Reading Fanatic Reviews
Romantic FantasyHis Clandestine Bride by Tora Williams
His Clandestine Bride*
Overcoming Complicated Pasts
In this second chance at romance medieval story, Isobel is confronted by her past when Edmund, returned from the Crusades and now one of the king’s men, shows up in search of an enemy of the king. Six years ago, Isobel and Edmund had a brief but passionate affair that that resulted in a clandestine marriage where they made vows to each other without witnesses. (I guess you could do that back then!) When she told her parents about the marriage, they locked her in a tower until she agreed to marry another man who would form a political alliance with her father. Edmund tries to get to her, but her parents do not allow it through devious means. So, she believes that he did not come for her even though sent out a message about her plight through what she thought was a trusted servant, and he has always believed she turned her back on him.
In the present day, he figures out that her child is their son; she had tried to keep the boy a secret. Edmund is determined to have his heir in his life, and he figures the only way to do so is to marry Isobel again in a public ceremony. Wounds have festered since they were separated. Will they forgive each other? Can they get over their other wounds that occurred in the past but still hold them back? Will Edmund find the man he’s looking for and gain the additional wealth and prestige the king and promised?
The author did an excellent job portraying the complicated web of thoughts and emotions this couple needed to untangle in order to build a future. She did a good job as well at showing Edmund learning how to become a father. Edmund was not natural with his son at first, which makes complete sense given his history, but he wanted to do better and be a good father. I thought his unsureness was very realistic.
The book had some of the common issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, and there were even a few small errors in diction. But I found interweaving of the story to be done so well that I wasn’t overly distracted by these errors.
If you enjoy second chance at romance stories with a historical twist, you might enjoy his tale of a couple who have much pain in their past, caused by others as well as each other, strive to find love a second time around.
The Demon King’s Destiny by C. A. Worley
The Demon King's Destiny*
Intriguing Dreamworld End of Series
In this final installment of the Imperium series, daughter Evelyn meets her mate, the King of the Demons. Interestingly, this book takes place mostly in the dream world. Evelyn first sees her intended mate in her dreams when she’s just a small child. She doesn’t see him often in her dreams after that until she is an adult. The king, Marrok, needs to wait to claim her until things are safer in his land. Groups of demons have gone rogue, becoming more dangerous. Some change in their quest for power while others have it thrust upon them due to old age or infirmity. Will Marrok gain control over his land so he can bring his mate home? What about the cause of other mysterious, ruinous events happening throughout the four kingdoms of Imperium?
This book had the common issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. In particular, commas seem to be an issue, with the required one missing between independent clauses in a compound sentence. But the story was otherwise well written, so I was not overly distracted.
This world of the four kingdoms of Imperium is very complex and well imagined. The author did a fantastic job of worldbuilding over the course of the three books, and each sister was very much an individual and had a unique mate/story that suited her. I think each story could be read as a standalone, but reading each in sequence enriches understanding because it allows you to comprehend the interweaving elements of the books. If you enjoy steamy paranormal romance with a little bit of humor and danger, you will enjoy this series.
Savage Possessed by September Stone
Savage Possessed*
Reverse Harem Group on Quest at Behest of Mother Nature
In the second book of the series, Sophie and the men are on a quest. Mother Nature wants them to find Elowen. What will happen when they find the mage? Will they be safe from her magic? Will Mother get what she wants?
I found it interesting how the author was able to make each of the males very distinct. I was especially intrigued by Valor, the vampire. At the beginning, he was so withdrawn and penitent. You could sense the horror he feels at his past actions as he tries to atone in the tiniest of ways in all his actions and reactions. Hagan was also a surprise, especially at the end, but I won’t ruin that for you.
The book has some issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, but they do not distract from the story. If you enjoy steamy RH fantasy, this book could fill the bill.
Murder Most Fowl by V. S. Vale
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Murder Most Fowl*
Slow-Paced Cozy Mystery Also a Character Study of a Village
If you’re accustomed to frenetic-paced thrillers or even get-to-the-point-fast cozy mystery novellas, this book requires you to slow down and take in the scenery. On a cold winter’s day, pour yourself a cup of your favorite hot beverage and dig in. Jenny Bradshaw is returning home to Swansneck, a small English village, after her grandfather dies and leaves her a home that she cannot sell or rent for three years. Leaving London and her stressful personal assistant job is not something she is in favor of it first, but her pending divorce doesn’t make it wholly a bad choice either. In her first days back, she resumes working in her family bakery, but in discussion with a good friend, she realizes that she needs to carve her own path in the village if she is to maintain her sanity. Her friend suggests buying a hat-renting business, which she does.
The book meanders for a while. As Jenny gets accustomed to the changes to her hometown, we learn about its past as well as the changes seen through Jenny’s eyes. Jenny keeps busy, opening her new business, relaunching a village newsletter, and taking part in the biggest wedding the community has seen. The murder doesn’t actually take place until well into the book. Much time is spent in setting the scene for the entirety of the community, gaining an understanding of Jenny’s quirky neighbors as well as getting glimpses of her new life. When the murder occurs, Jenny is drawn in, hoping to assist a friend who can be considered a suspect. Strange notes are left, and Jenny is drawn deeper into the world around her, learning more about her neighbors and the strange happenings, which only seem to give her more questions.
The book is refreshingly free of grammar, punctuation, and usage issues. If you enjoy slow-paced cozy mysteries with offbeat but intriguing characters and a strong sense of place, you will most likely enjoy this story. I am looking forward to the next book of the series.
Rejecting the Rogue by Riley Cole
Available at Amazon only
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Rejecting the Rogue
Delicious Victorian Romantic Suspense
We’re in a slightly fantastical Victorian England. The heroine, Philomena Sweet, has done numerous despicable deeds with her cousins at the insistence of her father. She is now determined to make restitution, one case at a time. Renowned for her safe-cracking skills, she now uses them for good and not for evil.
A client comes to the group, asking for help to retrieve a journal that contains many secrets that could be damaging and is now being held for potential future use as blackmail. This is precisely the type of work that the Restitution League does.
Unbeknownst to the group, another one of London’s underbelly is being asked to steal this journal. None other than Spencer Crane, master jewel thief and Philomena’s former betrothed whom she caught in flagrante delicto, has also been charged to retrieve this by a former associate who threatens both Philomena and Spencer’s sister if he refuses to do the job.
What happens when these two cross paths? Will sparks other than those caused by anger result? Will Philomena and her group be able to help the client?
This book was well written. While there is more than one narrator, I love the section from Philomena’s perspective. She comes across as a lady with a jaded but hopeful, slightly snarky attitude, and it is delicious to read. The book has an edgy yet humorous, not-quite-real vibe to it.
Lies and Solace by Jana Richards
Lies and Solace*
Big Dreams In Small-Town Romance
What a sweet and lovely small-town romance! The hero and the heroine have complex backstories that are revealed in a perfect dripwise fashion that show the basis for their goals and motivations, allowing the reader to easily empathize with them as they struggle with inner conflicts dealing with their secrets and what they have withheld from each other.
The book starts off dramatically with a scene from the distant past when the heroine’s parents died in a drowning accident when Harper was a child. The book then fast forwards to her at the age of 32 when she is trying to obtain investment capital to help restore the lodge that’s been in her family for three generations. Ethan, the hero, is a complex character, on the one hand sweet and caring and on the other fearful of rejection or maltreatment due to his secrets.
Now, when I said the book was sweet up above, I didn’t mean it wasn’t steamy! They have a caring bond that does carry over into intimacy towards the end of the book. Will their secrets tear them apart? Will Harper have the lodge of her dreams? Will her sisters start pitching in?
This book was refreshingly light on punctuation and grammar issues. It was a delight to read in that aspect as well as the good storytelling as detailed above.
If you like small town romance with complex characters, you’ll find this book a treat.
One Kiss From Ruin by Nancy Yeager
One Kiss from Ruin*
After Five Years of Heartache, Can They Find Happiness?
There is so much going on in this book! The hero and heroine were to be married five years ago, but the marriage never happened because the hero, Daniel, became embroiled in a scandal about the possible illegitimacy, and therefore, his eligibility for his title of marquess. Her family shunned him, lying to the couple. He was told that she never wanted to see him again and regretted everything they shared; she was told nothing, so she was left to assume he just abandoned her. As neither knows the truth, both are still infatuated with each other but hold some sadness (on her part) and resentment and anger (on his). Scandal and gossip have continued to follow him, some instigated by a longtime friend. She has decided to join the Spinster Society and help with their work. Now, he’s about come and claim his title after most of the issues around the illegitimacy claim have been resolved, but he still needs to go before a committee, so he must live a very upright and proper life. No scandals. And he needs to find the right society wife.
Of course, when they see each other again, they still have an attraction and a desire to be together, especially after they realize that they’ve been lied to for all these years. But she has a secret that can ruin it all for him. Will she help him find the proper wife he needs, or will he figure out some way that they can be together?
This book had some of the common issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, but it wasn’t distracting. I found the heroine to be sweet and sad. The hero is definitely a rapscallion, especially the way he first treated her when he didn’t quite realize that he had broken her heart. But even afterward at times, he is unkind. But in general, their love and affection for each other shines through.
We also learn some about what the author is calling the Harrow Five, five young heirs to titles who were a group to be reckoned with when they were lads at Harrow. I’ll be interested to see where else the author takes us with the Harrow Five.
Bursting Out by Ceri Grenelle
Bursting Out*
Real Estate and Personal Mysteries in Manhattan
This contemporary romance had ongoing humor and an air of mystery which surrounded both the hero and the heroine that kept me turning the pages. The heroine, Adele, is a sassy up-and-coming real estate agent. Mr. Zelig was referred to her by a mutual friend. Mr. Z is very particular about what he is looking for in a property. He is so demanding that Adele nearly drops him as a client. They’re both intrigued by each other, but each is wary of pursuing any relationship beyond realtor-client. Will this stand? And what are their mysteries? What will Adele think when she finally learned his identity?
The book has some of the standard issues with punctuation, grammar, and usage, but it did not overly detract from the story.
If you are looking for a contemporary romance with good humor, a broody hero, and a little bit of mystery, this book might be for you.
The Claddagh Trilogy by Amanda Heartley
The Claddagh Trilogy*
A Fun Collection of Interwoven Irish Romance
What a fun collection of interwoven stories just in time for St Patrick’s Day! Characters introduced in one book become a couple in the next, and we also get to see what happens to the previous couple(s) as well.
The Irish Affair starts with the heroine, Amelia, in dire straits. She had hoped to surprise her online boyfriend in Ireland, but she is the one who is shocked when his wife answers the door! Nursing her wounds at a bar later, Amelia meets Rory Maguire, a man who is a country music star in Ireland. She doesn’t recognize him. He enjoys having someone react to him as just a person and not a superstar.
In the second book, Irish Love, we move from Ireland to Los Angeles and then on to Vegas. This story focuses on Siobhan, Rory’s sister, who is visiting him at his new place in America. He wants her there when he proposes to Amelia during a concert. This is Siobhan’s story, though, and her brother has warned her against his touring manager, Ben. So, of course, they meet, and romantic sparks fly. What happens when a nice Irish country girl meets up with a guy who isn’t known for going to bed alone often?
The final book of the set, Irish Heart, stars the bad girl who convinced Siobhan to go to Vegas on her first night in America. Will the wild girl be tamed? Can she find true love? You’ll just have to read it and see!
This set has some problems with grammar, punctuation, and usage, but the books were so fun that the mistakes did not detract from the enjoyment of reading.
If you enjoy light, funny contemporary romance with a little bit of Irish flair and music star panache, you might enjoy this delightful collection of three books.
I received a free advance copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Step-By-Step Guide to 200 Crochet Stitches by Tracey Todhunter
Available in paperback only
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Interweave, Target
Step-by-Step Guide to 200 Crochet Stitches*
Beautiful, Clear Collection of Stitches
If you enjoy crocheting, this book would be a good one to add to your crafting books. It is chock full of 200 basic and not-so-basic crochet stitches, including some intriguing ones like Embossed Shells, Four-Leaf Clover, Popcorn Mesh, Granny Spike Stitch, Post Stitch Stripes, Little Arcs, Textured Wave, Tunisian Honeycomb, and Crown Picot Edging.
I’ve been crocheting for over 30 years, and I saw some old friends and some new ones that make me want to dig out my hooks and yarn and start playing around with these stitches! I can think of no better recommendation of a book than that.
You definitely need to have a good sense of basic crochet, like how to do a chain, single crochet, double crochets, post stitches, etc. The Basic Stitches section at the front of the book does not contain these simplest of stitches; rather those stitches are more along the lines of slightly altered basic stitches like the Purl Slip Stitch and Shallow Single Crochet. There is a section called Crochet Skills in the back which does show some crochet basics, but many of the stitches in the main part of the book are complex enough that you’d want to have some solid experience under your belt before you attempt them. You don’t need a lot of experience, just enough to feel comfortable working with crochet projects.
The stitch sections in the main part of the book include Basic Stitches; Fans & Shells; Clusters, Puffs, & Popcorns; Spike Stitches; Raised Stitches; Mesh and Filet; Lace & Openwork; Waves & Chevrons; Textured Stitches, Tunisian Stitches; Colorwork; and Edgings. Each stitch has a full-color photo of multiple rows as well as up-close pictures of the yarn and hook every one or two steps. There is also a stitch diagram if you prefer working with those. If you are a visual learner, it’s nice to see exactly what you’re supposed to do or what the result is.
My only complaint is that some of the yarn and hook combinations don’t show enough contrast between the yarn and hook colors. For instance, there’s a whole set of stitches that use a golden yarn with what looks like a light wooden hook. These two colors blend together too easily and you don’t see the contrast.
Again, if you love to crochet, I would suggest picking this book up, digging out your hooks, busting into your stash, and start having fun!
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