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Dark Aemilia (UK Edition)
Dark Aemilia (UK Edition)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So I received Dark Aemilia from a Goodreads give away. All I can say is how lucky I was to receive such a good book, that otherwise I likely would not have taken a second glance at. This is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. Which at its core, is a love story, between Aemilia Bassano and William Shakespeare. How their love blossomed and through many external factors was pulled apart. The book is laid out in acts and scenes like a play and tells the story from Aemilia point of view. I enjoyed being submerged in the Tudor London at the end of Elizabeth I reign. This book completely grabbed me from the start and had I had more free time I am sure I would have read this book in a day or two.

Unfortunately as I haven’t ever read historical fiction before I don’t really have any point of reference for comparison. But what I will say is that I thoroughly enjoyed how realistic this book felt, but still was able to bring in completely fictitious elements of magic and witchcraft. Sam O’Reilly has managed to bring in these elements, which appealed to my love of fantasy, without being over the top. I particularly enjoyed the time when London was under the grips of the plague and thought it was just so well written and explained. At no point did I feel lost in descriptions, I was there, with Aemilia and that poor woman just couldn’t catch a break.

There is ‘mature content’ it is an adult story of love, so yes there is sex. I personally have no issue with this and believe it to be an integral addition to this story. It is done well and doesn’t feel forced or overdone. I am struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed this book, I will read it again and I would recommend it. I will now even consider reading other historical fiction that I had not thought I would enjoy.
  
The Blue Cloak (True Colors)
The Blue Cloak (True Colors)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Where to start on a book that sucks you in and doesn’t let go…

     The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear summed up in one word is: STUNNING. When I started reading this book I could not stop thinking about the characters and their plights, Shannon McNear brought their thoughts and feeling to life in an almost tangible way that made me feel like I was right there experiencing the haunting twists and realizations with the characters. She weaved in such a thread of hope and light amidst all that happened for her characters that were a true reflection of the hope we need to pray for in our fallen world.

I was captivated from the first chapter of this true-crime story in a way that I do not think I have ever been by a book before. The historical detail and research that went into the writing of this book were phenomenal, it made the story even more eye-opening for me. I loved how Shannon McNear took the time at the end (in the author’s note) to explain several different aspects of the story and the historical documentation to back them up.

I truly loved the setting, the plot, and the three main characters in this book. When combined I think they made a truly stunning and captivating story that weaves a tale of faith, perseverance, trust, and hope amid unknowable tragedy. Shannon McNear did a great job portraying the darkness in our world but expressing the hope that we have in Jesus’ name.

I give this book a resounding 5 out of 5 stars for the amazing storyline, the historical details, and the great characters. I highly recommend reading this book and I am personally ordering a physical copy for my book collection.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
AC
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I ordered this book off of Amazon when it recommended it with another purchase. I thought sure why not, and ended up with a permanent addition to my collections. If there is one thing I love more than erotic, is historical erotica, especially a well written on.

Before I gush over how much I fell in love with this novel, I will state the only thing that annoyed me about this novel which is Cassandra’s want of independence. First of all, I guess I can understand her in a sense, but for the time she lives in, she seems to be asking too much. Not to mention, at a certain point, she became annoying about it. We get it, you want your independence. Now please stop kicking the dead horse.

Beyond that, this was a really good a read. Very few erotic novels have such great plotlines to go along with their delicious erotic scenes. I loved that this novel had both. I also liked that the sex wasn’t what the two fall in love. Like any normal human being, Mark worries for Cassandra when he realizes someone has tried to harm her. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow. You can actually watch the progression of them falling in love.

A must read for historical erotica readers everywhere.
  
Last Stop in Brooklyn
Last Stop in Brooklyn
Lawrence Levy | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics, Mystery
6
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mary is a case when she feels like someone is following her. But she cannot tell who at the moment. Once she sees her friend's husband talking to Colleen. She thinks the worse of her best friend's husband.

On her way out, she confronts a man see that is following her. When she does, he wants her to look into his brother case that is that Ben Ali is not a killer.

There seems to be some corruption going on in the NYPD in the year of 1894. Who does all the cover-up? Who the Killer of more than a dozen woman.

Looks like Mary get pulled into an investigation that has to do with Sage Bombing and as she gets more into the case of Ben Ali she finds more clues and finding the killer. Who is Jack the Ripper, the killer?

You will be turning the page to find out. Have you read the book you learn about that time period in NY? We even meet Teddy Roosevelt before he becomes President of United States and the reason why or at least partly.

If you are a historical Fiction fan you will enjoy this book. It a Mystery and part historical so you will get both if you are a fan of both or one or the other.
  
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I'm usually not a big fan of historical romance, but I wouldn't say that's all this is, there's so much more there. What drew me in was the vampire angle, because I'm a softie when it comes to anything with vampires. The idea behind the different vampire clans, the floated theory about how the vampire lineage, etc., all of it drew me in from start to finish.

This story is just the prequel for The Red Veil series, and it's an amazing start. I could actually get lost in the story, the time period, the characters' relationships, etc. while reading, and that's something I think every author strives for. What really did it for me was the use of period language, phrases, manners of speaking, and so on. I've read a couple other historical works, and while the story may have been set in a certain time, the writing just didn't pull it off. However, this was not the case with Descent of Blood, and I will definitely be on the lookout for Book One in the series, as I just have to know how the rest of the story goes!

5 stars =)