Early Book Review: Cursed by Fire by Jacquelyn Frank

Cursed by Fire is the first book in the Immortal Brothers series by Jacquelyn Frank. It is currently scheduled for release on February 24 2015.  Dethan has been facing a punishment by fire for two hundred years, trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality only to heal and suffer the agony again. He has lost all hope, until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She releases him from his shackles as long as he promises to use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods. Free with a nightly return to fire and flames Dethan sets out to fulfill his promise. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion. Dethan enters into another bargain in order to win a city and slack his desires. If Selinda will share herself with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all, even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict, for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

Cursed by Fire is a good start to another powerful series from Frank. As usual, her mythology is strong and unique and her characters are strong despite (or because of) the troubles they face. Bethan’s troubles are fairly obvious, walking into a world and facing it down with nothing after spending two hundred years burning and healing in a seemingly endless cycle makes for a hard day. However, he is smart and cunning, and quickly has the late of the land. Selinda suffers the hardship only women seem to face. Her intelligence is ignored and she is set to marry an abusive and controlling man because it is best for her. Of course, nothing is that cut and dry, but it gives you a good feel for the world. I really liked Dethan, he is smart and powerful in the right way, looking to protect those with less strength or power than himself. A hero always gets extra points for respecting a woman’s mind and will rather than just pushing for her to agree with him. His faith in Selinda, even when she lacks faith in herself, was great. I did think that the wrap up was a little too- ‘oh we have to get this done and set up the next book’ rather than feeling natural. However, it worked with the larger story arc even if it did not wow me.

I would recommend Cursed by Fire to all fans of Frank. I fully admit to loving most of what I have read from Frank, but I seem to lose track of her series. I start offering each on strong, then as the series progress become less proactive in finding the next book. Perhaps I am just too interested in what is coming next to actually complete a series. 

Book Review: Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan

Rocky Mountain Miracle by Christine Feehan is a novella that was previously published in a collection of three Christmas romances. Cole Steele is said to be a womanizer that killed his father and plans to take out his younger brother next. However, he is nothing like the stories being spread about him. Maia Armstrong is a traveling veterinarian that is said to dabble in magic. When the two meet Cole is intrigued, and Maia tries to keep her distance.  But, an injured horse brings them together and it becomes clear that attraction is mutual. As Cole and Jace try to come together as family, they need to deal with their shared trauma and deal with the accidents that might be part of a bigger scheme. Can Jace, Cole, and Maia make this a merry Christmas despite the trouble around them?

Rocky Mountain Miracle has a certain magic to it. Cole and Jace have each endured more than anyone should and are each doubting themselves and each other. Thrown into this family crisis, Maia has caught Cole's attention in a way he has never experienced. Getting trapped on the ranch because of a snowstorm and the threat of 'accidents' heightens the conflict and emotions as everyone tries to find the words and connections that they need to come together. Not a lot of hot and heavy action for those that like the really steamy romance, but for readers that really love character interaction and family dynamics in their romance will be very happy.

Rocky Mountain Miracle is a good read.  It is short, since it is a novella that began as part of a collection, but it is emotionally charged. There are strong family dynamics and a great deal about trying to connect and finding ones place. I was a little disappointed with Maia's character, she seemed just a little too perfect at times, but all together it was a perfect read for a winters night.

Early Book Review: The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister

The Importance of Being Alice by Katie MacAlister is the first book in the Ainslie Brothers series. It is currently scheduled for publication on January 6th 2015. Nothing about Alice Wood’s life is normal right now. Her fiancé, Patrick, called off their wedding and relationship only days before their nonrefundable wedding trip. And though a luxurious European river cruise for one is just what she needs, it is not quite what she gets. Because of a horrible misunderstanding, Alice is now cramped in her “romantic” suite with one of Patrick’s friends. Instead of cruising along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers sipping champagne with the love of her life, she’s navigating the waters with a strange, yet mysteriously handsome, British aristocrat. Elliot is an author, that also happens to be a Baron with a passel of siblings and unusual mother, looking for some alone time to write. But his stodgy, serious self is about to be sidetracked by a woman who seems to have jumped out of the pages of a fairy tale, one who is determined to shake up his life and include him in her own happily ever after.

The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to why I fell in love with MacAlister's writing to begin with. Alice is a smart but impulsive characters with an ability to talk and be witty practically non stop. Elliot is a very intelligent and responsible man that does everything he can to take care of his family even when he feels taken advantage of or particularly put-upon. There is suspicion, and some misunderstanding to be sure, but their banter and good natures just make the story so much fun. I laughed and snickered out loud several times while reading, which would make my daughter ask me what was so funny. I could only answer her half the time, because some of the seriously funny bits were not appropriate for my six year old’s ears. This book holds everything good I have ever found in MacAlister’s work, and has made me very eager to see what lies in store for Elliot’s brothers as the series continues.

I will admit that the love I have of MacAlister had faded a bit recently. The dragon series has lost its shine for me. But, The Importance of Being Alice brings me back to the serious love of her humor and quirky characters that I had years ago. It you like humor with your romance, quirky characters that you wish you were friends with, and quick adventure in your reading then you better add this book (and series) to your TBR list. Seriously- so happy with this book! I cannot wait to read the second book, A Midsummer’s Night Romp, when it is released in May of 2015.

Book Review: He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis

He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis is the newest book in the Lucky Harbor series. Olivia Bentley has run to Lucky Harbor. It is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It is where everyone is friendly to strangers and nobody knows her real name. She does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone, until she sees a man drowning. Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to "save" him. He's just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole's heart, or will it be the end of Olivia's days in little Lucky Harbor?

He’s So Fine is just as fun and sweet as all of Challis’s Lucky Harbor books. Both Olivia and Cole have painful pasts and trust issues because of serious issues that have effected them greatly. Cole has high standards when it comes to trust and honesty, and Olivia is afraid that everyone will learn about her past and judge her because of it. As her sister, mother, and a television producer are hounding her to do a reunion show, as she just hopes to keep her heart safe. Cole is dealing with family and past relationship issues. Together they find a chemistry that cannot be denied, but each find that trust is a little harder to find. I liked the realistic pain the pair go through, even if their initial trauma is a bit over the top. The story comes together as fun and sweet, and just enough. Not the best of Shalvis's work, but not the worst either. I would not have minded seeing more from the quirky side characters.

I would recommend He’s So Fine to fans of Shavlis. Anyone that enjoys a quick read with a small town atmosphere and/or characters dealing with massive baggage getting in the way will enjoy the book. The friendships and familiarity of the Lucky Harbor series adds a level of enjoyment to its fans. 

10 Great Vacation Reads

When relaxing on the beach, poolside, fireside or anywhere else on vacation or even a fun long fall weekend the best bet is to go with a paperback. Not only is it easier and lighter to hold, but it also tends to be less expensive. That way if it is lost, left behind somewhere or damaged you will not be as upset at the loss. Here are my top ten picks, in no particular order.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is fairly well known now because of the movie, but the book is still a great read. If you don't know the general idea of the book, then here is a quick run down. Henry and Clare are a married couple very much in love. However, Henry randomly gets transported to different times in his life. The narration of the book gives us the thoughts of both Clare and Henry at all the different points in time, and we see great character development. This book is a great romance with thought provoking aspects of science or speculative fiction. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows has been very popular among book clubs that use my library. This book an enjoyable book that is told completely in the form of letters. It takes place in the 1940's and is a journey of discovery, friendship and fellowship. While the majority of this tale is fun and light there are some darker moments, since the Nazis occupied Guernsey, that is to be expected. I think that rounded out the total feel of the book.


The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards is a tear jerker, for those that enjoy heart wrenching reads. This story starts with the birth of fraternal twins. The boy, Paul, is completely healthy. However, his sister is not as lucky. The father tells his wife that the baby is dead, but he really sent the baby away with a nurse to be sent to a institution. The nurse couldn't bring herself to do it and raises the baby herself. The novel shows us the two very different households. One full of healthy successful people that are troubled and at odds, and one that had some grief and struggles but is full of love.

The Beach House by Jane Green is sentimental, light read about people at a crossroad in their lives. We see a widow that might have to sell her long time home, instead she converts her home into a bed and breakfast. He son returns home with mistakes and problems effecting him, and guests all arrive facing varies changes in their lives with decisions and realizations that need to be made. It is an easy read with several intersecting story lines, great for reading beach or pool side.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman is a all time favorite of mine. What is not to like? True love, adventure, pirates, giant rodents, death machines, this book has it all. If you do not already know the basics of this story via the movie, then shame on you. You need to read the book and watch the movie. In no particular order, and many times. Seriously, just do it. 

Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot is a fun mystery, real woman story with some romance. Heather Wells is a former teen idol, but then her boyfriend dumps her and her manger (and mother) runs off with all her money. Heather turns to a local college to work as a resident hall director for funds and free tuition. To make things both easier and harder the now ex-boyfriend's brother offers Heather free room and board for some clerical work in his Private Investigator business. Of course he is hunky, intelligent and honest. Unfortunately, a student in Heather's dorm is murdered and she ends up neck deep in the investigation. This is a cute, fun read with two more books in the series to follow it up.

Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner is a very witty book. Candace asker her boyfriend for a break, and he apparently doesn't understand her request. He thinks that they are through and writes a humiliating article about larger women in bed. We then see Cannie deal with a variety of issues including her weight, being emotionally abused and deserted by her father and her sister's struggles. She changes and grows towards becoming a confident woman who loves herself. 

Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich is a great fun read. If you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum series than you will enjoy this as well. In this series we meet Alexandra Barnaby, otherwise known as Barney. She knows her way around cars and great one liners. She flies to Miami to get her brother out of what ever mess he's gotten himself into, only to find much more than she bargained for. Her brother is missing and she ends up working with Sam Hooker, another race car driver, even though he is everything she tries to avoid. Together they work to solve the mystery, save Barney's brother, and stay in one piece.

I'm the Vampire, That's Why by Michele Bardsley combines a divorcee soccer mom romance with vampires and werewolves. We see Jessica, divorced mother of two, get attacked my a crazed werewolf then turned vampire to save her life, unlife?, whatever. Of course all the supernatural guys are gorgeous and Jessica falls hard, but she needs to take care of her kids. The book, and the books that follow in the series, combine a lusty romance with smart, sassy characters trying to do the right thing and take care of their responsibilities.

Sunshine by Robin McKinley might not be the typical vacation read, but it is a great one. Rae, nicknamed Sunshine, is attacked and kidnapped by vampires while walking through the woods. She is brought to a huge house and chain to a wall, across from her is a vampire who is also chained. Her attackers leave the pair chain, one to die and one to kill, but Sunshine and her fellow prisoner defy their captives, convention and themselves. This is a great story, and there is much more to it but I would hate to destroy the surprises in store for those that do give this book a chance.

Vacation should always be relaxing and enjoyable, what better way to make it even better than a good book? I could keep on listing great books to read, but who really wants to spend their entire summer, or winter, vacation reading. Well, besides me.

Book Review: It's in His Kiss (A Lucky Harbor novel) by Jill Shalvis

It's in His Kiss is the newest Lucky Harbor novel by Jill Shalvis, and I expect it is the start of a new trio. Becca Thorpe left behind her old life of doing everything she can for her brother, and ran away to the beach. She is ready to take chances and live in the moment, particularly if one of those moments includes the grumpy but sexy surfer she meets after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man with a few trust issues and a father that takes more than he gives. Working together is a dangerous proposition for them both, but well worth the risks. But, when Becca's brother comes to town asking for help, will her habit of helping more than she should take her away from a chance at love?

It's In His Kiss has exactly what I expect from Shalvis, but not what the book summaries I have seen online prepped me for. Some of the major plot points are slightly different in the book than on the Amazon and Goodreads summaries say, but everything that Shalvis fans look for is still very much in play. Becca is a smart and strong woman, that has gone through quite a bit. She never received the care and support she deserved, and as a result is more than a little weary of others and giving her trust. Sam has not had the greatest life either, and has earned his trust issues as well. Thankfully, his friends and support system are firmly in place and knows his worth and even with his issues is a strong and caring individual. The chemistry is great, there is humor and a good set up for where the Lucky Harbor love bug will strike next. I found that there was a little less of the humor that I normally find in the Lucky Harbor crowd, less wacky antics from the secondary characters, but it was still a good read.

It's In His Kiss was a nice weekend read, one that had me wondering how everyone's issues would resolve, and how the closest characters to Becca and Sam will get together in the next book (which I am looking forward to). It was not the best that I have read from Shalvis, but it was still pretty darn good.

Book Review: The Traitor by Grace Burrowes

The Traitor is the second book in the Captive Hearts series by Grace Burrowes. This historical romance is part of a series, which gives you details about some of the characters in previous books, but it is not necessary to read the books as a series. Each has the power to stand on its own.  Abandoned in France since boyhood, despite being heir to an English barony, Sebastian St. Clair might be the heir to an English barony, but after a childhood in France he was forced to make very difficult choices to survive a tour of duty in the French Army. He returns to England and a beloved aunt with the hope of living a quiet life, but old enemies insist on challenging him on the field of honor, one after another. Millicent Danforth desperately needs her position as companion to the Traitor Baron's aunt to escape a less than pleasant family situation. She comes to learn that Sebastian must continually fight a war long over. As Sebastian and Milly explore their growing passion, they uncover a plot that could cost Sebastian his life and his honor.

I almost wish I had not read The Captive before reading The Traitor. Why? Well because I was not sure that I could like a hero that did what he had done to survive in the French army, the choices that he made to protect himself, his family, his friend, and his countrymen even though they were on opposite sides of a deadly war. I came to the book with preconceived notions of a few characters.  However, it did not take me long to feel sympathy and even respect for St. Clair. He turned out to be a wounded, but honorable, hero. Milly had her own troubles and challenges, dealing with the almost expected overbearing family that cares more about what she could do for them than what she might need never mind want. The only fault I could find with Milly is that she trusted a little to easily, but she seemed to chose the right people to trust so I should just grant her the characteristic of being a good judge of character. I really liked the development of the relationship between Milly and St. Clair. The slow but steady pacing of that combined with the underlying plot to get St. Clair killed and the complicated relationships between some of the characters kept me reading eagerly. I the end I enjoyed The Traitor more than The Captive despite my initial concerns. 

I recommend The Traitor to readers that enjoy Burrowes' work, those that like historical romance, and those that enjoy books that have intrigue and subplots. If you like The Captive, or found it left you a wee but underwhelmed, do not give up on the series! This book is even better, and the couple chapters that I have read in The Laird (the third book in the series) promise to continue the trend.

Heads up, I will be posting a giveaway for the complete series as soon as I have my review of The Laird written. There is also an official giveaway, which you can enter as well. I will post them both very soon!

Book Review:The Trouble With Harry by Katie MacAlister

The Trouble With Harry is the third book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister.  Lord Harry Rosse is a spy that has faced clever and dangerous adversaries, but it's his five offspring who seem likely to drive him mad. Desperate, he advertises for a wife and finds one, but perhaps he should have been a bit more forthcoming on the size of his family. Frederica Pelham, known as Plum, has spent years avoiding the scandal of her past. She is desperate for quiet security and a chance to make a family. What she finds is a titled husband with no desire for new children and five little devils who seem bent on their own destruction, not to mention hers. As all kinds of secrets are catch up with them, Plum knows that the real trouble with Harry is that he's stolen her heart.

The Trouble With Harry has a lot that I love about MacAlister's historical romances. The characters are strong minded, smart, flawed, and quirky. Plum was fooled as a young lady and married to a less than honorable man that just happened to be married already. Scandal destroyed her family, and as a result she is caring for her now 20 year old niece and struggling to make ends meet. She is still sweet and kind hearted, but more than a little weary of society. Harry is at a loss about how to control, discipline, or even keep his brood safe. Accidents have him on edge, but a wife seems to be the best solution. After some stumbling blocks and more than a few crazy antics Plum and Harry hit it off and come to a meeting of the minds, even though they still keep more than a few of their troubles to themselves. The story is great fun and a wonderful follow up to Noble Intentions and Noble Destiny, although each of the books can also stand well on their own.

I highly recommend The Trouble With Harry to all MacAlister fans, fans of historical fiction, and romance with humor woven throughout. The story is a grand romp of hijinks and people that care about each other but afraid to admit just how much.

Giveaway for Katie MacAlister's Noble Series

Did you see my review for The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister yesterday? Did it sound interesting but you have not read the previous books in the series? Well... I am here to help you out! My review of the second book in the series, Noble Destiny, can be found here. My reviews for the remaining two books are scheduled and coming soon.


I just happen to have galley copies of each of the for books in the series on my desk. I would love to pass those on to a fellow readers. Do you want the set?? Well, all you have to do is use the nifty Rafflecopter form that follows to enter. Keep in mind that there is a free entry that you can use daily! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will last for one week. I will contact the winner for mailing information and then get those books in the mail. If the winner does not respond to my email within two days, another winner will be chosen.

Book Review: The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister

The Truth about Leo is the forth book in the Noble series by Katie MacAlister, which is set for release today, August 5 2014. Dagmar Marie Sophie is a poverty-stricken Danish princess whose annoying royal cousin is about to have her stuffed away in a convent. When she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden, she sees a way out of her desperate situation. Leopold Ernst George Mortimer, seventh earl of March, and spy in the service of the king, finds himself on the wrong end of a saber and left for dead. He wakes up not remembering what happened and in the care of a beautiful woman who says she is his wife. Once they get to London Leo sets out to unravel what he's forgotten, with the help of his old friends the eccentric Britton family. Is Dagmar truly the wonderful, irrepressible woman who makes his heart sing, or will she be his destruction?

The Truth About Leo rounds of the Noble series nicely. Dagmar is a nice mix of innocent, smart, and sweet. She trusts a little too easily, but stands up extremely well under pressure and stands up for herself and those she feels are in the right with no hesitation.  Her enthusiasm about just about everything is infectious. Leo is a little slower to trust, but when you have worked as a spy that seems to be a good idea. He seems to be intuitive and fair minded, with a honorable streak a mile wide. The pair make a great match, even with their unusual beginnings. Quirky characters, humor, and some very exciting moments come together just as we expect from MacAlister. I will say that I did see through the mystery or twist woven through the story pretty quickly, but just what the characters go through to get to their conclusions is always interesting. 

I would highly recommend The Truth about Leo to everyone that enjoys historical romance and the signature blend of humor and love found in just about every book from MacAlister. Oh, just read it... and the entire series,. It is a fun story that will make you smile as you turn the pages to see just what might happen next.

Cover Reveal for Suzanne Brockmann's Young Adult Debut: Night Sky!

This fall, bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann makes her YA DEBUT with NIGHT SKY (October 7), co-written with her daughter, Melanie Brockmann. And today the cover is revealed! 

What do you think? Do you love the cover? Are you going to check it out?

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Skylar Reid is thrown into a strange world when she discovers that she has unique telekinetic and telepathic powers.  After Sasha, the child she babysits, is kidnapped and believed to be murdered, Sky and her best friend Calvin are approached by Dana, a mysterious girl who has super-abilities similar to Sky’s.  With the help of Dana and her sidekick Milo, the four teens embark on a quest to discover who killed Sasha, and to bring the killers to justice.

With Dana as Skylar’s surly and life-toughened mentor, Sky attempts to harness her powers to aid them in their quest. Complicating an already complex relationship with the older girl, Sky starts to fall for the dangerously handsome and enigmatic Milo – and begins to suspect that the attraction is mutual. But then Sky realizes that Sasha might still be alive, and the unlikely foursome’s mission becomes one of search and rescue, pitting the heroic teens against a very deadly enemy.

Biography:

Suzanne Brockman, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author, has won 2 RITA awards, numerous RT Reviewers’ Choice, and RWA’s #1 Favorite Book of the Year three years running. She has written over 50 books, and is widely recognized as a “superstar of romantic suspense” (USA Today). Suzanne and her daughter, Melanie Brockmann, have been creative partners, on and off, for many years. Their first project was an impromptu musical duet, when then-six-month-old Melanie surprised and delighted Suz by matching her pitch and singing back to her. Suzanne splits her time between Florida and Massachusetts while Mel lives in Sarasota, Florida. NIGHT SKY is Mel’s debut and Suzanne’s 55th book. Visit Suzanne at www.SuzanneBrockmann.com.