Curse of the Bibliophile

Title: Midnight Thief
Author: Livia Blackburne
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis:

 Growing up on Forge's streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that's not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs.

But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she's not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he is persistent-and darkly attractive-and Kyra can't quite resist his pull.

Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by the Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.

When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival-and vengeance-might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra's past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

In her arresting debut novel, Livia Blackburne creates a captivating world where intrigue prowls around every corner-and danger is a way of life.

 

Title: Jezebel's Lion
Author: Hazel Gower
Rating: 5 Stars
Source: Review Copy

Synopsis:

When her two best friends forget her birthday, crushing her, Jess is amazed when one of the infamous Pride brothers shows up, apparently wanting nothing more than to sweep her off her feet. Jezebel’s life will never be the same, and though she is sure the relationship is only temporary, Jezebel embraces the attention Brandon showers on her. 

Brandon has found his mate. He is overjoyed, his lion content, but then he suddenly finds all is not easy in love, at least not when you are a lion shifter with a human mate totally unaware of the paranormal world. Now, Brandon must not only reveal the existence of shifters to his mate, but also tell her of the very real threat they fight against. 

Will Jezebel be able to accept everything that comes with being a shifter’s mate? Or will the truth be too much, sending her running back to the familiar, safe harbor of the human world? 

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas except when your the mate of a Pride shifter.

What better setting for a sexy shifter romance than the city of sin itself. Apart from the romance I find the creatures that shifters fight such as goblins and leprachauns an exciting addition to this fun series. The author has their own spin on these creatures and even the shifters themselves that make them unique. While I love the bit of action we get to see, the thing that really makes these books shine is the amount of drama and sexy shifters that get packed into the pages.

The heroine Jezebel is a very relatable character. She is not perfect by any means, but rather than dwell on this fact she does her best to live life to the fullest. She also doesn't let the ignorance of others get her down. I really admire her kindness and courage so it is easy to see how Brandon could so easily fall for her. The best part was getting to see the growth in Jezebel throughout the book. At first she was a bit insecure and although she didn't take crap from anyone else she still didn't believe she would ever deserve someone like Brandon. By the end she knew that she deserved all that and more just like everyone else and let those who said otherwise know it. I couldn't have been more proud.


Brandon is a sweet and patient man who knew what he wanted and went after it. I loved how caring he was and that he always let Jezebel know how beautiful she was and never let her get down on herself. He cherished and protected her, what more could a woman want. He wasn't perfect by any means, but a bit of growly possessiveness from your very on alpha isn't so bad.

The heat rating on this book is through the roof and if a smokin hot romance is what your after look no further than "Jezebel's Lion".

Title: In Your Arms  

A brilliant new adventure full of exotic locales, magic spells, daring sword fights, and a devilishly handsome prince!

The setting and world building was brilliant. Set in the jungle with deadly opponents on all sides this story really keeps you on edge. You soon find though that that the most deadly enemies lurk from within. The descriptions and action scenes had a deadly beautiful quality to them. I was easily lost in this world of romance, danger, and friendship.

So many memorable characters in this book, but some of my favorites are Marcel, Damian, Rylan, and of course Alex (Alexa).

Alexa didn't have an easy life and from a young age she had to make some tough decisions. Which is why she came to be among the Prince's Guard disguised as a boy. I really admired her determination and strength. Keeping such a secret for so long would be unimaginably hard. Luckily she is able to make some friends and gets to do the one thing she loves most, fight. She is good at it and throughout the book it is the on thing she holds onto even when everything else seems so uncertain.

Marcel is Alexa's twin brother and the one who came up with the plan to disguise her as a boy. He has been there for Alexa through everything and it is plain to see how much these two care for one another. He was sweet character that I wished I could have seen more of.

Rylan is one of my absolute favorite characters in this story. He is so sweet and kind. As well as extremely loyal and fiercely dedicated. He always knew what to do to cheer Alexa up. He was the kind of friend you always want by your side.

Last, but certainly not least is Damian, the prince. He was a little hard to figure out at first, but once you got to know him he was so much more than what he appeared. He was definitely one of the more interesting characters in the book with a lot of passion, intelligence, and secrets. I loved his banter with Alexa and found these two hilarious to watch.

I could not put the book down and am just sad that I will have to wait a long while for the next installment. A big thanks to this debut author for writing this new and addicting series!!

About
I love writing, reading, and dessert--but the order varies by the day. I wrote my first book in second grade about a woman who had a premature baby, complete with a "to scale" drawing of the baby's size--while my mom was pregnant. To say I was a bit precocious is putting it lightly. Now that I'm an adult, I write books for teens that have magic and romance and kick-butt girls (and very few premature babies). I live in Utah with my husband, two young sons and baby girl. I write during naptime and the hours when most people are sleeping. My husband claims I should have a degree in "the art of multitasking." On occasion you will find me hiding in a bubble bath with a book and some Swedish Fish. I am represented by Josh Adams of Adams Literary and my YA debut DEFY is coming January '14 from Scholastic!

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Title: Deamhan
Author: Isaiyan Morrison
Publisher: Rainstorm Press
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 5 Stars

You never know who the true enemy is until its too late.

An action packed paranormal story of one woman's quest to find the truth in an otherworldly and dangerous world. The world building was very well done and I loved the new take on vampires. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue in this book as well and I had a great time figuring everything out with Caroline.

The Deamhan are an interesting race that although very similar to vampire's are actually a new type of paranormal creature with their own rules and needs. The author did a great job of introducing these new creatures and showing us their lifestyle without getting to wordy. The imagery she used was beautiful and drew me into the story, making it seem like I was actually there.

Caroline is a strong and courageous young woman who wants answers. I loved her spirit and tenacity and how she never gave up. She is loyal to a fault and will stop at nothing to achieve justice for her mother. I really enjoyed getting to know her more and seeing how she grew throughout the story.

This is an action packed paranormal thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seats!

Buy Links
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A love beyond words.

This story interweaves magic, mystery, action, and romance to create a spellbinding read that you will never forget. The imagery was beautiful and captivating, really drawing you into the story. The world building was unique and done perfectly. I loved the way the mythology was used in the story and how everything fit together in the end.

The romance was also nicely done and paced. There was no insta love, but plenty of chemistry between the two main characters.

Kira is a gifted healer, but she is forced to hide her gifts away. She cannot deny the call to heal completely though. She uses her magic sparingly to help those in need. Kira is a kind soul and does her best to help others. However, she is no wilting violet. Kira has no problems with fighting back and doing what needs to be done. She has a strong will and is a great match for ashor.

Ashor is an alpha male with a heart of gold. He is interested in Kira, but fears the consequences. I loved the interactions between Kira and Ashor the best. They were so much fun together and their banter was hilarious. Ashor is noble and just. He does what is best for the good of all. Even when there is a great cost to himself.

This is an exciting paranormal romance that will have you on the edge of your seat at every turn of the page!

Title: Death of the Mad Hatter
Author:  Sarah J. Pepper
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads:

The Jack prophesied: If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…
Hearts would Break…
In the end, would it matter who Reigned?

My Thoughts

Get whisked away to an new land where romance blooms!

This story is packed full of drama, action, intrigue, and some sexy sheikh's. I had a great time getting engrossed in the culture and seeing how two seemingly completely different people can meet and fall in love. The imagery was beautiful and really helped to make you feel as though you were really there.

The romance was nicely paced and I loved seeing theses two slowly fall in love. Despite their obvious differences they were able to find common ground and build a solid foundation for their relationship. This was very good since their relationship tested many times throughout the book.

Rashid was an honorable man who sticked to his decisions and didn't allow anyone to get in his way. He was a fascinating character and I loved seeing him banter with Angelina. I had a great time getting to know him along with Angelina.

Angelina was a will full young woman who was very used to being independent. So the idea of giving up her career to stay with Rashid was understandably daunting. I admired her spirit and tenacity even when the odds weren't in her favor. She definitely wasn't the type to give up easily.

For an incredible romance and exotic locales check out "A Bride for the Sheikh"!

 A Viking Marriage that is just as wild as the Viking himself.
I was so excited to read my first Viking story and even more so when I found out how spunky and independent the heroine would be. This story was way more than I expected. It was full of not only a charming romance, but tons of action and intrigue as well. The setting itself was beautiful and was the perfect backdrop for a Viking romance. There were a lot of different kinds of characters in this story and I had a great time figuring everyone out and finding out who was friend and who was foe.
Kaireen was stubborn, willful, and brave. She was the perfect match for our Viking hero Bram. She was forced into a marriage to a complete stranger, but she didn't allow others to dictate her life and fought back. I loved her spirit and loved seeing her interactions with Bram. They were both a great couple and brought out the best in each other.
Bram was a ferocious Viking, but he had a soft spot for Kaireen and it showed. He was a fun character and I liked learning more about him and seeing him woo Kaireen in his own way. He definitely knew how to get under her skin.
For a wild Viking wedding romance check out "Viking Fire" by Andrea R. Cooper!

Title: The Garnet Dagger Author: Andrea R. Cooper Publisher: Crimson Romance Source: Review Copy Rating: 5 Stars
Goodreads:

Treasure Your Love Author: J.C. ReedPublished: October 15th, 2013

The past has a way of catching up to you.

For Brooke and Jett life is beautiful. It seems as if all of their problems are solved and they can finally just enjoy being together. However things from their past are turning up and making there otherwise blissful life into a living nightmare. Will they be able to handle these new hurdles or will everything simply be too much.

I really enjoyed exploring the relationship between Jett and Brooke in more depth. In this book they have to deal with a lot of new stressful situations and though it has the potential to pull them apart, if they can make it through this it will ultimately make their relationship stronger.

Brooke is a tough no nonsense heroine that I love to read about. However, I did like that she had her vulnerable moments because it made her seem more real. I always enjoy the interactions between Jett and Brooke because they are both such stubborn and willful people.

Jett is your typical alpha male, but he can be gentle and sweet. He has a rough exterior, but does his best to keep Brooke safe. I liked getting to see more about his past and see him grow as a person in this book.

For more of the thrilling rollercoaster ride of emotions that J.C. Reed's books bring check out the latest in the "Surrender Your Love series", "Treasure Your Love"!

Title: Daughter of Sherwood

Author: Laura Strickland

Synopsis:

Laura Strickland’s new historical romance book Daughter of Sherwood, published by The Wild Rose Press, will be released on November 1, 2013.
Raised as a scullery maid in Nottingham Castle, Wren has no idea she is the daughter of the legendary Robin Hood. When she is forced to defend herself against the unwanted advances of an influential man, she flees the castle and finds refuge in Sherwood Forest. It is then she learns a powerful secret: she has a destiny as a guardian of Sherwood, charged with the responsibility of defending its ancient magic.
Since Robin's death many years before, his supporters have kept his legend alive.  Now one of the three guardians holding the spell has died. With two young men, Sparrow and Martin, Wren must form a new bond strong enough to protect Sherwood and continue her father’s fight.  Drawn equally to Martin’s warrior spirit and Sparrow’s gentle strength, she finds it nearly impossible to choose between duty and love.
Laura takes us on a journey into the world of Robin Hood's daughter, where we experience her struggle to accept her identity and the demands of her father's legacy.  Along with Wren, we learn that what is loved in life can never be lost, and that great love is worth the price paid.  For at last, when Martin is captured and held at Nottingham Castle, the path becomes clear for Wren and she finds the strength to become the woman she was born to be, the Daughter of Sherwood.
Daughter of Sherwood is book one of The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy. 

Sometimes greatness is thrust upon us.
Wren never knew about her famous  father until now nor could she imagine the adventure that awaits her. Full of  magic, mystery, and intrigue this is a page turner you will not want to miss.  The author did a great job of keeping with the original image of Robin Hood  while adding her own unique spin to the tale. I had a great time reminiscing  about old characters and meeting plenty of new ones along the way.
Wren  is courageous, headstrong, and as beautiful as she is kind. I really admired in  ability to take things in stride and her willingness to sacrifice for the good  of everyone. She is a beautiful character both inside and out and someone I  would love to have as a friend!
There are also two new characters that  were both so fun to read about. The first is Martin who is a potential love  interest. He is brave, strong, and charming. However, his motives are uncertain  and he has many secrets that may or not be harmful to Wren.
The second,  and my personal favorite, is Sparrow. He is the kind, thoughtful, and friend  that Wren can turn to for anything. I loved reading about him and really enjoyed  his sweet nature. He was also very brave and would do anything for  Wren.
Romance wasn't the only thing on their minds however. There were  still many dangers that Wren needed to face. The hardest part would be figuring  out who was friend and who was foe.
For a romantic and heart pounding  adventure check out the "Daughter of Sherwood".

Title: The Hero's Companion
Author: Amy Lignor
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Leah Tallent and Gareth Lowery have seen it all. From walking the halls of an eerie house that held clues to one of the biggest puzzles in history; to going up against literal madmen in order to save a relic that could alter the world, the Tallent and Lowery team have had to utilize everything they had to survive.

Now . . . Leah’s father has gone missing. They have only seven days before he will be killed, and the only clue to follow is a picture of one of the most famous icons of all time. Heading to her hometown, Leah begins her search for anything that will point her in the right direction. But all she finds is a mother who has fallen apart, talking about things that Leah doesn’t understand. Discovering a strange map stuck to the bottom of her father’s desk, Leah and Gareth are joined by a young woman who has a secret all her own. Teaming up, the trio must solve this new mystery that will take them from the pinnacle of the Acropolis to the depths of Cleopatra’s caves in order to unmask the man who has a definite score to settle.

This frightening adversary will do his best to capture Leah and take her far away from the protection and love of Gareth. In a location that’s been buried under rock and dirt for centuries the battle will begin, and the team will have to face the one foe that will expose secrets and unleash unheard of power in order to get what he wants. As it was with the mighty Athena, Leah is seen as ‘The Hero’s Companion’—the one woman who will do anything to make sure the right side wins. But without Gareth, her time may just run out.

Discover the impossible with Leah and Gareth.

The author once again does an amazing job setting up the mysteries and leaving just enough hints and clues along the way to keep you guessing. I was enthralled by the exotic locations. I really enjoyed discovering new secrets along the way.

Most of all I enjoyed reading more about Leah and Gareth. Throughout the book we get to see as their relationship grows even further and even gets tested along the way. Everyone has secrets and Gareth's just may tear them apart.

I also really liked finding out more about Leah's father. They have a very interesting relationship and I really enjoyed seeing the different dynamics within it. Their interactions with one another were interesting as well and definitely brought out a lot of drama and turmoil.

New characters also brought a lot of drama as well. Especially, the new woman in the group. She is full of secrets and teaming up with her could either help them or destroy them.

Let us travel with Leah and Gareth on another fun filled adventure!

About The Author
 

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

 

Title: Tangled Tides
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads:

Yara Jones doesn't believe in sea monsters--until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.

Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people--until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process--or she might open the gateway to a love that's deeper than the oceans.