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Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack Book 1) by Nicole Howl – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Claiming My Mate (Wolf Hollow Pack #1)Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claiming My Mate is a very accessible, engrossing, and interesting novel. Lily, a slave, has been treated poorly her whole life, and suffers even more abuse near the beginning of this novel. When Prince Huntingdon meets her in the infirmary, his wolf is drawn to her immediately. As the future king and alpha of his pack, he is expected to marry for economic and political reasons, not love. But he knows in his heart that this young woman is his soulmate. Although Lily has been trained to be meek and subservient, she surprises the Prince (and everyone else) when she stands up for herself at parts in the novel. She becomes more herself as the novel winds on, and grows into the person she was meant to be.

I really liked this book. The characters were interesting and dynamic, and the plot moved forward with good pacing and turns. The novel does resolve itself at the end (no cliffhanger) but I could definitely see how the story could be furthered in future books, as I hope it does. Great read.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Last Cabin GirlThe Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Last Cabin Girl is a tightly wound psychological thriller with a potentially unreliable narrator and dark twisty trail of clues. Josie is a single mom of two, desperately waiting for her divorce to become final so that she can escape her abusive ex-husband and the Podunk town she grew up in. While hiking one morning, she thinks she spots a body in the Mohawk River. However, with her terrible vision, past mental health troubles, and having cried wolf once before about dead bodies in this river, she is hesitant to report what she sees. Eventually a body is discovered, but the few clues as to the murderer seem to point to herself. Did she have something to do with harming the woman? Has she suffered a delirium (again) and acted on emotion? Or is something else at work here?

I really liked the portrayal of Josie, it felt interesting and nuanced. She is certainly a lot more fearful than many people, and it is difficult to work out if her concerns point to a dangerous mental disorder, or if she’s been a victim of gaslighting, or what the real story is. There is a lot that I definitely did not see coming in this book, and some very dark imaginings twisted into this plot, especially near the end. A great read I finished in one sitting.

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Vox Astra: The Black Box (Vox Astra Series Book 1) by James Chambers – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Vox Astra: The Black BoxVox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this is a very imaginative, gritty, confronting read. Vox Astra will deftly pull you in and force you to witness the violence and conspiracies saturated in its pages. The writing is very accessible and I appreciated how the voice seemed real and close. The fear, blood, and absurdity of war is captured well. Very well conceived and executed, this is a sci-fi you won’t easily forget.

Read with a nightlight on!

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Nite Fire: Slash & Burn (Book 4) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Slash & Burn (Nite Fire, #4)Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The latest book in this fantastic series is full of battles, darkness, and action. The blight that Dahlia has chased since book 1 is gaining in strength and threatening the stability of all worlds, including Earth. She struggles to focus her strengths and new powers, but her progress seems to be frustratingly slower than the increase of the deadly blight. When her friends are injured, she is forced to rely on shadowy contacts that she isn’t sure how much she should trust.
This novel is back-to-back battles and excitement. Dahlia uncovers a lot of the mysteries at play in Sentinel City and Drimera, and these fuel her ability to fight against the end of civilization. Book 4 is a great continuation of this series, never a dull moment!

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It Just Comes Natural (Powder River Pack Book 3) by Brooke May – Review by Erica Shoebridge

It Just Comes NaturalIt Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 starts with a bang as Brandon meets Mary, er, Macy, in a crowded bar in Billings, Montana. They are instantly drawn to each other, and spend an unforgettable night together, after which Brandon is shipped out on a 5-year tour in the military, and Macy is turned out of her home and starts a new one Fetterman with Mason’s pack. In a comedy of errors, Macy spends several years working in Mason’s bar without ever realizing that her mate belongs to the pack of her new family. Brandon returning home is a shocking revelation for them both – and Miranda too.
This latest book follows a similar arc as the others in this series. I found this duo to be a little harder to connect with than those in Book 2 for example, there seemed to be something a bit lacking in the depiction of their romance comparatively. A good novel though, and if you liked the others in this series, Book 3 will likely deliver for you as well.

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Call of the Alpha (Powder River Pack Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Call of the Alpha (The Powder River Pack #2)Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great shifter romance between tomboy biologist Rylie and alpha/single father Mason. Similarly to Book 1, this shifter is waiting for his mate to come into his life, and when she does, the connection packs a punch. I found their story easy to fall into, and I resonated with their story even more than the one in Book 1. Mason is steadfast and loyal, a great dad to 5-year-old son Archer, and seeks the woman who will be not only his wife but the mother little Archer has never had. Enter beautiful, intelligent, no-nonsense Rylie, who is gobsmacked by the intensity of the connection between them. Their chemistry sizzles, but a bit slower, and there is a depth and intensity in it that I appreciated. I was eager to turn the pages fast and finished this one quickly.

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A Second Chance (Powder River Pack Book 1) by Brooke May – Review by Erica Shoebridge

A Second Chance (The Powder River Pack #1)A Second Chance by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annabelle has been living life all over the world since being separated from the love of her life at just 16 years old. Finding home and friendship in her travel buddy Spence, she flits across the globe as an animal photographer. After she is forced home suddenly, she comes face to face with the man who got away – Derek Sumerland. Both Anna and Derek believed that they had been spurned by the other, in the face of Anna’s sudden move as a teenager, and seeing each other again is a powerful experience. Is this really true love, as Derek insisted all those years ago?
This is a good paranormal love story with an interesting romance between Anna and Derek. I enjoyed the writing style, and could empathize with the characters. A good read.

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Cosplay Worth by Quiana Glide – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Cosplay WorthyCosplay Worthy by Quiana Glide
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an cute, well-written, feel-good novel. Layla is an adorable comic book nerd, cosplay enthusiast, and burgeoning artist. Meeting her favourite author hero puts her on the back foot at first, feeling like she’s an unworthy fan girl around a writing legend. As she slowly gets to know Vic Williams, she learns a lot about the sexy older man, and starts to dream of what it might be like to date him. These two have a smoldering romance, with sweet romantic gestures and sexy scenes. This is by turns a comforting read with lovely details, and then smoking hot scenes of passion. A really well done story, I enjoyed it completely.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Notebook Mysteries series is an intelligently-written set of novels set in the 1880s, with a smart feminist protagonist. Emma runs her own business, employs workers, solves crimes, and supports those in need of help. When she is given the opportunity to help even more people, with the help of a large inheritance, she expands her network to handle the responsibilities of that role. But there is more than enough excitement beyond that – mysteries to solve, trouble to set right, and even working out how to be with the man she loves without the bonds and limitations of marriage and children. It is great to see a series about such a smart capable woman living her best life, especially in the late 19th Century. A good YA mystery novel with elements of many genres, I think this story has wide appeal for lots of readers.

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The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla) by S.B. Alexander – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Hunted (Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla, #1)The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one steamy paranormal romance! The fated pair have more than enough reasons to hunt and kill each other, but their off-the-charts chemistry makes it impossible for them to do so. Layla and her sisters are badass vampire killing machines, born into a long line of vampire hunters that are tough and skilled. Sam and his vampire Navy SEAL team are just as talented and deadly. When their paths cross, the fireworks are everywhere, and their love his as forbidden as it could be. Loved the trio of sisters, who were deadly but also vulnerable, and willing to do what it takes to save each other.

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The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Thunderbird Academy TrilogyThe Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maddie Hawthorne, teenage witch, has a life which is far from dull. At just 15 years old, she fought a battle against the ancients with her older sisters, binding their collective magic to save her town from certain ruin. Now, in year two at Thunderbird Academy, she has to navigate not only her newfound infamy, but doing so without her bestie, and oh yeah, the Ancients are back to threaten their world again. Thus, the trilogy begins, and it is quite the ride. Heart-pounding action and lots of supernatural powers at work in this awesome collection of books. I loved the authour’s voice in these books, they have a way of gripping your attention immediately and not letting go until you’ve completed the set. High drama, epic battles, and even a romance in there, with a devilishly handsome hero. Definitely, happily, recommend.

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The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files) by C.H. Sessums – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Killer Jack Mystery (The J.D. Pierson Case Files)The Killer Jack Mystery by C.H. Sessums
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really fun murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. J.D. Pierson (Jenny Dee, that is, not the famed PI, but his plucky daughter) is a great investigator who proves herself to be smart, daring, capable, and talented. Even though she isn’t meant to be looking into this murder, she’s unable to resist when her father is in hospital and money is tight. That isn’t the only reason however – like her father she has a nose for danger, and her natural curiousity, bravery and stubbornness don’t allow her to back down until every clue has been chased down. This book is written superbly, and is engaging and quick-witted. It is a shorter book, but the plot felt appropriately brisk and well-timed. I found it very well planned-out and a pleasure to read.

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A trip to the circus with her family brings Abbey a lot more than she bargained for. When all hell breaks loose, and dead clowns overrun her high school, she must scramble to put a stop to it before it’s too late. I liked the pace of the story and the plot brought some interesting twists and turns. I liked that Abbey had a bit of a gift in regards to the supernatural and an quiet intuition that those around her lacked. I had trouble really resonating with her though, and feeling fully pulled-in by the story. It seemed like it was happening at a remove. At any rate, a decent read.

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Faithful in Love (Cliff Walk Cousins Book 1) by Cecily K. Wolfe – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Faithful in Love (Cliff Walk Cousins, #1)Faithful in Love by Cecily K. Wolfe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Faith is a woman of intelligence, integrity, and privilege. Her best friend since the age of 12 Will, has been her constant companion and confidante since the day she met. So when Will takes a stand against her new (and first) love Nico, she shocked and dismayed. How can the two disagree so fundamentally, when they have always agreed on most everything? How can Faith choose between their loyalties, and make the decision that is best for her life and her family?
I liked Faith’s character, that she was thoughtful and giving, despite being raised with every comfort. Will I also appreciated, though he was a bit unknowable in a lot of ways. I found the story a bit detached and surface-level, which made it hard to get invested in for me. Not a bad read, once I committed to finishing.

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The Prisoner of the Dead (Dead World Book 1) by Megan Mackie – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia (Dead World Book 1)The Prisoner of the Dead: Zombie Thriller Dystopia by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good zombie post-apocalyptic novel with lots of action and fighting. Baron, our hero, is hard to get to know and has a serious lack of social skills and graces. When he is thrust into the hands of the Athelings as their unfortunate prisoner, he’s going to need to learn to communicate and work as a team in short order, if all of them hope to get out alive. The supernatural elements worked well, and were skillfully written. I liked that the book moved at a fast clip, with lots of interesting plot points. A good read for sci-fi and zombie lovers.

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Kiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Kiss of the SwanKiss of the Swan by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eala is a lovely character, beautiful, thoughtful, brave, and loyal. When the Queen of the Swans meets Cathal, she is drawn to him immediately, and bit by bit, his goodness draws her in. But being with him could mean the end of the lives of all of the swans. Can she find a way to protect her people and her heart? I thoroughly enjoyed this little book. It all of the elements and feel of a good fantasy fairy tale, and was easy to read and appreciate. The story flowed well, and I was invested in the characters. Also, the cover art is gorgeous! A solid read.

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The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Ghastly GumballThe Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun, quirky, paranormal romance that is a delightful little read. After a sugar craving gone wrong, 21 year old Lockwood finds himself caught up in a magical curse that starts changing his body in unexpected ways. Fortunately, he’s got his “Best B” Brixley (and handsome new man Rex) to help him acclimatize to the crazy world of magic that he never knew existed. In a series of endearing and unbelievable plot twists, Lockwood may actually get the hang of this thing after all. Please read if you don’t mind a sprinkle of colourful language and a laugh-out-loud plot that zips along at a great pace. The authour’s voice is very real and down-to-earth, and it puts you right at ease in the story with her characters.

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Juliet’s Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1) by Elise Davis – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Juliet's Journey to Love (Great Smoky Mountain Getaways, #4)Juliet’s Journey to Love by Elsie Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Juliet sets off on a trip with her friends to hike the Appalachian Trail, she believes that her dream for love and marriage is never going to come true. She is in the process of coming to terms with devoting her love and faith to the church instead, and helping support and guide other people. Lucky for Juliet God does have a plan for her happiness, and she finds it in Hollow’s Creek.

I liked that Juliet is a strong character who knows what she wants and what matters to her. She is principled and protective of both her friends and patients, very capable and intelligent. However, I found her insistence to continue bringing religion into the lives of non-believers to be a bit obnoxious and presumptuous. Juliet assumes that her God should be everyone’s God, and that she should keep trying to convert a person that has clearly told her that he is not interested. Best of intentions or not, I found this character’s toxic lack of respect for boundaries to be frustrating and I struggled to respect her despite her other great qualities.

This is a happy-ending guaranteed love story, so if you want to curl up with a Christian-themed clean romance where the girl gets the boy, you may enjoy this book.

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Seven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset (The Industrial Age) by P.L. Tavormina – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Seven Strengths: A Tale from TurasetSeven Strengths: A Tale from Turaset by P.L. Tavormina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really great little story that I devoured in one sitting. Celeste is a driven 17-year-old daughter of innkeepers, who yearns to escape the life determined for her by her parents. Bored and tired of laundering sheets, cooking meals, and butchering animals, she hopes to be a teacher in the local school and have a home of her own. When she is offered a two-year college program in the city to expand her mind (and see what is beyond the small country town she knows) she moves hell and highwater to get there. Things are very different in the city, and she starts to wonder if the fears her parents held about leaving her town might not have been as baseless and silly as she thought.

Celeste’s adventure and the way her education shaped her were interesting and layered. Her ability to learn and synthesize new information, and then be able to reflect on how that knowledge has changed her was very mature and a high-level way of thinking that endeared me to her character. Dear authour, this better be a series, because the novel is great in so many ways, and I can see so many directions this book could take from the ending. The possibilities for plot paths were spinning in my mind once I got to the end. I will be seeking out further books by this writer for sure.

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting tale of a girl who becomes a woman amidst treacherous family and horrible misdeeds. Married off by her father at the tender age of 15, she is destroyed when she cannot be with the boy she loves, and must marry a man she knows nothing about. The marriage does not go well, and Julia is forced to realize how few people she can actually count on. When a solution arrives that can take her away from her troubles, she must decide what she can live with, and live without.

Julia’s transformation in this novel is interesting and complex. I enjoyed seeing her come into her own, and figure out how to gain the strength and independence that she needed. I found the writing a bit angsty in places, more emotionally fraught than I prefer. However, the story and characters were sound, and the plot moved along nicely. A good read.

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Apocalypse (Guardians of the Garden Book 2) by Theresa Pocock – Review by Erica Shoebridge

ApocalypseApocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A long-awaited book 2 is finally here! We catch up with the Edenians right where book 1 left off, where Seth is desperately hoping for a cure for his dying sister Lillian. He struggles to make a choice between betraying the girl he loves, and saving his little sister from certain death. You can really feel how this choice weighs on him, as he tries to be a man and protect the people he loves. I felt so much compassion for him and his struggles, and the cascading effects that his unfortunate decision creates. Lots of action in this book, it is definitely a page-turner. Pocock is fantastic at hooking in the reader, and creating realistic, layered, interesting characters to root for (or loathe!)

Definitely read Book 1 first – it’s well worth it and a great read. It had been several months for me between books, and it took me a bit to reorient myself to the characters and plot from Guardians of the Garden.

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Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series #3)Helm of Awe by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Helm of Awe is a heart-pounding Book 3 that throws Van and her team into danger from all sides. Van struggles to come to terms with Suixsha, the girl who out-maneuvered her in the Jaychund games, and continues to baffle and irritate her. Suixsha is a woman of few words, but her inner calm and startling prowess in battle leave Van feeling insecure and annoyed. However, the Alignment waits for no one, so Van tries to focus on her mission, and not her rival, or her long-distance boyfriend, or the curse that awaits her in adulthood. Once again, she must quiet her inner demons, release fears that aren’t serving her, and act with integrity and compassion for all people. Her spiritual/psychological transformations in these books are well thought-out, and accompanied with exciting plot developments.

The scene in the cave was so well done, with so much coming at our heroine at once. I also really liked the parts with the family of animals she rescued. Great book, great series, great fantasy!

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Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Plague of Death (Anchoress, #2)Plague of Death by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to Book 2, a great sequel to Shock of Fate! We catch up with Van Cross a year later, as she sets out on her latest mission during the Alignment. Once again, bestie Paley is by her side, as is her protector Brux, and new addition Prenilla, her Providence Island nemesis. Van has hardened her heart and her body, ruthlessly shunning any sort of emotional attachment in her quest to become the best warrior she can be. She trains incessantly and avoids any introspection about the past – particularly the death of Solana and her feelings for Brux. Her mentors nudge her toward balance – light and dark exist in equal measure, and the inability to accept both forces blocks her power. It is one of the many lessons she is charged with learning in this Book 2, and she is a stubborn student!

I thought the plot was really intriguing in this book, there were lots of dire circumstances happening all at once, upping the danger factor and lessening the chances of success. Wiglaf is the bestest magical creature, and I enjoyed the plot points with them and Paley/Van. Van’s test with the Quasher had me biting my nails and turning pages as fast as I could.

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Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Shock of Fate (Anchoress #1)Shock of Fate by D.L. Armillei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great start to a series I look forward to devouring! Vanessa Cross, daughter of Grigori agent and presumed traitor Michael Cross, is thrust into the secret world of her father to retrieve a priceless artifact. When debriefed by his formidable boss Uxa, she learns that there is far more going on in her sleepy little Island town than she ever thought possible. She sets out on her adventure with her team (after sneaking in her best friend Paley, natch), feeling inadequate compared to the skills and talents of the teen soldiers around her. Van struggles to figure out her place in this ragtag group, quiet her insecurities, and conquer her fears so that she can play her role in the unfolding history of the Living World.

I loved the tension between Van and Brux, and the romantic sparks between them. Jorie is also a great character who is very lively and intricately drawn. I could picture her black mohawk and “friend” Zachary vividly, and it made me smile every time she jumped onto the stage of this story. Van’s transformation through the story and was impressive as she came to terms with what she was actually capable of and who she actually could be in the world. I highly recommend this book – a great adventure!

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lovely read about a young business owner, history buff, and paranormal sleuth who becomes determined to help solve a century-old murder. Tess is a wonderful character with a quirky sense of fashion, who loves all things vintage and unique. When she meets Trey and his grandmother, there is an instant jolt of connection, one that neither can ignore. When she starts connecting to glimpses of, and messages from, his ancestor Phoebe, she becomes enmeshed in the details of Phoebe’s life and death. But are those pieces of Phoebe’s love life influencing her feelings for the current (and very handsome) man in front of her? Will she and Trey develop their own bond and future together?

The mystery is an interesting one, and as more characters are drawn into the mix, the list of potential murderers becomes longer and murkier. It was great fun to watch Tess plot and discover, and watch the men surrounding her play out their roles. I liked how she remained quietly firm in the things she knew, despite naysayers who thought her trite or silly. A fun book that I can definitely recommend for cozy mystery and paranormal lovers.

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Reverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Reverence of a RoninReverence of a Ronin by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautifully written with luscious imagery, Reverence of a Ronin is a gorgeous story. Aia is a geisha-in-training, learning the ways of beauty, poise, and companionship. She desires nothing more than to obtain the knowledge and skill necessary to be the epitome of geisha, even if it pains her to do so. Then she meets tall, dark and mysterious Nen, who fights enemies she didn’t know existed and sets her heart to fluttering. When he saves her and her sister from a sudden threat, her heart opens to him and she is surprised by the depth of her feelings for him. Is a future with him possible, and is she willing to give up on her dream to find out?

The story flows well, and the plot is interesting. I would have liked to see a bit more character development to flesh out the cast and what makes them unique. All in all though, a good historical romance with spirit and heart.

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Road Rage (Outlaw series Book 4) by Karina Kantas – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Road Rage (OUTLAW, #4)Road Rage by Karina Kantas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

TW: Domestic violence and SA

A high-octane story with lots of danger and excitement. Gemma is unable to resist the siren call of the hot new MC, Rage. She loves to drive fast and live large, and protection and respect that comes with being a member of a powerful brotherhood. The motorcycle races that the club sets up for her are thrilling, and leave her breathless for more. But as the stakes get higher, and emotions run high, Gemma’s increasingly angry and risky driving puts her in danger. She’s also gained an enemy or two who want to see her dead. Will the club be the family she is seeking, and be able to stop those who wish her harm?

This story is fast-paced, exciting, and action-heavy. I found it to be well-written, and easy to imagine myself in the thick of the action. I was a bit disturbed by some of the violence, particularly towards Gemma, and the sexual expectations that some people had of her being a woman in that world. However, she is a strong character, and navigated these with aplomb. A gritty, dangerous read.

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Return of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 1) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Return of the Elf LordReturn of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bernard and Alva are both brave, intelligent, and troubled heroes, who have lost their families and live their lives far from where they started. Bernard lost his parents and guardians long ago, and his wife and children at Pearl Harbour. Alva’s father died recently, and she is estranged from her mother, the queen, and her sisters because she refuses the practice of killing men to draw energy. Together with the goddess Freyja and other assistants, they defend the Nine Worlds from destruction. Bernard is so gutted about the war and the loss of his family, that he attempts to change the course of history to save them – unwittingly setting into motion a cascade of unintended consequences. As they battle together to right the wrong, they’ll need to use every power and person at their disposal.

I loved these two characters, and how they grew as people through the course of the story. They are flawed, but also courageous, loyal, and and loving. The authour wrote them masterfully. Exciting story and lots of action.

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The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Clockwork Solution (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 2)The Clockwork Solution by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A really good follow-up to the Clockwork Witch, where we get to see Arabella leaning into her powers, and aligning herself with supportive people. Now officially part of the witching world, she learns some of the secrets of the Council, and becomes determined to change some of their more unsavory policies. Her mother makes some halting attempts to reconnect their relationship, and sends her on a mission to Ireland to solve the sticky problem of the famine. Mother doesn’t really expect Arabella to solve much, but underestimating her youngest daughter is never a good idea.

I enjoyed seeing Arabella becoming her own woman and witch. She stands up to those who can’t support her, especially those with the power to hurt her, with grace and determination. Eliza and Sarah were interesting characters as well, and were a nice contrast to Arabella and the world she grew up in.

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Erica Shoebridge

The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great story with lots of conflict and high emotion. Arabella has grown up in the shadow of her powerful mother and 6 talented older sisters. Having displayed no witchy talents, she is an embarrassment to her mother, and basically ignored by most of her sisters. When her talents appear after everyone had given up hope, Arabella is bewildered and very curious. But, as her world functions around Technology vs. Witches, neither side respects her talent nor wants her anywhere near them. Arabella must find a way to develop her new powers without much support, and navigate those in the witchy world who think she is an abomination and call for her death.

Arabella is a loveable character, full of curiousity, and possessing humility and strength. As she learns who her allies are, and becomes more powerful at wielding her power, her confidence grows and limitations are exceeded. The friendship between she and her sister, Rowena, is a source of strength for her, and she finds love and support from her estranged brother as well. The ending of the story is exciting and made me want to start book 2 immediately!

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