Review: Always Mine (St. Fleur #2) - AJ Renee

Title: Always Mine (St. Fleur #2)
Author: AJ Renee
Date(s) Read: March 26-28, 2017
Pages: 275
Format: Digital (Kindle)
Rating: 4.5

Review:

I was provided a copy of this book for review as a stop on the Blog Tour, in exchange for an honest review.  I would like to thank AJ Renee, the publisher, and Hea Book Tours for giving me the opportunity to read this book prior to its release on 3/29.

This book is the second book in the St. Fleur series and the second novel by author AJ Renee.  So far, she is two for two, when it comes to this series.  If she keeps going like this, this is easily going to become one of my favorite series, and with the number of books that I read, that is not a judgment that is passed lightly!  She is definitely one of those authors that I will always one-click to add their books to my kindle, and if I happen to have the extra money, own her books in print.

After reading her debut novel, Widower's Aura, I was definitely looking forward to the story of Linsey and Marc.  Their story is one that quickly became my favorite, the flashbacks that showed us how their attraction started and continue to grow - since Marc was best friends with Andrew, Lindsey's brother they grew up together.  However, it was the addition of the mystery and suspense that also drew me into the story.  Lindsey's stalker, and the clues and hints that are dropped so artfully throughout the story definitely help pull you in and make you want to finish it.

Oh, the chemistry between Marc and Lindsey is unmistakeable...however, I cannot count the number of times I wished I could grab them by the shoulders, shake them and yell..."USE YOUR WORDS!!!  TALK TO EACH OTHER!!" because it would no doubt make things so much easier at times. Despite their bumps in the road, I greatly enjoyed watching this couple grow, as well as the catch up with Sofia and Nick.

So, if you're looking for your next romance read with a bit of suspense and some great story telling, I definitely recommend you pick up Widower's Aura and Always Mine, plus any other books that are part of the St. Fleur series by AJ Renee.  You won't be disappointed and you might just find your next favorite read!

Review: Fire and Gold

Title: Fire and Gold
Author: Mara Amberly
Format: e-book
Pages: 189
Date(s) read: Oct 10-12, 2016
Rating: 4.5

Summary:

Sisters by birth, heroes by choice! In the city of Kalle, Cassia and Alexa are priestesses of the Sisters of Destiny, an order of female sorcerers. While absent from the temple, their home is attacked and the sisters return to find it ablaze; many of their fellow priestesses slain. Barely escaping alive, the sisters face an uncertain future, unsure of who they can trust.

Review:

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

When I was approached with this particular novel, I wasn't entirely certain what to think.  I'm a sucker for a good fantasy novel, however, I'm not entirely sure I was willing to commit to another series (because we all know I'll end up reading the entire series once it's out....because you know, that's the only logical thing to do).  I was honestly, pleasantly surprised by this story.

Mara  Amberly's writing is fantastic, and very reminiscent of some of my favorite fantasy writers. I love the world she has crafted in this fantasy novel, the characters are believable, relatable, and definitely among my favorites.  Without giving too much away, the plot is actually well developed and I hope that Amberly is able to keep the drive from this story going in the subsequent stories in this series.

There is a passage from this story that stands out to me, I'm not entirely sure why it does, however it has become one of my favorite small passages in the story.  To me it is a point that Cassia  realizes that not only does she want justice, no, vengence, but she also wants to protect others from the hatred, the hurt, the damage that could further be done by the Nemorans who had already done unspeakable things to her sisters, the priestesses.  I've included that particular quote below.

Cassia wondered about hatred and that fire of anger that smouldered inside of her, wanting to see the Nemorans slaughtered for what they did to her sisters. She didn’t just want justice, she wanted vengeance. Yet, she felt that went beyond hatred into hurt and the desire to protect others from their violence.

Ultimately, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new author and has a love for Andre Norton or Marian Zimmer Bradley.  This story will keep you on your toes, and leave you begging for more by the time the last word is read.

Review: Bishop Street

Title: Bishop Street
Author: Rene D. Schultz
Format: Ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 333
Date(s) Read: Oct. 06 - 15, 2013 
Rating: 4.5 (Originally a 3) 

Summary: 
Margaret Gray for the past twenty years remained hidden behind a facade of normalcy.  Riches and fame weren't always hers.  At seven she was dropped off at the Bishop Street Orphanage.  Beneath the cruel hand of Sister Theresa she forms a bond with her roommates.  At thirty-nine the nightmares return, and she hires a private detective to find her friends, starting a journey that will test her strength of character.  

Review: 

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had been slacking on getting this one done, mainly because even so many months later it has stuck with me.  Rene is one of those writers that you cannot read her books without having tissues handy, kinda like when I'm reading anything John Green...seriously, all the feels and all the tears. 

Originally I'd given this book a 3, however in going back over this book and re-reading a few things I've changed my ultimate review to a 4.5 because I believe it was worth the bump up.  

This is a book that will leave you with goosebumps and quite a few shed tears.  However, it is a heartwarming story that will leave you with a warm feeling of joy by the time the final word is read.  I spent many times unable to put the book down (to the dismay of my roommates and my own hunger) when I was reading it because I couldn't actually tear myself away from this story.  

I love the style of writing that Rene offers, her skill allows each and every character room to breathe and express themselves and ultimately entrench themselves within our hearts and minds.  Her characters are very real and very much vivid as you read through her work.  

Thank you Rene for ultimately offering me a chance to read this book and offer my words (even though I'm quite a bit late getting this review to you!)

Review: Death Eater Collection by Catherine Stovall

Title: Death Eater (The Complete Collection)
Author: Catherine Stovall
Format: E-book
Pages: 
Date(s) Read: November 25-28, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary: A story about a girl, a boy and the devil himself.  Thirteen lives are lived.  Twelve deaths mourned.  They have one chance left.  19 year old Vega Williams struggles against the pull and promise of death.  Her protector and guardian Zane strains against the chains of hell.  Both are cursed by Eurynome to live and love and die by their own demons.  Can they save each other and prove that love can survive anything, even death?

Review: 
I was given this collection by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you Catherine for the opportunity to once again delve into this world. 

Story 1: Condemned to Die - 4 stars
This is our introduction to Vera Williams and her guardian Zane.  This is the story that made me fall in love with them.  Hands down.  This is by far a fantastic story of revenge for love, and I continue to re-read it as often as I can because I adore the relationship between Vera and Zane.  There is a lot more I could say about this one, but I'm not for one to give away spoilers.  I would highly recommend delving into this world and falling in love with this couple. 

Story 2: Destined to Live - 4 Stars
This story is Vera's last life.  There has to be a loophole.  There has to be something that can be done.  Zane finds a loophole.  However, the demon does what he does best and proceeds to torment Vera, making her relive each time she'd taken her life...all twelve times.  Then as he is in control, ensures that she wants to end her life thus wasting her last life.  I am all the more in love with Zane and Vera. 

Story 3: Fated to Return - 4.5 Stars
OH. EM. GEE.  I did not expect that conclusion.  Deceptive blurb concerning Vera and Zane's hunt for answers only added to the wonderfulness of this story.  The groundskeeper...interesting little thing that turned into a surprise.  The battle that happened, perhaps could have been a touch grander - but was still awesome none the less.  Despite a couple of things that came up that made me briefly go huh, this book ended up getting the highest rating of the three.  I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants a first glimpse into the work of Catherine Stovall. 

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review this series! Absolutely loved every moment of it!