Witchlight, Sonya Clark
Witchlight, Sonya Clark
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
I loved Sonya’s first novel in this series, so was pleased to get this one for review. I’d felt from what we read of Vadim in book one that he was a really interesting character, and very different underneath from the surface image he projected. It was great to find him as a major character in this book.
The way the Magic Born are treated by the rest of the population is awful, herded into reservations, not given the same basic human rights as others and denied the chance to really live and love a free life. If “normal” parents had a child that tested positive for magic it would be taken to Freaktown, the reservation, regardless of their wishes. Clearly for those who could afford it, as always through bribes and false test results, children could be tested negative. That’s what happened to Elizabeth, and she’s been pressured and told to keep her magic hidden at all times. That comes at a cost though, and she’s mentally on the edge through the stress of controlling something that she’s never been properly taught. Vadim contacts her as he needs her position as Councillor, in order to access blank ID cards for those Magic Born he helps to escape to more sympathetic countries. Not all take the strong and rigid stance the US does.
Its a fear factor always, and I could see exactly this happening if there were people with magical abilities now. People are frightened of what they don’t understand, and anyone a bit different from the norm is subject to some form of discrimination. Any member of a minority group will tell you that. I became disabled in my mid thirties, an amputee, and yes, people do treat me differently. Not all but enough that its noticeable, so I can see why Elizabeth wants to hide what she is, she’ll lose everything if it gets out but it does make her a target.
Vadim – I love him, he’s such an interesting character, hard nosed, businessman addict on the outside and yet…he does so much to help others, running the funds and supplies for those who need to escape, helping and protecting those living in Freaktown..a real man of mystery. When he meets Elizabeth though something electric touches them both, and they find a real close connection. Dangerous for both of them, and with the upcoming complete segregation of Normals and Magic Born it’s something that could lead to heartbreak.
Its a great read again, and I’m now understanding the whole Magic Born world and abilities much better. A series is often like that for me, once into a couple of books the very different world created starts to become familiar. Its one of the reasons I love to re read series and this one from Sonya is going into my favourites file for exactly that. I’m reading my way through another very dystopian world series currently, Allie’s War, and I’ve found exactly the same thing in that the longer it continues the more familiar the world, the people and their abilities are becoming to me.
Stars: five, a cracker of a read, great characters, gripping plot and fantastic world setting offering so much promise for future novels.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
One Hundred Proposals, Holly Martin
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
Wow – what a read. This book made me laugh and cry. It’s packed with gentle drama and some really deep emotions. I hadn’t got far in ( 11%) when the first big laugh hit me, took me by surprise and made Him Indoors ask me what I’d found so funny. It’s one of those things you have to read in context though, and wasn’t so funny in the retelling. It’s the toilet scene by the way…I think it struck a chord as its just the kind of thing that would happen to me….
Anyway, Harry. What a man, kind, full of fun, goodlooking and Suzie is in love with him. Trouble is they’ve been best friends and work partners in their wedding proposal business for two years now. Harry has been there for her through everything, at her side helping whenever and wherever she needs it. She can’t tell him she loves him though, he always has a string of ladies on the go, so clearly her feelings aren’t reciprocated, she doesn’t need the embarrassment it would bring, and she doesn’t want to lose her best friend. Now he’s got the backing for his latest idea – and its her dream if only it were real, how will she cope with the heartbreak of being asked daily for 100 days the one thing she’d love but isn’t going to get. Oh poor, poor Suzie, what a nightmare, but there’s no way out. I so felt for her, and then when we get parts of the story from Harry’s POV I felt for him too.
Great characters, fabulous humour and some wonderful, imaginative ideas for proposals – it’s a great read. Made me laugh – and at parts it made me cry. I thought I’d got Chloe worked out but was wrong about her, and just kept wanting to scream at both Suzie and Harry – “ just tell him/her!!!” Of course if either did that would certainly shorten the book and spoil the story 🙂 but its so well written that you just want things to work out for them.
Stars: Five, its a real fun read though I’m not sure if I’d re read, but for a one off, feel good romance full of passion and drama its perfect.
ARC supplied via Netgalley and publisher.
Cracks in the Armor, Helena Hunting
Cracks in the Armor, Helena Hunting
ARC supplied via Netgalley
Well, I loved Cupcakes, Clipped Wings and Inked Armour so was looking forward to this. For me though it didn’t really work. It’s a kind of snippet in time, though I knew it was a short, a novella I thought it would be a story but its more an intro to Sarah and Chris. We learn a bit more about both of them, their background, where they currently work and why, and how they got together. We see a bit more of Hayden too ( and TK!) in his new home with Tenley although she’s not actually in at the time but out with the other girls, while the lads have a boys night in..
It’s an interesting read, but one I could have left alone easily. I love reading but really want a whole story, not just background info….if you’re keen on knowing more about the characters though this is a nice intro to Chris and Sarah and I think they’ll make a good book to read.
Stars: three – the writing style as ever is excellent – it’s just I was expecting a story, and this is more like a quick vignette.
ARC supplied via Netgalley
The Hot Corner Amy Noelle
The Hot Corner
By
Amy Noelle
She doesn’t know what his game is, but she hopes she’s strong enough this time to play without getting burned.
Release Date:
26th June 2014
Genre: Romance/Contemporary
Published by:
The Writers Coffee Shop
Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH
Summary:
Dani never thought she’d have to see Brad in person again after he broke her heart in college. Seven years later he selects her to write the story of his life, and she’s stuck. If she refuses, she looks like a coward. If she gives in, he wins. She doesn’t know what his game is, but she hopes she’s strong enough this time to play without getting burned.
My Review:
So, I’ve never read any of Amy’s books and know nothing about baseball – except its revered in US and something like the Rounders we played here in UK as kids ( I’m not being sarky here, just describing my knowledge or lack of!) Still, the description hooked me and I wanted to read this book.
Dani, oh I loved her and her story. I’d have probably thought the same way as her when she saw what she did. She was young, but to be honest most ladies would believe what they saw, though someone older may have had it out with the other person. Then we wouldn’t get this story though 🙂 Still, it made her internal struggle with attraction for Brad, and her determination to show him what she’s become without him easy to understand. Brad, on the surface playboy baseball star, and yet when we meet him he’s so much more. Even though he’s a rep with the ladies everyone from most ex-es to his team mates and friends say how loyal and trustworthy he is. Dani finds all this out when she’s interviewing for his biography, that she’s accepted the commission to write. She hoped to show Brad how well she’s done without him and yet…soon as she saw him the attraction that had never quite gone was back, and it was pretty clear Brad felt the same. She fought for a while, and fought hard, before giving in and getting us some erotic and sensual love scenes. Love scenes not just sex scenes as that’s what it was; sex he’s had plenty of but with Dani it was clearly more.
Its all going well, the book is taking shape, Dani and Brad are close and working closer and then…as always the spanner in the works gets thrown and it all goes t *t’s up 😦 Dani is heartbroken, so is Brad, and somehow they need to find a way back together. Help comes from what Dani would have though an unexpected source, but someone who has become a good friend to them both.
Its a great novel, fun read, lots of emotion, and my lack of baseball knowledge didn’t matter. Bard was a star, in the same way as an actor or artist would be – his genre was simply sports, namely baseball, and the media drama that follows all stars applied to him and Dani.
I don’t have price or length at time of writing but I’d guess its around 220 – 250 pages. Its a fun read, full of emotion but not too deep. One to read for the feel-good factor of a HEA.
Stars: Four, excellent second chance romance.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
Excerpts for The Hot Corner by Amy Noelle Blog Tour
Excerpt #1
“Just tell me.”
My agent sighed. “Okay. They want you, Dani Young . . . also known as Danielle Pierce . . . also known as a wonderful, beautiful, forgiving woman with a heart of gold, talented author, fantastic friend . . .”
Shit. I was really, really not going to like this. “Would you spit it out? You can flatter and cajole me later.”
She took a sip of her tea and closed her eyes for a moment before focusing on me. “In a nutshell, they want you to write about Brad Reynolds.”
It was a good thing I hadn’t eaten yet because the ball in my stomach grew about five times bigger. Was she kidding me?
“No.” There wasn’t anything more to say. I was not doing it.
“Dani, just listen to me for a minute.” She leaned toward me, her hands folded in front of her like she was saying a prayer. She’d need more than an act of God to get me to agree to this asinine idea. “He’s the biggest baseball star in the world right now. Heading into spring training, he’s the player all eyes are on, on the field and off.”
There was a reason for that. Bradley Reynolds dated big-time movie stars and models and spent just as much time partying as playing ball, as far as I could tell. He was on par with a certain Yankee when it came to women, only he played in Los Angeles instead of New York.
“I write about athletes who have to overcome trials on their way to stardom.”
“But you could switch it up. Brad Reynolds is a name, Dani.”
Yes, and just hearing that name made me feel ill.
“I’m sure there are tons of authors who would be more than happy to write about the super-talented third baseman with the penchant for scoring on and off the diamond. He doesn’t need me.” He never had.
“Maybe not, but he wants you.”
Soda sloshed over my cup when my hand tightened around the glass. “What?”
“He asked for you, specifically.” Her smile was almost sympathetic.
I wanted to push away from the table, go bury myself in my bed, and pretend today had never happened. But I had to ask. “Why, Bec? Tell me why my ex-boyfriend wants me to write his story?
Excerpt #2
“I work hard at my job,” Brad said. “You’re about to find out just how hard.”
“If I decide to stay.”
“You’ll stay. You’re too curious not to.”
It infuriated me that he knew that much about me. “Maybe I’ve changed.”
“In some ways, sure, but not in that way.” His gaze traveled down my body. “In some ways you’ve changed for the better.”
Take it all in, Brad. You can look but you can’t touch. “More ways than you’ll ever know.”
A slow smile spread across his face and I knew I needed to get away before I either killed him or kissed him. One or the other was bound to happen soon.
“I’m going to check into my hotel and we can get started tomorrow,” I said.
“I look forward to it.”
I started to walk away, but he called my name, and I turned.
“Your hair still looks like fire in the sun, Red.”
“Stay back or you’ll get burned,” I warned with a smile.
“We’ll see. I plan on getting answers to my questions, starting tomorrow.” He looked so damn confident.
“It’s my questions you’ll need to worry about. Are you sure you’re going to come out of this book looking like anything other than the asshole you are?”
“I think we’re both in for some surprises.”
There was no doubt about that.
Author Bio:
Amy Noelle is a thirty-something single woman with three cats. Though she contends that she is not a crazy cat lady, she freely admits to being a crazy football fan. You can find her glued to the couch every fall weekend, cheering on her Seminoles and Buccaneers.
After attending Florida State University for two years, she transferred to Northern Illinois University and graduated in 1997 with degrees in Journalism and Political Science.
She was born in the Azores Islands, Portugal, and lived as a military brat from the west coast to the east coast of the United States, though she’s found her permanent home in Tampa, Florida, for the last decade.
Besides football and writing, her other loves are television, movies, the beach, thunderstorms, and her family and friends.
Connect with Amy Noelle:
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Scandalize Me, Caitlin Crews
Scandalize Me, Caitlin Crews
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
Interesting trilogy where each book is based around one person from the group of three friends who’ve grown up in the past ten years, and now circumstances are forcing them to look back on one devastating night where death roamed, and they ignored it. Now they want and need to make amends, and be certain that no-one else will get caught in that same trap.
I read Austin’s story and enjoyed it but with reservations. Now having read Hunters episode I understand much more, and I’m thinking this is going to be one of those trilogies where reading it a second time when I know the whole story, and understand more of the subtle clues and events described, that I’ll get far more from it. Certainly Austin’s book helped me understand much of this one.
Characters, well Hunter – we can see just how his guilt at so much has lead him down this trail of devastation of a brilliant career, but can he redeem it with Zoe’s help? That’s a tough task for her, not least because she needs to persuade him that he wants his career revived. He’s just killing time the way he is, turning a head in the sand approach to his guilt, and yet until he faces it I feel he can’t move on. He’s a good example of the Edmund Burke quote “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” – he did nothing, and the guilt has haunted him and shaped his life ever since. Zoe needs him though – he’s essential to her plans to bring down Jason Treffen. She was another young girl who he lured into his wicked practices, she escaped, but even now his reach covers her and she’s out to stop it, and prevent any more girls getting sucked into his evil games.
Its an interesting read, I enjoyed it more for understanding the back story after reading part one. I loved Zoe, she’s worked hard, been putting pieces into place for many years. It would be easy to just accept Treffen’s control and just work within it – but she won’t, and she wants to do the right thing and bring him down and end the debauchery. The heat between Zoe and Hunter was searing from the first, but neither wanted to give in. Hunter because he sticks to one off sex, is just apathetic and doesn’t do relationships any more…and Zoe, well, he’s everything she hates about what she sees as the wealthy, entitled, moneyed group. She’s worked up from nothing and fiercely independent, and not willing to loose control as she knows she will if she gives in to her desires. Still, despite their best efforts the passions and intensity is too deep to be ignored. I haven’t price or length info but from reading it I’d guess its around 250 or so pages, certainly long enough to get into the characters fully, explore the story and provide an interesting read.
Stars: four, and I think if I went back to Avenge Me now having read this I’d get more from it. Its definitely one I want to re read once I’ve all three parts.
ARC received via Netgalley .
Kindling the Moon, (Arcadia Bell 1) ,Jenn Bennett
Kindling the Moon, (Arcadia Bell 1) ,Jenn Bennett
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I love a good paranormal mystery, especially when there’s a romantic angle to it. I’d had this one on my list of To Be Read for a while – you know, that list of books you want to read at some point…when there’s time..and money! Then the fourth one came up on Netgalley for review and I had that and loved it. I knew from the quality ot the writing and plots that this would be a long time favourite series for my keepers file, and when I was offered the earlier novels for review I jumped at the chance.
So, the story starts with us being introduced to the major character Aracdia ( Cady) busy at work in her part owned Tiki bar…busy as always, serving drinks and keeping the peace between humans and earthbounds. Earthbounds being descendants of demons from generations back. To humans they look like humans, and many marry and never let their demon side be known – but its there, and Cady’s bar is one of the few where all are welcome. Cady herself doesn’t have demon blood but does have some special magical abilities. Then comes the shocking news her parents aren’t dead after all, and the FBI – among others – are looking for them in connection with a gruesome series of murders. Cady knows they’re not dead, for the past seven years she’s been in hiding too, under a false name and background and had little to no contact with them. Now she needs to prove their innocence to one of the main magical societies or face giving her own life up. She teams up with Lon, an earthbound. He seems surly when they first meet but when we learn more about him, and his teen son Jupe, we see he’s not like that at all. He and Cady dance around their attraction for a while but then…sparks fly and they’re a great team.
Lots of “first” novels suffer from trying too hard to introduce characters and plots, and it gets overcomplicated and difficult to follow the story, but Jenn has done this perfectly – the characters are fairly limited – just the main ones focussed on, and the secondary ones there but kept back, and that allowed me to really get to know Cady, Lon and Jupe. I feel they’re a great trio, and work really well together. The plots were perfect, one major one but lots of minor detours along the way keeping the story fresh and interesting, and allowing Lon and Cady to showcase their talents. So many books have just one simplistic plot and then fluff out the story with irrelevancies just to add content, but this one – it’s one of those that has so much detail, keeps the reader rivetted to the page ( or screen!) and doesn’t need to add superfluous padding. Every plot and little incident is relevant, and I love the challenge of trying to spot when things will turn out to be of major importance even though at first sight they seem innocous.
It’s a great read, a terrific first in series and I’m really looking forward to the rest, even though I’ve already read the final ( fourth) book. I’m one of those readers who love to re read favourite books, and especially when I’ve a whole series to go through.
Stars: Five – a fabulous book.
review for rest of series to follow
The Deviant Underground, (Time Bandit series; book 1), Elisabeth Roseland
The Deviant Underground, (Time Bandit series; book 1), Elisabeth Roseland
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I really enjoy paranormal romance and thought this sounded a real treat, something a bit different from the usual stories.
Well, it’s true it was different, but it seemed an odd mix of YA style writing with some sex thrown in. I felt for Kathryn, she’s kind of a loner and then Susan befriends her. Her boyfriend is a jerk and Susan encourgages her to drop him and date her friend Sam. That does happen after a while as she finds out the boyfreind has been cheating – then something happens between Susan and Sam (Charge – that’s Sam’s nckname) that made me uncomfortable, and made me look at the freindships differently.
The three friends carry on meeting for a while, and then Susan and Charge tell Kathryn that they too have abilities. Thats something Kathryn has always hidden – the law is strict, people with specail abilities are known as Deviants, villified, locked away for life and many people think they should be killed…so she’s terrified. Distraught, scared and denies she has any talents at first. They finally persuade her it’s safe to talk to them, and to join the network of other Deviants and her eyes are opened to the fact she’s not alone – there are many, many more like her.
Of course danger follows them, Charge mysteriously disappears when on an assignment to meet another group of Deviants, and she and Susan encounter real danger in trying to find him.
The potential for this book was great, I can see just this happening in reality, people are scared of what they don’t understand, and bigoted against anyone different. We see that already with race, religion and disability. I just felt it read really slowly though, nothing much seems to happen for ages, except for a couple of things I really didn’t like!! Charge doesn’t disappear til well over halfway into the book, and we really only hear briefly about the others with memory loss and odd things have happened. We assume its some kind of Gov project, but don’t get an answer to why they get released back. With the law as it stands I’d have thought they were just killed* shrug*. Though I liked Kathryn she was odd at times, and as for Charge and Susan, there were things they did that I really wasn’t happy about. Things friends don’t do to another friend. As I said it reads to me like a YA book, with a very simplistic plot. I’ve enjoyed many YA books, that’s not meant as a crit, but I like ones that have a bit more to the story. I felt this had lots of missed opportunities, and as for the sex, it wasn’t necessary and seemed to be thrown in for the shock value, rather than because it added to the story. ( Not that it’s particularly shocking or explicit, but it had an element that I was unhappy about – can’t say what without giving too much away)
Stars: two – sorry, this book just didn’t work for me.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Resonance, An Echo Trilogy Novella, (Echo Trilogy 1.5), Lindsey Fairleigh
NB: Offers coming soon on both books. Resonance is free 29th June to 7th July, and Echo Prophecy only 99c (77p) 9th to 12th July. great bargains….
Resonance. An Echo Trilogy Novella, (Echo Trilogy 1.5), Lindsey Fairleigh
Review from jeannie zelos book reviews
I loved the first book in this trilogy, and so was really pleased to get to review this novella. It is brief, at 12,000 words, but really enjoyable and a way to bring my thinking back into the very different world Lindsey has created.
It’s been a while since I reviewed book one, and I’ve read hundreds of books since. Nevertheless, once I’d read my review to refresh my memory I soon remembered the story – its one that so unusual with the world setting, the marrying of Egyptian mythology to a sort of time travel adventure set in modern times.
It’s a brief interlude into Marcus and Lex’ lives, a snippet, a vignette of time, and gave us a bit more insight into the mystery that is Marcus. It’s still a new world to Lex, and to fall in love with someone whose thousands of years old must be a real mindbender. Add to that the fact she’s still young, in her twenties, but discovered recently that she’s not just a human any more, and you can see how she must get confused. She finds out more about Marcus and herself by way of this novella, and we get to understand a little more of the complexities of the world building, and just what is possible in it….( lots!!)
Stars: Five. A great read, though be warned you really do need to read the first book before this – not only will you be confused otherwise, but there are spoilers in this for the first book.
ARC supplied by author.
The Millionaire Affair, Jessica Lemmon
The Millionaire Affair, Jessica Lemmon
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Enjoyed this read, but its light and fluffy, a typical easy to read standard romance, no big surprises. Sometimes that’s what we need, and some readers want this all the while. Personally I prefer a bit more drama and depth but this was sweet, and well written.
Landon, typical type A businessman, has everything tightly controlled then into that life comes looking after his nephew…six year old Lyon. He was a great kid. Any parent will recognise that moment of quietness, when you know something not good is about to happen. For Landon it was the death of his huge TV! That prompts a search for someone to be with him for the week, while Landon working. Lyon’s dad usually had care of him, but he was busy finishing artworks for a project so their sister ropes in her long time best friend, Kimber. They have known her since she was a teen, what they don’t know is she had a huge crush on Landon. Once they get together its clear she still has….but Landon is gob-smacked, gone is the fuzzy haired teen with braces he remembered, and in her place is a beauty who he’s instantly attracted to….all parts of him including one very hard place 🙂
Kimber has recently broken up with yet another boyfriend, her friend suggests taking Landon as a controlled fling, someone with whom to have fun for a short time. Kimber has a history of seeing a man as her future, and they think this will help. Its suits Landon too – he doesn’t want long term, but is desperate to get Kimber out of his system. They have some hot, erotic moments and then plans go astray – as they do….
Its a fun read, predictable once you get into it but good none the less. Well written, likeable characters ( that’s really important to me ) and a plot that’s realistic with settings that feel genuine.
Stars: Four, its a good read but a one off for me.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
Better Homes and Hauntings, Molly Harper
Better Homes and Hauntings, Molly Harper
ARC supplied via Netgalley
This sounded a decent book, though I’d not read any of Molly’s work before, so I put in a request. Well, it was fun, very gentle and lighthearted, some sweet humour mixed with some light danger, main characters that were interesting and a good mix, sweet Nina and Cindy, dotty Dotty, Deacon the Geek, and Jake the Rake who’s not as slick underneath as the man he portrays. Then there’s the dastardley Ex of Nina’s – Rick the dick, and would be next Mrs Deacon the awful bi tch Regina….I do love those character types in my reading.
Well, like I said it was a fun read, some humour, lots of hauntings and spooky moments, not head under the covers Amytyville horror type, but ones that fit the gentle, easy read this is. I enjoyed it but wasn’t gripped by it, it’s not one I couldn’t put aside while I did something else…but that how it goes with books. It’s a subjective thing, book reviewing. We all like something different, and for those that love the gentle easy to read style this will be perfect and a five star, just not me.
It’s a slowly unfolding tale of family history and mysteries, with characters all facing some danger while they stay on the island. That brings out some protective streaks and helps the developing romances. I liked the way the ghost elements played out, and like I said I Loved Regina – characters like her add some spice into the mix. It was just a bit too sweet, too gentle for me though for a high star re reader. I need a bit more intense drama and emotion.
Stars: 3.5 it’s a decent read, well thought out and ties up neatly. I hate books that lead unanswered questions and Molly covers everything in the final pages.
ARC supplied via Netgalley.
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