The Love Letter

I really enjoy when a story includes two time eras. It’s like a buy one get one sale, and I love a bargain.

It was a little more difficult for me to connect with Esther and Hamilton (the Revolutionary War era) and I kept finding myself wanting to skip to the contemporary era with Jesse and Chloe’s story. Their stories involve the movie industry and overcoming upsets of the past, which carried more depth for me. 

The theme of forgiveness weighs heavy and reveals a powerful and freeing conclusion to both stories. 

I wanted a faster pace with the Historical side of the story, but overall, I enjoyed the book as a whole. 

3 Stars. 

Book courtesy of Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

The Memory of Mermaids by Spencer Dryden

"Max Weiss, mermaids are drawn to the men of the earth. The goddess filled our hearts with longing for the love of men like you. But we are cursed as well." ~quote from The Memory of Mermaids

There's a book trailer for The Memory of Mermaids...and  I found myself aching to read the book!

Now that you've viewed the tease...Let me tell you what I thought of the book.

Within the first chapter, I found Max Weiss breaking up with his girlfriend—or more like her breaking up with him. The rest of his life has pretty much fallen apart as well. Job, mother dying, mobster connections, you name it. The remaining chapters were just as full, though instead of negative situations, adventure begins making its way into Max's life.

Well, like many do, Max tries to ease his screwed up life with an overabundance of alcohol. He hears screams and...stumbles upon a sea monster—with a mermaid captured in the odd creature's tentacles. An alcohol-induced vision? No such luck.

I loved everything about this story. The interaction between Max and the mermaid Azzaria is enthralling. Max finds  purpose in the request to help Azzaria locate her missing sister. Oh, and it goes without saying the author, Spencer Dryden, knows how to draw a reader into the  steamy passages. Well done!

Max struggles with relentless thoughts and urges of a forbidden relationship, and I rooted for the him to give in--let it happen.However, though lust abounds, I wish I'd seen a little more of an emotional bond between Max and Azzaria.

But to get back to my favorite things about this book: The adorable way the mermaid speaks to Max made me grin. Azzaria doesn't differentiate between a first and last name, using it as one name.
"Max Weiss, the dolphins say it is not safe…"
"Thank you, Max Weiss, it has been many years since I have tasted rum…"
And I giggled out loud at this little comment: "Max Weiss, it gives my heart so much joy to see you again, did you bring some rum for me?" 

I'm a voracious reader, but haven't read a single book about mermaids until now. The Memory of Mermaids is certainly a great start into something new. The human/mermaid interaction is very tastefully done. The twist of mythology mixed with theology is thought-provoking.

This novella is a fun read. Lose yourself in a new world, and a new way of thinking.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review  I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Free Pass

Since my brain refused to connect with my mouth and I stood gaping like a fish, Austin blurted out his plan, "Be with another guy. Any guy you want. You can do anything with him for two weeks. I just want you to have the experience before we settle down." ~Excerpt

Free Pass by Allie Kincheloe is one of those just one more chapter books.

Throughout this page-turning adventure, I was able to delve into the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I was as surprised as Laney when Austin, the cheater boyfriend, suggests she fool around with whoever she wants for two weeks. Yep, I had to read just one more chapter to see if she'd snap up this free pass, or stab Austin with a pencil again. (Yep, this girl is not one to hold back.)

Not only does Laney accept the 'free pass', but she chooses someone she didn't consider—at first. She also didn't consider the fact that anyone could make her feel so…so damn happy. As a perfect twist, the man she is attracted to is her boyfriend's older brother, Jake. Yep, another page turner. And another…I read it from start to finish in one sitting.  

The relationships are tastefully written and told with sweet, steamy, and sometimes heart-wrenching emotion. To balance the story, the author injected Laney's inner dialogue, peppered with humor and a dash of sarcasm. 

There is a certain realization which peeks through Laney's discontent and confusion, and ends the story with personal growth with satisfying finesse. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a 'free pass' into an unusual, yet endearing, romance.

Wicked Satyr Nights by Rebekah Lewis

Excerpt: The pale light gave her a bluish hue, and so distracted was he by her natural beauty that he didn't see her scars right away. The puckered flesh traveled her lift thigh and hip coming just to her waist and across her stomach, and likely her back as well. The crisscrossing scar tissue was the only imperfection on her soft, otherwise flawless, skin.

"Oh, vixen." He dropped to his knees and drew her closer. "What did this to you?" He ran his hand over the markings.

I loved the tenderness of above scene.

 That said, read on for my review of Wicked Satyr Nights. 

I couldn't put this book down! Thanks to the author, Rebekah Lewis, I lost sleep. Why? Well, let's sum it up with the fact bedtime meant nothing when it came to putting down Wicked Satyr Nights. Just one more chapter became my motto. 

I am intrigued by mythology, and wow, I inadvertently learned a lot about it. The author seamlessly entwines mythology with contemporary times. Not only that, the premise of this story was so well thought out it is BELIEVABLE.

 Kat, the heroine, is an independent, professional woman: yet her recent accident has her reeling. Finally healed--on the outside anyway--Kat takes an assignment to film a documentary on the urban legend, the Jersey Devil, without really holding any belief such a thing exists--until the winged myth kidnaps her.

It's clear the author did her research, right down to the weapons, curses, lineage of the gods, as well as the strength and weakness each hold. The immense thought involved combining myth, logic, human, god, and nymph is seamless. Not once did I doubt the plot, or trip on a hitch...other than the one in my heart when mythological god and human join with acceptance and love. 

The sexual scenes between the two main characters, Pan (the Jersey Devil) and Kat are steamy and loving. Their conversations are deep and usually fall into playful banter. I laughed out loud several times. I love it when that happens.

I'm drawn to series books, but I need closure. The ending of this book left me wanting more without leaving me hanging. Well done!

I highly recommend this book to those who want to broaden their mind while entertaining the possibility of love despite differences, faults or past mistakes. 

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ARC from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The options I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

His Cemetery Doll by Brantwijn Serrah

The title alone captured my interest, 

but once I read the excerpt I was as entranced.

 A former soldier, Conall Mackay, is raising a child alone…a child he found in a graveyard.  The author, Brantwjin Serrah, has an imagination that outreaches past the graveyard, and into the madness beyond. Yet, she still incorporates tenderness and empathy into the story.

His Cemetery Doll is full of deep imagery. So deep that I could feel the mist, see the fog, and taste the wintry breath of whispers. Brantwijn Serrah certainly penned a fantasy that sweeps a ribbon around this reader and whips me into another world filled with the unimaginable…and makes them real.

The relationship between Conall and what he calls his cemetery doll is nothing like I imagined. He fears, but still is drawn to her. The exquisite and touching moments existing between him and someone so far removed from the living was breathtaking…and downright heart-wrenching.

On the other hand, the relationship between Conall and his adopted daughter, Shyla, is fresh and full of life. I adored Shyla and all her differences. She is smart, inquisitive and endearing…and loves to play in the graveyard, making up stories about the ones who lie there. 

All the characters in this book are well developed and I pictured every single one of them in my mind's eye. I loved, hated, gasped, smiled and even wiped a tear or two while reading His Cemetery Doll.

Even if you've never read paranormal, you should give this book a try. I guarantee you'll be surprised. I can't imagine anyone reading this story and not liking it.

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Asylum by Dana Wright

 I read this in bed, and had to scurry out to the living room and turn on the light.

Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.

 The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent. Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.

The story flows well, the characters are rich and well-developed, and the writing is impeccable.

Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
4 star

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Grey Curse by Krista Kelley

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. The Grey Curse grabbed me in the first couple of sentences: Rebecca Grey stared down at her blood covered hands. While it was animal blood, it still signified the horrible deed. Whoa…I couldn't put it down. I love it when that happens.

Now I'd thought every twist in a vampire/witch story had been done, but The Grey Curse proved me wrong. This is NOT your standard vampire/witch story—or typical love story. There are twists and turns weaved in the plot and you can tell the author put immense effort into the story.

Krista Kelley's writing is impeccable, emotive and imaginative. Though this is a short read, it's a complete one.

When I discovered this was Krista Kelley's debut publication, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to see what else she has in store. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Ribbon of Darkness by Decadent Kane

Ribbon of Darkness 

by Decadent Kane

Excerpt: She licked her lips and stepped back. His eyebrow shot up in a challenge and he gave her a panty-dropping grin, the kind that said 'go ahead and do it.' Ribbon wasn't sure she was ready to take on Draven North in that sense. Despite the total lack of fear on her body's part. It was a good thing her mind took over. But she leveled his stare nonetheless.

         Blurb: An old family secret draws Ribbon into an Elven world while Draven is forced to find a way to drag her back home to save Christmas magic.

Ribbon of Darkness is far more than your average elven story. Once you delve into the world Decadent Kane developed, you're captured. I admit it--I actually forgot elves weren't real--or are they? This book makes one wonder. 

The main character, Ribbon, is well-developed and believable. Ribbon's adventures evokes a myriad of emotions for the reader: Laughter, sighs, gasps and tingles to name just a few. 

This novella made me smile, gasp and want to read the next in Trouble With Elves Series.

4 stars

Heart of the Maze By Rain Chapman

Rain Chapman's writing is so vivid that her words become reality. The character's in this book, Cilia and Devlin, capture and evoke emotion from anyone who reads their story.

The authentic historical aspect of this book carries readers into an enchanted realm. The author, Rain Chapman, uses her imagination to fuel magical inner thoughts and feelings of the main characters,

The fantasy-filled, yet believable gifts Cilia and Devlen share drew me in. The undulated action carries this story forward. My anticipation surged from one chapter to the next, making the book impossible to put down.

I loved the book. Not one con to report here.

4 stars