The Broken Prince ~ Review

The Broken Prince

The Broken Prince #1

By Kara Linaburg 

Prince Milosh is bidding his time - not taking sides in the conflict between his father and the people he has subjugated to his rule. Ripped from the only home he has ever known by a father he didn't know he had, Milosh finds himself both needed and hated by King Thayer. Forced by the king to carry out his decrees or face more time being punished, Milosh finds himself falling into the darkness that is all too ready to consume him. But when he finds himself being questioned by a young peasant girl, he finds himself facing the very questions he has avoided.

Serena is one of the Gifted, which is a life sentence under King Thayer's rule. Marked, she must conceal who and what she is or face execution. But where Serena feels empathy towards Milosh, something she never expected, the other Marked feel only hatred. 

When her brother Hunter sets out to save the young boys that Milosh is ordered to bring in to be trained as soldiers, he has signed his own death warrant. Determined to keep Hunter safe, Serena sets out to warn him but finds herself taken prisoner by Milosh. But Serena carries a secret, a secret that she has been ordered to bring about the death of Milosh. But Serena can she bring about the death of another? Even if it means keeping her brother safe, Serena is left with a weight upon her heart. Can she convince Milosh that the path he is on isn't the only choice before him? 

In a land ruled by cruelty and fear can one young woman change the heart of a broken despairing prince? Or has the damage to his soul gone too deep to pull him from the darkness that pulls him deeper with every passing breath?

The Broken Prince is the first book in Kara Linaburg's Broken Prince series and absolutely must be read before reading book two The Crownless King.  This is an excellent book and highly recommended to fans of YA fantasy and fairy tale retelling styled books. The various characters are well balanced and intriguing to get to know. 

In this land ruled by hatred and fear, hope is a thing to grasp and hold onto tightly. For as long as hope lives the darkness is held at bay.

About the Book:

In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...

but she has to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale.

Born into a kingdom where those of magical Gifts are rejected, feared, and even killed, Serena has spent her life striving to hide her ability and keep her younger brother safe.

The bastard son of the hated king and father he hardly knows, Prince Milosh is considered an outcast. He never expects to feel anything but contempt for the peasant girl who unexpectedly shows up in his life, forcing him to answer questions he never wished to ask.

When two very different worlds are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances, both hold deep judgment towards the other. But will they learn to see beyond their stations and birth so that they may defeat the coming darkness, or will labels given to them at birth continue to define them?

Beguiled ~ Review

Beguiled

The Fairest Maidens #2

By Jody Hedlund

She's has fled for her life in the hopes of returning and rescuing her younger sister. But first, she must learn how to defeat and outwit her mother - Queen Margery of Warwick.  Finding refuge among the outcasts she must keep her identity hidden or she will be forced to find sanctuary somewhere other than the Isle of Outcasts. But when she takes a captive from one of the other bands of outcasts she had no idea that she was taking a royal prisoner. A prince of Scania in the midst of his testing.

Mikkel can't reveal his true identity when he is taken captive, his testing must be completed if he hopes to become king of Scania. And to reveal who he is would result in his being rejected by the outcasts who call the isle home. But can he look upon the heart and become worthy of the duty of king? 

When forced to protect his identity Mikkel reluctantly agrees to marry the young woman he has come to know as Veil. Her disfigurement hidden beneath the veil she always wears. But Veil too hides a secret - a secret that she fears will influence Mikkel's opinion of her. Can he see beyond her outward appearance? She fears the answer. But to save Ruby she reveals her true identity to Mikkel. But marriage, even to a princess, could keep him from being king if it is not approved by King Christian and his advisors. 

Queen Margery is not about to let her daughter live, not when she has need of her. But Pearl has no idea just how deeply her mother's greed and avarice goes. And if she's not careful not only will she die by her mother's hand so too will Mikkel. Can Pearl and Mikkel learn to trust one another enough to survive or will their independence be their undoing?

This is the second book in The Fairest Maiden's series and IF you have not read book one you can still enjoy this book. But it is better to read the books in order to fully enjoy the series. This is a delightful read with a fairy tale twist (no magic involved). And those who have read Jody Hedlund's previous YA series The Lost Princesses will love this series as it adds to the story world she created. 

The characters are relatable (not the prince or princess part, of course) and one can empathize with their situations. The growth of character that Pearl and Mikkel experience is believable as the story progresses. I truly enjoyed getting to know these characters and look forward to the third and final book in the series. Jody Hedlund has again created a world one will enjoy visiting again. These are most definitely going on my reread list. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse...

A princess rejected and hunted by her mother and a prince who lives as a shunned outcast. Princess Pearl flees for her life after her mother, Queen Margery, tries to have her killed during a hunting expedition. Pearl finds refuge on the Isle of Outcasts among criminals and misfits, disguising her face with a veil so no one recognizes her. She lives for the day when she can return to Warwick and rescue her sister, Ruby, from the queen’s clutches. Amidst his royal testing on the Isle of Outcasts, Prince Mikkel of Scania has kept his identity a secret. Captured by a warring band of outcasts and condemned to die, he finds himself making friends with an intriguing but feisty young veiled woman. Intending to win her trust and gain her help to escape, he soon finds himself coerced to wed her. Mikkel reluctantly agrees to the union to save his life, and Pearl hopes the marriage will provide protection for her and Ruby. But the queen is more determined to kill her daughter than either Pearl or Mikkel realizes and has a sinister reason neither expects—one that could rip their new love apart forever. The real Snow White story.

The Price of Valor ~ Takeover Tour - Book Spotlight with Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for 

The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Price of Valor 

Series: Global Search and Rescue #3 

Author: Susan May Warren 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: October 6, 2020 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense 

A high-octane mix of love and adventure 

Kidnapped by rebels while serving as a humanitarian aid worker in Chechnya, Signe Kincaid has spent the past decade secreting out valuable information about Russian assets in the US to her CIA handler. Fearing for her daughter after being discovered as an operative, Signe sends her to former Navy SEAL Hamilton Jones for safekeeping. Signe is ready to give her life for her country, and she can hardly expect Ham to rescue her after breaking his heart over and over. 

Hamilton Jones has never forgotten the only woman he loved--and he can't believe after all these years she's shown up alive. But can he forgive her for her secrets? And, when Ham discovers the reason Signe has kept her distance, he must choose between love for her and love for the nation he has vowed to protect. 

Will he save the many? Or the few? And what is the price of valor? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award and the ACFW Carol Award. 

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation. 

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists. 

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive all 3 Global Search and Rescue books 

plus a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card!

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win.

The full tour schedule linked below.

The giveaway began at midnight on October 12, 2020, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2020. 

Winners 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.  

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The Crownless King ~ Review

The Crownless King 

The Broken Prince #2

by Kara Linaburg

Sabriel has been training for years to take back the throne of Sindaleer. When her best friend Nick disappeared into the night without a goodbye, Sabriel knew that she could never trust anyone again. But she has found a place with the Knights of Norcir, a group bent on getting rid of King Thayer, his son Milosh, and the oppressive cruelty that has ruled the land for more than 20 years. Thayer may be dead but Tirich, leader of the Knights, won't rest until Milosh too is dead. Rumors of Milosh's change of heart must be a lie. And the Marked who is to become his queen is a traitor to her people.

Nick is with the Guardians. The Guardians who resisted King Thayer during his rule but have sworn their allegiance to his son Milosh. An allegiance for which Milosh is grateful for. Years ago Nick's older brother Elston moved the family away from the home they knew. In the years that have passed Nick never forgot the fiery girl who was his friend. But when he discovers that Sabriel has joined the enemy and is trying to bring down King Milosh he is left with a quandary - protect her or turn her over.

What no one realizes, no one but Sabriel, is that the power that Tirich wields come from the darkness. And the darkness is about to consume Sindaleer in chaos, anger, and blood. But when one is manipulated by madness and hatred can one see the truth? War is coming and the time to stop it is running out. Can Sabriel and Nick right the wrongs of the past or will they lose everything they hold dear?

The Crownless King is an excellent book and is the sequel to The Broken Prince. One could read one without the other but references in Crownless King make more sense after reading Broken Prince.  I think one can safely say that the underlying thread is discovering one's own worth and not listening to the demeaning voice in one's head that ridicules and devalues one's choices, feelings, and life. Everyone makes mistakes whether or not one wants to admit it and this book examines just that situation. When a mistake is made does one deserve a second chance? When a second chance is given we should seize the gift and make sure we don't waste it.

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

About the Book:

She won't meet her worst enemy on the battlefield...

War is brewing and the kingdom of Sindaleer is torn as the Knights of Norcir draw the folk to their side. When Sabriel, a specially Gifted, pledges her blood to their cause, she is ready to give all to bring the peace her leader promises. She understands Tirich's deep hatred toward the king and has prepared for this moment nearly all her life.

But when her identity as a Knight is discovered by the childhood friend who betrayed her years ago, Sabriel's plans for justice come toppling down. Now distracted by what once was, Sabriel fights to hold onto what she's believed to be true for so long.

Nick never forgot the red-headed lass of years past, but she's not the friend he remembers. As enemies connected by their past take opposing sides on the battlefield, Nick refuses to believe what she's become.
Voices in Sabriel's head warning her she'll never succeed and her loyalties are torn, she begins to realize that all is not as it seems. Tirich's power is growing stronger, and she fears she was wrong about the good she once saw in him. The concluding book following The Broken Prince reminds us of the inner wars we all face, and what it means to rise from the ashes when all hope feels lost.

Cover Reveal ~ The Nature of a Lady

Today we are having fun with a cover reveal for Roseanna M. White's upcoming book. 

The Nature of a Lady will be the first book in her new Secrets of the Isles series.

But before we get to the cover here is a little information about the book:

1906 – Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn’t exactly a hit in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer...and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage’s former occupant, also called Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oliver Tremayne—gentleman and clergyman—is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he’s happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth’s summer cottage…especially when he realizes it’s the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can’t quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the two work together, along with Libby’s maid—his cousin—they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: 

love.

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Now let's check out that lovely cover...

Don't you just love it?

Coming Summer of 2021.

Line by Line ~ Review

Line by Line

Love Along the Lines #1

By Jennifer Delamere

Alice McNeil is finally within grasping distance of the life she has dreamed about for years. A life that will allow her independence and not dependent upon any man to secure her future. Working as a telegrapher has allowed her to excel, putting her mind to work, and secure a position with Henley and Company.

Douglas Shaw has risen about the poverty of his childhood and he is determined to continue his upward climb, even in the face of his parent's disapproval. After a trip abroad he is more than impressed with the skills of Henley's newest telegrapher. And when Miss McNeil refuses to be bullied by the company's other telegrapher Archie Clapper, he senses a kindred spirit of sorts in her.

As time passes, Alice and Douglas have an enjoyable friendship, one that is based on their work and mutual interests, both have an interest in the changing world of science and technology. When an incident occurs that threatens the future that they have been striving for they are forced to reexamine their lives.

I liked the interactions between the various characters. But I think some of the best scenes were between Douglas and Andrew Carnegie. The wisdom that Carnegie shared is something every reader should take to heart. What is truly important in your life? Money? Fame? Family? 

This is the first book I have read by Jennifer Delamere and have to say I was pleased with her work. The characters came to life and were more than just words on a page. One was involved in their lives and cared about their hopes and fears. This is the first book in the Love Along the Wires series and one that I can see myself reading as they become available. It is also interesting to delve into communication that isn't instantaneous - something that seems almost unfathomable in the world we find ourselves living in today. Telegraphs, Morse code, coded messages all an unknown yet at the time of this book the newest thing.

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:

Can her dreams of independence withstand a dash of love?

Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen a career as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she doesn't regret her freedom in foregoing marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company's ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.

For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He's now determined to marry into high society--a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.

He immediately earns Alice's respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?

It's Murder, My Son ~ Review with Giveaway

 Go Back to the Beginning to When Mac Met Gnarly.

It's Murder, My Son

A Mac Faraday Mystery #1

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger 

Mac Faraday has just come into an inheritance he never expected. The mother who gave him up for adoption has never stopped loving him and has left him a legacy.  A legacy that includes a German Shepherd named Gnarly. And Gnarly is quite a legacy to inherit - Mac's life will never be the same again.

Deep Creek is a small community that is a destination to get away to. At least until the murders start piling up. With a chief of police anxious to close the cases as soon as possible evidence is being ignored or thrown out. As a former homicide detective, Mac is not about to sit on the sidelines as a murderer gets away with a crime. Are the murders related or has Deep Creek just become a new crime hot spot? With the help of his late mother's assistant Archie Monday, his just discovered half brother David O'Callohan, and his delinquent German Shepherd a killer just may be brought to justice.

The narration by Mike Alger is well done so that this listener's attention didn't wane as the story progressed. The pacing didn't drag in any way. The narrator has a good voice for presenting the story which is always a plus so that one isn't distracted by a poor presentation, rather his voice draws one into the story. 

I have to say Gnarly makes the series and the book! His antics are what keeps bringing me back. Who could say no to a kleptomaniac dog with a hidden past (classified, might I add) who has political aspirations?  If you are in the mood for a small town caught up in a rash of murders and political corruption, this is for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title: It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 1)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 288 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  June 23, 2010
Tour dates:  Aug 31 to Oct 9, 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 - (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Book Description:

What started out as the worst day of Mac Faraday’s life would end up being a new beginning. After a messy divorce hearing, the last person that Mac wanted to see was another lawyer. Yet, this lawyer wore the expression of a child bursting to tell his secret. This confidence would reveal Mac as heir to undreamed of fortunes, and lead him to the birthplace of America’s Queen of Mystery and an investigation that will unfold like one of her famous mystery novels.

Soon after she moves to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, Katrina Singleton learns that life in an exclusive community is not all good. For some unknown reason, a strange man calling himself “Pay Back” begins stalking her. When Katrina is found strangled all evidence points to her terrorist, who is nowhere to be found.

Three months later, the file on her murder is still open when Mac Faraday, sole heir to his unknown birth mother’s home and fortune, moves into the estate next door. Little does he know as he drives up to Spencer Manor that he is driving into a closed gate community that is hiding more suspicious deaths than his DC workload as a homicide detective. With the help of his late mother’s journal, this retired cop puts all his detective skills to work to pick up where the local investigators have left off to follow the clues to Katrina’s executor.

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Chris Matheson Cold Case, Thorny Rose Mysteries, and the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—close to thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​A popular speaker, Lauren is also the owner of Acorn Book Service, the umbrella under which falls iRead Book Tours. She lives with her husband and two spoiled rotten German Shepherds (including the nephew of the late-great Gnarly! (pictured above)) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

​Connect with the author: 

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~ Pinterest  ~ Goodreads

"Lauren's dialogue is brisk, her setting beautiful and the addition of Gnarly is very clever...It's Murder, My Son is a delightful read and I look forward to more of Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries." --Connie Gregory, Connie's Reviews

"I couldn't put this book down! Lauren Carr develops the characters and weaves the details of the murder investigation into a complex storyline that keeps the reader relentlessly turning pages. She is skilled at teasing you into reading more. I finished the last page still wanting to read more!" -- Kelly Carpenter, Kelly's Lucky You

"No disrespect to Mac Faraday, Archie Monday, David O'Callaghan, Travis Turner or any of the multitude of good, bad and ugly characters populating Lauren Carr's It's Murder, My Son; but to me, the most interesting character in the book is a lovable, mischievous, sneaky German shepherd named Gnarly." - David M. Kinchen, Huntington News

TOUR SCHEDULE:
Sep 1 –Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 2 – Books for Books – book review of It’s Murder, My Son
Sep 2 - Blooming with Books - book spotlight of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 3 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 4 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 7 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Sep 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 8 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 9 –My Fictional Oasis – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 11 –Nighttime Reading Center – series spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Sep 11 –fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway
Sep 14 –Literary Flits – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 15 –Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 16 –Books for Books – book spotlight
Sep 17 –Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/guest post/giveaway
Sep 18 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Sep 21 –My Journey Back - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 22 –Mystery Suspense Reviews – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 22 - Mystery Suspense Reviews - book spotlight/author interview
Sep 23 –Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review of Candidate for Murder
Sep 24 –Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 25 –Buried Under Books - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 28 –StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 29 –Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Sep 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Sep 30 - Blooming with Books - audiobook review of It's Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 1 – Christa Reads and Writes – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 1 - So Fine Print – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 2 – Adventurous Jessy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
Oct 6 – Literary Flits – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 6 - Amy's Booket List - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder
Oct 7 – Sylv.net – book spotlight
Oct 7 - My Reading Journeys - audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/guest post/giveaway
Oct 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of Candidate for Murder/guest post/author interview/giveaway
Oct 9 – Nighttime Reading Center – audiobook review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
Oct 9 - Adventurous Jessy – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
TBD – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of Candidate for Murder/giveaway
TBD – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review of It’s Murder, My Son/giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway: Prizes: ​ $50 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Lauren Carr,  author of CANDIDATE FOR MURDER (ends Oct 16)

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