyWYDWFr9LijAo7EVXvfrtoaweai_eV5a4aQQsfpm3VH4qmed89cjqMCim9OG18NbAKLFS9ZAZYFlJ7TUAubeDVmce2k_lG7fpkWa-XiQQh_P0Zlu2o4pGGLbn5U4dvuj0YeO-sJ5yRl30MdBHewdtMmq5jQoKZHfwBZ3U3DoqvKLpgfF-K14J7iL/w293-h440/174057689.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">LEGACY OF
TEMPTATION</span></span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Paranormal romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Larissa Ione<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
February 6, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Blue Box Press<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
1957568704<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://www.larissaione.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Logan is the son of the Horsemen known as Death and an
Aegis defector. He works in the Spirit Management Division at DART, an agency
that deals with supernaturals. Logan finds himself babysitting a group of Aegis
guardians in the exchange program. There is one among their group that garners
his complete notice. Logan knows better than to trust anyone in The Aegis, but
he cannot seem to ignore Eva. When tragedy strikes, pitting DART and The Aegis
against one another, he must protect her from his friend. Can Logan trust Eva? Or
will he be forced to choose his friend’s life over hers?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eva Tennant excels at her work as the Deputy Spokesperson
for the Aegis. She aims to win the promotion of becoming the next Chief
Spokesperson. However, Eva first needs to participate in an exchange program
with DART, an agency known to employ demons and supernaturals. When the program
fails drastically, Eva and her comrades find themselves being hunted. She knows
the only chance of survival is with Logan. While on the run, Eva learns a great
many things about herself and her agency. Will Eva betray Logan for her career?
Or will she side with him and DART?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I just have one word for Logan. “Rawr”. He is the perfect
blend of both his parents. Logan may be Death’s son, but he never once behaved
arrogant or conceited about the fact. I remember the details surrounding his
conception and birth from LETHAL RIDER, book three in LORDS OF DELIVERANCE. Ione
did a great job keeping that circumstance from being the main focus of the
story. What I love the most about Logan is his camaraderie with his family and
friends, especially Cujo. They mean the world to him, and Logan would do just
about anything, ignore his heart and feelings, to help or protect them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Eva is a career-minded woman. Everything she worked for
centered around getting a certain promotion. I like how Eva did not seem as fanatical
as her superiors and comrades. Yes, she believed everything taught to her in
school and the agency as truth. However, when faced with factual truth, Eva did
not cling to it. Instead, she started questioning everything she had been
taught. I really respect that about her. What I really like about Eva is her
ability to accept Logan’s heritage. She understood his reasons for omitting them
when they first met and sympathized. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">LEGACY OF TEMPTATION is the first book in Larissa Ione’s
brand-new paranormal romance series, DEMONICA BIRTHRIGHT. This series deals
with the next generation, so I highly recommend reading the DEMONICA and LORDS
OF DELIVERANCE books. Some of the later books I have not read, but it did not
impede my ability to follow the state of their world or the storyline.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cannot stress how psyched I am for this story. I fondly
remember when I first discovered this author and her world. The DEMONICA and
the LORDS OF DELIVERANCE books became fast favorites of mine. I never realized
how much I missed the characters, especially Thanatos and Wraith! It was like re-acquainting
myself with beloved friends I haven’t seen in ages. I love the fact that their
children are snarky replicas of their parents.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now to wait for the next installment! All I can say is:
BRING. IT. ON!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-86309203550191629392024-01-05T16:41:00.000-08:002024-01-05T16:41:38.416-08:00My review for Donna Grant's DRAGON KISS<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCflBu3sMOiJoyAwm8SELf01q18RmGvs0NZhjqVjB96yph_Eqk1ZB8DnKwOpZ5DM3cc-xBynsMn2LZTFA-uMPYKgGj96nAIPaTcFrfoNCGGjsfSY3L84kz8crHN77GYV_sdPCwrVs1Lq-0HoAHYoeaMHqzSggHirXxD2iCTDn5Met5HhuQhUoqVCxa/s2560/189774099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCflBu3sMOiJoyAwm8SELf01q18RmGvs0NZhjqVjB96yph_Eqk1ZB8DnKwOpZ5DM3cc-xBynsMn2LZTFA-uMPYKgGj96nAIPaTcFrfoNCGGjsfSY3L84kz8crHN77GYV_sdPCwrVs1Lq-0HoAHYoeaMHqzSggHirXxD2iCTDn5Met5HhuQhUoqVCxa/w318-h478/189774099.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">DRAGON KISS</span></span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Fantasy Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Donna Grant<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
JANUARY 09, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9798885420525<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
3.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
www.donnagrant.com<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Alasdair and Lotti prepare to retrieve the massirine
stone, a magic stone that can benefit their enemy. Varek and his mate Jeyra join
the couple in their quest. It is a race to see who will reach it first. What
dangers will the four face? Can the Dragon Kings keep a war from breaking out
between the humans and dragons? And will Lotti learn the extent of her magical
ability?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I like how Lotti is slowly learning about her magic. Mostly,
through trial and error. I dislike it when authors make their characters strong
within a short amount of time. Lotti does not yet know the limitations of her
ability. She is often plagued by self-doubt, which is understandable and
believable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I like how Alasdair encourages Lotti to believe in
herself and her magic. Doubt can hamper the strongest of abilities. I admire
how Alasdair is learning how to deal with his worry over his mate. He knows
that he cannot protect Lotti from everything. That he may well have to rely on
her protection against the invisible entity after them or the Star People.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">DRAGON KISS is the seventh installment in Donna Grant’s
fantasy-paranormal romance series, DRAGON KINGS. This story is basically a
continuation of book six, DRAGON ARISEN. I am curious why this piece was not
included in the prior novel. Why make it a stand-alone novella? Did the author
really want this part of Lotti and Alasdair’s tale told, and DRAGON ARISEN already
reached a certain world count? Just things that went through my head while I was
reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-30801322991957367022024-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:002024-01-03T15:59:35.492-08:00My review for Nagisa Furuya's MY ULTRAMARINE SKY<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65MBFfRKjlZenr5pVVG_EtTZlqVdNBO-eMeygkO-LfJPRKG2tdi-lM56I_ePCl-7AiF8Ssems8DgMuTo9cIs57_3st8mfTPnXfSC3pujPP7ZCDM9Uv9nKgn31BfmcKump5M39l6cagdk2cFmJ_Ms2HMeWicHN0tY6tPp7hviWjFRGbbK9OWakgiCk/s369/cover312043-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="255" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65MBFfRKjlZenr5pVVG_EtTZlqVdNBO-eMeygkO-LfJPRKG2tdi-lM56I_ePCl-7AiF8Ssems8DgMuTo9cIs57_3st8mfTPnXfSC3pujPP7ZCDM9Uv9nKgn31BfmcKump5M39l6cagdk2cFmJ_Ms2HMeWicHN0tY6tPp7hviWjFRGbbK9OWakgiCk/w295-h427/cover312043-medium.png" width="295" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: #548dd4; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">MY ULTRAMARINE SKY</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Boys Love, High School Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Nagisa Furuya<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
December 26, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Kodansha Comics<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781646518319<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Kai and Ren have been
in the same class/homeroom since middle school. That all changes during their
third year of high school. Separation helps Kai realize his true feelings for
Ren. However, he fears confessing would jeopardize their friendship. Then
things grow strained between the boys when Kai accidentally states his
feelings. Does Ren feel the same?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">This is such a
cute and sweet high school romance. There is no heat or spice – which I am
totally fine with. The story did not need that. I enjoy the wholesome vibe this
manga gave off. It is a one-shot, kind of like MY SUMMER OF YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If you like
raunchy BL, then this manga is not for you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I cannot wait to
buy this manga to add to my collection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-54574624002573954212024-01-02T16:10:00.000-08:002024-01-02T16:10:24.199-08:00My review of Lenora Bell's YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtG3HXBsGj_DjUYFe-vUg4bdOK6cI3bIIy8yYw-Qm5QAdh6jnmqwWzYZ3E3e3jIwU_RCuTVSdkM-L3JdYo1C285Mlc0w8JLwUO57MGBvgR-00IoIKQeTieNpn0gKfqRwC9Rc0iDyZ7Eh5VOL_A2Fqf3JJIv1g4ANj0V3_yfrAQ4fWtMtDOPyNvRxB/s400/123199042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="252" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtG3HXBsGj_DjUYFe-vUg4bdOK6cI3bIIy8yYw-Qm5QAdh6jnmqwWzYZ3E3e3jIwU_RCuTVSdkM-L3JdYo1C285Mlc0w8JLwUO57MGBvgR-00IoIKQeTieNpn0gKfqRwC9Rc0iDyZ7Eh5VOL_A2Fqf3JJIv1g4ANj0V3_yfrAQ4fWtMtDOPyNvRxB/w286-h453/123199042.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /> <b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">YOU’RE THE DUKE
THAT I WANT</span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Lenora Bell<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
December 26, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Avon<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780063316881<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
3.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://lenorabell.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dane Walker, a renowned rake, is heir presumptive to the
dukedom of Rydell. He visits an idyllic seaside village incognito, only to
encounter Sandrine. Something about the innocent miss makes Dane want to do
good. When he receives news about his brother, Dane leaves both Sandrine and
her home behind. He never expected to run into her again in London. Sandrine’s
presence jeopardizes things for Dane. Can Dane discover who is behind his
brother’s death? Or will he succumb to Sadrine’s innocent wiles?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sandrine Oliver wishes for adventure not the stifling
future her overprotective mother has planned out. She never expected to meet a
person like Dane. He turns her ordinary, mundane world upside down, only to
leave without an explanation. Sandrine visits London for business only to run
into Dane. She and her new friends intend to make him pay for his past
treatment. Can Sandrine convince Dane that they belong together? Or will London
prove to be too much for her sensibilities?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">YOU’RE THE DUKE THAT I WANT is the first book in Lenora
Bell’s historical romance series, THE THUNEDERBOLT CLUB. The story is heavily
inspired by the movie Grease. Which shows with the names and certain situations
within the storyline. I wanted to enjoy the story because that movie is one of
my all-time favorites. However, the historical take just did not mesh well for
me. I found some of the characters and scenes over-the-top and cringe worthy. It
just felt off with me that dampened my enjoyment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-1780884533289350342023-12-24T11:22:00.000-08:002023-12-24T11:22:52.037-08:00My review for Amelia Grey's SINCERELY, THE DUKE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeay_aBx2D09sJ4xTbdPlZCSf4etQDmYP9-3HLYDyRs5k94EQ3gPmjUZxNb0W2GOV5D35W0-ijgd4orJeNfDrB6g0kEAVQhSCj_nv6SWWcl8MolcrqsbH5HesRSphakV5yjjeBQA78uPQk23xITMF508qpQz2gJruIA1a_eOIrUQx8-IGgU4tn_de/s500/126918539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="311" height="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeay_aBx2D09sJ4xTbdPlZCSf4etQDmYP9-3HLYDyRs5k94EQ3gPmjUZxNb0W2GOV5D35W0-ijgd4orJeNfDrB6g0kEAVQhSCj_nv6SWWcl8MolcrqsbH5HesRSphakV5yjjeBQA78uPQk23xITMF508qpQz2gJruIA1a_eOIrUQx8-IGgU4tn_de/w283-h455/126918539.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /> <b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">SINCERELY, THE
DUKE</span></u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Amelia Grey<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
March 26, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
St. Martin’s Press<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781250850430<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://ameliagrey.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Roderick “Rick” Cosworth, the Duke of Stonerick, co-runs a
sporting club that donates its proceeds to charitable organizations. A
re-occurring fever reminds him of his mortality and his obligations to his
dukedom. Rick randomly chooses a bride from a list of candidates his mother
drafted. He promises to help Edwina find suitable husbands for her sisters in
exchange for an heir. Rick suspects she is withholding something from him. Will
Rick learn Edwina’s secrets? And can he trust her with the truth about his
health?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Edwina Fine promises her late father she will find
husbands for herself and her sisters. Fate answers her prayers. She receives a
marriage proposal from a wealthy duke through the mail. Rick is nothing than
what Edwina expected. She hopes he nor the Ton learn about her being a triplet.
Can Edwina trust Rick with the secret of her birth? Or will she learn that all
her fears and reservations are groundless? And can Edwina keep her deathbed
promise to her father?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rick is a man after my own heart. There are times, and
moments, when I too have trouble tolerating people. Plus, I am not a fan of
large crowds (just ask my husband during holiday shopping). So, I related with
him on that score. What I adore the most about Rick is how he does not put
stock in superstitions. He finds most of them laughable or foolish.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Edwina took me a while to warm up too. I can understand
her trepidation about being a triplet. She grew up in a time when multiple
births (more than two) were rare. They did happen but scarcely did the babes
survive. Edwina was taught from a young age to fear people learning about her
birth. What I like the most about Edwina is her devotion to completing her
father’s deathbed wish. Some people would humor the dead. She took it
seriously, to the point she disregarded her sisters’ desires.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SINCERELY, THE DUKE is the second book in Amelia Grey’s
historical romance series, SAY I DO. The story can easily stand alone. However,
the first book (YOURS TRULY, THE DUKE) explains the reasons behind the sports
club Rick and his two ducal friends co-founded. Wyatt and Fredericka, the
couple from the prior story, do make a small appearance. I like how the author
does not boggle the story or its pacing down with unnecessary sex scenes. The
only such scene is not steamy, spicy nor long. Sometimes I feel authors go over-the-top
with such scenes.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cannot wait for Hurst’s book! I wonder how the author
plans to continue the letter complimentary closing theme with his book title. Also,
I wonder if Eileen will get a book. I sense a story brewing there; one I would
be interested in reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-12490682785163016182023-12-12T17:20:00.000-08:002023-12-12T17:20:30.735-08:00My review for Amalie Howard's ANY DUKE IN A STORM<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBMGwVC9k1oWtq-8BGq7KyxqSHCWc_TSAS2kRD_ZGF0WH-fWtewNHUSB9ZLMoOENjCP0AXrewjvIHR9aoYRQ_1WM8zcUiCZ_ZZlY4E07F0X5YsxxOMQa_SDJYmko_2h-rHXVrtQwj7Ol-ho-AxxCgpJzmpQJ3JvpRk83EfDX-b7rTeEKR5g858R88/s400/125391054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="271" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBMGwVC9k1oWtq-8BGq7KyxqSHCWc_TSAS2kRD_ZGF0WH-fWtewNHUSB9ZLMoOENjCP0AXrewjvIHR9aoYRQ_1WM8zcUiCZ_ZZlY4E07F0X5YsxxOMQa_SDJYmko_2h-rHXVrtQwj7Ol-ho-AxxCgpJzmpQJ3JvpRk83EfDX-b7rTeEKR5g858R88/w300-h443/125391054.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ANY DUKE IN A
STORM</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Amalie Howard<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
January 09, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Sourcebooks Casablanca<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781728276762<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://amaliehoward.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Lisbeth Medford is a British spy on special
assignment to the American government. She needs to infiltrate a particular
smuggling ring, so she can bring its ringleader to justice. To accomplish this,
Lisbeth poses as a bloodthirsty female ship captain. During a reckless escape,
she finds Raphael Saint on her frigate. The man vexes her, but Lisbeth knows he
is her best chance on capturing the elusive Prince of Smugglers. Can Lisbeth
resist the temptation of tossing Raphael overboard? Or will he hinder her
mission?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Raphael Saint is a discredited French duke turned
smuggler. He concocted a plan to catch the one responsible for his father’s
disgrace and death. When his shipmates mutiny, Raphael finds himself without a
boat and incarcerated in an island prison. To elude his nemesis, he offers to
be a sailing master on the only ship leaving port. Raphael suspects there is
more to his captain than what she lets on. Will Raphael finally get retribution
for his late father? Or is there more at stake?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisbeth did not disappoint me! She is a hard as nails
woman who manages to carve a place for herself in a male-dominated profession.
Lisbeth proves continuously that she can hold her own, even against men. And I
adore her for that! What I like the most about Lisbeth is her mentality about
physical entanglements. She must care or trust a person before being intimate
with them, no matter their sex.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I now consider Raphael one of my literary husbandoes
(yes, I am aware the term is often used for anime). Everything about him made
me want to swoon, especially his incorrigible demeanor. He made the story so
much fun to read! I adore Raphael’s interactions with Lisbeth/Beth. He
purposely provoked her at every turn just to get a rise out of her. What I love
the most about Raphael is his ability to see the “true” Lisbeth. He saw the
woman beneath the hard-as-nails character she played.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ANY DUKE IN A STORM is the third book in Amalie Howard’s
historical- romance series, DARING DUKES. Unfortunately, I have not read the
first two books in this series. However, the story can easily stand alone for
there is no on-going plot. The couples from those books are mentioned.
Valentine and Bronwyn, the couple from THE DUKE IN QUESTION, do play a small
role near the end. I want Narina to grow up quick, so she can put Thorin in
place. She is a little spitfire.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have forgotten how much I love and enjoy stories that
take place on the ocean. The pirate/smuggler theme never bores me. I
practically devoured every page of this book, even foregoing sleep and other
duties to read more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-33062937950683149652023-11-15T10:03:00.000-08:002023-11-15T10:03:29.704-08:00My review of Christi Caldwell's A SURE DUKE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2DUo7sbH2_-ektE5-87CIsecwDUlTzOhcpwU2aScQRIDevq9tSNzouZZnUC1QqAYGnEkNAUGAdXyvfvNno_A3mKO6vUmxZRRhT6OeUsayG9Ngp6wOFXdh4ZC2L9V18KSF57IltsiuzBOVaLK60QPA1dq8fU43dJ9TCcaz_RqT9DhvtXonkqmZVFq/s383/cover299890-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="255" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2DUo7sbH2_-ektE5-87CIsecwDUlTzOhcpwU2aScQRIDevq9tSNzouZZnUC1QqAYGnEkNAUGAdXyvfvNno_A3mKO6vUmxZRRhT6OeUsayG9Ngp6wOFXdh4ZC2L9V18KSF57IltsiuzBOVaLK60QPA1dq8fU43dJ9TCcaz_RqT9DhvtXonkqmZVFq/w307-h461/cover299890-medium.png" width="307" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
SURE DUKE</span></u></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Christi Caldwell<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
January 09, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Montlake<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781662503849<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
http://christicaldwell.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lady Alexandra Bradbury has always been curious about her
eccentric neighbor’s rooftop dealings. She sneaks off to see for herself, only
to encounter the eldest McQuoid son. When disaster leaves her family destitute,
Alexandra agrees to a loveless betrothal to an influential yet cold marquess.
However, another crisis forces her to travel with Dallin. Alexandra never forgot
their magical rooftop interlude. Will Alexandra do what is expected of her? Or
will she risk her family’s ruination to be with Dallin?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord Dallin McQuoid is the future Earl of Abingdon. He is
more interested in the stars than the ton’s gossip and glittery intrigue.
Dallin confronts a would-be intruder, only to discover the beautiful yet proper
Alexandra Bradbury. When they are to meet again, a year later, he overhears a
conversation that alters his opinion of her. However, Dallin finds himself
traveling with the lady to prevent a catastrophe from happening to both their
families. Can Dallin ignore his heart? Or will he risk family ruin to claim
Alexandra as his own?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I could not help but empathize with Alexandra. She is a
woman who has always done what is expected of her, regardless how it chafed.
Alexandra knew no other way until Dallin. He and his family’s unique dynamics
opened her eyes to other possibilities. I like that. What I admire the most
about Alexandra is her willingness to sacrifice herself for her sisters. She
wanted to safeguard their future happiness and security.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dallin is such a love! He knows how the peerage views his
family’s unconventional interests and ways. And Dallin is not bothered by it. I
adore that about him! He is also fiercely protective over his large, boisterous
family, even though some annoy him. What I love the most about Dallin is how he
differs from other aristocratic lords. He does not look down on servants or
commoners. Instead, Dallin treats them as equals and with common courtesy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A SURE DUKE is the third installment in Christi
Caldwell’s historical romance series, MCQUOIDS OF MAYFAIR. I strongly suggest
reading this delightfully fun series from the beginning. The first book shows
the McQuoid families’ quirks and eccentricities. The second explains what
started the strife between the McQuoids and the Duke of Talbert. I practically
devoured this book in two settings, even forwent sleep to finish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I just want to say I fell in love with this Scottish
family since book one. They are not your typical snobbish, aristocratic family.
I cannot stress how happy I am that the author decided to write more books
about them. I do hope (hint hint) that Christi will pair a McQuoid with the
jilted son AND daughter of the Duke of Talbert. That would be a fun
enemies-to-lovers story! <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-68098768610067277542023-11-13T09:23:00.000-08:002023-11-13T09:23:56.819-08:00Review for Christina Britton's THE DUKE'S ALL THAT<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jm3iBB4YMlz5AEn4Fl9PviUEikRX1DB5FCVC-t5pZtBCf8dOjGiV67hrOQIpaJq3H42tUFoC5M01kBgdzl0ywKWPcLKtviy0rryNUBRtnWJzF-xo1lPKNm2nC6jWl-3be8IzGGUEZ3WtNZ2PPEL5dwaiBj_6NR-B3wdpikotWl8CDBTJfukux2Us/s411/173494627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="255" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Jm3iBB4YMlz5AEn4Fl9PviUEikRX1DB5FCVC-t5pZtBCf8dOjGiV67hrOQIpaJq3H42tUFoC5M01kBgdzl0ywKWPcLKtviy0rryNUBRtnWJzF-xo1lPKNm2nC6jWl-3be8IzGGUEZ3WtNZ2PPEL5dwaiBj_6NR-B3wdpikotWl8CDBTJfukux2Us/w294-h473/173494627.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">THE DUKE’S ALL
THAT</span></u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Christina Britton<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
February 06, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781538710449<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
http://christinabritton.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Iain MacInnes, the new Duke of Balgair, receives
startling news about his late wife: that she is not dead but currently living on
the Isle of Synne. He wants a divorce; however, he first needs to bring
Seraphia before the Court of Sessions to gain one. Iain tries to keep his heart
closed to her, but the trip to Scotland brings eye-opening revelations. Can
Iain convince Seraphina to stay married to him? Or will he lose her all over
again?</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Seraphina Athwart co-owns a circulating library on
the Isle of Synne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will do anything
to keep her tragic past secret from her sisters and friends, even accompany her
estranged husband to Scotland. However, they both discover the vicious lies
that tore them apart thirteen years ago. Will Seraphina accept their second
chance? Or will she allow her inner demons to keep them apart for good?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Iain is a man ruled by anger. He channeled that emotion
to help him better improve his station in life. I like despite his need for
revenge, Iain never once mistreated Seraphina during their trip. He did keep an
emotional barrier between them to protect himself, which is relatable. I also
like how, once the truth was revealed, Ian did not keep his anger towards
Seraphina. He did war between whether to continue with the divorce or attempt
to win her back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seraphina had endured so much horror and suffering. She,
like Iain, is a victim of a lie. I admire the many sacrifices Seraphina made to
protect and to ensure her sisters’ futures. They even managed to make a new
life for themselves on Synne without any man’s assistance. There were times
when I wanted to throttle Seraphina. I understand her altruistic reason for
continuing with the divorce. Respect it even. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wished the truth about her past would
come out sooner so they could work it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">THE DUKE’S ALL THAT is the third book in Christina
Britton’s historical romance series, SYNNEFUL SPINSTERS. The story can easily
stand by itself. There is no on-going plot spilling over from the previous
ones. Bronwyn and Ash and Katrina and Sebastian, the couples from the other
books, make appearances. I wonder if this is the last of the series, especially
after the revealing development with the two remaining oddments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to love this book like I did the previous two. I
just had trouble getting invested in the characters and the storyline. It just
fell flat with me. I honestly expected Seraphina’s father to play a more
villainous role in the story. I think that would have helped me engage with the
characters’ plight a bit more.<i> </i>I thoroughly enjoyed Phineas, the parrot,
and his penchant for inappropriate phrases. He livened up the story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-2186238642660783392023-11-02T17:02:00.005-07:002023-11-02T17:02:45.974-07:00Review for Julie Anne Long's MY SEASON OF SCANDAL<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3VW9IjObiBOCqDz4B0egavnA20ZfrB-rECTaSspNo74eorX7c5pY8Vrj8mXENSNGv4fj3b2JvppjygbFtRqlEWFbh7r0JPzE_YUJTmo5KPJO6m4gC1DOTZrOWVLIgb0wznMA3V7IQsdM9coerjOWrZHsblmEtjKVyKjFbbi9zdy0pc44tGoFbIeQ/s445/194896980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="280" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3VW9IjObiBOCqDz4B0egavnA20ZfrB-rECTaSspNo74eorX7c5pY8Vrj8mXENSNGv4fj3b2JvppjygbFtRqlEWFbh7r0JPzE_YUJTmo5KPJO6m4gC1DOTZrOWVLIgb0wznMA3V7IQsdM9coerjOWrZHsblmEtjKVyKjFbbi9zdy0pc44tGoFbIeQ/w301-h479/194896980.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MY
SEASON OF SCANDAL</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Julie Anne Long<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
April 23, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Avon and Harper Voyager<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780063280953<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
http://www.julieannelong.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lord Dominic Kirke is a Mp renowned for his stirring
speeches in the House of Commons. After his house catches fire, he stays at a
unique boarding house near the docks. Dominic encounters a wholesome country
girl with an uncanny ability to penetrate his cynical armor. Against his better
judgement, he helps Catherine with her season. However, his help comes with repercussions.
Will Kirke’s reputation ruin Catherine’s chances amongst the peerage? Or will
she encourage him to love again?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Catherine Keating is the only daughter of a small-town physician.
She travels to London to experience a Season and to possibly find a suitable
husband. However, Catherine soon learns that is far more cutthroat than she
imagined. At her boarding house, she meets a cynical yet closed-off gentleman. Even
though Dominic may be her only ally, he is all wrong for her. Can Catherine
learn to hold her own amongst the Ton? Will she be able to resist Dominic’s
sardonic allure?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dominic is the reason why I picked up this book. I could
never resist a broody, standoffish, cynical hero. And he did NOT disappoint me!
I love how protective Dominic became of Catherine. He wanted to keep the snobs
from the peerage from dimming her inner light. Dominic liked that Catherine was
not conniving or fake like others in his social sphere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can see many people not liking Catherine. She does come
off too Mary Sue at times. However, I think she counter-balances Dominic
perfectly. She is sunny and wholesome to his dark and jadedness. I like how
Catherine can see the real Dominic beneath all that cynicism. Plus, she does
not retreat or balk at his cutting personality or wit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">MY SEASON OF SCANDAL is the seventh book in Julie Anne
Long’s historical romance series, THE PALACE OF ROGUES. This story can stand
alone. Sadly, I have not read the previous six books. That did not hinder my
ability to follow the plot and storyline. Fans of this series will like that
Delilah and Tristan from LADY DERRING TAKES A LOVER, book one, and Angelique
and Lucien from ANGEL IN A DEVIL’S ARMS, book two, make frequent appearances
throughout the book. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The only nitpick I have is the ending. It got a little
long-winded. There were parts that sounded more like the author “telling”
readers the couples’ future. All-in-all, I enjoyed the plot and characters
enough to pick up future books by this author.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-55524603159013478782023-10-28T17:40:00.000-07:002023-10-28T17:40:01.982-07:00Review for Donna Grant's REIGN<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYbgjkZwl5m8NZTR5axaPO0pWVOV0MOgRDSal4K0oC753wBJo72nBTOT_eKsOc8Mtbwpk0lEip3nOzgVpx0JHIy5T8ZkwUPDjfFSai7Gs1Y9ukfgAiqCDBkh43_YJp3StwwlH8BazHGw9Nckp2IH4WHjtEtln1ZYVSBpGoJxQD8JX2no4KHpK3r7T/s382/123553567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="255" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYbgjkZwl5m8NZTR5axaPO0pWVOV0MOgRDSal4K0oC753wBJo72nBTOT_eKsOc8Mtbwpk0lEip3nOzgVpx0JHIy5T8ZkwUPDjfFSai7Gs1Y9ukfgAiqCDBkh43_YJp3StwwlH8BazHGw9Nckp2IH4WHjtEtln1ZYVSBpGoJxQD8JX2no4KHpK3r7T/w283-h423/123553567.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /> <b><i><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">REIGN</span></u></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Historical-Fantasy Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Donna Grant<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
November 7, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
DL Grant, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781958353073<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://donnagrant.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Malene is the Lady of the Varroki. After battling the
Coven leader, she wakes far from home without any memories of her former life. Malene
adorns a new identity, a witch named Dagny who thirsts for power. However,
Armir stands in her way. The man whisks Dagny to an isolated cave, and he
claims to know her. Can Dagny escape her cavern prison? Dare she trust Armir? And
will he be beneficial to Dagny regaining her memories as Malene?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Armir is considered The Lady of the Varroki’s instructor,
protector, and right-hand man. He has always loved Malene, but he knows a
romance between them is taboo. After her disappearance, Armir refuses to
believe she is dead. When Malene returns but as Dagny, he is determined to keep
her from doing despicable things. Will Armir finally act on his attraction to
Malene/Dagny? Can he convince Dagny to give up her quest for power?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I could not connect with Malene. She just fell flat with
me. I really tried to like her but could not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love Armir’s dedication to Malene. When everyone else,
including the Varroki, believed she died, he never gave up hope on finding her
alive. Armir instead searched the world for her. He also refused to allow her,
as Dagny, to do something that Malene would regret.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">REIGN is the third and final book in Donna Grant’s
Historical-Fantasy romance series, KINDRED: THE FATED. I suggest reading the
five books in THE KINDRED before delving into KINDRED: THE FATED. The former
books set up the world, the situation it is in, and the Varroki people. Malene
and Armir play important roles there, leading up to this story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-13645695880864857982023-10-26T10:14:00.001-07:002023-10-26T10:14:11.817-07:00Review for Anna Bennett's IT TAKES A RAKE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UKDjRpMRIWuY_e_ZI6Dw4Pc0Zuxvr_bTDatFHzhHpHlIkb0aqCXsMrAbzZ85J_aZqQsyLhkl9PDHvXKvEeNkk2s9J6XShhdt_DnK7M4NdJt9NLojcwfvhLX_pqgvWGZJ3B6PzGjnAZO4gdekznlCNP4MRIoyGGz0mouSpSfMdUnTfPudgEPSa-Au/s400/127279943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="244" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UKDjRpMRIWuY_e_ZI6Dw4Pc0Zuxvr_bTDatFHzhHpHlIkb0aqCXsMrAbzZ85J_aZqQsyLhkl9PDHvXKvEeNkk2s9J6XShhdt_DnK7M4NdJt9NLojcwfvhLX_pqgvWGZJ3B6PzGjnAZO4gdekznlCNP4MRIoyGGz0mouSpSfMdUnTfPudgEPSa-Au/w282-h463/127279943.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">IT
TAKES A RAKE</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Anna Bennett<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
January 23, 2024<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
St. Martin’s Press<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9781250793959<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://annabennettauthor.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Miss Kitty Becket plans on pursuing her dreams of
becoming an architect. Bellehaven Bay’s first architectural design contest may
be her chance to accomplish it. Kitty knows she needs her childhood rival’s
expertise with numbers to win. In exchange for his help, she agrees to turn him
into a rake. Kitty never expected Leo to take to his lessons so well… Or the
way her heart behaves around him. Can Kitty entrust Leo with all her hopes and
dreams? Or will he ultimately betray her trust?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Leo Lockland is a strait-laced architect with a knack for
numbers and calculations. He leaves behind a promising architectural practice
in London to help his widowed mother. Leo has never forgotten his childhood
nemesis nor his feelings for her. He intends to pursue her at any cost, even
become a rake. Leo’s deeply guarded secrets may destroy any possibility he has
of winning her. Can Leo convince Kitty to take a chance with him? Or will he
lose his chance with her?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Leo and Kitty are great examples of opposites attract. Not
only in their personalities but in their architectural interests. Kitty likes
decorative and whimsical designs, whereas Leo prefers clean lines and aesthetics.
It is nice to see Kitty’s growth in the background of the first two books. I
admire her determination in following her dreams, despite public’s restrictions
on women. Kitty even knows her strengths and weaknesses in that regard. Leo is
a love. I like how he believes in and recognizes Kitty’s talent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">IT TAKES A RAKE is the third book in Anna Bennett’s
historical romance series, ROGUES TO LOVERS. This story can stand alone, but it
is better to read the prior ones before this.<i> </i>The first book, GIRLS
BEFORE EARLS, introduces the setting – a charming yet picturesque seaside town
called Bellehaven Bay. We also meet Kitty and learn about her circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love how the couples from the previous books make
appearances throughout the story. It is great to see how Poppy and Kean and
Blade and Hazel’s lives are progressing. I do hope this is not the end of this entertaining
series. I can see the author continuing with Clara and Lucy – Blade and Hazel’s
adoptive daughters. They deserve their own happily-ever-after.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-32481740785975511152023-10-10T17:14:00.004-07:002023-10-10T17:14:47.896-07:00Review for STAR-CROSSED by Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNXRORyE-C8odYYd7jcjvlHOX9JzRgBBl5N477OAr_CtFGGx5Wcib7gRC4zU8RUFer2MEZfH70d03hX_fNWp045I7SL1OXDi7ljfU7xNAcutv37v6wbMOxkstqjfD795UimKE5nKgcdOKxmebctFAgpW8s5YSnG1THc_THYRNShU4lFADU7snLH8k/s2560/178805497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNXRORyE-C8odYYd7jcjvlHOX9JzRgBBl5N477OAr_CtFGGx5Wcib7gRC4zU8RUFer2MEZfH70d03hX_fNWp045I7SL1OXDi7ljfU7xNAcutv37v6wbMOxkstqjfD795UimKE5nKgcdOKxmebctFAgpW8s5YSnG1THc_THYRNShU4lFADU7snLH8k/w281-h450/178805497.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: large;">STAR-CROSSED</span></span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Contemporary Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:<br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kerrigan Byrne and Cynthia St. Aubin</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
October 24, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
Oliver Heber Books<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
B0C8C1S1M7<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
</span></i><a href="https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">https://www.kerriganbyrne.com/</span></i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and https://www.cynthiastaubin.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lyra McKendrick is a former hotshot, New England defense
attorney. She moves back to her small, touristry hometown after a terrible
breakup. Lyra finds herself working at the local new-age shop that neighbors
her twin’s store. When a historic tree damages the shop’s plumbing, she
reluctantly calls the one person who can help. Lyra and Cypress have history,
one she wants to remain firmly in the past. However, fate has other plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cypress “Cy” Forrester comes from a family of arborists. Around
town, the locals refer to him as “Cy the Tree Guy”. When Lyra calls him about a
tree problem, Cypress comes to her aid. Seeing her again reminds Cy of their
past encounter, one he never forgotten. He likes Lyra’s prickly, no-nonsense
nature, but she is not interested in a relationship. However, fate keeps tempting
them by crossing their paths.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I like how Lyra is not as perfect as people believed. She
has her own set of problems to confront and deal with. At first, especially in
BAZAAR GIRLS, I did not like her that much. Lyra came off too cold and vitriolic
for my tastes. However, my opinion of her changed near the end of book three.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I LOVE that Cy is a closet gamer and fantasy nerd. I
freely admit to geeking out on the many Dungeons and Dragons references. It
made me fall head over heels in love with him. Now if only he was into anime… LOL.
I am not that familiar with LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, just the name because it is my
oldest son’s favorite game. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">STAR-CROSSED is the fourth installment in Kerrigan Byrne
and Cynthia St. Aubin’s romantic-comedy series, TOWNSEND HARBOR. This series
needs to be read in proper order. The story picks up after the events in
BAZZAAR GIRLS, book three. The couples from the previous three books crop up continuously
throughout the story. FYI – Gabe still makes me swoon!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I like how this series centers around characters who
suffer from real life problems. They are less-than-perfect, and that makes them
so identifiable. This book touches on autism and prosthesis.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope this is not the end of Townsend Harbor. Kiki, Cy’s
sister, needs a book!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7547446812501500880.post-26378805077478491682023-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:002023-10-06T18:31:02.169-07:00Review for Donna Grant's SHADOW MAGIC<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5gly4N2bfG6W1b4EYqDeQqDKNJjeQIJLONWlBu06IGeLAKy5WXGqs7Po4WymHOxuFe4cff81dxJDOL4JnJ388M4cl9bgPowzoDX5n7A4IUCA8-QLI2pznlRZhe-8zcCBk2NgJFErFqyXSnk9sGnn71tnuxTqJv4lxuUm_ryReGZ3kmjVpHHVJqN9/s2560/6362919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5gly4N2bfG6W1b4EYqDeQqDKNJjeQIJLONWlBu06IGeLAKy5WXGqs7Po4WymHOxuFe4cff81dxJDOL4JnJ388M4cl9bgPowzoDX5n7A4IUCA8-QLI2pznlRZhe-8zcCBk2NgJFErFqyXSnk9sGnn71tnuxTqJv4lxuUm_ryReGZ3kmjVpHHVJqN9/w287-h432/6362919.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SHADOW
MAGIC</span></u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Historical-Paranormal Romance<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR</span></u></b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">:</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Donna Grant<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RELEASE DATE</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
October 10, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">PUBLISHER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
DL Grant, LLC<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> :<br />
9780985371388<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">RATING</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
4<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AUTHOR LINK</span></u></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: <br />
https://donnagrant.com/<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serena is a bana-bhuidseach, a cursed witch destined to
live a solitary life. She knows the danger her kind faces when they fall in
love with another. Serena knows that Drogan is dangerous to her heart. When she
foresees her friend and his family’s demise, she intends to change their fate. But
Serena needs Drogan’s help to achieve it. Can Serena break her curse? Will she
be able to protect her friends and Drogan against the evil hunting them?</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Drogan is a titled lord and knight of the king. He is
haunted by the sins of his past. Drogan pays his brother-in-arms a visit, and
he meets a bewitching woman who banishes the darkness that surrounds him. When
he learns of the threat against his friend and his family, he offers to help
Serena protect them. Can Drogan exorcise the darkness consuming him? Or will he
lose Serena to her curse?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serena came off too lukewarm and bland for my tastes. I
just could not connect or empathize with her character. However, I did admire
the sacrifices Serena was prepared to pay to keep her friends safe. It shows
just how much she cares and appreciates Gerard, Maris, and little Jocelyn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a sucker for a good wounded/tortured hero. Drogan
fit the bill. He is a man haunted by his past deeds. I like how Dragon refused
to let Gerard face evil alone. He gave him and his family aid in their time of
need. It also allowed him to finally face his past sins and overcome it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SHADOW MAGIC is the first book in Donna Grant’s
paranormal-historical romance series, SISTERS OF MAGIC. This is an older story
that the author revamped and fixed editing issues. It took me a while to get
into the storyline and characters. Some areas dragged. However, Grant’s take on
witches intrigued me. I like how they had peculiar weaknesses, gifts, and
limitations. My only nitpick – the second half of the story felt boggled down
by unnecessary sex scenes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><br /><p></p>Raonaid Luckwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14159198145627046070noreply@blogger.com0