Monday, July 31, 2017

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren

Book Description:
Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he's remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana's rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can't seem to find his footing--or forget the woman he loved, who betrayed him.
Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the limelight as the second-youngest senator in the country. But she has a secret--one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.
When Ella's brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park's most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn't so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he'll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother, a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.
But old sparks relight as they search for the missing snowboarder--and suddenly, they are faced with emotions neither can deny. But when Ella's secret is revealed, can they learn to trust each other--even when disaster happens again?

My Thoughts:
This is an awesome series! I was worried when I started this book that it wasn't going to pull me in the way the first two did, but boy was I wrong! Gage has issues from his past life in the spotlight that he wishes he could forget. One of those is the way Ella betrayed him. Now she is a senator and she needs Gage's help to find her brother before he is lost in the storm. Gage is a member of the PEAK Rescue team and they are capable of handling the rescue. Ella adds the element of an unknown when she insists on going and neither of them is prepared for all that happens.
So I really liked Gage. He went from a thrill seeker to a life saver (ok, not completely by choice but still he made the transition). Ella's secrets are sad and angering to me. I felt bad for her that her brother was out there and could be killed but I thought she was a bit crazy for not letting the professional do the job. That being said, it made for a good story! Gage had a lot to forgive and I'm not sure I could have if I was in his position. I guess that is where God's guidance comes in! Really love this cast of characters and cannot wait to see who the author writes about next.
It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Fatal Threat by Marie Force Release Blitz!

Title: Fatal Threat

Author: New York Times Bestseller, Marie Force

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Editor: Margo Lipschultz

Publisher: HQN Publishing

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Reviews & PR

Blurb:

Don't miss the next chapter in the New York Times bestselling series from Marie Force! Read the electrifying romantic suspense novel that everyone is talking about!

It's just another day at the office for Washington Metro Police lieutenant Sam Holland when a body surfaces off the shores of the Anacostia River. But before Sam can sink her teeth into the new case, Secret Service agents seize her from the crime scene.

A threat has been made against her family, but nobody will tell her anything—including the whereabouts of her husband, Vice President Nick Cappuano. This isn't the first time the couple's lives have been at risk, but when a bombshell from Sam's past returns to haunt her, she can't help but wonder if there's a connection.

With a ruthless killer out for vengeance, and Nick struggling to maintain his reputation after secrets from his own past are revealed, Sam works to tie the threat to a murder that can't possibly be a coincidence. And she has to get it done before her husband's career is irrevocably damaged…

My Thoughts:

This one starts with a bang and doesn't let up the story line pulls you through and you will not want to put this book down. Sam is a great character. Her sarcasm had me liking her from the start, not to mention she is tenacious and stubborn. Her and Nick's relationship is completely realistic and I really liked it. Generally I'm not a fan of books where the characters are already married but the author did a great job with these! There were the great moments and the arguments, and it was like they were people I could have known. The supporting characters may have been my favorites. The relationships were great and fit the roles.

It was a 4/5 for me. Really enjoyed it and want to read more from this author.

Thanks to the author/publisher for the review

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of 60 contemporary romances, including the Gansett Island Series and the Fatal Series from Harlequin Books. In addition, she is the author of the Butler, Vermont Series, the Green Mountain Series and the erotic romance Quantum Series, written under the name of M.S. Force. All together, her books have sold 6 million copies worldwide!

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Author Links: Newsletter: http://marieforce.com/subscribe/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gTFoep

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1508588.Marie_Force

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-force

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2qIIPkz6qTCmDFlaXQLghA/feed?filter=2

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieForce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor

Website: http://marieforce.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/

Reader Group: https://marieforce.com/contact/

Email: marie@marieforce.com

Buy Link:

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatal-threat-marie-force/1124690542?ean=9780373801909

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vMu2f1

BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Fatal-Threat/Marie-Force/9780373801909?id=6921939190637

Chapters.Indigo (Canada): https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/fatal-threat-a-novel-of/9780373801909-item.html?ikwid=fatal%20threat&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9780373801909_fatal-threat.html

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373801909

Friday, July 28, 2017

Rebel Song by Amanda J. Clay

Book Description:

Caught on opposite sides of a budding civil war, a rebel leader and a modern day princess fight to save their country from a corrupt Minister General in a fictional Central Europe.

The once prosperous European nation of Arelanda has been plagued with poverty and corruption since the failed rebellion tore it apart. Now, rebels stir again in the capital’s underbelly, vowing to depose the monarchy and overturn the unjust government.

Seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, son of a rebel leader executed for treason after the first rebellion, has borne a tainted legacy his entire life. As he is pulled deeper into conflict, Rogan must face his calling in the future of the rebel cause—waging his want for peace against his desire for vengeance. Everything changes when he falls for Elyra—modern, idealistic and determined to bring Arelanda a better future. She also just happens to be next in line to the throne—if the corrupt Minister General doesn’t beat her to it.

Caught in the midst of a budding civil war and surrounded by enemies on every side, Elyra and Rogan must fight to save themselves and their country.

My Thoughts
I really liked this book. Rohan is the son of a former rebel leader, who had been executed. He is now a big part of it. Elyria is the princess in the land. Their paths shouldn't cross much less the two of them fall in love. The country is fractured and the two are on opposite sides of the coming war. It is impossible
To know who to trust or not trust.
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book but it wasn't the mix that I got. This book has a blend of romance, suspense, twists and turns that you won't want to put it down. There were parts that got to be a bit much and I skimmed but overall I really liked it. There was a bit of instant love between the two but not in a bad way. The ending though!!! Now I cannot wait for the next book.
It was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, July 24, 2017

The Soldier's Seduction by Jane Godman

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From the front lines to unexpected romance—and danger—in small-town Wyoming

After a war zone bomb nearly destroyed Bryce Delaney, he’s worked hard to hide his scars. Back in his Wyoming hometown, he can pretend the nightmares don’t exist. But when a secretive, beautiful new woman in town disappears, Bryce’s protective instincts put him on the front lines again.

Wanted for murder and on the run under an alias, former A-list actress Steffi Grantham can’t return to her life until she clears her name. It’s her boss, Bryce, to the rescue, but desire ties them together, and she’s forced to make a choice that could cost them both. Trusting the wrong man once before almost stole her freedom. Now it might take her life.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one. Bryce has had enough of Steffi. She works for him but defies him at every turn. Steffi was attracted to Bryce from the start but that just wouldn't work. She has a past she is running from and she simply cannot take the chance of trusting someone. The day Bryce is finally going to wash his hands of her, is the start of a chain of events neither of them ever anticipated.
I really liked Bryce. This is actually the second book I've read in this series about men in Stillwater. I've enjoyed both. Bryce has issues he needs to work out but he also isn't ready to even admit he is attracted to Steffi. I have to admit Steffi's story is a bit much but really just crazy enough to be believable. Plenty of action and the story flowed really well. I look forward to more from the author.
This was a 4/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

The Crossroads Official Coloring Book Release!!!

Title: Crossroads Saga

Author: Mary Ting

Genre: YA Fantasy

Illustrated by: Arnild C. Aldepolla

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

* * * READERS FAVORITE GOLD AWARD WINNER 2012--YOUNG ADULT * * *

***Based on a dream the author had in high school-chapter 1 & 2***

Protecting her from the Fallen was his duty. Falling in love was never part of his plan. Loving her was forbidden. Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity. Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, Fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Between (Book 2) Beyond (Book 3) Eternity (Book 4) Halo City (Novella Michael's Journey) Spin-off The Angel Knights (Prequel) The Chosen Knights (Book 1) The Blessed Knights (Book 2) The Sacred Knights (Book 3) Other YA books. From Gods From Deities From Origins From Titans

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Author Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QmDZ8z

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953.Mary_Ting

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryting

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaryTing

Buy Link: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2uAldba

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Tell On You by Freda Hansburg

Book Description:
Tell on You is a psychological suspense novel that best fits within the Gone Girl-inspired niche genre of “grip lit.” Jeremy Barrett’s obsessive love equals that of Jay Gatsby for Daisy Buchanan, as life imitates art in his private school English class. But his angst-driven infatuation brings dire consequences as he is drawn into the machinations of his disturbed 16-year-old student Nikki Jordan, whose bad intentions rival those of her teacher. A fast-paced, drama-filled tale, Tell on You reminds readers about the wildness and trauma of adolescence—and the self-defeating behaviors to which adults resort in times of stress. From gaslighting to vicious bullying, poisonous family privilege to the loss of a parent—Freda Hansburg draws on her experience as a clinical psychologist to explore the depths of each dark situation in Tell on You.

My Thoughts
This was a quick read. Jeremy is a teacher that has managed to get himself into quite a jam. He has a baby on the way, family that drives him crazy, a wife that doesn't understand him and accusations from a student. If that weren't all enough, he has to worry about other things being found out because the accusations may not be accurate but that doesn't mean he hasn't blurred the lines with a student.
Honestly, this is an engrossing read. I didn't really like any of the characters and I think most of that was by the author's design. Jeremy is the adult in this story but sometimes you do feel sorry for him. Nikki is intriguing but not likable. The story flows well and can be read quickly. Lots of lies and deceit. I enjoyed the author's writing style and look forward to other books by her.
It was a 3/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

NIV True Images the Bible for Teen Girls

Book Description

For 15 years, the best-selling NIV True images Bible for Teen Girls has been a trusted resource guiding teen girls ages 13-18 towards a closer relationship with God. Updated for this generation, this new edition is packed with tools and insight to help teens navigate today’s contemporary cultural issues with confidence, love, and grace.

Facing today’s contemporary issues can be difficult, but the NIV True Images Bible gives teen girls a fresh perspective on faith-related issues and provides tools to navigate a complex world. They will ask the big questions, take valuable lessons to heart, and help others do the same.

Beautifully designed from the inside out, this Bible is filled with challenging insights, honest advice, and personal notes helping teen girls build a closer relationship with God as they set out on a personal journey of their world. Following Jesus isn’t unfashionable or illusive. It’s an authentic way of life!

This newly updated edition uses the accurate, readable, and clear NIV translation and includes features strategically designed to empower teen girls in their quest for truth.

My Thoughts:
Since this Bible is aimed at teenage girls, I shared it with my 13 year old niece after I read through it. She loved it. I like that it is easy to read and the notes throughout. She seemed to like everything about it. The moment I gave it to her, she began looking through it. Then each time she had free time, she would pick it up and read some here and there. I liked that, it intrigued her enough that it was for her gender/age that it pulled her to reading it.
It is a very pretty book and I would recommend it for any teenage girl.
It was a 5/5 for us!

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

BOARDWALK SUMMER by Kimberly Fisk

Book Description:
In the town of Tranquility Bay, summer is the season of second chances...

Single mother Hope Thompson has built a happy life for herself and her twins in beautiful Tranquility Bay, Washington. She doesn’t dwell on her painful past—especially not on the man who broke her heart all those years ago. But when Hope’s beloved son needs help, she takes a desperate chance and reaches out to her children’s father.

Nick Fortune lives life in the spotlight as a champion race car driver. He’s shocked to hear from Hope and even more surprised to learn that he’s a father. He immediately heads to the Pacific Northwest to confront the past—and the woman he once loved.

There, on the quiet lakeshore, Nick and Hope must work together to save their son—even if it means facing their complicated past—for a second chance as a family.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this one. Susan and Josh have a famous father that they have never met. In fact, they don't even know he is their father. Nick can't believe Hope would keep a secret like twins from him. Much less that she would do so for years. The reason she made contact was Josh needs help and she needed Nick to get tested. Still, it is sometimes tragedy that brings people closer.
Cancer is something everyone knows about and fears. I felt terrible for Hope having a seemily healthy teenager to such a terrible diagnosis. Then again, I felt horrible for Nick too. He missed his children's lives and when he finally meets them, one of them is in the hospital almost full time. The story is good. Second chances, family dynamic, friends, and more is woven in. Im still not a big fan of Hope's mom but I really enjoyed most all of the characters.
It was a 4/5 for me. I really enjoyed the authors writing style.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Restoring Love by Jennifer Slattery

Book Description:
Restoring Love, a contemporary novel, offers readers a beautiful picture of God's restoring love. Mitch, a restoration-contractor, and Angela, a wacky neighborhood transplant, find they are both compassionately drawn to helping an abandoned young neighborhood mom. But will their regrets hold them back or unite them and bring redemption?

My Thoughts:
Let me start with I LOVE this book cover! The story within is so uplifting. There are three people, Angela, Mitch and Bianca in this story. When Angela moves to town, she and Mitch start a friendship, that may easily turn into more. Bianca's life is difficult and she is struggling. She is raising her kids and her husband, well he has issues. Both Angela and Mitch feel God is leading them to help.
The characters here are completely realistic. None of them are perfect, all of them have issues. It is real life and I would completely believe these people are walking around today! The author does a great job of tackling some tough subjects. There is some romance, but it isn't the center of everything or the only love shown in this book. I thought the 'brotherly love' portion was a great thing to see and it wasn't just from one source. God's will and His love are shown multiple times though the story and it was great to see. Overall, I think the author did a fabulous job with this book.
It was a 5/5 for me. I loved everything about this.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Wolf Hunt by Paige Tyler

Book Description

A STORM IS BREWING...
Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He's there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy's senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy—his beautiful high school crush.

After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close—very. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner—and first love—was killed on the job, he's kept women at a distance.

But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy's protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self...and hope Triana accepts him.

SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) Series
Hungry Like the Wolf (Book 1)
Wolf Trouble (Book 2)
In the Company of Wolves (Book 3)
To Love a Wolf (Book 4)
Wolf Unleashed (Book 5)
Wolf Hunt (Book 6)

More praise for Paige Tyler's SWAT series:
"SWAT is hot, hot, HOT!"—Kerrelyn Sparks, New York Times bestselling author
"Wolf Trouble is about as good as it gets."—Booklist
"Scorching heat and sensual spark... A must read."—Publishers Weekly

My Thoughts:
I do love the wolves of the Dallas SWAT team. In this book, Remy and a few of the guys of SWAT are in his hometown of New Orleans doing some cross training. While there, he is inexplicably drawn across town by a scent and is shocked to find that he knows the woman it belongs to. Triana and Remy were best friends in school but went their separate ways after graduation. Now they are back in the same town, if only for a few days, and the sparks are flying.
Remy is hot and I could just hear his accent. The descriptions of New Orleans was wonderful and I loved the walks down Bourbon Street. The fact that Triana lost her dad the way she did was heartbreaking, but it gives you a glimmer of what is to happen in the book. I liked that Triana's mom was so involved with her life. She wasn't pushy and obnoxious, just more of a friend who understood. Remy's past of course gets in the way of he and Triana but there is a whole other story about what is really going on in New Orleans.
It was a 4/5 for me. I really do completely enjoy this series!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, July 7, 2017

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Book Description:
An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. But just as he was ready to leave home, he was given the story of his far-off grandfather to readanother angry young man who lived in the shadows, but whose life was changed forever by his encounter with a carpenter who rescued him as he wandered through a first century graveyard. Could that long ago story save Nick as well?

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this takes. Nick is making bad choices. He doesn't like much of anything in his life and he isn't handling it well. His mother is having difficulty rising her children since their father is gone. Mainly because of their heritage, she has the most issues with Nick. Giving him the family legend to read she prays will help him.
I loved the imagery in the book. The shadows that the grandmother sees and recognizes at the beginning is really attention getting. The fact that it was set in a time period that is relatable while there is a story within the story was wonderful. The author did a great job with that. The way the story is written is an intriguing look at how Satan may have fallen. It certainly makes you think! Nick gets pulled into the family story and I enjoyed 'reading over his shoulder' and experiencing that.
It was a 5/5 for me. I would recommend for preteens and adults alike. I have a feeling if you read this more than once, you will see something new each time. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via LitFuse). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Viking Warrior Rebel by Asa Maria Bradley

Book Description

She can’t let him discover… Immortal Vikings are among us

Astrid Irisdotter is a Valkyrie—a fierce warrior fighting to protect humanity from the evil god Loki and his brutal minions. She’s on an urgent mission for her queen when everything goes hideously sideways. Undercover agent Luke Holden arrives on the scene just in time to save her life—and put his own on the line.

Luke may have saved her, but that doesn’t mean Astrid can trust him. Tempers flare as they hide secret upon secret from each other, but Astrid’s inner warrior knows what it wants…and it will not take “no” for an answer.

My Thoughts:

This was a good one. Astrid is an ancient warrior who is back with her 'family' to hunt Loki's creatures. Luke is as enamored with Astrid as she is with him but he is after more. He follows her as she goes on a mission for her queen and best friend and saves her life. Astrid feels like she is almost out of control but wants to trust Luke. He makes her feel more in control. Both are keeping secrets and those secrets may just keep them apart.
I really liked Astrid. She is a strong warrior who is loyal to her brothers and her king and queen. She would do anything for them, no matter the cost to her. I also really liked getting to know her 'family'. She is considered one of the brothers and treated just like the guys treat each other with very little exception. Luke was a pretty good guy. He is obsessed with finding the labs that held his brother and he. That is his priority over anything else and I was a bit annoyed at him for it. The 'family' and how close they are and protective of Astrid was probably my favorite part.
It was a 4/5 for me. I am going to look for more in this series because the characters just stay with you.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Island of Silence by Lisa McMann

Island of Silence (The Unwanteds Series, Book 2)

Book Description:
Second book in the middle grade dystopian fantasy series, Unwanteds.

The battle is over. The magical barrier between the dreary land of Quill and the fantastical world of Artimé is gone. Now residents of both places are free to mingle, but tensions are high. The artistic warriors of Artimé struggle to forgive those in Quill who condemned them to death, while the Quillens attempt to recover from the shock of Artime’s existence, the loss of their leader, and the total collapse of their safe, orderly world.

14-year-old Alex Stowe has recovered from his physical wounds since his death-defying role in Artime’s victory, but his confidence is shattered. He battles self-doubt after Artimé’s beloved mage, Mr. Today, makes a stunning request, which is further complicated by the mysterious arrival of two silent, orange-eyed teenagers.

Meanwhile in Quill, Aaron is devastated by his fall from grace and seething with anger toward his twin brother Alex. Spurred by rage, Aaron recruits a team of Restorers and devises a masterful plan of revenge that will return him to power… if no one gets in his way.

My Thoughts:
I am loving listening to this series with my kids. This one was great and terrible at the same time. My 9 year old is the one who is really into it, but the 7 year old enjoys it as well. Alex is a hero and Mr. Today is set on how life should proceed. I like that we see things from both Alex and his twin brother, Aaron's points of view. I must say I really still don't like Aaron at all.
Artime is still a magical place but this one shows how quickly life can change. I laughed, cried, got angry and happy. This book is really well written and I believe can teach some lessons. Alex needs to believe in himself more and there are lots of trust issues. Not to mention the other islands and some new characters we meet. There was something that happened that I was completely shocked by but I understand why the author did it (though I so don't like it). I need to listen to the next book to see what happens!
It was a 5/5 for me. I'm really starting to love these characters.

Protective Measures by Maggie K. Black

Description

UNDERCOVER BODYGUARD

After an attack at a military charity gala, navy commander Leo Darius learns someone wants to kill him—and kidnap his two daughters. And there's nothing the recently widowed single father won't do to protect his girls…even if it means asking a beautiful bodyguard to pose as his girlfriend. Though security expert Zoe Dean agrees to handle the threats and near-fatal assaults, she refuses to get attached to the handsome commander and his lovely daughters. But with the would-be kidnappers closing in, saving Leo and the little girls, while protecting her heart, may be one mission Zoe can't master.

Look for 6 new titles from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

Suspenseful romances… strong heroes and heroines facing challenges to their faith… and to their lives.

My Thoughts:
I laughed out loud at the way the two main characters met in this book. It was just....perfect! Leo is trying to get some intelligence from a secret source so that means he is undercover at a gala. Zoe is tracking a group that no one believes exists except her and her company. Zoe is a part of a bodyguard company who tries to keep themselves on the down low. Leo has become a target of the gang Zoe is trying to catch and to keep his daughters safe, he is willing to do whatever it takes.
I really loved Zoe. She puts everything she has into what she is working on. She is to take care of Leo's daughters, she puts it all on the line for them, even her heart. She has issues in her past that have to be worked through but I loved how she did that. I liked Leo. He is a strong, military man who loves his daughters. I liked how honest they were about his marriage with his wife. He handled danger well, but I wasn't thrilled with how he pushed Zoe away. That was just his character though. The two of them worked well together and I really enjoyed the ending!
It was a 4/5 for me. I will look for more in the bodyguards series.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, July 3, 2017

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Book Description:
When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.
It’s hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called Artimé. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.
But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artim that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle.

My Thoughts:
Ok, I adore this book. Alex and all the other Unwanteds of Quill completely expect to die. Alex has a twin brother, Aaron who is wanted. When the Unwanteds are 13, they are shipped out to the death farmer and he is supposed to eliminate them. When they are to be eliminated, the children are shocked to find a whole new world filled with everything that Quill banned. The new world is everything that Quill is not allowed to be.
I started this one thinking I would just deal with it for the kids' sake as we rode around in the car. Turns out that I loved the story. Alex is so softhearted and is kinda getting the raw end of the deal. He was saved by Mr. Today like all the others but he isn't advancing so it is making him a little crazy. Not to mention he wants to save his brother from his life in Quill. I liked getting to see both brother's thoughts and points of view, though it didn't really make me like Aaron at all. The author did a wonderful job with the story and the characters. They are characters that I want to go back and spend more time with!
It was a 5/5 and we are moving on to book 2 now :)

Sunday, July 2, 2017

The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson

Book Description:

All her life Fern has been told she is blind to reality—but, what if she is the only one who can truly see?

Fern Johnson is crazy. At least, that’s what the doctors have claimed since her childhood. Now nineteen, and one step away from a psych ward, Fern struggles to survive in bustling Los Angeles. Desperate to appear normal, she represses the young man flickering at the edge of her awareness—a blond warrior only she can see.

Tristan was Fern’s childhood imaginary hero, saving her from monsters under her bed and outside her walls. As she grew up and his secret world continued to bleed into hers, however, it only caused catastrophe. But, when the city is rocked by the explainable, Fern is forced to consider the possibility that this young man is not a hallucination after all—and that the creature who decimated his world may be coming for hers.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. Fern is a unique girl. She can see into another world from our world. Her 'imaginary friend' Tristan has been there for her since she was little. She can literally see and hear him but no one else can. For that reason, everyone (except her niece) believes she is crazy. As time passes, she ages quicker than her 'always there rescuer' but his world also shows itself more often to her. Tristan tries to warn her that the thing that destroyed his world is coming for hers but she may ignore him a bit too long.
I loved Fern. She had decided everyone was right and she was crazy. She was going to make the most of it and that was just how life was going to be. Tristan was a great character. He has always protected her and loved her. As they age the love changes from a protective friend to more but she ignores him so she can be normal in her world. He lives every day with danger but is determined to keep Fern and her world safe. There are several 'morals to the story' that you can read into this and I'm sure I missed some of them with just what I saw in myself. It is a book that will entertain and make you think.
It was a 5/5 for me. I couldn't put it down and completely enjoyed it.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.