Showing posts with label Teen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teen. Show all posts

2.29.2024

An Unlikely Proposition ~ Review

An Unlikely Proposition
Unexpected Seasons #2
By Roselyn Eves

Imagine being a widow at seventeen years of age. Well, Eleanor Lockhart finds herself in just such a position. Not only is she a widow, she's finished her year of mourning after a mere month of marriage. Yikes!!!! 

But her husband's death has left her with means, and she means to enjoy life a little and have some fun. Her late husband's nephew and heir has other ideas. If Eleanor marries, her inheritance then goes to her dear, loving nephew-in-law. He is so concerned at her widowed state he is determined to help her find someone to become husband number two, and the sooner, the better. After all, he can certainly make better use of her money.

But first, Eleanor needs a new companion, one who won't steer her into a new marriage. Enter Thalia Aubrey, a young woman with poetic tendencies. A friendship between the two young women soon forms.

This is a lovely and delightful Regency read that finds a young woman having to navigate a new period of life. But she's determined to keep her independence, an independence afforded her by her late husband. But she'll have to figure out how to thwart those who are after her inheritance (namely her late husband's nephew). There are heroes and villains, fake engagements, and discovered loves. And they all end in a tangled mess that has a most satisfying conclusion. 

This an enjoyable read that, though written for the young adult reader, can easily be enjoyed by most, especially if you are a fan of Regency Romance. Highly recommended for a quiet afternoon or a long weekend in your favorite cozy corner.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide an honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
A standalone companion to An Improbable Season, this Regency romance ⁠― perfect for fans of Bridgerton ― is about following your heart, pursuing your dreams, and falling head over heels in love.

Eleanor did not come to London to be proper and boring. After the death of her husband and a year of mourning, the seventeen-year-old wants nothing more than her independence and to have a little fun. She’s hardly looking to remarry, despite pressures from her late husband’s nephew, who is keen on obtaining her inheritance. Eleanor quickly devises a plan that includes a fake engagement. What’s not a part of the plan? Falling for a dashing, quiet man outside of her social circle – a man who is not her betrothed. Can she survive the Season with her heart and her fortune intact?

Thalia is determined to begin afresh after a disastrous first Season in London. No romantic distractions, but only her work as a poet and newfound companion to Eleanor. Determined to get her poems published, she struggles to be taken seriously as a female writer. As the spring progresses, Thalia does not expect to take interest in a man from her past (a man who is engaged to her employer, no less!), but some feelings demand to be felt even if the timing isn’t quite right.

Rosalyn Eves's An Unlikely Proposition is a transportive Regency drama that captures the sparkle of London, the thrill of friendship, and the swoon of new love.



10.24.2023

To Break a Silence ~ Review

To Break a Silence
A Little Mermaid Retelling
By Lydia Mae

I have to say I love all the Little Mermaid retellings that are coming out this year. Each is unique and utterly charming and To Break a Silence is no different in this respect. However the story is though there are easily identifiable aspects that mark this as retelling of the Little Mermaid. And as part of The Shattered Tales this is a perfect addition.

It is Stella's first time above the surface and she makes a mistake that dashes all her hopes and dreams of a life that includes visits above the surface of the sea. But she is given a chance to win the heart of the man who she rescued from the sea. But the magic that will transform her into a human will work for just a short time. And she'll have to pay a price for this magic - pain while walking and talking - shards of glass pain. Well, walking has to be done, but speaking -  that she can avoid. But getting her heart's desire without the use of her voice could prove challenging. 

What Stella  hadn't expected was her utter lack of  being able to breath, swim, do anything while in the sea. In fact she needs a bit of help. When she is "found" by Captain Dillon Carvy, she gets herself into a bit of a situation - she is mistaken for someone else! 

But Stella is determined to get her heart's desire and she'll use what little advantage she can get. And what is her heart's desire? To win the heart of the prince, of course. But said prince is betrothed to a princess. And when he is rescued he falls for his "rescuer," who is not Stella or the princess. Yikes, we have a tangle if ever there was one.

I have to say I like Stella and Dillon, but the prince, Percival can't say I was an instant fan of his. He definitely came off as entitled and left much to be desired in my opinion. But he did have a dimple so I guess that more than amply made up for his less than welcoming behavior (um, not!). Dillon is caught in the middle of everything - the prince nearly dying, losing his ship, his captaincy, disappointing his father and everything due to a siren's song. Determined to hunt down the siren who wrought all this destruction, he instead finds a young woman in need of his assistance. And a way to reclaim what he has lost.

Get ready to escape into a world of dreams, wishes, and choices. Time is a precious commodity that is all too quickly slipping away, will Stella Break her Silence before it is too late? 

But there is another thread running through this story - forgiveness. And it is interesting how the various characters all need to give or ask for it. As one character says, "Everyone needs forgiveness." I think this was a pivotal moment in a personal, internal way. All too often that is how realizations come.

This is a delight that you won't want to miss. And the conclusion was not what I was expecting, or rather how it came about was a nice and unique touch.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.  


About the Book:

A siren's song holds power over skies and men.

Stella has never seen the sky until the day she speaks her oaths and is brought above the surface. After her first encounter with a land-walker's ship forces her to sing up a storm that pulls a prince into the water, she chooses to rescue him.

When Stella's blossoming affection for the prince is threatened by another, she makes a choice to trade her fins for legs. The price: phantom glass in her throat if she dares to use her voice and in her feet when she walks.

Captain Dillon Carvy is determined to have his revenge after a siren’s song costs him his ship and his favored position as the prince's captain. While searching for signs of the siren, Dillon discovers a struggling maiden instead. Pulling a silent girl from the sea, he sees the perfect opportunity to gain his position back.

A case of mistaken identity puts Stella right where she wants to be in the prince's palace. But unless she breaks her silence, continuing her charade may cost her the happiness she hopes for, and quite possibly her life.

To Break a Silence is a retelling of A Little Mermaid. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

10.17.2023

Battle for the Land of Sweets ~ Review


Battle for the Land of Sweets
The Christmas Realm Chronicles
By Kaitlyn King

The Battle for the Land of Sweets is a new take on the Nutcracker Suite. But it is set in a contemporary setting that finds cousins and siblings trying to survive or enjoy Christmas based on their individual perspectives. Nadine, the youngest, is overjoyed to find herself participating in the ballet. Her brother Oliver is not so happy - dad is gone, they are living with their Scrooge-like uncle, a busy aunt, and an overworked mom. Yeah, not a happy mix, in Oliver's opinion, and Christmas - bleah. Felicity is trying her best to help her younger cousins be as happy as possible, and that starts with Christmas. But it is hard when the only one who seems to respond to her attempts is Nadine. And her older brother Ethan is becoming more like dad - money-driven. But when the only seasonal job open for Ethan is at Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Emporium, everything is about to change.

In Drosselmeyer’s there is a back workroom that Ethan can't enter, it is always locked and his boss says he isn't yet ready for the key to that lock. I know, intriguing. What's behind the locked door? Even more intriguing is that it is an old intricate-looking lock. But when mice enter the shop through that door, the excitement and adventure are just beginning. 

Yes, I can hear your thoughts, "Mice??" Yes, MICE, not the sometimes cute mice that one can find running around. Nope, these are BIG mice, mice the size of a full-grown human. YIKES!! Call in someone because these mice not only entered the shop through the mysterious back door, they return through it, taking a most unwilling Drosselmeyer with them.

Ethan, Felicity, and Oliver, who both just happen to be shopping in the store at that particular moment, pursue them and get trapped in a strange wintery world. A world in which they need to escape and return home. But there are some who are determined to stop them as they could upend their nefarious plans.

This is an adventure-packed retelling that is wholly new and unique. Perfect for middle-grade readers and up. If you like Christmas, Nutcrackers, or adventures that ring true to classics, this is one story you don't want to miss. And this is a land I wouldn't mind revisiting in further adventures. This book caught my attention and kept me wondering what would happen next. This truly is an adventure worthy of Narnian comparisons. I highly recommend it and would even suggest it would be a perfect chapter-a-day family reading. It is that good, though the two boys could be a bit tiresome with their attitudes at the beginning, though one can understand why.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Hidden in the back of an old nutcracker and sweets shop is a door…behind it is a magical land full of chocolate rivers, sugar flowers, and candy cane trees.

Christmas used to be the Tannon family’s favorite holiday, but thirteen-year-old Oliver can’t imagine celebrating after his dad deserted their family. Peace on Earth? Yeah right! Oliver doesn’t believe it exists.

His younger sister Nadine is hopeful that this Christmas can still be a happy one now that she has been given a part in the famous Nutcracker ballet.

Fifteen-year-old Felicity will do anything to give her cousins the Merry Christmas they deserve. If only her older brother, Ethan, would get on board with her plans.

Ethan knows the true meaning of Christmas: money, money, money. He’s determined to get a job for winter break, but when he wanders into Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Emporium, he worries that his new boss has watched Nadine’s ballet one too many times.

When masked figures kidnap the eccentric shop owner, the Tannon teenagers follow them through a mysterious back door into a land where fantasy becomes reality. Nutcracker soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and even Mother Ginger are there to help them on their journey. But where there are heroes, there are also villains. The mice aren’t just a part of the fairytale; they’re real, and they’re tired of losing!

Can these adventurers save the land of sweets and make it back home before Christmas?

5.09.2023

Beauty Reborn ~ Review

Beauty Reborn
By Elizabeth Lowham

Beauty's name draws attention to her outer appearance, ignoring her thoughts, her words. Until Stephan, her name was merely a word, something those around her used to discount her thoughts and words. And catching Stephan's attention at first was an honor until he wouldn't stop trying to claim her for himself.

When her family lost everything, Beauty welcomed it, hoping it would steal her beauty. And when her father stole a rose, she took the opportunity to pay the cost of his theft. For a beast such as he described would surely end her life, ending her pain, her anger, her shame.

Beauty Reborn is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that offers a twist to the typical retellings. Beast is cursed, and to break the curse, he must get a young woman to agree to marry him. But marriage isn't something Beauty wants; she just wants to pay her father's debt. Her reasons aren't noble but selfish; she knows this but needs to hide away from the outside world. And the isolation of an unknown lost castle with only Beast as a companion seemed perfect. But then she got to know him. A beast he might be in appearance but not in his heart.

Beauty's story is slowly told throughout the book in short snippets within other scenes. It's as if certain actions bring forth memories she's tried to bury. 

Beast's story is more interesting and original. How he came to be cursed, living in an enchanted castle, and isolated, hidden away from everything. There is a moment when Beauty suggests the two should exchange names, which isn't too far-fetched when one gets glimpses at their hearts. I find the interactions of Beauty with her family to be rather telling. I can't say that I'd have wanted to be friends with any of the sisters. I have to be honest Beauty's brother, Rob, is who I am most sympathetic with, and I hope he gets his heart's desire.

This is a book that, depending on the individual, will either be loved or treated with indifference. Beauty's memories of Stephan sometimes jump out without warning that a break is coming. But I think this is what the author was going for, as Beauty is haunted by what happened and what she perceives as her role in what unfolded. Overall, I feel this was a good read, especially when one considers the subject matter. That being said, I would recommend this to older teens and adults.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Fantasy and reality collide in this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” about a young woman’s heroic quest to save herself.

Beauty’s life is the stuff of fairy tales. The youngest in her family, Beauty isn’t trying to catch Stephan’s eye. He is the lord baron’s heir, well above her family’s modest station, but when he kisses her hand at a party, Beauty is swept away by his charm, his wit, and his passionate declarations of love.

Hearts can be untamable creatures, especially when touched by the fires of first love, and Beauty doesn’t see the truth of Stephan’s intentions until it is too late. Until he stops asking for Beauty’s love—and simply takes it from her one night despite her refusal.

Beauty locks away the secret of what happened to her, and when her father emerges from the enchanted forest with a stolen rose in his hand and the tale of a vicious beast on his breath, Beauty seizes the chance to run as far from Stephan as possible.

She has some experience with beasts, after all. Certainly, the one in the forest couldn’t be any worse than the one she’s already encountered.

Breaking the Beast’s curse might be the key to discovering her own path to healing—and finding the courage to allow herself to feel reborn.

3.27.2023

Recruit of Talionis ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Recruit of Talionis by C.J. Milacci, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Recruit of Talionis

 Recruit of Talionis
 Talionis Series #1
 By C.J. Milacci

 The Recruit of Talionis is an intriguing read. Set sometime in the future,  the world as we know it has been drastically altered by something known as the Demise, and it is in this environment that we are introduced to Bria Averton. Bria is seventeen years old when her life is altered when she is stolen away from her home to an unknown city known as Talionis. 

 What is Talionis? And why she was brought there along with hundreds of other teens is foremost on her mind. All too soon, Bria learns that she is to forget her past and willingly serve Talionis and its ruler, Commander Demetrius Ark, without question. Following rules has always been a thing with Bria, and she isn't about to willingly and blindly serve her captors as they try to turn her into the perfect soldier. But her captors know things about her that they shouldn't, and they are more than happy to use any means possible to force her compliance.

But those who rule and control Talionis don't know Bria and her determination to escape and warn her family of this unknown threat to them. 

This is a harsh world. Punishment for failure or disobedience is severe, and kindness is vulnerability to be leveraged. Welcome to Talionis! This is definitely a dystopian read at its best. Survival is paramount, and betrayal is to be rewarded.

This is an action-packed read that is sure to engage. I will admit I found this to be a book I didn't want to put down. The characters are well-developed, and there are a few I really dislike (I mean, I really, really dislike them). There are a couple characters I can't get a good read on - are they evil? Are they sympathetic to the plight of the recruits? And then there is our small group of recruits determined to resist and not lose themselves to Talionis. Truly an excellent read that is a must-read, in my opinion. I love how it ended so that one knows more is to come. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Support the Kickstarter campaign to bring book two, Fugitive of Talionis, to print.

About the Book

Title: Recruit of Talionis
Series
: Talionis Series #1
Author
: C.J. Milacci
Publisher
: Fayette Press
Release Date
: November 3, 2022
Genre
: Young Adult Sci-Fi Dystopian

"Forget where you came from. Forget the life you knew. You are now recruits of Talionis!"

A teen with a dark past. A secret military force that kidnaps new soldiers. Can she survive as a Recruit of Talionis? 

America has fallen. Seventeen-year-old Bria Averton grew up in a small town of survivors near the ruins of Portland, Maine. It’s all she’s ever known — until she’s kidnapped along with hundreds of other teens and brought to the city of Talionis. A city no one knew existed. 

The soldiers tell them the intense trainings are for the good of the survivors, and Bria resists being forced into a new life as a recruited soldier. But she soon finds the dangers in the city are greater than she imagined. 

Escape is impossible, and Bria fears drowning in the evil of the city… and the guilt from her own past. But can she find hope, even here?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub


About the Author

C.J. Milacci

CJ Milacci has found creating to be therapeutic in the chaos of life. Writing is her favorite way to create, and she seeks to take her readers on a grand adventure that begins with a single word. As a referee, she is always relearning the hard lesson that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, and she’s discovered that stories can be found anywhere, even on a lacrosse field. She is passionate about crafting stories of good overcoming evil, finding hope in the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances, and true acceptance. Always willing to get real about hard issues, C.J. also enjoys the cheesiest of puns. She loves deep conversations, yo-yos, rollerblading, and finding reasons to throw a dance party. She chats about writing, her faith, and the hope found in Jesus, bubble tea, and other fun adventures online (@cjmilacci) and at cjmilacci.com.

Connect with CJ by visiting cjmilacci.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Recruit of Talionis with swag and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Recruit of Talionis JustRead Giveaway
The full tour schedule is linked below. 
The giveaway begins at midnight on March 27, 2023, and 
will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 3, 2023. 
The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 
and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 
US only. 
Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Recruit of Talionis JustRead Blog Tour

12.06.2022

The Broken Crown ~ Review

The Broken Crown
The Narrow Gate #1
By Amory Cannon

Emilia Aurelius has been forgotten by her father since the day her mother died as a traitor - for believing in a single God, a God that the Empire's rebels worship. But having served in a military outpost for most of the time since has made her strong and capable. As her father's only heir, her upbringing has ill-prepared her when she is summoned to the imperial city to vie for the crown prince's hand. 

Yup, she is in major trouble. Not only does she not know how to act like a proper princess, she secretly follows the same God that her mother did. Fortunately, the crown prince has entrusted her safety to his most trusted personal guard, Felix.

The Broken Crown is the first book in The Narrow Gate series, and it is packed full of drama as Emilia tries to determine just what she is supposed to do. Does she keep her beliefs secret? Is it her destiny to marry the future Emperor and then reveal her allegiances? It is a lot for a seventeen-year-old girl to figure out while surviving the political perils that are closing in around her.

I found this book to be engaging, and it held my interest from the first sentence. This is written for the YA audience, but it should appeal to older readers too. Readers of Jill Williamson (Blood of Kings series), Melanie Dickerson, Melanie Cellier, and Jennifer Nielsen (False King series) should enjoy this book/series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I offer my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:


Release Date: May 23, 2016
Genre: Clean YA Fiction

Princess Emilia Aurelius was only seven when she watched her mother die at the hands of her father—martyred for believing in the God of the Atlas Empire’s Insurgo rebels. At seventeen, exiled to a military outpost where no one knows her true identity, she’s vowed to leave her royalty behind and explore the truth of the Insurgo rebels her mother loved.

When the Emperor of Atlas summons the princesses from each of the provinces to the imperial city to choose a wife for the crown prince, Emilia must leave her military life behind to join a royal court rife with cunning and intrigue. Navigating the waters of court politics and budding love are treacherous on their own, but Emilia fears for her life should anyone learn of her Insurgo sympathies.

With an unlikely ally in the captain of the emperor’s guard, Emilia must uncover the truth of the Insurgos, start a revolution, and learn to become the princess she’s vowed never to be, all while protecting her heart from a prince who could sign her death warrant.

The Desolate Reign ~ Review

The Desolate Reign
The Narrow Gate #2
By Amory Cannon

Emilia Aurelius has escaped the capital city with Felix, Hannah, Cecelia, Antony, and a contingent of soldiers with loyalty to Felix. But something about their escape seems too easy. 

And she's more than hurt at Ronan's silence when she was sentenced to death; she's angry. And she is faced with making decisions she never expected to have to make. Does she claim the crown of Borealis following her father's murder? Or does she go in search of the Insurgos?

At 17 years old, Emilia Aurelius has seen more than most young women her age, definitely more than a princess. But Emilia is no ordinary princess, having spent most of her life in exile following her mother's death for treason. She can fight better than most of the soldiers she has trained with. But acting like a princess is something she is not prepared for. And taking the reigns of a nation and leading even less.

But as Emilia finds out, even though she is free from the Empire, she is still being manipulated. But now she is manipulated by more than the royal court. But to bring peace, she will give up what she truly wants. But will her sacrifices bring peace between the Insurgos and Borealis, and by extension, the Empire? 

The Desolate Reign is the second book in The Narrow Way series, and if possible, more intense than The Broken Crown. Emelia and Felix are caught in the circumstances of who they are. Felix is as mysterious as can be - his past is unknown. And both are determined to do their duty, but where will it lead them? Emelia feels a pull and a voice seems to be asking her to do something, but how can she know what the right answer is? 

I found this book to be engaging, and it held my interest from the first sentence. This is written for the YA audience, but it should appeal to older readers too. Readers of Jill Williamson (Blood of Kings series), Melanie Dickerson, Melanie Cellier, and Jennifer Nielsen (False King series) should enjoy this book/series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I offer my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: February 20, 2020
Genre: Clean YA Fiction

Emilia Aurelius should be a queen, but she’d settle for not being a fugitive. Taking refuge in the Borealis court seems to be her only chance to find a haven from Emperor Cyrus, who is playing a dangerous game of power with a set of rules all his own. Unfortunately, her own country is on the brink of civil war, attacked from within and without by the very people she’s sworn to save—the Insurgos.

With the truth of the Insurgos’ God and agenda murkier than ever, Emilia embarks on a treacherous quest for truth and her rightful place as queen. Neither will come without a price. Political pressure may force her to choose between her crown and her heart, while the search for ancient secrets unearths more questions than answers.

A mysterious prisoner may hold the information she seeks if she’s willing to bargain. What is the Narrow Gate? Can she finish what she started and save the Insurgos from extinction… even if they don’t want to be saved?

10.02.2022

The Questmaster's Trap ~ Review

The Questmaster's Trap
Champion's Quest #2
By Frank L. Cole

The second book in the Champion's Quest takes the reader on a journey fraught with danger. When Lucas, Miles, and Jasmine answer a summons from Hob, they are expecting to enter their next quest. But rather, they find that not everything is as to seems and have unwittingly walked into a trap that could destroy everything.

But to survive, the Wild Crows need to up their skill level fast and replace a missing player. Because if they can't, they may fail, and failure isn't an option, not with the fate of everything and everyone depending on them.

This is a fast-paced, action-filled book that will grab the attention of pre-teen readers. The gaming world setting is a draw that will pull them into the story. But winning isn't the sole focus as the Wild Crows will need to work together and trust one another if they hope to succeed. Going it alone sometimes isn't enough, and sometimes teamwork is what is necessary to see a problem from all sides while coming up with a solution that has the best chance of success.

While our heroes are battling a range of mythological creatures, there is nothing over-the-top in regard to violence. There is no graphic anything or no offending language. This is just good clean reading with a sci-fi/fantasy adventure with a few twists and turns. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectation but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Hello, Brave Reader: You’re just in time to roll the Die of Destiny and play a game of Champion’s quest. The wizard Questmaster Hob has summoned the Wild Crows on a new adventure. But not everything is what it seems.

A new, sinister Questmaster creates chaos for Lucas, Miles, and Jasmine. They are ill-prepared to fight stronger, challenging monsters, including an evil centaur who has taken a magical ally hostage. As the Wild Crows journey to rescue her, they encounter shadow elves, troltusses, and giants. They also learn new skills and strategies, and discover their quest is more than just a game this time. The fate of the world of Champion’s Quest—including the lives of the wizards Hob and Bogie—hangs in the balance.

Can the Wild Crows prevail? Will the luck of the dice be in their favor? Can they gather the right magical items and overcome their weaknesses? It will take true champions and a bit of luck to win this gripping, fantastical, high-stakes adventure.

9.04.2022

Entrusted ~ Review

Entrusted
Knights of Brethren #6
By Jody Hedlund

The race to save their country from their neighbor is coming to a close as time has run out. The enemy has crossed their border and has advanced deeper into Norvegia. Kristoffer Prestegard is the last Knight of Brethren with any hope of capturing the holy lamp from Swaine's troops. But what he doesn't realize is that there are other forces at work, forces that are bent on toppling King Ansgar and putting Kristoffer on the throne in his stead. 

But Kristoffer's loyalty is to Norvegia and King Ansgar. And he is determined to stop the Dark Warriors, who are aiding King Canute's efforts in taking Norvegia. When he and his squires come face to face with these formidable warriors in the dark of night, Kristoffer never imagined he might come away from the battle with something that could aid him in his quest. Princess Birgitta of Swaine was leading the warriors, holding their blood thirst in check. At least, she was before she became a prisoner.
What follows is a battle of wits and intellect as Kristoffer seeks to prevent his prisoner's escape and Brigitta attempts to lull him into complacency. What neither expected was the spark of attraction to grow between them. Falling in love with the enemy can't happen.

Entrusted is the sixth and final book in the Knights of Brethren series, and it is the definite climax as everything comes together. Will Norvegia withstand the threats, or will she fall as forces within and without conspire against her? As the final book, I can only say, "WOW!" This book was excellent and draws the series to a conclusion that can't be missed. Treachery, betrayal, a kingdom teetering on the brink, and a thoroughly impossible attraction. Yes, Jody Hedlund knows how to weave words so that one enters a world and becomes thoroughly engaged so that when the end comes, one is disappointed that the end has come. 

I do recommend reading all the books in the series as they build upon one another. But the immediate predecessor, Enflamed, is an absolute must, as it too deals with the third quest - the search for the holy lamp and focuses on Kristoffer's family, providing needed background for Entrusted. Now I know this series is over, but I would love a companion series that would touch on some of the other characters and what happens to them. That, in my opinion, is the best endorsement of any book or series when you want more from this world.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
During a time when legends were born . . .

ENTRUSTED

The feisty enemy princess, 
the cunning knight holding her captive, 
and the ultimate battle that will determine their fate.

Hoping to minimize the death and destruction of the coming war, Princess Birgitta of Swaine leads the Dark Warriors as part of her brother King Canute’s efforts to take the throne of Norvegia. As she engages in a skirmish with a band of elite Knights of Brethren, she’s kidnapped by Kristoffer Prestegard, a cunning warrior.

While searching for the holy lamp that can help defeat the Dark Warriors, Kristoffer realizes that Swaine has already seized the ancient relic. Since King Canute is fiercely protective of his sister, Kristoffer offers to return Princess Birgitta in exchange for the coveted holy lamp.

While trying to keep his feisty prisoner from escaping, Kristoffer learns that his father and uncle have set in motion a scheme that would give him the kingship of Norvegia. Where will Kristoffer’s loyalties lie, and how will he choose sides without losing everything, including the princess he’s grown to love?

The real story of the Holy Lamp continues . . .

8.09.2022

Enflamed ~ Review


Enflamed
Knights of Brethren #5
By Jodi Hedlund

Sylvi Prestegard has always considered Espen as someone she could depend on to aid her, and if ever there was a time she needed his aid, it was now.  But Espen, like her brother Kristoffer, is on a quest for the king. To stop King Canute's Dark Warriors, the Holy Lamp must be located with all haste to prevent Norvegia from falling to Swaine.

But when Espen's entreaties on Sylvi's behalf are denied and met with scorn, Sylvi knows she must thwart the evil plans being made that will destroy her future and threaten Norvegia's throne. The only way that she can see to save the kingdom and her future is to wed Espen.

But Espen knows he will never be worthy of any noblewoman, much less, Sylvi, who has been groomed all her life, to use her beauty as a tool in her father's quest for greater worth and prestige. But he must save Sylvi, and Espen only hopes he can be strong enough to do what must be done to keep her protected until she is free from her father's threat.

Filled with all the adventure and daring of the previous books in the Knights of Brethren series, Enflamed will keep you reading until the very end. You won't want to put this one down, and it will keep you reading until the early hours of the morning. There are some unexpected twists as Espen and Sylvi's quest reveals a threat no one knew about - one that could spell the end of all of Norvegia's hopes to stop Swaine and the threat she and her king pose.

Enflamed could easily be read without first reading the first four books in the series but reading the books in order will make for a more satisfying reading experience. This is one series I highly recommend reading in order.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Don't you just love this cover?


About the Book:
During a time when legends were born . . .

ENFLAMED

The most beautiful noblewoman in the kingdom, 
the lowly knight who can never have her, 
and the forbidden love they share.

When Sylvi Prestegard discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy nobleman known for his thieving ways, she’s desperate to avoid the union. She turns to her childhood friend Espen, a Knight of Brethren, counting on his loyalty and kindness to help her escape.

Espen has been given an urgent mission to locate the holy lamp, an ancient relic necessary to defeat the enemy invading their country. In addition to his royal quest, he’s determined to protect Sylvi, the woman he’s always secretly loved. When she suggests the two of them marry to thwart her father’s plans, Espen cannot deny her request.

As they search for the holy lamp, Lord Prestegard pursues them, intent on reclaiming his daughter. With Espen’s life at stake, Sylvi must conspire to save them both. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are the flames of their forbidden love destined to be extinguished?


The real story of the Holy Lamp . . .

7.10.2022

Enriched ~ Review

Enriched
Knights of Brethren #4
By Jody Hedlund

Torvald, one of the Knights of Brethren, has been called home - he must marry to save his family estate from ruin. He has no choice in the manner, though marriage is the last thing he wants. Marriage destroyed his father and he refuses to ruin himself by loving his wife. Love is a weakness and he refuses to fall into its entrapment. He'll marry and then return to his quest for the sacred chalice that holds the promise of healing for the queen, after all, he has a duty.

There is just one problem with Torvald's plans, Lady Karina is not only lovely in appearance but in spirit. Karina has spent the last three years in a convent fully intending to take her vows to the church when her father makes a request of her. Can she give up her dreams of being a nun and marry a man she has never met? Duty to her family finds her agreeing to her father's wishes but with no promise of a future marriage with love, she feels rejected. Can she love him and hope to change his mind?

As the threat of war draws ever closer Torvald does what he must in service to the kingdom all while fighting to keep his vow of never loving his wife. Karina does all that she can to keep Torvald safe even if it breaks her heart. And sacrificing all her happiness may be the only way she can save the man she has come to care for.

Enriched is the fourth book in the Knights of Brethren series and it in no way disappoints or backs away from the quest that has bound the Knights together. This book continues the quest into Hardanger Forest that was begun by Gunnar in Ensnared (Book 3). Now if you haven't read any of the previous books, I would recommend reading them first as this series needs to be read in order to fully understand and appreciate all the layers to the series. Each book builds on the previous one so reading out of order will throw you off.

As with all of Jody Hedlund's books, this is another must-read. The setting is medieval so if you love books that are set within this time frame and want them to be on the clean side of romance with not a lot of graphic anything you will want to add this to your tbr list.  A perfect teen read selection.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own. 


About the Book:
During a time when legends were born . . .

A wealthy noblewoman with a heart of gold, a wounded knight closed off to love, and the sacrifices for a chalice that can bring healing.

Lady Karina lives in a convent and expects to become a nun someday. When her wealthy father asks her to help his textile business become more successful by marrying one of the popular Knights of Brethren, Karina complies, ever the dutiful daughter.

During a royal quest to find the sacred chalice, Torvald is called home to save his family’s estate through an arranged marriage to a wealthy maiden. Although willing to do his duty, he’s vowed never to give his heart to anyone after watching his father suffer heartbreak over a woman.

As Torvald weds the kind and lovely Karina, he resists the pull of attraction to his bride. Even though Karina feels the sting of Torvald’s rejection, she chooses to love him unconditionally. As he resumes his search for the chalice and puts his life in jeopardy, Karina makes the ultimate sacrifice for him. Will he have the chance to love her in return before it’s too late?

The real story of the Holy Grail continues . . .  

6.25.2022

Catching Hope ~ Review with Giveaway

Catching Hope JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 
Catching Hope by Kathy Cassel, 
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Catching Hope

 Catching Hope 
 By Kathy Cassel 

 Lexi Michaels and her twin brother Levi are taking their first
 vacation in like ever. Having spent most of their lives in less
 than ideal homes the prospect of taking a vacation much less
 one in Haiti seems so unreal. But the excitement of a vacation
 with their new family takes a scary and dangerous turn when
 someone targets their family and the life-saving drugs they
 brought with them.

 Lexi, Levi, their brother Chad, and cousin Jen have to learn to
 work together and see beyond the surface when danger finds
 them. But more than anything they need to place their trust in
 God even when nothing seems to be going right. Can Lexi
 believe that she'll have the forever family she's always wanted?

 Catching Hope offers non-stop action as danger pursues these
 four teens across Haiti. This is clean reading which sadly many
 YA books sadly lack. Life isn't perfect - nor is it happily-ever-after. But it is realistic, though with a lot more adventure and action than the average teen would hopefully experience. This book would be appropriate for readers 12 years and up, in my opinion. Yes, there are scary situations but nothing over-the-top. This book is faith-filled as the various characters react to the varying situations they find themselves in throughout.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Catching Hope 
Author: Kathy Cassel 
Publisher: Haven Point Publishing 
Release Date: March 22, 2022 
Genre: Teens/YA, Christian 

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger. 

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Cassel is the author of eleven books for Christian preteens and girls and three Young Adult Fiction books.

Kathy Cassel 

Kathy grew up in northern Indiana, lived on three different continents while her husband was in the USAF, and now lives in the Florida Panhandle. She and her husband have eight children, five of whom are adopted, three from Haiti and two from the United States. They also have six grandchildren. Kathy’s favorite activities are those that involve traveling and adventures that include her children and grandchildren. In order to better relate to the characters in her stories, Kathy has done things such as whitewater rafting, certify in scuba diving, and get her motorcycle endorsement. She draws the line at sky diving. 

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 BAM card gift card!

Catching Hope JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

11.12.2021

Enamored ~ Review

Enamored
Knights of Brethren #1
By Jody Hedlund

She's never wanted to rule but she is her uncle's chosen heir and she has choice before her. She must choose who will rule at her side. Elinor hoped for a love match but the noblemen gathered for the weeklong courtship have not touched her heart. With only a week to decide she is feeling the pressure to make a decision that will benefit the kingdom if she doesn't find the man whose heart calls to hers.

Maxim never wanted to leave Elinor behind but as a child he was given little choice - their friendship was a threat to what can be. After years away Maxim has been summoned home by the father who never approved of him. And now Maxim is slowly being trapped by Rasmus's machinations. With a mind adept at solving the most complex problems Maxim only hopes that he can find a way out of the problem he now finds himself in. 

Can he save the kingdom and people who mean the most to him? Or will he become but the latest pawn in this battle of minds?

Enamored is the first book in the Knights of the Brethren series and it will quite literally leave you wanting the next book now. This is an all too delightful book filled with intrigue, danger, daring and romance. Pick it up and you too will be enamored from the beginning. Jody Hedlund's YA books are the perfect weekend or nighttime get-away and a must read!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

During a time when legends were born . . .

ENAMORED

A princess in need of a husband, a young Sage who cannot have her, and a web of deceit that threatens their love

Having been raised by her childless aunt and uncle, the king and queen, Princess Elinor finds herself the only heir to the throne of Norvegia. As she comes of age, she must choose a husband to rule beside her, but she struggles to make her selection from among a dozen noblemen during a weeklong courtship.

With aspirations to become the wisest man in the land, Maxim is summoned home by his father Rasmus, a Royal Sage. Reunited with Elinor, once his closest friend, Maxim is quickly enamored with her even though he can never be considered a prospect for her husband.

Elinor’s feelings for Maxim are rekindled too . . . until she learns he has been unwillingly drawn into Rasmus’s scheme to take control of the throne. With the kingdom under attack both from within and without, can Elinor and Maxim overcome the deceit spinning around them? Or will it destroy their love once and for all?

The real story of Excalibur.

5.31.2021

Iridescent ~ Review

Iridescent
Iridescent #1
By S.H. Everly
A promise. 
A broken heart. 
And a map that leads to more than just buried treasure.

For Katrina Peterson moving back to California is the worst possible thing that could happen. Chicago has been her home for more than ten years and the worst part is that she's leaving behind her best friend, Brandon. Senior year is not going to anything like she expected or planned. 

But Santa Cruz was home to Kate and Aunt Jan 12 years ago, before the big storm took her parents from her. Before so many were lost that fateful night. If only Brandon could have made the move with them Kate could be happy.

Soon Kate is making new friends, including Matt and Jared who seem to be at odds with one another. She's also meeting people who knew her parents, getting glimpses into who her mother was. But the more she learns the less she truly knows, can she unravel the mystery shrouding her mother? And will the map her mother left help her uncover the truth? Kate can only hope. And then there is the irresistible pull that the ocean has upon her - a pull that is at odds with her fear of it. 

Someone is determined to stop Kate but why? As Kate enlists the help of her new friends she learns truths about herself that she never expected. Truths that are about to forever alter her life.

As Kate navigates the imminent approach of adulthood she leans on her friends, family, and faith to help her determine just what she should do. This is an enjoyable read that though intended for a young adult audience can easily be enjoyed by a broader audience. So find a cozy corner or quiet beach and enjoy this contemporary YA fantasy that will leave you wanting more! And I really want book 2!!!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion if I so desired. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
For 17-year-old Katrina Peterson, life is never the same after she finds out she’s moving back to California. Upon arrival, Katrina learns that the town has secrets, and at the heart of them is the mysterious and popular Jared, who’s been dreaming about her long before she came to Santa Cruz.

Only one thing seems to have all the answers: a map given to her by her mother. But Katrina wonders how long she can keep her own secret from Jared. Will he ever accept her for who she truly is? But, more importantly, can she?

A story filled with friendship, family, love, and even faith, Iridescent will take you away to the beaches and ocean waters of Central California, and on a magical journey in this coming-of-age book.

1.21.2021

Hunger ~ Cover Reveal

 It's time for another cover reveal!

The second book in Jill Williamson's Thirst Duology is
about to be revealed. And it is an excellent companion look
to Thirst.

But before we get to the cover, I'm sure you want
to know a little about the book first.

In the wake of a pandemic, Eli and his friends find a thriving community that offers free housing, food, and thankfully, safe drinking water. But something is amiss. The residents spend most of their time partying and attending concerts. No one seems concerned that the virus is still out there. When Eli tries to leave, he discovers a fence has been built to keep him, and everyone else, inside.

Hannah is tired of running. When she is conscripted to work in the hospital, she hopes she’s finally found a place to belong, but Admin’s disregard for a doctor’s pledge to “First do no harm” is unsettling.

As Hannah starts to wonder if she will ever be safe again, Eli clings to his hope for freedom. In a world filled with lies, can they learn to trust each other? Or will their hunger for safety trap them in a world that’s not so safe after all?

Now Thirst is scheduled to be released on April 8, 2021, in hardcover, paperback, and eBook.
If you are planning on going the eBook route, you can preorder it at:

You can learn more at:

Now it is time to check out the cover.