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?

Targeted ~ Review

 

Targeted by Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn,     and Natalie Walters Targeted is the perfect weekend read (or 3 weekend reads). When you put three equally good novellas in one book, you can't go wrong.  In On the Run, Daria Nevsky's past has caught up to her. Or rather her late father's criminal past has caught up to her, and it could cost her her life. But Daria isn't about to ask anyone for help. Unfortunately for her, Dr. Ryker Donahue insists on helping her. But maybe that isn't such a bad thing when things go wrong. ------ Anyone who has read Lynn H. Blackburn's Defend and Protect series will love that Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon's sister Emily gets her turn as the main character. And On the Run finds Emily exactly where she doesn't want to be - smack-dab in the middle of a dangerous situation. And worse, to get through everything alive, she's about to leave her comfy indoor living behind to help her teenage patient and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper, who she is not interested in, no really, she's not.     ------ And the final story of this book, Caught in the Crosshairs, finds CIA officer Claudia Gallegos caught in a big international situation when she walks into a murder situation in which she manages to be the number one initial suspect. And when she is less than helpful to the former Army officer charged with investigating her role in everything, she finds herself in even more trouble. Could Ari Blackman actually be her greatest ally as things go from bad to worse? She's about to find out, but she's not going to make it easy for him. I really enjoyed all three of these novellas, which are up to the standards one would expect from these three authors. The suspense is felt throughout each story. So if you, like me, enjoy well-written romantic suspense that isn't overly graphic anything you will want to read these stories. This is also a great way to introduce one's self to a new author if you are unfamiliar with any or all of these authors.  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: Get ready for triple the excitement, intrigue, and romance with three heart-stopping stories from your favorite romantic suspense authors! In On the Run, Lynette Eason introduces you to IT Specialist Daria Nevsky, a highly skilled FBI agent with the ability to hack any computer. She must go on the run to find out who wants her dead--and Dr. Ryker Donahue refuses to let her do it alone. In Deadly Objective, Lynn H. Blackburn throws physical therapist Emily Dixon and Secret Service Agent Liam Harper into an impossible situation. They don't know why the vice president's son seems to be in the crosshairs of a killer, but they'll sacrifice anything to keep him safe. In Caught in the Crosshairs, Natalie Walters pits former Army PSYOPS officer Ari Blackman against his colleague, CIA officer Claudia Gallegos, when Claudia is implicated in the murder of a Saudi prince. Can he prevent a coup that would put America at risk?

The Best Intentions ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

  The Best Intentions by Sarah M. Eden, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Best Intentions 

The Huntresses #1 

By Sarah M. Eden 

Gillian Phelps is the poor relation. She knows it. The ton knows it. But the worse thing about her is the secret she's been keeping. A secret that, if known, could destroy her and all those who call her friend. There are few people she trusts, and no one except her benefactor knows her darkest secret.

Two years ago, Scott Sarvol inherited his late uncle's title and, along with it, his mounting debts and declining estates. On the verge of debtor's prison, Scott hopes that an unknown portion of his inheritance can save him from certain doom. His worth is tied to his ability to save an estate that was on the verge of collapse before he took over. He has no time to pursue a London season or a wealthy wife. But when he is unexpectedly pulled into a house party, he never expected to further complicate his life, but that is exactly what happens when he meets Gillian.

Gillian is wary of the stranger in their midst. But when Scott provides the means to aid her, she begins to warm to him. And when his presence offers her a chance to provide comfort to her benefactor Gillian isn't above asking for Scott's "help." Soon Gillian finds herself in need of something more. Could Scott be the answer she seeks, or will his tottering social standing be another hindrance that could destroy them both?

The Best Intension is the first full-length book in The Huntresses series. A series that promises to reveal more secrets on the path to love. There are moments when one would love to shake both Gillian and Scott and say just stop it. Share your troubles and accept the offered help or words of wisdom those around them have to offer.

This is a delightful book that will introduce readers to previous characters from the author's earlier works (yes, I number myself among this number). You will like I did add some backstories to your TBR Pile. But this book can be read as a stand-alone, at least until the next book in the series releases. I found this to be an easy read and read it over the Thanksgiving holiday with plenty of time to spend with family.

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: The Best Intentions 

Series: The Huntresses #1 

Author: Sarah M. Eden 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: November 21, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one—not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends—knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all—except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer. As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, 
a $25 Amazon gift card, a bookmark, stickers, and a button.

The full tour schedule is linked below. 
The giveaway begins at midnight on November 28, 2022, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2022. 

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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Sundown ~ Review

Sundown

Sky King Ranch #3

By Susan May Warren

Colt is hurting. His recovery from the beating is taking much longer than he'd like, but he's a Kingston and former military. But when he gets the chance to be a hero, he's not about to turn down the opportunity.  

Taylor "Tae" Price is either the world's biggest liar or a woman with some serious trouble following her. And with what she claims, Colt would rather she be a liar, but he wants to believe her. 

Tae is running from the people who want her dead, or maybe they just want her in their custody. She's not really sure - all she knows is they have the power to bring the world to an end. 

Yup, Colt and the Kingston clan have just landed themselves into a whole mess of trouble. And the bad guys mean business, and they won't be stopped. But the Kingston brothers being who they are, won't let that get in their way. But this time, they just might not be able to walk away.

This book continues the thread that has run throughout the series (Sunrise and Sunburst), adding to the mysterious goings-on that has plagued the rural Alaskan region that the Kingston's call home. A Russian threat, an attack in Africa, a mysterious plague it all comes together in an action-packed romantic conclusion. 

This is the concluding book in the series, and I think the series was perfectly named as it takes the reader through the day with the individual titles. The Kingston boys have finally all come home, but they are not yet fully healed, and this book takes us further into their journey. But this journey has been a long time coming and, in Colt's case, more than a decade. But how do you heal from a broken heart while you are trying to save the world? Well, you're just going to have to find out for yourself. And this is one series that reading all the books in order is a must!

I was provided a copy of the book with no expectations all thoughts are my own. 

About the Book:

He doesn’t trust her . . . but he can’t let her go it alone

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the mysterious woman his family rescued from an Alaskan blizzard. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, Colt can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman.

A few of her stories prove true–they found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her tale of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her across Alaska show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

Colt will have to track her down and earn her trust before it’s too late. It’ll take the entire family to save the world from disaster.

The epic conclusion to Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch trilogy.

Happy Holidays Reader’s Bundle

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The 2023 Story of the Month Club is here!

 The Story of the Month Club is a fun new subscription that is happening now.

Well, the sign-up is happening now, 

and the stories are happening throughout 2023!

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