Evermore ~ Review

Evermore
The Lost Princesses #1
By Jody Hedlund

Adelaide has a life that she loves though since Uncle Whelan's death life has been more difficult. And with Aunt Susanna's deteriorating health Adelaide's life is about to change especially when the truth about who she is is revealed. The long-lost Princess Constance didn't die when King Ethelwulf seized the throne of Mercia instead she was hidden away at Langley for the last 17 years and the time to lay claim to her throne has come.

But Adelaide has no desire to change her life and claim what she doesn't know. But when she sees the suffering of the people that she should be queen over she knows that she has little choice in the matter. She owes it to those who her parents ruled to become the ruler that they desired her to be.

But King Ethelwulf is determined to hold onto his united kingdom of Bryttania (the reunion of Mercia and Warwick) and he will do whatever he can to keep Adelaide from laying claim to what he believes is his and his family's by right. And the "cousins" who love her will do all in their power to keep her safe even if it costs them everything. Christopher wants Adelaide to lead the rebellion that has grown over the years, the rebellion that he left home 5 years ago to join. While Mitchell wants to protect Adelaide and fulfill the vow he made upon his mother's deathbed.

Evermore is the first book in the Lost Princesses series but it isn't the beginning, to learn how Adelaide escaped from King Ethelwulf you will need to read the prequel novella Always. But Always isn't necessary to read and enjoy Evermore, though knowing the backstory is always nice. Evermore is the beginning of the quest to restore what was lost and the first step is Adelaide laying claim to the throne that was stolen and then to find the sisters she has lost uniting with them to find a long lost treasure. Evermore is the first step and it is a delightful book that is complete in itself and one can anticipate the next book without being left hanging from a cliff. One knows more is coming but it is a satisfying ending.

I was provided with 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:

An ancient key. 

A secret treasure. 

And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace. 

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall ~ Review

The Governess of Penwythe Hall
The Cornwell Novels #1
By Sarah E. Ladd

Jac and Randall Trethewey have been estranged for years - a rift that happened when Jac inherited Penwythe Hall from their uncle. But when Randall unexpected dies his children are about to not only meet the uncle they have never seen they are to live with him until their maturity. Suddenly Jac's world is upended with the unexpected arrival of his three nieces, two nephews, their governess - Cordelia Greythorne, and their tutor - Hugh Simon. 

Three years ago Cordelia Greythorne was driven from her late husband's home and threatened if she should ever return to Cornwell. For three years Delia has not returned to Cornwell until the children to whom she is governess lose their father and are sent to live in Cornwell. Hidden away at Penwythe Hall Delia hopes that the Greythornes will never learn of her return to Cornwell. But Delia knows the Greythornes and knows that they will never stop until they get from her what they seek.

This is a delightful series debut that takes the reader to the Cornish coast where danger is found not only on the wild and untamed terrain but from those who feel themselves above the law. And when Delia's past threatens all that she holds dear she must decide whether she'll give in to the evil that she has tried to escape from or if she will stand firm refusing to become one of them. This time more than her safety is at stake.

I really enjoyed getting to know the Tretheway family and would be interested in knowing just why Jac got Penwythe instead of Randall and why Randall broke ties with his brother over it. This is historical fiction that is set within the Regency period and there is most definitely a bit of mystery surrounding Delia and her past. And for those who like clean reads, this is one that just for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Cornwall was in her blood, 

and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811
Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

A Glitter of Gold ~ Review

A Glitter of Gold
Georgia Coast Romance #2
By Liz Johnson

Anne Norris just wants to leave the guilt and shame of the past behind her. Having relocated to Savannah, Georgia, she hopes she can get a fresh start - one that includes no one ever having to know the biggest mistake she ever made. And to be sure she never again repeats her mistake she will avoid men forever if not longer. But everything changes when she makes a find that could alter her life forever - one that could give her business a boost. There is just one problem - she needs expert help to prove her find - a find that Carter Hale alone knows the worth of. But can she trust him?

For years Carter Hale has dreamed of proving himself as more than a name - not wanting to rely on the family name that could open doors for him he has gone his own way. He has gone into maritime history and an old diary was what drew him into this world. If he could discover the location of the Catherine or some tangible proof that she existed he could move on to a more prestigious museum and prove himself not only to the world but to his father. But years of searching have never given him the proof he needs - until Anne Norris walks into his museum with a find of a lifetime.

Anne and Carter are both running from what they have known - for two very different reasons, but Anne's discovery offers them both a chance to change what they both have now. But time is against them as they work to find the treasure that they seek. But treasure is a problem all its own and sometimes obtaining it costs more than it is truly worth. Can Anne and Carter discover the treasure that they truly seek or will the glitter of gold cost them everything?

This is the second book in the Georgia Coast Romance series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book if you haven't yet read the previous book. This book is an easy read and doesn't seem as long as its 300+ pages sounds. This book is both contemporary and historic as the reader is allowed glimpses into the diary that sparked Carter's interest all those years ago and is the clue to what they seek in the present day. I would highly recommend this book to those seeking a gentle read and are fans of contemporary, history, and romance as this book skillfully gives you all three.

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


About the Book:

Discover a treasure worth more than all the pirate gold in the world

Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but things do not go as planned.

Carter is fascinated with the wreck, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she'd never do again: trust a man.

Deadly Intentions ~ Review

Deadly Intentions
By Lisa Harris

Someone is taking out the researchers in Caitlyn Lindsey's company and now they are after her. She just has to get someone to believe her. And with no actual proof in hand that is going to be a bit of a challenge especially if the killers get to her first. Her only hope is to convince the husband of the first victim that his wife was murdered not in a burglary gone wrong but to silence her permanently.

Detective Josh Solomon has spent the last year grieving the loss of his wife Olivia - if only he had known she was coming home early. If only she had called him. If only he had not given chase to the burglars. His life is filled with long hours to avoid the grief and the "if only's" that plague him. And when Caitlyn Lindsey reaches out to him he's not sure what to think and he doesn't want to revisit the pain of a year ago.

But Caitlyn's evidence combined with his own encounter with a pair of less than upstanding citizens convinces him there may be something to her concerns. But finding the evidence needed to convince someone to reopen his wife's case may prove to be a challenge. Especially when someone seems intent on stopping them no matter the cost. But how can they find evidence that Caitlyn never had and those who may have known something are all dead? The only thing they have to go on is a project name that doesn't exist in the company's records and Caitlyn's insistence that her friend would never take her own life.

Deadly Intentions is an intense read that you'll have trouble putting down - murder, conspiracy, biological threat, and greed - so give yourself all day or a long weekend to read this one. Some books just grab one from the opening line and this is one of those books. This isn't a gentle read but it is clean reading in the language and behavior department. Those familiar with Lisa Harris's work will not be disappointed with this one. This book appears to be a standalone so if you don't like trying out an unfamiliar author in the middle of a series this is one to go with.

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




About the Book:

There is no such thing as random

Research scientist Caitlyn Lindsey is convinced that someone is taking out her team one by one. First, a friend and research partner was killed in a home invasion. Three months ago, her boss died in a suspicious car accident. Four days ago, another partner supposedly committed suicide. And now Caitlyn herself has miraculously survived a hit-and-run. Afraid for her life with nowhere to turn, she reaches out to one of the victims' husbands, Detective Josh Solomon.

Though initially skeptical about Caitlyn's theory, Josh soon realizes the attack that took his wife's life was anything but random. Now the two of them must discover the truth about who is after Caitlyn's team--and what their end game is--before it's too late.

Storm Rising ~ Review

Storm Rising
The Book of Wars #1
By Ronie Kendig

Leif Metcalf is on a mission to recover an ancient text long thought to be lost. But the Book of the Wars has been located and Lief and his team are in a race against time and other interested parties to recover this book first. And in the opening prologue, we find him in pursuit of Viorica a Bulgarian operative who seemingly has beaten him to the prize.

But then the reader is taken back one month in time and the story takes up from there to get us back to the action of the prologue. After the intense opening, the characters and the plot are slowly revealed.  Around page 150 the action again picks up a stays fairly constant from there on until the end.

Now one needs to know that Leif Metcalfe is a former Nany Seal who had a mission go very wrong in his past and that he is missing 6-months worth of memories. And there are those for whom he works that seem very worried that he may recover what he lost.

Viorica is the name that Iskra Todorova is known by and she is a highly skilled operative who is under the direction of Hristoff Peychinovich. Iskra is seemingly loyal to Peychinovich but Leif is convinced after several confrontations with her that all is not as it seems - there is a look in her eyes that he knows all too well. But his team thinks otherwise and that she is somehow playing on his protective instinct.

But when someone steals the Book of Wars away can Lief and Iskra work together to make sure it stays out of the hands of someone who would use the knowledge of the future it contains for dangerous and deadly pursuits? Or will Iskra betray the trust between them to gain the freedom she so desires - the freedom to be who she wants to be?

With a powerful enemy always a step or two ahead of them saving the world may be impossible, on time will time if they can succeed and survive.

Overall this is a pretty good read - there is a bit of violence and abuse of every kind directed at certain characters which can make the reader uncomfortable due to its nature. And I will admit that there were parts of this book I just loved and others I wasn't too thrilled about (abuse, slavery, tweaking of Scripture). The writing was well-done, it kept my attention throughout, and I am anticipating book 2.

I have not read Ronie Kendig's Tox Files series but this book seems to make references to events that may have occurred in those books. But if this is the case I had no problem reading this book without this previous series. This book most definitely does leave the storyline open but the book in itself seems complete without leaving the main characters dangling from the figurative cliff, which is nice in my opinion. So one can easily wait for what's next without worrying that the next book will open with that cliff having fallen away while awaiting book 2. This book definitely provides a good dose of suspense with a pinch of romance and a sprinkling of the speculative that will appeal to many a reader.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations other than that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts provided are my own.

About the Book:

Does an Ancient Book of Prophecy 

Hold the Answers to Saving the World . . . 

Or Predict Its Destruction? 

Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets--and dangers--never before seen on earth.

Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them.

Iskra "Viorica" Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most--freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.

Vow of Justice ~ Review

Vow of Justice
Blue Justice #4
By Lynette Eason

Allison Radcliffe is determined to bring down Vladislav Nevsky and his assassin Gregori Radchenko and with the help of her partner Linc St. John she thinks her time has come to get the evidence that they need. But when it becomes obvious that not only her cover has been blown so has Linc's this assignment just gets a whole lot more complicated.

When their surveillance takes a deadly turn Linc is left grieving- not only did he lose his partner he lost the woman he hoped to have a future with. And Linc wants to bring her murderer to justice and he knows his family has his back if he needs them.

The key to bringing down Nevsky is finding the evidence that Allie was about to get just before her cover was blown. Evidence that Nevsky apparently doesn't know exists. And when Linc's search leads him to a possible location the last thing he expected to find was a very much alive dead partner. Can he trust Allie after she let him believe she had died?

Allie needs Linc's help if she hopes to keep Nevsky from learning that she isn't truly dead - it's their one chance to possibly get what they need to stop him. But investigating can be a bit difficult when you have to avoid being seen by anyone. And to protect those who she's come to care for the truth can't come out or they'll become the leverage needed to flush her out.

Vow of Justice is the fourth book (plus one novella) in the Blue Justice series which follows the St.John family and their various ties to law enforcement. This book centers in on Linc St. John and his partner Allison Radcliffe - a woman he thought he knew who is hiding a past he can't imagine.

Fans of Lynette Eason will love this newest release. As with most of her books, this is a romantic suspense that throws in some twists that will be a bit of a surprise. I will admit there was one twist that occurred that I was starting to suspect (not saying which as that would be a spoiler) but still was like WOW when it actually happened. And be sure not to skip ahead - you don't want to ruin the ending - it is something that will leave you shaking your head.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:

Playing dead might just get her killed

FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes himself to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allie very much alive shortly after her "murder."

As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure - he and Allie will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time-this time for good.

Always ~ Review

Always
The Lost Princesses: Prequel
By Jody Hedlund

King Ethelwulf of Warwick has determined that the Kingdom Mercia is rightfully his and nothing will stand in his way. And King Ethelwulf will show no mercy having employed the fierce and fearsome Saracens to fight against the Mercian troops.

As Ethelwulf lays siege to the castle Queen Aurora accepts Lady Felicia's vow to save the lives of her children - 3-year-old crown princess Constance, and the twin daughters that she has just birthed. At just 17 years Felicia is unsure how she will accomplish such a task but she has pledged everything to fulfill her promise to the dying queen.

King Francis of Mercia has entrusted the safety of his family and the future of Mercia into the hands of his most trusted member of the Elite Guard - Lance. Lance has been entrusted with the princesses and the means of proving their heritage when the time to reclaim what has been lost is upon them. Equipped to battle the enemy Lance has no skills with caring for children much less just born babes. And the noble young woman who has the princesses isn't about to hand them over.

With the enemy just behind them, Lance and Felicia must make their escape from the castle and reach a place of safety to protect their charges. But Ethelwulf wants none left alive who may make a claim to the throne of Mercia and so escape may be more challenging than they are prepared for. And are they willing to give up all that they have known for three princesses who may never reclaim their heritage?

Just a warning the ending will leave you wanting more - fortunately, the first book of the series releases just a few days later so there won't be a long wait. This is yet another lovely read for the YA audience who wants clean reading. Those familiar with Jody Hedlund's previous YA series Noble Knights will love this new world that is opening with this novella. With a nod to medieval history as the setting this is a unique story that will keep the reader's attention. This is one of those just one more chapter books that one just can't put down until the last word.

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:

A fierce elite guard. 

A loyal lady in waiting. 

They must work together to save 

three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.