The Purveli by Dianne Duvall

February 22, 2022 By 4 Comments


The Purveli by Dianne Duvall (Author), Kirsten Potter (Narrator),
Aldebarian Alliance, Book 3
Publisher: Self-published, Tantor Audio (Audio Publisher)
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy, Romance, Action/Adventure
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Ava has always been different. Born with strong telepathic abilities, she lives a very isolated life until she is offered a job with an obscure network that aids powerful Immortal Guardians in their quest to protect humanity from the psychotic vampires who prey upon them. Suddenly, she doesn’t feel so different. For the first time in her life, Ava has found a place where she belongs. She’s happy. Life is good. And when her employers invite her to join a group of other gifted ones and a handful of Immortal Guardians on a journey to another planet, it becomes absolutely fantastic.

In no time at all, she is speeding across the galaxy aboard a Lasaran warship manned by two amazing alien races. It’s the dream of a lifetime… until a vicious attack by a mutual enemy of Lasara and Earth lands her alone in an escape pod with no habitable planet in sight and only one ship within range: one that carries the enemy who wants to know why the bioengineered virus they released on Earth long ago didn’t exterminate humanity and leave the planet ripe for their claiming.

Jak’ri doesn’t know how long he has been a prisoner aboard the Cebaun, but he fears the enemy’s twisted experiments will soon lead them to a virus that will eradicate the Purveli people. Despair grips him until a female from Earth is taken captive and reaches out to him telepathically. The gift that Ava said caused her such misery in the past soon becomes his salvation as the two of them form a fast friendship. Determined to distract each other from the horrors of their existence, they immerse themselves in telepathic communion during the day, then seek solace and adventure together in shared dreams. As their friendship deepens into love, the two hatch a daring plot to escape their captors. But the enemy will not let them go without a fight.

Can Ava and Jak’ri stand against so many and emerge victorious?

I had an absolute blast reading this book. Of the three she has written about the Aldebarian Alliance, The Purveli blew me out of the water. I am incredibly excited to write this review. I want to shout loud and proud about how much I adored this book. Ms. Duvall has written a story that made me clap my hands in glee. It totally rocked.

A little background – bad aliens blew up the good alien’s ship prompting its passengers, Gifted Ones and Immortal Guardians alike, to hurry to escape pods. Unfortunately, the interstellar highway was damaged, and it spit the escape pods out and scattered them in outer space. Time is running out because those bad aliens, the Gathendiens, want those Earthlings so bad, they’re not giving up and are searching for them. In The Purveli, it proved what we knew from The Lasaran and the Segonian, those horrible lizard bad guys want to wipe out all human life on Earth and they need the Earthlings to do experiments on to find out why they didn’t die out thousands of years ago when they should have. The Gathendiens are the ultimate bad guys and Ms. Duvall describes them in intricate detail for this novel. Now, readers have a clear picture of who the enemies are of our favorite characters from the Immortal Guardians series. They are nasty – they smell really bad too and they are really, really mean.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff, Ava and Jak’ri. Ava is a Gifted One and Jak’ri is a Purveli. I was thrilled with the author’s description of the hero. I adored what happens to his hair and I got the biggest kick out of Ava’s excitement at meeting Jak’ri for the first time and asking him a bazillion questions about his physical features that fascinated her. I mean, he’s an ALIEN. Right? I would have done the same thing. It’s really cool!

Usually, I’m not a fan of dream sequences but what Ms. Duvall did in this novel took that technique and made it her own. For a change, the meeting in dreams is crucial, important and absolutely integral to the plot. There’s a reason for its happening and fans of the Immortal Guardians will remember it well. During those dream sequences, I experienced laughter, joy, excitement and tears.

I also want to give credit to the narrator, Kirsten Potter. I listened to the book on audio, and I am pretty sure I’ve said this before in other reviews, but Ms. Potter is the bomb. Her narration, with its clearly defined character representation, vocal range, emotion and talent made this 5-star review blast to a Best Book rating.

Here’s where I get personal. When Jak’ri thought Ava was dying, I reacted. When I mean I reacted, my eldest son came running, “Mom! What’s wrong??” Oops. I had earphones on. I didn’t think I gasped that loud. Obviously, I did. I GASPED! Seriously, that scene – what a shocker! And boy o boy, fans of the series are in for some intense emotional feelings. I also cried. Not sniffled, not teared up – cried – needing tissues cried – with the scenes of Jak’ri and his brother. I was gutted. Later on, I found myself laughing hysterically, snickering, grinning and cheering. The scene when Jak’ri read Ava’s mind is priceless. The Purveli literally had my emotions running amok. It wasn’t just Ms. Potter’s narration; it was the quality of the plot, dialogue and writing talent that Ms. Duvall put into her story that made this novel such a powerful read.

I haven’t been this jazzed since Seth’s story.

I truly believe I could write a book about the book. Ms. Duvall’s imagination is on full display when she described the cute Leapers, and other flora and fauna of the alien world they escaped to, including the big kitty-like things. The description of the cave was cool and I thought the scene during the thunderstorm was adorable. The author made her alien world come to life in vivid detail. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The attraction between the hero and heroine is a slow sizzle until it finally sparked and they went up in delightful flames. There were a few fits and starts, but that’s what made their final coming together so satisfying.

The ending was awesome, perfectly wrapped up and joyous. However, in the audiobook version, Ms. Duvall added a treat. She shared what seems like the first chapter of the next book. Again, Ms. Potter is the narrator, thank goodness. As soon as it’s up for pre-order, I am going to grab it. Why? Because the beginning was AWESOME! I was listening to it in my car, and I just sat there. I didn’t drive. I couldn’t. I was too enthralled by what I was listening to. Oh, my Goodness! It’s going to be another great one. Talk about setting the hook! I’m so excited!

Run, don’t walk to get your own copy of The Purveli. I expect fans are going to be wowed like I am. I believe this could be read as a standalone, so new readers will be in for a treat too. I totally, completely and enthusiastically recommend this novel for sci-fi romance readers who like action, a hero and heroine who survive impossible odds and a story that sucks a person in because the writing is just that good.

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The Post Box at the North Pole by Jaimie Admans

January 4, 2022 By Leave a Comment


The Post Box at the North Pole by Jaimie Admans
Publisher: ‎HQ Digital
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Sasha Hansley hates Christmas. As a child, it was her favourite time of year, but ever since the tragic death of her mother, it has completely lost its magic.

But when she gets an unexpected phone call from her estranged father, she’s forced to dust off her snow boots.

He’s been running a Lapland style Christmas village in Norway and after suffering a heart attack, he is on strict doctor’s orders to slow down. Eager to reconnect with her dad, Sasha books the next flight out there. Only she’s never actually been on a plane before, let alone to the Arctic Circle.

Met at the runway by drop-dead-gorgeous Taavi Salvesen, they sleigh ride through the snow with the Northern Lights guiding their way.

When Sasha uncovers sacks of unopened Santa mail – letters that children and adults from all over the world write to Santa every year – she realises that she can send a little bit of magic out into the world by replying to some of them.

With Taavi on hand to help, will Sasha rediscover her own excitement for Christmas and find love among the letters?

This is the most romantic book I’ve read all year!

Where do I find the words to explain the wonder I found within this book’s pages? This novel makes me want to put sparkling fairy lights all over the house, both inside and out. The Post Box at the North Pole has inspired me to decorate for Christmas like I’ve never done before. If I could hug the author for writing this story, I would. It’s incredibly happy and filled with the wonder of the Northern Lights. I adored this book!!

Can you tell I’m excited? This is only the second story I’ve read by this author and I’m a fan. I guarantee it won’t be the last and in fact, I crave more. If script writers wouldn’t mess this up, it truly would make a marvelous movie. Not Hallmark – this is better than that!

If you read the blurb/synopsis, then you know the basic gist of the plot. What it doesn’t convey is the heart and soul of what a reader will find within. Taavi Salvesen is the gruff backwoods handyman who knows his way around reindeers more than people. Sasha Hansley hasn’t liked Christmas in what feels like forever. The heroine’s father is an eccentric adventurer who doesn’t ever slow down. These three main characters are the core of the story. Their relationships change during the course of the novel and seeing it happen is like seeing a flower unfurl in slow motion. It’s beautiful, breathtaking and I’m watching it with rapt attention. So rapt in fact, it was almost 1:30 a.m. when I finished. I truly could not stop reading. The house was quiet, I’m alone and The Post Box at the North Pole transported me to a magical place of snow, hope and dreams.

The story is told in first person POV from Sasha’s perspective. The author is incredibly talented in that regard. At no time did the writing stumble. The thing with first person points of views is that not all authors can pull it off. Usually, when I see that style, I am hesitant. It can take me a while to feel comfortable with it. Not so with Ms. Admans’ writing. It’s seamless, flawless and easy to believe. Everything flows naturally and I feel like I am with a friend, watching her fall in love with the land, the man and one special reindeer.

What made this story work for me was the pacing of the romance. The way the author described how Taavi looked at Sasha and vice versa. The way she notices him noticing her. The blushes, the sassiness and funny puns and growing respect for the other. The biggest milestone moments are when either Taavi or Sasha let things slip the more they trust each other. They both have had pain in their lives and it’s molded them into the people I meet in the beginning. The people they become by the end is what matters. It’s why the romance works, why it’s believable and why I adore this book so very much. The chemistry is sizzling between them and the kisses, when they happen, are perfectly timed and ooh la la!. There is one scene where the author leaves it up to a reader’s imagination as to what went on. No matter what a reader envisions, it has the same result – it’s a turning point in their relationship in all the best ways.

Now, I know I’m being overly gushy and it may make you think there’s no plot conflict. There is. A couple of them, in fact. They are definitely character based and quite effective but nothing over-the-top. Again, it’s matters of the heart: it’s trust and healing of past hurts, to recapture the good memories of the past while moving beyond its negative parts’ hold on the present, it’s learning the truth about who they are rather than who they believe themselves to be. It’s about the healing of a family with love, in all its tears and joy. All of it embraces the Christmas spirit, but not one that happens once a year, but in every moment of every day in every year of your life. Its message is timeless. The Post Box at the North Pole is rich in so many ways, I can’t even begin to express everything I want to without delving into spoilers.

For me, The Post Box at the North Pole is sheer perfection. The talent of Ms. Admans to capture in words, both in description and dialogue, a romance story so heartwarming and real, that giving it a Best Book rating is the easiest decision I’ve made in a long, long time.

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Scarlet Princess by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle

November 11, 2021 By 2 Comments


Scarlet Princess by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle
The Lochlann Feuds, Book 1
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, New Adult
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Chamomile

A reckless princess. An enemy kingdom. A mistake that could cost her everything.

Rowan has always known her place in the world and exactly who she is: a princess of Lochlann. That is, until a series of missteps land her in the hands of her enemies. Now, she’s an outsider being forced to reconsider everything she thought she knew.

When her relationship with her captor takes an unexpected turn, she must figure out if centuries of animosity between their two lands is more than they can overcome, or if the Socairans might be able to accept her as one of their own.

If she’s not careful, her choices very well could bring war to the people she’s sworn to protect…

This unforgettable story is packed-full of witty banter, hilarious antics, swoony charm, and sarcastic insults!

This author team does an amazing job of bringing their characters to life, and making them feel real and unique! Not only the main characters (which I loved!) but also the side characters, a detail that makes this story even more amazing and unforgettable!

Princess Rowan is one of those fun characters who lives for mischief and is always getting herself into all manner of trouble, and I loved her brash and spunky attitude, and seeing her travel to a strange, and enemy, land. I also loved her cousin, Davin, who is easily like a twin to her and who is always there to bail her out only to dig headfirst into yet another of their crazy schemes!

Theodore is also a fun character, and between him and Evander, the story never saw a dull moment as Rowan stands toe-to-toe with some of the Clan Heirs and refuses to give anything but her best, and a load of sass while she’s at it!

While this book, and The Lochlann Feuds trilogy, can be read and understood without reading The Lochlann Treaty, also by Elle Madison & Robin D. Mahle , this one happens twenty years after the first, but this one does contain some spoilers as Rowan’s parents as well as some her other family are mentioned in the beginning of this one and it’s their story that is the focus of The Lochlann Treaty series.

This one takes a slightly cleaner approach, but is great for fans of ACOTAR, Shadow and Bone, and Blood Heir. Pairing fun fantasy elements with unforgettable characters, a steamy romance in the making, and epic world-building! This story hits all the high points and is woven together into a must read and unforgettable tale!

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Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

October 29, 2021 By 1 Comment


Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Holiday, Contemporary, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Trapped in the middle of five siblings, Everly Lancaster always had big dreams. Now a top real-estate executive, Everly finds her work is her life, leaving no space for anything (or anyone) else. Sensing her stress, Everly’s boss insists she take December off. At first, a month away seems crazy—how will the company survive without her? But Everly’s mother convinces her otherwise. She deserves a vacation—plus, when she returns, she’ll have no excuse to skip family Christmas like she did last year.

But after her vengeful assistant books a guided cruise in the Amazon instead of the luxury beach vacation she expected, Everly is horrified to realize that she’s about to spend the next two weeks trapped—with no Wi-Fi!—in the rain forest. Not even Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist, can convince Everly that the trip will be unforgettable. Slowly but surely, she realizes he is right: the sights are spectacular. And with each passing day, Everly’s relationship with Asher deepens, forcing her to take a long, hard look at her priorities.

Everly and Asher begin to see magic in the possibility of a life together. But as the cruise nears its end, and Everly’s family Christmas approaches, both must decide if love is worth the risk. A merry surprise may be in store in Debbie Macomber’s newest holiday delight.

A+ for originality. This a must read. I consider myself lucky to have read this story. I was stuck for hours in an airport in Chicago without a book to read. I went to the book store and this was the only romance book available to buy. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. The synopsis reveals quite a bit of the plot but not all of it. So, if it appeals to you as it did me then don’t hesitate to pick it up.

I was completely smitten with the hero, Asher Adams. I’m pretty sure Asher could take me to the worst place on earth and I’d still love being there if he was with me. The heroine, Everly, was endearing and hilarious. Together, Everly and Asher were heartwarming. I couldn’t get enough of their sweet chemistry.

There are other characters that are well developed and compliment the storyline such as Asher’s and Everly’s relatives. The narrative wouldn’t be the same without their support. No family is perfect but Christmas is about miracles. Quoting the synopsis at this time is necessary for this review. “A merry surprise may be in store in this heartfelt novel”. I couldn’t have said that any better.

I can think of a few stockings that need to be filled with this book. “Jingle All the Way” was a well written, fun and entertaining read. I was ho, ho, ho-ing my way through the Chicago airport all the way home. I definitely recommend this book.

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The Pretenders by Joan Wolf

June 28, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Pretenders by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Gentle Reader:

At the time it seemed like a good idea. Reeve and I had been friends since childhood, so when he needed to persuade his trustee to turn over his inheritance, we decided to pretend to get engaged. Reeve was the Earl of Cambridge, after all. It wasn’t fair for him not to have his money.

Who would have thought that Lord Bradford would insist we actually marry before he handed over the dibs? Who would have thought that my feelings for Reeve would change so radically, that I would want him as a lover as well as a friend? And who would have thought that someone would be trying to kill me before I even made it to the altar?

—- Deborah Woodly

Oh my goodness! The Pretenders is the epitome of a romance book. You just have to trust me on this. A Best Book for me is when the hero and heroine demonstrate to a reader what love is and how it feels. The writing style was fluent, articulate and chatty. There are several characters that were well developed and relatable. There were many vivid settings throughout the story. The length of the scenes and the speed at which the author distributed the story made for a perfect pace. I highly recommend this story to go on readers’ “to be read” list. It’s going on my keeper shelf. The hero, Reeve , is going on my book boyfriend list. The synopsis was the perfect commercial which gave me the highlights and caught my interest and attention. The plot was exciting, emotional with unexpected series of events. My review is just a bit of why The Pretenders is my new favorite book.

The heroine, Deborah, was my ideal heroine. She was independent, smart, responsible, caring, and loyal with a bit of rebelliousness. She was the hero, Reeve’s, best friend.

Reeve had similar characteristics, however he had an irresponsible streak as a result from some unfair set of circumstances. These unfair set of circumstances were what drove Deborah and Reeve together into their scheme. A scheme that had me laughing and shaking my head with a smile. This and much more will make more sense once the book is read. Therefore, without giving out spoilers, all I can suggest is to pick up this book and start reading.

There is a great deal of enjoyable depth to this book. Many layers, and plot twists. I have no choice but to be vague because I refuse to spoil anything. What I enjoyed most was seeing the transition between Deb and Reeve from childhood friends to something more. The chemistry between them was undeniable. The epilogue was exquisitely beautiful.

If you are looking for a heart touching romance book then this is an excellent possibility. I, for one, highly recommend The Pretenders by Joan Wolf.

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The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

May 18, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Publisher: A Jove Book published by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.

For Sabrina Monroe, moving back home to the Wisconsin Dells–the self-described Waterpark Capital of the World–means returning to the Monroe family curse: the women in her family can see spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. But Sabrina’s always redirected the needy spirits to her mom, who’s much better suited for the job. The one exception has always been Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost, who stuck by Sabrina’s side all through her lonely childhood.

Her personal life starts looking up when Ray, the new local restaurateur, invites Sabrina to his supper club, where he flirts with her over his famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. He’s charming and handsome, but Sabrina tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance–she needs to focus on finding a job. Except the longer she’s in the Dells, the harder it is to resist her feelings for Ray. Who can turn down a cute guy with a fondness for rescue dogs and an obsession with perfecting his fried cheese curds recipe?

When the Dells starts to feel like home for the first time and with Ray in her corner, Sabrina begins to realize that she can make a difference and help others wherever she is.

Can someone make a movie based on this book? I am not overstating when I say that this novel is seriously wonderful – it made me feel cozy warm and happy all over. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is charming, funny, emotional, romantic and incredibly well written. The characters are solid, well-developed and full of personality; truly full of life; even the ghosts.

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Most of the story is told through Sabrina’s point of view, but the hero, Ray, has his moments too. There are also a few flashback scenes in this novel plus sized story, one being Molly’s, that flesh out the background of the characters so a reader can better understand the driving force behind everyone’s current state in life, or unlife.

Erika was a convincing thorn in Sabrina’s side. She’s the rich high school bully who never outgrew her cattiness and continues to torment the heroine. Erika instigated a continual state of anxiety and was a stress attack trigger for Sabrina. Oftentimes I felt miffed and angered on the heroine’s behalf. People like that really do exist and I totally understood all the emotions and frustrations that Sabrina felt because I had experiences like it. Not to the degree the heroine did, but those moments never seem to lose their bitter flavor no matter how much time has passed. I got it.

The absolute best part about Erika’s moments on stage is when Ray reacts and makes it plain under no uncertain terms that Sabrina counts and is worthy of respect. How he does it, what he says, the decisions he makes and the action he takes made me cheer and want to hug him. Ray is completely, totally, beyond super awesome as a hero in this book. His little quirks, his drive to stand on his own two feet, to honor his uncle and his role in the community, all are commendable. But, the most romantic of all was his restrained passion for Sabrina. He is a man. By that I mean that he has self-control, self-respect and respect for the heroine. The almost kiss, the first taste of passion kiss, the second that is hotter than Sabrina can handle, all lead to that just-right moment when everything comes together. The bedroom door is completely closed but I was not left in any doubt that not only did their chemistry explode but it was satisfying and eye-opening for Sabrina. I guess all that describes a sensual level of heat but the way he looks into her eyes, I felt the hotness. So sigh-worthy, it was awesome.

As for seeing ghosts – I know it’s been done before but the books I’ve read in the past didn’t have the emotional, poignant and charming effect that The Kindred Spirits Supper Club had on me. There was a bit of angst but it didn’t overshadow and darken the tone of the book. The author kept it low key by involving Sabrina’s whole family. The heroine’s adorable cousins helped keep the cool factor alive by treating it with awe, excitement and normalcy. The scene when Ray, the hero, puts two and two together, and his reaction to realizing ghosts can be seen is romance-story-genius.

Oh, I have to mention Ray’s parents. The author is a clever one. First impressions are not always the full story and Ms. Reichert totally surprised me. Surprised the heck out of Ray too. It was actually kind of funny.

I really could go on and on. There are so many more things I could mention, like Frank the dog, the recipe at the end of the novel, the importance of cheese, Sabrina’s emotional growth, the mystery of the diary, duck boats – seriously, this book is chockful of details, wonderful descriptive prose, excellent dialogue, healthy family dynamics and a romance with a happy ending that totally satisfied on so many levels.

Like I said in the beginning, The Kindred Spirits Supper Club should be made into a movie because it’s that stunning, special, heartwarming, fun and complicated. I adored this story and I heartily encourage fans of feel-good romances to read it. The paranormal element just adds to the fun but I assure you that the focus is on the growing romance between two people ripe for falling in love and the people and ghosts around them who know they are perfect for each other and want to help them along. This is a great read!

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Baked with Love by Peggy Jaeger

November 16, 2020 By 12 Comments


Baked with Love by Peggy Jaeger
A Match Made in Heaven book 3
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

Innkeeper Maureen O’Dowd lives to cook and bake, spoils her family and friends, and is an expert at keeping secrets, especially about the man who’s held her heart for years.

Police Chief Lucas Alexander is dealing with an aging father and a moody teenage son, and he’s in love with a woman who only wants to be friends.
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How can these two fiercely private people reveal their feelings for one another without destroying the friendship they already have? And if they’re successful, will another secret, if revealed, drive a wedge between Maureen and Lucas that can never be repaired?

I’m just going to be blunt and get right to the point. This is the best series I’ve read in a long time. It’s right up there with the Drake Sisters series by Christine Feehan and the Mackenzie Family series by Linda Howard.

When reviewing, there are many components in a narrative that I’m looking for. How developed and relatable were the cast of characters? Did the plot maintain my interest and flow at a reasonable pace with unexpected twists while keeping its realistic integrity? How was the chemistry between the hero and heroine? Did they receive their happily ever after? Were there any loose threads? Particularly from my point of view I want to laugh and feel a book glow for hours after finishing the book. It’s a bonus if I can add another hero to my list of book boyfriends. When I’m reading a series I want to feel that “coming home” sensation. The heartwarming feeling of being reunited with cherished friends and family.

It’s not often I can claim that a book meets all my criteria for what I consider a best book or best series. It is my honor to claim Baked with Love by Peggy Jaeger hit all my feel good spots. The Match in Heaven series has left a lasting impression on me. Yes, each book can be read as a standalone but I would not recommend it. The three together put any Hallmark show to shame. I’d like to see the series put into a movie.

I wish the characters were real and that I could meet them. I want to go stay at their inn. I’m a huge fan of Peggy Jaeger after reading several of her books.

The romance in this story is between Maureen and Lucas. I was waiting to read their story and I’m thrilled it was worth the wait. I can’t rave enough about how much I loved this book and the series. It’s a perfect Christmas present for your friends who love to read romance. This book will join my others on my book keeper list.

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Ripples Through Time by Cassandra Jamison

June 16, 2020 By Leave a Comment


Ripples Through Time by Cassandra Jamison
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (185 pages)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Alstroemeria

Is it possible to fall in love with somebody who no longer exists?

Tess Corbin, a modern-day American heiress, stumbles into the year 1900 where she meets the infamous Heywood Paxton. She never expected to fall in love, but soon finds herself torn between the obligation to her fiancé back home and a taboo romance with this dairy farmer from another century.

After discovering her way back to the future, Tess realizes that she has changed the past and Heywood’s life has been brutally cut short by a new serial killer – a killer who did not exist until her time travels. Now Tess must find her way back to Heywood and hunt down this century old murderer to stop the killings before they begin.
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The only question is how long can Tess remain in a time that is not hers, and will it be enough to change history again?

Ripples Through Time is completely captivating. It has a plot that is dripping with wonderfully crafted tension, and the execution of the story is something that has the reader speeding through the pages hoping to jump through time with Tess Corbin as quickly as possible!

Tess Corbin is a powerful female lead who does not waste time waiting on a man to be her hero. Instead she takes the heroism into her own hands and proves that she is a force to be reckoned with and that she knows what she’s doing. A tough as nails, educated doctor who proves over and over again that she is more than her gorgeous blonde hair and sparkling green eyes!

Her story is full of strength and her resilience as a woman struggling to be heard in two different timelines, modern and not so modern, opening readers eyes to the shocking similarities of history repeating itself as it pertains to the treatment of women. Tess jumps in feet first to any and all conflicts and while the audience is cheering her forth in her endeavors, they are also rooting for the connection between Tess and Heywood, two people who seem to have been fated to meet.

Heywood Paxton’s life seems to always be in some sort of turmoil and it is absolutely breathtaking to watch as Tess helps him away from his burdens. Their budding and taboo relationship thrills and tenses the audience leaving them to wonder how everything is going to turn out. Will Tess and Heywood really be able to beat the odds together? This forceful pull between them is what keeps the pages turning, along with the fast paced plot that gives us more than enough twists to keep us on our toes.

After finishing this novel in a day and a half, pausing only briefly for sleep, I’m so invested in the lives and the story of the characters that I have to remind myself that I have already completed the book, seeing as I am still caught up in the excitement of wanting to know what happens next. I may just have to read it again immediately to keep myself at bay!

Ripple Through Time not only gives readers a fast paced mystery packed inside of some of our wildest fantasies, but it also delivers an sensual slow-burn romance that commands the reader’s attention at the simple mention of our main characters’ names on the same page together. Cassandra Jamison does an excellent job of working in both time periods, and makes an unbelievable tale feel realistic and natural within the world of her story. Even her side characters have deep development and connection to the leads that keep the audience wondering how they will all possibly fit together in the puzzle that is Tess Corbin’s life. The passion Jamison has for writing is felt within the love that this story is unfolding, and I absolutely cannot wait to read more from her. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Let Tess and Heywood show you how their story is absolutely worth your time.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley

October 1, 2019 By 2 Comments


Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas by Amy McKinley
Publisher: Champagne Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: Full length (223 pages)
Age Recommendation: 16+
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Chamomile

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Fate will not be denied.

Nerissa thinks she’s safe from the gods and elders that rule her village. She’s wrong. It’s only a matter of time before she is chosen to pay the ultimate price—her life.

For decades, the gods have protected the small seaside village where she lives. That’s about to end. Fishermen return with empty nets, trees cease to bear fruit, and the winds whisper of an ancient curse. There’s still hope that the offering of an unmarried woman will return the god’s favor.
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As the maiden sacrifice nears Nerissa takes matters into her hands. All she needs is a husband to escape the terms of the offering. When she meets Zeer, a visiting fisherman, he sweeps her off her feet.

Are her prayers truly answered?

Everyone around her is keeping secrets, and there is no one left to rely on but herself. As the night ushers in a violent storm that echoes the god’s anger, she realizes the worst is yet to come. When the first rays of dawn arrive, a knock sounds at her door and she knows her entire world is about to turn upside down.

Love stories with strong female lead, mythology and siren lore, atmospheric settings, and all the feels? Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas doesn’t disappoint!

I picked this one up without having seen or heard any mention of it, but suddenly many of the people I follow in the book community started talking about it, and I could wait to start reading. They were right! I loved reading Nerissa’s story, which is well written, and impossible to put down!

Mrs. McKinley really knows how to hook a reader, and even from the first page, I found I wanted to know more, and couldn’t get enough! I flew through this one, and loved every minute, from the witty dialogue to the suspense and surprises, this book has a little of everything, and the romance added an interesting balance to all the chaos.

When I found this one, I was wanting a story that combined mythology, romance, and plenty of emotions to pull on my heart-strings, boy did Siren’s Call: Cursed Seas deliver! It also introduced my to a new author, and as mentioned, was a title I hadn’t heard of before, so it was extra exciting how much I enjoyed it!

This story is perfect for fans of paranormal/fantasy romances written for upper YA readers who enjoy siren/mermaid lore, and stories set on or near the sea! I loved reading this one, and highly recommend it to readers who are looking for their next read! You know a book is good when it has both characters you can’t help but love, and those you love to hate! With complex personalities, and some well placed snark, these characters take on a life of their own, and I’d love to see similar stories from Mrs. Amy McKinley in the future!

Filed Under: Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden

September 20, 2019 By Leave a Comment


When the Marquess Was Mine by Caroline Linden
The Wagers of Sin series
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins Publishers)
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (384 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Mistflower

In the game of love…

Georgiana Lucas despises the arrogant and cruel Marquess of Westmorland even before learning that he’s won the deed to her friend Kitty’s home in a card game. Still, Georgiana assures Kitty the marquess wouldn’t possibly come all the way to Derbyshire to throw them out—until he shows up, bloody and unconscious. Fearing that Kitty would rather see him die, Georgiana blurts out that he’s her fiancé. She’ll nurse the hateful man back to health and make him vow to leave and never return. The man who wakes up, though, is nothing like the heartless rogue Georgiana thought she knew…

You have to risk it all

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I’m so excited that I got to be the one to read and review this book!

My reviews are from my heart. I write them right after I finish the book so that everything is fresh in my head and I’m still feeling the book glow if there is one. With that said, to say I’m experiencing a book glow is putting it mildly. This is my first Caroline Linden book and I need to fix that ASAP. When the Marquess Was Mine is part of the “Wagers of Sin” series. It’s actually the third in the series which means I have two books that I need to read. Each can be read as a standalone so no worries there. I just thoroughly enjoyed this one so it’s only logical that I’d want to read the previous two.

As honest as my reviews are they are still only a reflection of my opinion. I thought the last book I read was unforgettable and I raved my love for it while I rated it a five. Yet, after finishing this book I realized it was way better than the previous book and that I thought was a must read by any historical romance lover. That leaves me no choice but to rate this as a Best Book.

The plot is elaborate and masterfully executed. My interest was piqued immediately as the story starts with depth right away, introducing names and places with descriptions. I had to slow down my reading and concentrate at first. Once I learned the names and who was connected to who I was able to pick up my pace and then I was able to easily maintain a steady reading rhythm. Kudos to the author’s writing style because typically when a story has that many layers of characters I tend to get lost and confused. Especially when there are exciting plot twists.

The leading hero, the Marquess of Westmorland aka Rob, was perfect. I loved everything about him. He will be in my dreams tonight. If I had to try to explain why I fell so hard in love with this character then I’d say it was because he was written as heartless at first and then redeemed after his assault. I loved seeing the reformation but because his redemption was because he lost his memory, it left me on pins and needles to see who he would become once his regained his memory. All of this had to do with the excellent writing style. I’ve read amnesia stories before. This one was entertaining, fun and a bit suspenseful.

The leading heroine, Georgiana, was hilarious. She made me laugh more times than I can remember. She was brave, witty and caring. I thought Georgiana and the Marquess of Westmorland made a perfect romance couple as they won my heart. Their chemistry was infectious and made for a spicy romance. I loved the ending as all the threads were tied up leaving me with a happily ever book glow that shined bright the rest of the day.

When I read, I hang onto every word savoring the story. Near the end Sophie, one of Georgiana’s friends, revealed something to Georgiana. Without revealing any spoilers, I wanted to address one tiny concern I had regarding Sophie. Sophie and Georgiana were engaged in an activity from which Sophie had to excuse herself. I was left wondering if Sophie was okay. Prior to the activity Sophie had made a comment that caused concern which lead to what she revealed. There was no follow up to reassure me so I’m going to assume she was okay. She excused herself from the activity and I assume she went home and recovered. That tiny little thread is nagging at me. I don’t like to assume anything. I like complete closure. That’s a pet peeve of mine. I’m still going to rate it as a best book because I’m probably the only human to care that much about that detail. There was a lot going on in this activity which involved several people. It was a tense moment in the plot. This activity led to the culmination of the suspense part of the storyline. I didn’t want to give any spoilers so this part of the review will only make sense after the book is read. I felt it was worth noting.

I’m sticking to Best Book based on how this book made me feel while I was reading it and after it was done. I recommend this story to others. It is one that I’ve put on my keepers shelf. Now I’m off to find the other two books in this series. Happy Reading!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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