G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
G is for Gossamer is a fun little book! The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and I loved teaching my littles some fun new words. They were completely enamored by the pictures though! Definitely recommend for something new and captivating.
An Ember of Hope: War of Destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An Ember of Hope: War of Destiny was a good read. I did have a hard time staying with it, but I think that’s because there really isn’t much dialogue for a good portion of the book. It makes sense for the story, it was just a harder read to get into than I thought it was going to be. The story is unique and I really did like the book overall. The last half of the book picks up and the last quarter I really enjoyed.
This is a side book following the events of the 2nd book in the series. It almost seemed like two different writers. The POV were from two completely different people, but I enjoyed the 2nd book more than this one.
War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson is the 3rd and final book in the series. Although geared towards YA, it definitely appeals to an older audience as well. LGBTQ+
The 3rd book is a little slow to start off and it did take me a bit to get into it, more so than the others. Once it did pick up, however, it was hard to put down! Multiple POVs provide an interesting view point on a scene, which was really cool to see. Several chapters were technically the same event or part of the timeline, but different POV . Without spoilers, there were some twists that I did not expect (which I always enjoy) and I absolutely recommend it.
Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Basil is part of a Silver Springs lineup that features different authors, this one by K. Rose.
RH, why choose, spice, fantasy, supernatural, vegan, vampire, HEA (yeah, what did I just write? haha)
The story starts with Basil waking up in ICU after a horrific first date that somehow ended in a car crash and also her turning into a vampire… that’s vegan. No idea what happened to her date other than he was in the ICU as well or who turned her, how did she turn, etc. Feel like a lot of set up was missing there. Maybe it was intentional since she didn’t know, I’m just not sure I see a super science biomed girl just walking away from that question. The science part behind how she was able to sustain her diet without eating anything with a face was fun to read. She moves to Silver Springs- again, not sure about how easy it was for her to find out about a whole town of supernaturals but it’s also on the downlow from the rest of the world… in the space of a few days of her shop (vegan smoothies and tanning salon) opening, she meets 3 fated mates.
Drama ensues via the twin of one of the mates. Happily ever after is wrapped up. No cliffhangers unless you count the plot holes haha For a while there I thought the caterpillar/butterfly in her shop was going to turn into one of her fated mates (no, seriously. I really did, and it would not have seemed far fetched in the story line)
It was super easy to read, even with the plot holes and really very funny at times. Maybe another one will come along and fill in the gaps? Wasn’t set up for a part 2, but I could see it happening. I’ve read a lot of RH, fantasy mashups, supernaturals, fated mates stories, but this was definitely unique. World building, set up and backstory could have been a little stronger, the spice was NOT lacking. if there was a 2nd, I would give it a read 🙂
The Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Befallen by Cambria Williams was great! Not what I expected and I really enjoyed it. No spoilers, but I did love how the romance was not the typical kind you get in books. Great character development and world building, main character growth throughout, and very hard book to put down. Absolutely would recommend if you’re looking for something different and don’t want to get caught up in a series.
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder was such a good read! It was my first time reading anything by this author and would definitely do so again.
This book follows the story of Devorah, who had what seemed like an envious upbringing on the surface; however, recent tragic events causes her to reevaluate much of her life. I love that the main character is allowed to “wallow” in some borderline depression filled days. The story did not bog down, it wasn’t depressing to read, but it was incredibly realistic to see a character that had gone through so much be allowed to have a real world response. Being able to hide away, forget the world and just rest and recoup as much as possible. In the end, Devorah does find her will again and the rest of the story follows her path and she grows stronger and into her own person. A happy ever after that isn’t dependent on someone else!
The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Wandering Isles! The main characters had their own series in the Crown of Stones. I haven’t read that one, and this one really does well standing alone. I wish I would have anyway, but Schneider does an amazing job of filling in the gaps and history from the previous series without it taking away from the current one. I really did love that.
I say that it was a little bit of a slow start, which it was and it wasn’t. While the “trouble” on the island did happen pretty soon into the book, it still felt like it took a bit to get to it. Maybe because of the backstory, I’m not sure I’m explaining that right! Without giving away any spoilers, once I dived a little deeper in the book with Ian and Jarryd, I was well and truly hooked! I love the world building, how amazing and rich the characters are but both different and unique in their own ways. I immediately jumped to Fortune’s Favorite as soon as I finished Wandering Isles and loved that one even more! Can’t wait for more!
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind, by Ryan M. Becker:
I don’t normally go for poetry, but I love music and often find lyrics are better able to express what I’m feeling when I’m struggling to find the words. I really liked a lot of the poems, most of which read like a poetry-slam to me. Some of the content did get dark and heavy. It did become somewhat harder for me to read through, but I enjoyed it overall.
