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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage)Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divinely Dramatic is the second book in the Divine Vintage Series. It is a cozy mystery with paranormal elements, drama, suspense, mystery, intrigue, vintage clothing, and romance. I was so excited to read this book after having read book one, Divine Vintage, and I was not disappointed. This time around we follow the (mis)adventures of Marcy as she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand as a costumer to a local theatre group. Things start off on the wrong foot for her immediately with the Play Director, Mike, as she inadvertently seems to have gotten on his bad side without even trying. As if that is not bad enough, Marcy finds herself confronted with a glowing white orb in the loft of the theatre where the costumes are stored. She is unnerved and spooked by the white light but finds herself wanting to know more about it, so she enlists the help of her friend Tess. Although Marcy has become more in tune with her abilities to see a person’s aura, it is Tess that can connect with the spirit world through vintage clothing. Together, Marcy and Tess begin to unlock the secrets of a gruesome death that took place in the theatre in 1966. I loved the characters in this story, especially Marcy with her eclectic clothing style and easy-going attitude. Although she was fun-loving, she also had a firecracker spirit that she revealed when someone, such as Mike, pushed her buttons. I loved that Tess could sense spirits and see visions through the touch of vintage clothing and thought it was a unique and special gift to have. I cannot wait for the next book!

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mora is a princess in a futuristic world who is tired of being constrained by her royal duties. She decides instead to break free and go on an adventure with a rebel pilot named Darin. Mora gets more of an adventure than she bargained for when her and Darin are pursued by a bounty hunter across the galaxy.

This book is a romance set in the future in a galaxy far away. Mora finds herself falling for Darin during their adventure but feels conflicted because she is bound by her royal duties. She keeps her real identity a secret from Darin throughout the pursuit by the bounty hunter while she tries to figure out what her feelings are for him. Destined to be married to another in order to secure peace in the galaxy, Mora wrestles with the concept of duty versus love.

The author did a great job of describing royalty in a future galaxy. The writing is vivid and detailed and the characters are likable. This book is a great example of the concept of how difficult it must be as a royal member to have to choose between love and royal responsibilities, duties, and obligations. It is complete with princesses, pirates, bounty hunters, action, adventure, and suspense.

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The True Garza (Red Cage Book 3)The True Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When London meets a man at a bar deep in the woods all she is looking for is a quick, no-strings attached fling. She gets that in a man named Mateo that she spends seven pleasure filled evenings with. Once the week is up London gets on with her life and never expects to see Mateo again.

A full year has gone by and although London’s life has resumed to normal, she cannot stop thinking about that man she met in the woods. When she starts working with an agency called Red Cage, she comes face-to-face with the man she has not been able to stop thinking about. Never in her wildest dreams did London expect to see this man ever again, yet here he is and now he is her boss. Not only that but as it turns out, Mateo is not even his real name.

London and True were wonderful characters and you can almost feel the sexual tension between them. This was not something that either were willing to admit nor were they willing to give into. True is sexy, with a body that will not quit, and he oozes sexuality. Every woman lusts after him and not only does he know it but he thrives on the attention. True is used to getting what he wants and having women lavish him with gifts and attention. He has no desire to have a relationship or be tied down by any one woman. Lonny is strong willed, independent, hot headed, and does not back down from a challenge. She hits every obstacle head on and is a force to be reckoned with. Lonny is not the type of woman to be wooed by any man nor does she want a man to get in the way of her career. Neither Lonny nor True can deny there is a strong sexual attraction between them, but is that all it is?

This book leaves the reader running the gamut of emotions so be mentally prepared to be tugged in all sorts of directions. Some of the scenes between Lonny and True were downright steamy and almost leave you breathless. Other times you want to scream at them because they are both so pig headed and stubborn as they deny their feelings for each other. Then there are moments when we are brought to tears when learn about their past experiences and how it made them put up walls. Every so often we get a chuckle at some of the text messages between True and his brother’s wife, Lexi, when True asks for her advice. Very well written and the characters were likable and relatable. I highly recommend this book!

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage Book 4) by S. Ann Cole – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Golden Garza (Red Cage, #4)The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soleil has lusted after Tripp Garza her entire life, but he thinks that she is annoying and wants nothing to do with her. She chooses to just admire him from afar in the hopes that one day she can win him over and he will want to be with her. When Soleil needs help she approaches Red Cage for help and surprisingly enough Tripp is the one person who is willing to help her. Not only will he help her but he is willing to put his life on the line for her at all costs. Surprised by this turn of events, Soleil accepts his help knowing that it will be no more than a professional relationship. She is just happy to be able to spend any time with this beautiful man of her dreams.

Soleil wants nothing more than to make Tripp hers but knows that may be an impossible dream. Tripp also has a reputation for being non-committal so being in a relationship is not in the cards for him. All Tripp wants to do is spend time pursuing his own activities so why is he so determined to help Soleil. Why does it matter to him so much that she is safe and out of harm’s way? Why is he so jealous when another man touches her? His emotions not only surprise him, but it also comes as a surprise to Soleil. She thought that he hated her so why is he acting this way?

This book was brilliantly written and the characters of Tripp and Soleil were wonderful. I kept reading and turning pages to not only see what would happen between them but to find out if the mystery of Soleil’s past would be solved. The more we read the more we learn about the secret yearnings that both Soleil and Tripp have had and kept to themselves for years. Then a surprising twist as we learn who Soleil really is and where she came from. That is all I will say for fear of spoilers so if you want to know more then you will have to read this book.

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