Fantasy Review: Defy Trilogy by Sara B. Larson

Defy Trilogy
by Sara B. Larson

Description From Book 1: 
Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

My Review for Book 1, Defy:
Fantastic!

This is what I'm looking for in a fantasy adventure/romance. The main character, Alexa, is inspiring, and her plight, especially in book one, hooked me from the start. She not only has to pretend she is a male but does so by joining the army and earning a top spot on the prince's guard. The alternatives are unthinkable.

Adding to this, she's fighting off her growing interest in both Rylan (longtime friend on the guard) and Prince Damian, knowing that both relationships could never go anywhere. Not if she wants to keep her freedom. The tension, both from her secret and from the love triangle, is gripping.

I also love that the narrator for the audiobook speaks in character, lowering her voice as Alexa would while pretending to be Alex of the guard. The emotional scenes are nailed, the fight scenes, too! Her range is good for the other characters, differentiating them enough for the reader to be able to tell who's who, even without a dialog tag. I very much enjoyed the audio and would recommend it.

I was also pleased that the narrator is the same person in all three books. I always prefer this in the audiobooks for a series, primarily for continuity. It also helps keep me in the story, not having to adjust to a new voice for an established character.

The only thing I noticed in this book and its sequels was a tendency towards repetition, particularly in the main character's inner monolog, reminding herself of things, using the same words to describe how she feels or is reacting to Damian or Rylan. It's enough to notice, though I felt the overall plot, character arcs, and pacing of the story made up for it.

Overall, I loved this book, and the trilogy, and would strongly recommend it to folks who enjoy fantasy and romance.

I borrowed each audiobook of the trilogy from the local library.

About the Author:

Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY trilogy: DEFY, IGNITE, and ENDURE, and the forthcoming DARK BREAKS THE DAWN. She can't remember a time when she didn't write books--although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their children, and their Maltese, Loki. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day (while mourning the demise of naptime) and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in "the art of multitasking." When she's not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction. You can visit her at www.SaraBLarson.com.

Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  Twitter@SaraBLarson

Books by this Author:

Defy Trilogy

Dark Breaks the Dawn Duology

And, coming in November 2019!

Fantasy Review: Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym Martineau

Kingdom of Exiles
by Maxym Martineau

Description:
Fantastic Beasts meets Assassin's Creed in this epic, gripping fantasy romance from debut author Maxym M. Martineau.

Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there's a price on her head. With the realm's most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can't refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins...not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.


My Review:
Kingdom of Exiles takes you on a journey through a world of assassins, magical beasts, curses, and romance.

What I most enjoyed about this book is that it’s both romance and fantasy, and both are done equally well. I get a bit tired of contemporary and historical romances, but toss in some magical beasts, a curse, and a quest, and I’m one happy reader. I loved the dynamic of the budding romance, and the tension builds on multiple levels. None of that mess where the love interests hate each other, but true internal conflict, desire, and sacrifice. Solid.

That being said, while the beast magic is fleshed out, the world building isn’t quite there. I picked up that the Charmers live separately, but didn’t understand where until the very end. I understood that there was a kingdom, but there were only hints and inklings of it and its history, as if it were a faraway place rather than the country where everyone in the story lives. The story tends to focus more on the character interactions, the building tension, and the development of backstory, but at the expense of the larger world.

As for the steam rating, it’s up there, especially later on in the book. Detailed, steamy, and a bit coarse. Nothing is left to the imagination, so yeah. If you’re in it for the fantasy alone, you might be in for a surprise. I read through the first scene, but the others, well, I just kind of skimmed through. The good thing, in my opinion, is that the racy content doesn’t take over the book. It’s a part of it, but not the main event.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of romance who dig fantasy as well. Definitely targets adult readers who either prefer or don’t mind erotic content.

I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.


About the Author:

 

Maxym M. Martineau is a staff writer by day, and a fantasy romance author by night. When she's not getting heated over broken hearts, she enjoys playing video games, sipping a well-made margarita, binge-watching television shows, competing in just about any sport, and of course, reading.
Following her passion, Maxym earned her bachelor's degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, and currently lives in Arizona with her husband and their dogs. She is represented by Cate Hart of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Her debut, Kingdom of Exiles, is slated for release in June 2019 with Sourcebooks.

Amazon  |  Goodreads

Chic Lit Review: The Truth About Cats and Bees (The Truth About Series, Book 2) by Alissa Baxter

The Truth About Cats and Bees: A Secret Blogger’s Dating Debacles
by Alissa Baxter


Description:
For jaded Emma Bradshaw, her blog is a way to come to terms with the 'serial datists' in her past - all those unsuitable men who've trampled on her heart and left her swearing off dating altogether. But when one anonymous blog commenter challenges her ideas on men, she can't help but open herself up. What can it hurt? After all, she doesn't even know his name.

The problem is that now she's looking at men differently - including her new boss, sexy author Nick Reynolds. A romance with the boss, especially one who epitomises every 'serial datist' she's ever known, is a no-no on so many different levels. But Emma can't seem to stop herself from considering it.

Which man will win Emma's guarded heart - the tempting boss, or the anonymous online man who understands her better than anyone she's ever known?

"Emma is a serious sassy woman whose sharp wit and tongue portrays her confident nature." Author Nana Prah

This book was previously published by Ubuntu African Romance as The Blog Affair.


My Review:
The Truth about Cats and Bees picks up from the last book in a sort of crossover style. Starting in Durban and then following Emma, the main character of this story, to Cape Town. Sick of the constant reminders of her latest failed relationship, Emma jumps at the chance to start over in a new place, but she doesn’t anticipate the spark she feels around her new boss.

This is another solid romance in The Truth About series, and as with the first, there is a digital romance thrown in to totally mess with the main character’s plans and assumptions. I very much enjoyed this one, but it was much easier to guess the outcome. The clues are there, though Emma doesn’t see them. Still, it was hard to want her to get together with either of them, particularly in the light of her blog.

On that note, Emma’s blog is designed to outline the sort of fellows that guarantee a dysfunctional relationship, and Emma’s posts reveal just how disillusioned she’s become. Toss in a side character’s abusive relationship and you have quite the campaign for women sticking up for themselves and staying away from these guys. At times it seems more educational than entertaining.

Because much of the story focuses on dysfunctional men, it tends to come across one-sided, and though that shifts a bit near the end, I don’t think a balance was achieved. For this reason, male readers may feel a bit put on the spot. Sure this is a chic lit, and the blog is in character, but yeah, it’s not very flattering for the fellows.

Overall, I would recommend this to women who enjoy chic lit, romance, and interesting locations.

I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.


About the Author:

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance, The Dashing Debutante, during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency romance, Lord Fenmore's Wager, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. A Marchioness Below Stairs, her third Regency romance, is the sequel to Lord Fenmore's Wager. Also the author of two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair), Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons. Alissa is a member of RWA as well as ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa).

Website  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

Intrigued? Why not pick up both books and make a weekend of it?

Chic Lit Review: The Truth about Clicking Send and Receive (The Truth About Series, Book 1) by Alissa Baxter

The Truth about Clicking Send and Receive: A Romance Writer's Email Adventures
by Alissa Baxter


Description:
Wrapped up in the dreamy world of romance fiction and flushed with the heady heat of a tropical Durban summer, Angie Wilson is having a hard time separating fantasy from reality. Struggling to choose between a hopeless crush on her gorgeous trust fund manager and a blossoming cyber affair with an enigmatic writer, Angie turns to her zany new friends for advice on love and life. But what does she really want?

A light-hearted romantic comedy.

This book was previously published by Oshun as Send and Receive.


My Review:
The Truth about Clicking Send and Receive explores the complexities of romance in the modern age in a fun, yet precautionary way.

Angie is a likeable character, a romantic who’s desperately trying to be responsible and chase her dream. I enjoyed how her story played out, adjusting to life in Durban, meeting and entangling with the love interests, despite herself.

One of the things I found interesting was that this was written and set in South Africa. The last book I read set there had a strong political bent to it, but not this one. Instead, it feels more like a regular day-in-the-life story. A taking a chance story. A falling in love story.

Another thing I enjoyed was the email romance Angie sparks up with the mysterious romance writer. One, I was super intrigued and wondering whether they’d get together in real life. Two, I was noticing and disregarding red flags just as swiftly as Angie was. I felt it was built and executed just as well as any “in person” romance I’ve read.

This story is pegged as chic lit. I’m not exactly sure what that entails as I usually do not read chic lit. But perhaps it has to do with dose of realism mixed in with the romance, or maybe it’s the relationship-focused storyline, and not just of the main character. I noticed a couple of other stories emerging and playing out, a method I like in a series like this. It allows the author to build interest in the next without resorting to a cliffhanger.

Anyhow, loved this story and recommend it to folks who enjoy chic lit, romance, and interesting settings.

I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.


About the Author:

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance, The Dashing Debutante, during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency romance, Lord Fenmore's Wager, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. A Marchioness Below Stairs, her third Regency romance, is the sequel to Lord Fenmore's Wager. Also the author of two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair), Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons. Alissa is a member of RWA as well as ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa).

Website  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

Romance Review: Helping Her Remember (Crawford Falls #1) by Kate Carley

Helping Her Remember
by Kate Carley

Description:
Kelly’s back.

How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?

Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.

Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.

But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.

While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.

Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.

My Review:
Helping Her Remember is a tale of forgiveness wrapped up in a steamy package. Betrayal cuts deep, but the spark’s still there, and where there’s a spark, there’s hope.

I enjoyed Kelly and Dylan’s romance, particularly because it doesn’t come easy for them. I also dug their troupe of friends and am looking forward to seeing which of them will get their own books.

Dylan’s father and his challenges brought some heart into the story and also threw some monkey wrenches into the works. And of course, AJ was much more than a plot twist. He was sweet and added a dynamic that really upped the stakes for Kelly and Dylan, which in turn made the story more of a page turner.

Then again, this story did fall into some expected patterns, and I didn’t feel too surprised by the outcome. Most of the intrigue I felt was spawned by the supporting cast and side plots. Kelly and Dylan, although this was there story, seemed just a small part in a greater drama.

Overall, good story. I think fans of steamy romance with complications might dig this. It wraps up just fine as a standalone, but sets up nicely for the next in the series for those who want to read on.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.

Add it on Goodreads!

About Kate Carley:

How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset.

With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota.

When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

New Release and Review: Giving Her Promise (Crawford Falls #2) by Kate Carley

Giving Her Promise (Crawford Falls #2)
by Kate Carley

Description:
Who plans a two-week engagement?

It’s a valid question. But Claire Bronstad—a tenth-grade biology teacher and aspiring fiction author— doesn’t have time to analyze it. Her flight home to Crawford Falls is in a few hours, and there is no way she’s missing her brother’s wedding. Her roommate, Greyson Westcott, apparently isn’t feeling that same time crunch, announcing he’d like to take their platonic relationship to the next level. “I’ve been thinking it’s time we start exploring us.”

Exploring us? Is that code for sex?

Another solid question. One Greyson answers by stopping Claire’s heart with a passionate, toe-curling kiss. Oh, yes! Exploring the possibilities could be simply scrumptious.

But is having sex with her closest friend a good idea?

Not without jeopardizing their friendship, a risk Claire refuses to take. Reeling with uncertainty, she meets sexy groomsman, Jesse Morland, and after a night of slow dancing in each other’s arms, he has a question of his own:

“Come home with me tonight, Claire?”

As Claire’s feelings for Jesse blossom, she finds herself at odds with Greyson while their close friendship all but unravels, leaving her grasping at threads and questioning the true motivation behind his kiss, not to mention, the authenticity of their entire friendship.

Can Claire find all her answers in the picturesque river town of Crawford Falls?

My Review:
Giving Her Promise is a book about trust, giving it and losing it and getting it back. Paired with that is quite a steamy romance.

I enjoyed Claire’s dilemma regarding Greyson and Jesse. I particularly thought it interesting that Claire trusts too much, and Jesse too little. Then there’s Greyson. While I had guessed how things would go with him, he still managed to surprise me.

Again the family and friend dynamics play an excellent counterpoint to the romance, and the next pairing is set up nicely. It was cool that Dylan and Kelly are still involved, though they take a back seat. Ras’s progression and history are explored more deeply and explain some aspects of Claire’s story.

Overall, I really liked this story. There was a lot more intrigue in this one and even some danger. Fans of romance with some meat will like this.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.

Add it on Goodreads!

About Kate Carley:

How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset.

With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota.

When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

Contemporary Romance Excerpt and Tour Stop: Helping her Remember by Kate Carley

I am excited to share HELPING HER REMEMBER by Kate Carley. Fans of second-chance romance will find this heartwarming story of redemption. Follow the tour for exclusive excerpts, reviews, and a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card + three runner-ups will get an ebook copy of HELPING HER REMEMBER.

Helping Her Remember
by Kate Carley

Release Date: February 26, 2018
Series: The Crawford Falls Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Description:
Kelly’s back. How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?

Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.

Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.

But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.

While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.

Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.

Buy Now: Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Chapters


Read on for an excerpt...

Adventure Review: Third Daughter (The Royals of Dharia #1) by Susan Kaye Quinn

Third Daughter (The Royals of Dharia #1)
by Susan Kaye Quinn

Description:
Sneaking out of the palace wasn’t one of Aniri’s best ideas. But she’s the Third Daughter of the Queen of Dharia—zero responsibilities and zero royal duties. She’s just the backup daughter, in case her older sisters’ arranged marriages—to take the crown or broker an alliance—don’t quite work out. But once Aniri reaches her 18th birthday, she’ll be truly free… and then she can marry the charming fencing instructor she meets for fevered kisses in the forest.

But then the impossible happens—a marriage proposal. From a barbarian prince in the north, no less. And if Aniri refuses, the threat of their new flying weapon might bring war.

So she agrees to the young prince’s proposal, but only as a subterfuge to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she doesn’t love. But once she arrives in the sweeping mountains of the north, she discovers the prince has his own secrets… and saving her country may end up breaking her heart.

This Bollywood-style royal romance takes you to an alternate East Indian world filled with skyships, saber duels, and lots of royal intrigue.

THIRD DAUGHTER is the first book in the Royals of Dharia trilogy.

My Review:
Bride to be or spy? Aniri, the third daughter of Dharia, is just weeks away from her 18th birthday when she will be safe from ever having to marry for political reasons, and then comes the proposal. Aghast at the unexpected twist in her fate, Aniri accepts, but never intends to follow through.

Aniri is awesome: strong female character, daring climber, amateur spy. I found her a delight to read. She follows her heart, but tries to do the right thing. Across from her, Ash and Devesh play their parts perfectly. Devesh has stolen Aniri’s heart, while Ash wishes for nothing more than to secure his throne by marrying her. I really enjoyed how their story progresses.

Oh, and the steampunk technology! Very well played. Man-shaped machines and infrastructure. Rumors of flying machines. Other things I’m not going to spoil.

Overall, a fantastic adventure. I’d strongly recommend this to folks who enjoy fantasy adventure with a bit of steampunk and romance. It’s the first in a series, but it ends in a satisfying way.

I purchased my copy of this book.


About the Author:

Susan Kaye Quinn is a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her works range from young adult science fiction to adult future-noir, with side trips into royal fantasy romance and middle grade. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German and French, and featured in several anthologies.

She writes full-time from Chicago, inventing mind powers and dreaming of the Singularity.

GET A FREE STORY: http://smarturl.it/SKQsubscribe

Sue’s website: www.SusanKayeQuinn.com

Chat with her about our coming robot overlords in her Facebook group: http://smarturl.it/SKQFBGroup


SINGULARITY SERIES
young adult science fiction
• Defiance (Prequel to the Legacy Human)
• The Legacy Human (Book 1)
• The Duality Bridge (Book 2)
• The Illusory Prophet (Book 3)
• The Stories of Singularity #1-4 (Novella Box Set)
• Awakening (Stories of Singularity #5)

MINDJACK SERIES
young adult science fiction
Kira's Story
• Open Minds (Book 1)
• Closed Hearts (Book 2)
• Free Souls (Book 3)
Zeph's Story
• Locked Tight (Book Four)
• Cracked Open (Book Five)
• Broken Wide (Book Six)...coming soon

Mindjack Short Story Collection (Novella Box Set)

THE ROYALS OF DHARIA
sweet royal romance
• Third Daughter (Book 1)
• Second Daughter (Book 2)
• First Daughter (Book 3)

DEBT COLLECTOR
adult future-noir
• Season One
• Season Two

(Author information and bio from Amazon)

Books in this series:

Romance-Thriller Review: Chased by Kate Carley

Chased
by Kate Carley

Description:
Sixteen years ago their lives were ripped apart...

Whisked away from her beloved home as a child and raised by her elderly relatives on the Pacific Coast, Kendall Aasgaard has learned to roll with the punches. She's strong, resilient, and independent. But when Kendall finds herself in more trouble than she can handle, her survival instincts tell her to run. She turns to the person she trusts the most-Ben Montgomery.

Ben has it all-a thriving construction business, all the toys a bachelor could want, and a steady stream of brunettes to warm his bed. Love, however, is something Ben has permanently relegated to his past.
When playful, unreserved Kendall lands on his doorstep-or more accurately, in his bed-Ben realizes that his heart has no intention of following some arbitrary rule he'd instituted sixteen years ago. And if Kendall gets her way, she'd abolish that rule altogether to claim Ben's heart for herself.

But as the threat to Kendall intensifies, Ben is faced with an adversary of his own who is determined to destroy Montgomery Construction.

Together, they'll fight for a future that is more than the tragedy that binds them.

My Review:
Chased features Ben, a fellow who showed up in the first book as a best friend with problems of his own. In this one, Kendall Aasgaard drops in on Ben unannounced, making herself right at home and taking a snooze in his bed while he’s out on a bender. To Ben it’s almost traumatic finding her there because she’s the kid sister of his one true love, a woman murdered before their life together could truly begin. But Kendall isn’t there for fun, and her situation sparks feelings Ben thought were lost forever.

This is the third Changing Krysset novel I’ve read, and I must say I’m impressed. Yes, the cover has a man chest, not my favorite kind of cover, but this story, like the others, is much more than a racy romance, though it is that as well. It blends in a rather gripping thriller. I also thought it was good that the intimate scenes are entwined with emotions and sensations, making them feel real and unique to the couple experiencing them. Not just play-by-play, but immersive moments that feel genuine.
I wasn’t quite into how Kendall pretty much seemed out to snag Ben from the start. Maybe it was from reading her sisters words about him? Also, I could have done with fewer asides about Ben having to adjust himself in Kendall’s presence.

Anyway that being said, each of these books have a unique situation and pair of people. This is Kendall and Ben’s story, and they’re themselves, not shadows of the couples in the previous books, making this a fresh read.

Overall, I loved this book. I’d highly recommend the series and this book to folks who like steamy romance paired with some thrills and more than one incredibly close call.

About the Author:

After spending more than a dozen years home schooling her four children, Kate is off and running in a new direction—writing romance novels. It all started out as a mere addiction to reading novels and then morphed into a drive to write one. One became two, and then three, and then four.

Her debut series, Changing Krysset, includes Challenged and Consumed, both released in 2016, and Chased, in 2017.

Visit her online at www.katecarley.com and look for additional books in the near future.

Follow Kate on Twitter @KateCarleyBooks and on Goodreads.

Books by this author:

Sci-Fi Romance ARC Review: Ensnared by Rita Stradling

Ensnared
by Rita Stradling

Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Age category: Adult
Expected Publication Date: TBD

Description:
A Near Future Retelling of Beauty and the Beast

Alainn’s father is not a bad man. He’s a genius and an inventor. When he’s hired to create the robot Rose, Alainn knows taking the money is a mistake.

Rose acts like a human. She looks exactly like Alainn. But, something in her comes out wrong.

To save her father from a five year prison sentence, Alainn takes Rose’s place. She says goodbye to the sun and goes to live in a tower no human is allowed to enter. She becomes the prisoner of a man no human is allowed to see.

Believing that a life of servitude lies ahead, Alainn finds a very different fate awaits her in the company of the strange, scarred recluse.

My Review:
Ensnared is like Beauty and the Beast with AI robots tossed into the mix. To save her father from going to jail for fraud when Rose, the robot he built for Lorccan, refuses to go, Alainn pretends she’s the robot and goes in her place.

This was an intriguing read on many levels. First, there’s the new take on the classic fairy tale. Unlike in the original story, Alainn isn’t actually Lorccan’s prisoner. He has no clue she’s even human, thinking instead that she’s the amazingly realistic robot Alainn’s father built for him. I thought that made it easier to sympathize with him.

The story delves into several directions AI could take. The robots and AI in the story have drastically different levels of self-awareness and motivation. Some work towards the good of their owner, some for their own good, and some to shape their world in their own image. Some don’t seem to have any motivation at all. It was interesting, and also rather disturbing at times, just imagining robots that could seem so real they could be mistaken for alive, and vice versa.

I also thought the love story was rather sweet. Two people suffering from the trauma of their pasts finding healing in each other. It takes a long time for the love to develop, and in Lorccan’s case, he fights it hard, under the impression he’s falling for a thing, not a person. It gave the story a rather unique dynamic.

I didn’t really dislike anything about the story, but I must say I was surprised when the first intimate scene rolled around. I thought the scenes were well done, but very detailed, and I’d no idea the story was going to go there. That being said, I personally liked how it wasn’t just the act but the emotions that go with it, and I think folks who dig love scenes will probably like the ones in this book.

Overall, I loved this story. It’s a fun, fairytale retelling with a sci-fi twist. There’s a greater plot than just the love story, making this original despite its inspiration. Folks who like fairytales, romance, and sci-fi with a focus on AI will probably like this book.

I received the ARC of this book from the author via Lola’s Blog Tours.


You can find Ensnared on Goodreads

Watch the Book Trailer

 

About the Author:
Rita Stradling is the author of The Deception Dance series, the Dakota Kekoa series and The Fourteen Day Soul Detox Novella Serial. She has a BA in Art History and a particular love for modern and medieval art.

Rita lives with her husband and son in Northern California.

She has an insatiable novel addiction and mostly reads young adult and adult: romance, paranormal, urban fantasy and high fantasy.

You can find and contact Rita here:
- Website
- Facebook
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Cover Reveal: All That Glitters by Tracy Krimmer

Today is the cover reveal for All That Glitters by Tracy Krimmer. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The cover is designed by K Creative Designs.

All That Glitters (Songs of the Heart #1)
By Tracy Krimmer
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: summer 2017

Blurb:
Country-music star, Dory Walker, never wanted to come back to the small town of Sycamore Bay. But after her fairy-tale life is flipped upside down, and her marriage becomes a casualty, she has no choice.

Harris Malone is a man with few commitments. He keeps a low profile most days while he cares for his young daughter and helps run his dad’s hardware store.

But when he and Dory run into each other at the local gas station, all either can think about is the searing kiss they shared many years ago.

Can a woman who only wants to rekindle her career and a man who enjoys a no-strings attached lifestyle find everlasting love?

You can find All That Glitters on Goodreads

About the Author:
Tracy's love of writing began at nine years old. She wrote stories about aliens at school, machines that did homework for you, and penguins. Now she pens books and short stories about romance. She loves to read a great book, whether it be romance or science fiction, or any genre in between, or pop popcorn and catch up on her favorite TV shows or movies. She's been known to crush a candy or two as well. Her loves include fitness, reading, coffee, dogs, and naps (not in that order), and her dislikes are blue cheese, cold weather, and burpees.

You can find and contact Tracy here:
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Review: Fated Memories by Joan Carney

Fated Memories
by Joan Carney
Genre: Historical Romance/ Time Travel Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: April 15, 2016

Blurb:
A woman, a war, a vision of the future past...

Burdened with the scars of a tortured childhood and a shattered romance, Kitty is being forced to resign from the dull, anonymous job she’s been hiding behind. With her life in shambles and her friends moving on without her, she jumps at her cousin, Maggie’s, invitation to visit.

However, Maggie’s new boyfriend, Simon, has a secret that accidentally hurls the trio a hundred and fifty years into the past. Trapped in the midst of the bloodiest war in American history, and acutely aware their actions might trigger a butterfly effect on the future, the events that unfold will require more mettle than Kitty’s ever had.

My Review:
Fated Memories is a fusion of time travel, historical fiction, and romance. The story takes the perspectives of Kitty and her cousin Maggie in turn. Kitty’s just coming out of a bad situation and jumps at the chance to get away and figure things out. Maggie’s trying to prepare for her grandmother’s final days. Simon is intrigued by Maggie, who resembles a woman named Lucy, a remnant of a past life of whom he’s dreamed since childhood. None of them expect to be dropped right in the middle of the American Civil War.

This story focuses less on the time travel and more on how the main characters deal with being dumped into the past with no way home. I really enjoyed the level of detail and the immersion into the life of field nurses in the American Civil War. There’s also a bit of light romance with some interesting twists, particularly when it starts to look like the three are doomed to live out their lives in the past.

I guess the only things I didn’t quite buy were the herbal remedies from one soldier’s wife that very much mimicked modern medicine and the wealthy seamstress who becomes Kitty and Maggie’s benefactor. Both seemed to be rather deus ex machina. Also, the reader knows very early on what causes the time travel, so it can be painful watching the characters consistently overlook that possibility. I mean, it’s really obvious.

Overall I enjoyed this story. It’s immersive and intriguing, and the main characters are likeable and believable. I’d recommend it to folks who enjoy historical fiction, romance, and time travel.

I received the review copy of this book from the author via Lola’s Blog Tours.
You can find Fated Memories on Goodreads

You can buy Fated Memories on Amazon. This book is part of Kindle Unlimited.

About the Author:
A transplant from the concrete sidewalks of New York City to the sunny beaches of Southern California, Ms. Carney enjoys writing stories about women who are strong—whether by nature or circumstance—and the men who love and respect them for who they are. Things that make her happy are rainy days (too much sun is a bore), writing the perfect first line, family get-togethers, reading books that grab her heart, and finding new connections in her genealogy research. Bold coffee and dark chocolate fuel the artistic fire inspired by her family, friends, and psycho, lizard hunting cat.

You can find and contact Joan here:
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