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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Cruel Beauty in Books
Apr 26, 2018
After reading Bright Smoke, Cold Fire I knew I HAD to find more Rosamund Hodge. She has a fantastic flair for taking fairy tales (or Shakespeare!) and twisting them into something darker but more realistic. Cruel Beauty is a twist on Beauty and the Beast, but this is no Stockholm Syndrome-suffering Beauty. She is resentful, and bitter, and angry at her father for subjecting her to this. She has trained her entire life to go to the Beast and destroy him, even if it means destroying herself too. What she find at the castle is nothing like what she expected, though, and neither is she what Hodge's Beast expects. Watching these two bitter, mocking characters dance around each other to get to the bottom of the curse and what actually happened to their world is engrossing and beautiful.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it, and I've already started Crimson Bound (Little Red Riding Hood), the next book in the same world. There's also a novella, Gilded Ashes (Cinderella), that I should snag a copy of.
The world is lovely and evocative, with gods and Forest Lords and Demons who actively participate in the world and grant wishes and make deals. It's a little bit Rumpelstiltskin, a little Fairy Godmother, a little Greek mythology, and all Rosamund Hodge. She's got talent, and writes my favorite micro-genre SO WELL.
If you like dark fairy tales, read this and then everything else Rosamund Hodge has written. It's excellent!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
I couldn't put this book down once I started it, and I've already started Crimson Bound (Little Red Riding Hood), the next book in the same world. There's also a novella, Gilded Ashes (Cinderella), that I should snag a copy of.
The world is lovely and evocative, with gods and Forest Lords and Demons who actively participate in the world and grant wishes and make deals. It's a little bit Rumpelstiltskin, a little Fairy Godmother, a little Greek mythology, and all Rosamund Hodge. She's got talent, and writes my favorite micro-genre SO WELL.
If you like dark fairy tales, read this and then everything else Rosamund Hodge has written. It's excellent!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Snarl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Nov 21, 2018
Shifter Woods: Snarl (Esposito County Shifters #3) by Nicola M. Cameron
Shifter Woods: Snarl is the third novella in the Esposito County Shifters series, and this time we are at the snow resort at Cougar Ridge. As you might expect, there are plenty of cougar shifters around, including Commander Robert Chandler, and his daughter, Kate. When a down-on-his-luck Alpha turns up, citing an offer the Commander had made for him, Kate is willing to give him a chance. He fits in with their life easily enough, but Kate wants more.
I loved how this story progressed. The instant 'Mate' bond is there for Jack, but I loved how it was different for Kate being as she had anosmia. Jack has his morals, but is prepared to bend them to get what he wants. Of course, when he realises the Commander gave him a loophole right at the start, well, that was just downright funny!
With fast pacing, character cameos, and very smooth though, this story transitioned without any hitches from one scene to another. There were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. With a full story that is hot and steamy in places packed within the pages, this is sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how this story progressed. The instant 'Mate' bond is there for Jack, but I loved how it was different for Kate being as she had anosmia. Jack has his morals, but is prepared to bend them to get what he wants. Of course, when he realises the Commander gave him a loophole right at the start, well, that was just downright funny!
With fast pacing, character cameos, and very smooth though, this story transitioned without any hitches from one scene to another. There were also no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. With a full story that is hot and steamy in places packed within the pages, this is sure to delight. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Carma (21 KP) rated Hard Riding Cowboy (Gold Valley, #2.5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Lauren Bishop tried to stay away from moving back home to Gold Valley after her husband died. But she realized she needed the stability for her 2 daughters that moving home brought. She never expected to see someone from her past and have him stir up feelings she thought deeply buried.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
Calder Reid had a crush on Lauren since she walked into his house to babysit him when he was a pre-teen. She was only about 5 years older than him but he didn't care then and doesn't care now. When he sees her again after all these years he's equally as smitten.
Lauren can't believe this hot stud is the kid she used to babysit. Talk about feeling even older than she already does. When he offers his help at renovations to the house she is trying to buy she should say no but her mouth says yes.
Calder knows Lauren has issues with him being younger, as well as her daughters best interests at heart but he lets her know straight out that he wants to be with her. He doesn't have time for sugar coating and lays his cards on the table. Will she accept what he has to offer?
A cute quick novella with lots of steam, life choices and kids that always know way more than parents give them credit for. I received a copy without expection for review, any and all opinions expressed are my own. Of course another great read from Maisey Yates, I would expect nothing less.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated For the Record in Books
Jan 2, 2019
After reading Regina's novella Her Dearly Unintended in the collection With This Ring? I decided that I just HAD to read one of her full length books. I am so glad I did. Set in 1885 in the hills of Missouri, For the Record is a charming, adventure filled, book. The Dashing Deputy has an immediate sense of mystery that made me want to know more about him. And Betsy has a free spirit that melds perfectly with Deputy Puckett. Their banter and their adventures are a joy to follow and thrilling to read.
This book was a slow start for me. I'm sure it had more to do with the holidays than anything else. Because, once I got into the meat of the story, I couldn't put it down. Sprinkled with faith, Betsy and Joel's story is a fast riding adventure that is sure to keep you up till the break of dawn solving the mystery.
Although this is the third book in the series, I was able to follow the storyline just fine. I have a feeling that that the characters would make more sense if I had read the first two books. However, For the Record is a stand alone and can be read as such. If the thought of a Texan deputy thrown into the Ozarks intrigues you, I don't think you will be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of For the Record from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book was a slow start for me. I'm sure it had more to do with the holidays than anything else. Because, once I got into the meat of the story, I couldn't put it down. Sprinkled with faith, Betsy and Joel's story is a fast riding adventure that is sure to keep you up till the break of dawn solving the mystery.
Although this is the third book in the series, I was able to follow the storyline just fine. I have a feeling that that the characters would make more sense if I had read the first two books. However, For the Record is a stand alone and can be read as such. If the thought of a Texan deputy thrown into the Ozarks intrigues you, I don't think you will be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of For the Record from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Everlasting Circle (Everlast #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Well, its about bleeping time okay, that probably sounds a tad bit rude (my language was totally in check).
Anyways, its been two two! years since the second book came out, and Im kind of over the top excited to return to the world Juliana Haygert built several years ago.
The greatest thing Haygert provides at the very beginning of bringing us back to the world of Everlast is a recap of the first two books up to the point of preparing for war with Imha and Omi (among others). Theres also a lot of tension between Micah and Nadine from the second book carrying over to the final book, and I have to say I dont really mind the tension. After Micah got his own novella back in the Cup of Life, I kind of have a fondness for him and it was an absolute delight to take some peeks into Micahs mind in The Everlasting Circle.
The last book in the Everlast trilogy brings a nice close to the entire series with a HEA and many, if not all, questions from the prior books answered.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Well, its about bleeping time okay, that probably sounds a tad bit rude (my language was totally in check).
Anyways, its been two two! years since the second book came out, and Im kind of over the top excited to return to the world Juliana Haygert built several years ago.
The greatest thing Haygert provides at the very beginning of bringing us back to the world of Everlast is a recap of the first two books up to the point of preparing for war with Imha and Omi (among others). Theres also a lot of tension between Micah and Nadine from the second book carrying over to the final book, and I have to say I dont really mind the tension. After Micah got his own novella back in the Cup of Life, I kind of have a fondness for him and it was an absolute delight to take some peeks into Micahs mind in The Everlasting Circle.
The last book in the Everlast trilogy brings a nice close to the entire series with a HEA and many, if not all, questions from the prior books answered.
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
The Sailor’s Dream
Games and Entertainment
App
A peaceful narrative experience, in which the only objective is to satisfy your curiosity. Explore...
An Eccentric Engagement
5.5
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From the author of A Lady’s Choice comes a Regency romance celebrating the witty and romantic...
Historical Romance Romance Regency
TQ
The Quest for Gold
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The Quest for Gold is an edited version of writings by visionary Andrew Fekete - a painter,...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Broken in Books
Sep 16, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
Magnolia (Maggie) is not surprised when her estranged twin sister is murdered by her abusive husband. She travels to Beaumont Cove, the town where her sister and Mike lived. Mike protests his innocence, and, at first, she does not believe him. Wandering around town and looking into her sister's time there, she begins to have doubts. Hiring a local PI, Maggie looks into her sister's murder and wonders if Mike is telling the truth.
Broken by John Rector is a short, quick read. It is 284 pages. The story flows well, but I did not connect with the characters. The town is supposed to feel creepy, but it came across as similar to a New Jersey tourist town during the off-season, devoid of tourists. The "big reveal" from one of the characters' past was not surprising, although it did explain his actions.
The cover and description of the book made it seem as if the story was going to be scary or suspenseful. It was neither. While it was worth reading, the book felt too short and not fully fleshed out.
According to Goodreads, Rector's short fiction won several awards, including the International Thriller Award for his novella, Lost Things.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
Magnolia (Maggie) is not surprised when her estranged twin sister is murdered by her abusive husband. She travels to Beaumont Cove, the town where her sister and Mike lived. Mike protests his innocence, and, at first, she does not believe him. Wandering around town and looking into her sister's time there, she begins to have doubts. Hiring a local PI, Maggie looks into her sister's murder and wonders if Mike is telling the truth.
Broken by John Rector is a short, quick read. It is 284 pages. The story flows well, but I did not connect with the characters. The town is supposed to feel creepy, but it came across as similar to a New Jersey tourist town during the off-season, devoid of tourists. The "big reveal" from one of the characters' past was not surprising, although it did explain his actions.
The cover and description of the book made it seem as if the story was going to be scary or suspenseful. It was neither. While it was worth reading, the book felt too short and not fully fleshed out.
According to Goodreads, Rector's short fiction won several awards, including the International Thriller Award for his novella, Lost Things.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/15/20.
Dakota and the American Dream
7.0
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When ten-year-old Dakota becomes bored sitting next to his mother on a park bench, he drifts off and...