Deep Undercover ~ Review

Deep Undercover

True Blue K-9 Unit #4

By Lorena Worth

As the New York K-9 Unit continues to work on the murder of their boss and the disappearance of his K-9 partner Snapper, they have a serial bomber to deal with too. NYPD K-9 officers Brianne Hayes and Gavin Sutherland have suspicions about a realty group and decide that the only way to get the truth is to go undercover. 

There is just one catch to Gavin's plan - they'll have to go undercover as a married couple. A couple with money to spend and a spoiled dog who goes everywhere with them. Yes, Gavin's K-9 partner Tommy is going undercover as a spoiled pooch in the hopes that he can sniff out evidence leading them to the bomber.

But when someone starts targeting the pair, the only question is whether it is related to their bomber or to Jordan's murder.

This is the fourth book in the True Blue K-9 series and it continues the story arc that has been running throughout the series - what happened to Jordan Jameson and why. Will the K-9 unit ever get to the truth? If you have not read the previous books that should not be a problem - as this story while having the series thread running through it focuses more on Gavin and Brianne's bomb detection work and their undercover operation. And as this is a Love Inspired Suspense there is of course a possible romance in their future - all clean reading too.

The Midnight Show ~ Reveiw

The Midnight Show
By Sarah Pennington

Dayo Temitrope has a problem - she's putting her career in jeopardy and she can't remember a thing about it the next morning when she wakes up. Worse she has now ruined her favorite pair of red heels. But to solve this mystery will take someone who is very discreet. Dayo doesn't want anyone to know what's happening as they would probably think she was totally wackers.  

Fortunately her manager Geir Olvinsson knows just who will get the job done - private investigator Bastian Dennel. Bastian is sure he can get to the bottom of Dayo's problem with a bit of investigating but to do a thorough job of it he'll have to get a lot closer to Dayo than she wants. 

But when the nightmare she lives each night is revealed she just might have to reconsider just how close she'll let a pi get.

The Midnight Show has a swing-era feel to it with a double dash of fairy/fantasy thrown in giving it a unique and distinct flavor all its own. This is a fun twist on the Twelve Dancing Princesses that will leave the reader wondering what will come next in the lives of these characters. This is my first experience with Sarah Pennington's work and I can say I appreciate the world that she has created and liked the interactions between the characters.

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: 

This mystery is the case of his dreams — and her nightmares. 

By day, Dayo Temitrope is a swinging singer, an up-and-coming star with a shining career ahead of her. By night, she’s . . . well, she’s not sure, but whatever she does leaves her every morning with sore feet and worn-out shoes. And after six months, she’s had enough. 

Enter Bastian Dennell, a private investigator just trying to get by. When Dayo hires him to find out where she goes at night, he’s sure it’s his big break: his chance to establish himself and get the funds to pay off his family’s debt. Plus, he gets to work with his favorite singer, even if she isn’t exactly what he expected. What could be better? 

But first, he has to solve the case — which means navigating a tangled web of strange dreams, fair folk schemes, and show business. It will take all Bastian’s wits, along with the shining talents of Dayo herself, to figure out the truth before the curtains close for good on Dayo’s career. 

A jazz-age-inspired twist on the Twelve Dancing Princesses from the author of Blood in the Snow.

 Purchase Link: Amazon

Add Book on Goodreads

About the Author: 

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. Sarah's first published work, Blood in the Snow, received a perfect score and Special Unicorn status in Rooglewood Press's Five Poisoned Apples contest. When she isn't writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive tobe-read list. 

Find her online at: 

Website || Blog || Second Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Amazon

Enter the Giveaway here

Tour Schedule:
Dreams and Dragons: Pros and Cons of Writing in the Jazz Age

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Interviews:
Reality Reflected: Dayo

Guest Posts:
Cobonham: A Day in the Life of Dayo
Rachel Rossano's Words: A Day in the Life of Bastian
Abby's Blog: Like, But Not the Same

Character Spotlights:
Live. Love. Read.: Bastian
A Backwards Story: Jinyi

Reviews:
A Synethete Writer
The World of the Writer
Blooming with Books
Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

The Dark King's Curse ~ Review

The Dark King’s Curse

By Wyn Estelle Owens 

Aisla Nic Choilleich was blessed with Faerie sight when she was but a small child. Sight, which allows her to see what others cannot. Now a lady-in-waiting for Princess Mairead, Aisla feels the magic of Castle Greer calling to the other that is a part of her. A magic that is growing as Summer slowly dies.

One night everything changes - Aisla glimpses a king of the Fair Folk who is cursed. But there is more to her dreams - danger is waiting for her and if she is caught by the Dreammidst she may not be able to escape.

Aisla fears Mairead may be in trouble and she doesn't know enough of the Fairie Realm to help her. She needs help and her dreams may have directed her as to whom in the Mortal Realm can assist her.

The Dark King's Curse is a world that is slowly falling into spreading darkness, a darkness that has divided two brothers, darkness that caught the twelve daughters of King Muir in its web. The King is anything but happy with the unexplained doings of his daughters that are resulting in damaged-beyond-repair slippers every night! When King Muir gives the ladies-in-waiting three days to tell him why - Ailsa foolishly says that she will discover what is happening and will accept all of the blame if she cannot.

With three days and not much to go on, she has a daunting task before her. 

Sit down and get ready to enter a world where not all is as it seems and darkness is encroaching on the light. Summer is soon to be a thing forgotten. And twelve princesses know more than they are telling. Sometimes one needs a bit of help to get to the root of a mystery. 

If you love fairytale retellings and a bit of mystery The Dark King's Curse is waiting for you...

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: 

A darkness seems to hang over the lands of Conall, slowly but surely growing in strength with each passing year. 

It all comes to a head when the twelve daughters of King Muir begin to disappear each night. None will admit where they go, and the only clue is their shoes; new in the evening, tattered and torn by morning. 

When no one can stop the disappearances, Ailsa--lady-in-waiting to the youngest princess--volunteers to try and solve the mystery, or she and her peers will pay the consequences for failing to watch over their charges. 

Armed with nothing but her gift of Fae-sight, Ailsa ventures forth on a quest to free her lady and the other princesses. With the help of a grumpy, glamoured gardener, a cursed faerie cat, and the mysterious Lord of Autumn, she may discover both the secrets and the truth behind the Dark King that lies at the root of the curse. 

Purchase Link: Amazon

Add Book on Goodreads

About the Author: 

Wyn Estelle Owens is the penname of a young woman who’s still figuring out what this whole ‘adult’ thing is all about. She lives in a big, old house in Maryland by a Hundred Acre Wood (dubbed Neldoreth) with her parents, three occasionally obnoxious brothers, her dog Jackie, and her personal plot bunny, Joker. 

She is fond of reading, writing, drawing, speaking in dead or imaginary languages, playing videogames, quoting classic or obscure literature, being randomly dramatic, and generally making things out of yarn. Her dream is to write stories that inspire people to chase after the wonderful world of storytelling. Her favorite all-time authors are Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Christa Kinde, and above all, J.R.R. Tolkien, who first inspired her to pursue novel writing when she read the Hobbit at the age of seven. 

Find her online at Goodreads || Facebook || Amazon

Enter the Giveaway here

Tour Schedule

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Interviews:
Dreams and Dragons: Fionn
Abby's Blog: Siobhra
Reality Reflected: Wyn

Guest Posts:
Rachel Rossano's Words: 

Character Spotlights:

A Backwards Story: Ailsa

Reviews:
Live. Love. Read. + Mini Interview!
A Synethete Writer
Blooming with Books
Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors
TJ's Musings
Isamonkey Reviews

A Time of Mourning and Dancing ~ Spotlight

A Time of Mourning and Dancing 
The Floramancy Archives #1

By Abigail Falanga

About the Book: 

Once, Toph knew his place in the world. As a respected captain in a victorious army, he had triumph and promotion to look forward to. But crippling injury stole his future and war stole his friend. Belonging nowhere and with nothing left to lose, Toph accepts a challenge that could end his life: discover a secret the princesses will do anything to hide. 

Vicia is a princess, but powerless and in mourning. Her beloved brothers were killed in a war she’s beginning to question. Ever since she and her eleven sisters have become mere treasures for her stepfather the king to use to barter. A chance meeting with a frightened faery gave a wild hope that they may recover what they’ve lost. But it will cost a dance—and a dangerous secret. 

Soldier and princess must learn to rely on each other if they are to survive curses, slighted fae, and an enchanted lost land. Something dark and powerful lurks in the mists beyond the dance floor, conducting the steps… and time is running out. 

Purchase Link: Amazon

Add Book on Goodreads

About the Author: 

Abigail Falanga may be found in New Mexico creating magic in many ways – with fabric, food, paper, music, and especially with words! She’s loved fantasy ever since playing out epic adventures of swords, fairies, and monsters with her siblings, and loved sci-fi since her dad’s stories around the dinner table. Abigail has published nearly two dozen flash fiction stories across a variety of genres, having discovered that extra-short stories are a wonderful way to explore ideas without getting distracted by – Squirrel! But fantasy and fairytales are her first and truest loves. 

She's launching "The Floramancy Archives" - dark and epic fantasy reimaginings of classic tales, filled with plant-magic and portals, curses, and fae. 

Find her online at: Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon

Enter the Giveaway here

Poison's Dance ~ Review with Mini Interview

Poison's Dance

Beyond the Tales #3
By Tricia Mingerink

High King Alexander has been awake from his broken curse for over a year now. He survived a plot by King Cassius to curse him, though not without cost to his friend Daemyn Rand. When he receives an invitation from Queen Valinda of Tuckawassee to visit her kingdom and accept her sister's hand in marriage.

Alex is not looking to marry, not when he still has so much to learn and do as High King. But the potential of peace is too great to ignore at least considering a marriage alliance with Prince Tamya. But the treachery of Tuckawassee can't be put aside, for this offer of peace could be a trap to ensnare Alex in yet another curse. Relying once again on Daemyn century of experience, Alex sets out to give peace a chance.

Tamya loves her sisters and her kingdom, and she'll do what she needs to secure a better life for them all. But marriage to a stranger? She's not sure she is willing to do this, especially if it means trapping the High King in their curse too. But for her sisters, she's ready to do it. To do otherwise would be going against her sister and her queen, but Valinda's plan just feels wrong somehow.

The treachery of Tuckawassee knows no bounds, and soon Daemyn and Alex are facing choices neither thought he'd have to make - love or duty - life or death. 

Poison's Dance is the third book in the Beyond the Tales series and totally worth reading. Now I will say I highly recommend reading the previous books first (Dagger's Sleep and Midnight's Curse) just so you have the back story upon which this book is built. You can enjoy this book without this foundation, but why would you want to.

I really like Daemyn, but I have enjoyed seeing Alex grow through this series. This story is yet another stepping stone in his journey to becoming the High King he is meant to be. Alex is offered the chance to bring peace to the kingdoms but is this the path the Highest King has set before him or a temptation to lure him away from the one he is to follow? The interaction between the 12 sisters is most definitely a complex and complicated one. Is loyalty more important than righteousness? How is Tamya to decide?

I was provided with 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:

Beyond the Tales #3 

If he falls to the lure of the curse, the dance might trap him forever. 

Alex has survived his first year as High King. The new council has improved cooperation between the kingdoms, and peace seems achievable. When the Tuckawassee queen sends him an invitation he can't refuse, Alex must once again face his greatest threat for the sake of peace. 

Princess Tamya of Tuckawassee, along with her eleven sisters, has danced from sunset until sunrise every night of her life. It is her gift and her curse. When Queen Valinda wishes to use the power their cursed dance gives them to rule all of Tallahatchia, Tamya must decide if she will do what is right even if it betrays her own sister. 

Daemyn Rand has survived a hundred years' worth of battles. All he wants to do now is safely marry his princess. Will he be forced to choose between the love of his life and the high king he has loyally served for years? 

They have faced certain death before. This time, they might not make it out alive. 

Don't miss this re-envisioning of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale. 

Purchase Link: Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Series Link 

Author Bio:

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. 

Find her online at: 

Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon

Mini Interview with Tricia:

1)  If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared through, what would it be - musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), graphic novel?

I've always thought a movie of my books would be cool...as long as the movies were as well done as the Lord of the Rings movies, lol. 
 

2)  Who is your favorite character (or two) in your Beyond the Tales series? 

Daemyn will always be a favorite. He's the quiet, tortured hero that always seems to pop up in my books one way or another. And, Alex is near and dear to my heart. 

3) What one question do you wish you would be asked, and how would you answer it?

I love getting humorous or wacky questions rather than the standard, author interview questions. I like humor. 

For example, my favorite interview question I have ever been asked was during a school visit to a 5th-grade class (taught by my brother). One of his students asked, "how does your writing inspire your home decor?" It was a rather insightful and interesting question for a 5th grader, and it took me a few moments to answer. I ended up telling the class how I have decorated my library with medieval weaponry. I currently own a cheap knock-off replica of Eowyn's helmet from the Lord of the Rings movies, a claymore, 2 other swords, a Roman gladius, 6 Blades of Acktar style knives, a Bowie knife (like Daemyn or Rosanna would carry in Beyond the Tales), and a small battle ax that a friend gave me for my birthday. And, yes, the fifth graders then asked if I had ever used the battle-ax, and, no, the battle ax is just a decoration. I've never used it. I had a really riveted fifth-grade class, and that whole school visit was so much fun! 

So, I guess, I wish more people asked questions the way fifth graders do, lol. 

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule:

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Guest Posts:
Live. Love. Read.: Writing Allegorical Fairy Tales
The Heart of a Scribe: The Castles of Tallahatchia
Abby's Blog: The Places of Tallahatchia

Author Interviews:
Dreams and Dragons
Rachel Rossano's Words
A Backwards Story

Reviews:
A Synethete Writer
Elrich's Expressions + Mini Interview!
Blooming with Books + Mini Interview!
Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
TJ's Musings
Reality Reflected
The Music of a Story

Wrought of Silver and Ravens ~ Review

Wrought of Silver and Ravens
Of Magic Made #1

By E.J. Kitchens

First off let me just say I love this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. That being said you'll want to know why I loved this book. First off it isn't a read in a couple hours book and has some length to it which in my opinion is always a good thing unless it is just a repeat of what came before, which this book most definitely is not. Think of the A&E Pride and Prejudice mini-series versus a 2-hour theatrical movie release. You have more story to more fully flesh out the characters, the story-world, and the story itself. But it isn't too much - it is as Baby Bear would say "Just right!"

Athdar Owain Leonidas is hunted. His family is dead and he has become separated from his people. He is charged with keeping the llewod gwerthfawr safe and out of the clutches of those who would corrupt them. Surviving from one day to the next is all he can hope for at present.

Athdar never meant to become involved but when he comes upon a young man who has fallen prey to raiders - Athdar acts. But saving the Prince of Ciliosthay brings him into contact with the Silver Guard and the royal family. Unfortunately, the prince has fallen under a curse - a curse that has entrapped his sisters, as well. Athdar is a half-magic which allows him some control over magic but helping the royal family could reveal what he is. When you are hunted trust does not come easily and in a kingdom filled with Enchanters, someone is sure to discover him. 

Princess Thea and her sisters have been betrayed - and the newest apprentice of the Silver Guard is a young man of unknown origins. As a Realm Walker, Thea has powers most enchantresses do not possess, and as such few know of her gift for her own safety. But someone knows and has bound these seven enchantress princesses to dance every night. And they are unable to speak of what is happening to anyone, such is their curse. 

Princess Thea knows that once the dances end the Kingdom of Giliosthay will most likely come to an end - an end that will find her people enslaved and at the mercy of a cruel lord. Can the truth be discovered before it is too late?

Wrought of Silver and Ravens was a good read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Elisabeth Anne Stengel or Melanie Dickerson's works. The pacing is just right and the characters are totally relatable and worth getting to know. I appreciate the clean-read aspect of this book making it appropriate for all but the youngest readers - Tweens and up should thoroughly enjoy 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:

Of Magic Made #1

The rarest magic is the most dangerous.

 Athdar Owain is a hunted wanderer, one determined to keep his secrets and the treasure he carries safe at all costs. When he rescues the Kingdom of Giliosthay’s prince from raiders, he’s rewarded by being forced into the king’s elite Silver Guard. While this gives Athdar a temporary home and some protection from those hunting him, it also makes him responsible for the young prince, who still bears curses from the raiders, and seven enchantress princesses with curses as mysterious and dangerous as their brother’s. 

Princess Thea of Giliosthay is a Realm Walker. Betrayed by a trusted guard, her rare gift of enchantment is used to curse her brother and trap herself and her six sisters into a nightly dance with dragons in a secret Realm. The Realm’s prince has the ability to take and twist her magic for his own purposes, and Thea fears what those might be. For when one dances with a prince, a kingdom might be at stake. 

Athdar alone can save them, but to trust enchanters is to risk exposure. And Athdar isn’t sure where his loyalties lie. 

Wrought of Silver and Ravens is a clean adventure-romance retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses set in The Magic Collectors story world. 

Purchase Link: Books 2 Read  Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Author Bio:

E.J. Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s taking photos, reading, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. She is the author of the historical fantasy series THE MAGIC COLLECTORS and of several fairytale retellings. She is a member of Realm Makers and lives in Alabama. 

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Newsletter || Amazon

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Author Interviews:
Abby's Blog

Guest Posts:
Erudessa's News Blog: Favorite Fairytale Dances
Dreams and Dragons: Worn Out Shoes but Not Worn Tales
Rachel Rossano's Words: The Writer Who Pricked Her Finger
Reality Reflected: A Dance through Time

Reviews:
Live. Love. Read. + Mini Interview!
A Synethete Writer
Blooming with Books
TJ's Musings
Paper, Ink, & Lizard
Selina J. Eckert + Mini Interview!
A Backwards Story

A Dazzle of Diamonds ~ Review

A Dazzle of Diamonds
Georgia Coast Romance #3 

By Liz Johnson

Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook have been best friends forever. She's seen him through the tough times with his dad and been the stabilizing influence in his life as he adjusted from life in the military to one of a civilian. He's been the shoulder for Penelope to cry on when her wedding day found her jilted at the altar. 

But when Tucker finds himself goaded into running for county sheriff he and Penelope find themselves in a race against time to prove that Tucker's family wasn't traitors. Penelope's job is riding on clearing Tucker and the Westbrooks' name. There is just one little problem - Penelope may have accidentally let her ex-fiancé and his fiancée think she and Tucker are dating - whoops. 

To keep up appearances and prevent further tongue-wagging Tucker and Penelope agree to pretend to date. Pretend dating, investigating the Westbrooks' past, and searching for rumored 150-year-old treasure finds these two best friends spending a whole lot more time together - time that could forever alter their future friendship. But will it lead to something more or destroy what they have always had?

This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series and I think this may be my favorite. Penelope is a fun person to get to know. She is passionate about her work and cares about those around her. Tucker seems to have it all together but he is always seeking to prove his worth to his dad and those around him who are more than a little critical of him. This book is set in the present day with glimpses into 1864 Savannah through the journal of a young woman - a journal that is important to Penelope and Tucker's search for answers. But sometimes the answers we seek aren't the ones we find or truly want in the end. 

This book is easily read as a standalone - there are several characters from the previous books who are in this one but not so prominent as to require knowing what came before to enjoy it. The pacing and overall tone are good and well-balanced. Overall a nice way to take a trip to Georgia from the comfort of your own home. 

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

About the Book:

Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is almost as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.