Reading Fanatic Reviews
Books to Add to Your TBR list... or Not!Hey, ya’ll! I’m VERY behind getting my reviews up on the website! I’ve increased the reading and reviewing, leaving less of my leisure time available to update this website. I’ll do weekly posts with links to my reviews at Amazon; you can also check out my Amazon and Goodreads profiles.
By the way, I’m now a top 50 Amazon.com reviewer (#12 currently) and the top 8 US reviewer of all time on Goodreads (and top 9 in the world)… and the #6 US reviewer and #8 in the world in the past year. Cool stuff!
I hope to make updates to this site soon!
Beware the Stranger by Molly Mirren
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, Smashwords, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, and Indigo (Chapters)
Beware the Stranger*
Too Much Repetition…Plot, Character, and Gorgeousness of Hero
I found this book repetitious in too many ways, so much that it actually hampered my enjoyment of the story. There was repetition in the plot; there seemed to be a rehashing of the same points over and over without escalating complications. The characters were stuck in their own repetitive loops. Ben seemed to constantly beat himself up over his past, and the heroine did the same with hers as well. They were both so stuck in their respective pasts that their forward motion of their story arcs was missing. I also was annoyed by the repetitious nature of the comments of all the women about how gorgeous Ben was. Yeah, we get it, he’s the hottest thing since the invention of fire; say it once or twice only, please, as it gets stale pretty quick.
Two Deals by Nikki Kardnov
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Two Deals*
Unexpected Twists in Paranormal Story
I had read the first book in this series, Three Wishes, and thought the author had done an excellent job creating a complex world of humans and paranormals. The first book looked at the oldest Blackwell djinn brother, and this one looks at the next in line, Poe. I had found Poe to be an interesting character in the first book, so I was interested to read more of his story. The author did not disappoint. Again, she has woven a complicated the tale with familial bonds, demons, kidnapping, and romance with some steam! Poe at first seemed so self-centered, but beneath his “I don’t need anyone” exterior beats the heart of one who truly desires his caeli match, which in this world means essentially his fated life partner who will extend his powers. The chemistry between Poe and Willa sizzles off the page. Another excellent book in this series, and I look forward to Thorin’s story.
Let the Shadows Fall by Terri A. Wilson
Available at Amazon only
NOT with Kindle Unlimited
Let the Shadows Fall*
Quirky Combo of Genres Makes for Fun Read
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This book is a quirky and fun combination of–of all things–the Old West, steampunk, and the paranormal. It is such a surprising and delightful combination. The heroine, Elizabeth, is as plucky as any we see in a traditional western romance. She wants so much to help keep the inn that she believed her family owned. When presented with a way to do so, a whole new world is opened up to her. She had no idea that she was living amongst paranormal beings (dragons, shifters, witches) and had no clue that she was descended from a magical lineage. Elizabeth is a likable and relatable character. In fact, most are in this book, except the ones you aren’t supposed to like. What a very different, pleasing read.
Hidden Enemy by JP McLean
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, 24 Symbols, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
Hidden Enemy*
More Twists and Revelations
Having read the first two variations of the first book, one from Em’s perspective and one from Jackson’s, I was very curious to see how the author would take it from there. I must say that I am delighted with this book, liking it even more than the first. It seems better paced, and Em has grown as a character. While it is a long book, you don’t even really notice because there is so much going on—on several fronts. The author definitely has some unique twists and turns going on here, and I am curious to see how she keeps that up in the other books of the series. Em is still trying to get control of her abilities, and she learns much more about her past and her father’s. Em gets more deeply embroiled within the world of the Fliers. I do like how this author has created this world-within-a-world setting. The book is definitely paranormal, but it is side-by-side with our world. Very well done.
Prisoners of Scythia box set by Lisa Daniels
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Prisoners of Scythia box set*
Imprisoned Shifters and Their Mates
I have read several types of stories by Lisa Daniels, and I enjoy her writing style. She has a way of drawing you into a story and making you feel for the characters right away. There’s always some level of suspense as well as romance, of course. So when I saw this box set available at one of my favorite book review sites, I was quick to snap it up. I’m happy to say that Ms. Daniels has yet again written a delightful set of stories. She’s also managed to touch upon some deeper themes that we rarely see in shifter romance. To me, one of the biggest surprises is that it isn’t only the ones who are behind bars who are imprisoned in this story. Indeed, the title of the box set can apply to quite a few characters. The women as well are imprisoned in each their own way—one a servant, one a lowly bastard, and one a princess who is being held captive by her father until a particular event happens. Ms. Daniels is not heavy-handed with this theme of imprisonment—showing it through the characters’ lives, actions, and reactions—but it certainly got me thinking about the topic as I kept turning the pages. Other themes that seem to be a part of this include prejudice and nationalistic fear, as evidenced by what happened to the shifters. Each of these stories had such a lovely and heartfelt relationship at its core. Again, Ms. Daniels writes these kinds of relationships in such a compelling way. I root for the hero and heroine, not just for the romance, but for the external situations that they are in as well. The last book definitely had a twist and a surprise; I love that as a reader! Another well-done series by an author who knows how to deliver on character, plot, suspense, and romance.
Cabin Fever by Annabelle Acosta
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Cabin Fever*
Different Spin on Common Trope
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I find myself very surprised by it. I read a lot, and I don’t get surprised often. I read a lot of romance and thrillers, so I’m accustomed to the “stuck in the cabin with someone” trope. Several things make this book unique. For one, the heroine—who is the viewpoint character—has a strongly defined character and voice. The author has pulled off a very deep viewpoint here. She is at turns quite a funny—not that she would say that herself—and sometimes serious. Rather, she, especially at the beginning, is so self-absorbed and judgmental that it is just simply fun to read what is going on in her head. Jake is right when he nicknames her “Princess.” The two men in this book, Jake and Chase, are as different as they can be in just about every way. The heroine learns and grows over this story; I love that in a book—there was a lot of room for improvement! There’s a big twist at the end I didn’t foresee, changing the book into something wholly different from I thought it was. There are also a few more little surprises at the end. In all, this book was a real treat because it was such a fun and different ride. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd. by Christy Nicholas
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, Thalia, Smashwords, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters), and Bol.de
Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd.*
Time Travel Medical Thriller
How fun to combine a medical thriller with time travel! I love the protagonist, and I so appreciate that the author chose to use an older one. In these days of the popularity of magical academies and dystopian worlds, younger people seem to be the stars the most often (and the older generations often the villains). I actually think authors miss out by not at least experimenting with older characters in novels. An author could give such a character a great background (more time for the character to have done cool stuff in his or her life), which can greatly really enhances the story as it does here. The times and places traveled to in this book were so fun to visit. It is clear that the author did some excellent research. I felt like the book was a bit repetitive in places. It could have used some tightening in general. But all in all, I found this book to be an engaging read.
Siren Song by Alexandria Clarke
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Siren Song*
Paranormal Adventures
This is actually three novellas in one book, all following the paranormal adventures of Bay and Nicco. They are great characters, and in these three novellas, they have to deal with Sirens, an evil beauty contestant, and an incubus! Each book is relatively short, which doesn’t give a lot of time for each story to develop, though the author does manage to get in a few a fun twist and turns. But what is written is well done and engaging. The author has created a fascinating world for these characters, both the “Witch Myth” universe and these particular looks at it.
Death on Line One by T. K. Barber
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, Scribd, Thalia, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, and Bol.de
Death on the Line*
Unique, Funny, Sizzling Paranormal Romance
My goodness, what a fun and original story! I enjoy paranormal romance, but this was like none that I have read. I feel like I barely know what to say about it because it is just such a unique read that has to be read to be fully appreciated. The book is told in the alternating viewpoints of the hero and heroine; he is Death, and she is one of his soul calls. He escorts souls to the afterlife when people die. The heroine is zany and quite amusing; the hero, as you might imagine, is a bit more serious. His “life” has been lonely and quite humdrum, and he is very intrigued by her. They actually do have chemistry that sizzles off the page. The story takes some surprising twists and turns. The book is very humorous in places. I enjoyed the way that the contemporary world and the world of Greek mythology interplayed in the story, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book of the series. I hope the author can surprise me with the next installment as well.
The Wedding Charade by Caroline Mickelson
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, and Indigo (Chapters)
The Wedding Charade*
Sweet, Delightful Double Romance
I’m a sucker for romantic stories that feature older protagonists. Love stories shouldn’t just be about young people. This book has both. The author has set up a fascinating premise. Basically, the two older adults think the two younger adults are rushing into marriage, so they are planning to show the younger people how foolish it is to get married so quickly by patterning it themselves. Everyone in this story is inherently a good person acting with good intentions, even if they’re not well thought out and have not-so-good results. When I write this premise out, it might sound a little ridiculous, but the author manages to pull it off with warmth, caring, gentleness, and a little humor. The father-son relationship between Zander and Matt seems realistic, as does the aunt-niece relationship between Kayla and Whitney. Within the family units, these are people who genuinely love and respect each other; I love it when authors can pull that off in stories about families. Even with Zander and Kayla’s good intentions, things go sideways in a variety of ways. Again, the author has made this completely believable and relatable, showing vulnerabilities and possibilities. The reactions seemed so very human. This is a sweet, lovely double romance that I thoroughly enjoyed getting immersed in.
Jamie Brydone-Jack
Reader, Editor, Writer
I’m an avid reader, for both fun and work/business. I enjoy a wide variety of books, including literary fiction, romance, thrillers, cozy mysteries, and fantasy for fiction and history, contemporary issues, philosophy, music, medicine, and cookbooks for nonfiction. I’m a freelance copyeditor who also does beta and alpha reading. I have two websites that are all about romance and mystery. You can also follow my reviews at Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.
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