Review: Immortal Reign (Falling Kingdoms #6) by Morgan Rhodes

The first book in this series kind of left me underwhelmed but I was willing to give the second book a chance. Before I knew it, I was on the fifth book eagerly awaiting the sixth to be released!

For some reason, I thought there were seven book in the series, but it became apparent fairly early on, that this was the last book in the series. Personally I felt like there should have been seven books instead of the six.

As two lethal elemental gods set out to destroy Mytica, sworn enemies must become allies in the final fight to save the kingdoms.

Jonas continues to willfully defy his destiny, but the consequences of plotting his own course are drastic. As the fight for Mytica rages on, he must decide just how much more he’s willing to sacrifice. Continue reading “Review: Immortal Reign (Falling Kingdoms #6) by Morgan Rhodes”

Review: Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding (Her Royal Spyness #12) by Rhys Bowen

The Royal Spyness mystery series is one that has been gifted and recommended to me more times than I can count. I literally have three copies of the first book from my mom because she keeps forgetting that she already recommended it to me.

So clearly it’s a book that people want me to read. I just haven’t thought about it when I am looking for something to read. I am no stranger to Rhys Bowen’s books though. She writes beautifully and I love reading her stand alone books!

Finally, after all this time, I picked up a Royal Spyness mystery…..about twelve books too late!  Continue reading “Review: Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding (Her Royal Spyness #12) by Rhys Bowen”

Review: The House at Saltwater Point (Lavender Tides #2) by Colleen Coble

I like books with interesting mysterious titles. This book, in combination with the cover, said mystery to me. I love the dark, brooding colors and scenery on the cover of this book and in many ways, it reminded me of a more modern Mary Stewart novel, so I was eager to read it.

Ellie Blackmore is making a name for herself as a house flipper. But when her sister Mackenzie disappears, Ellie can’t focus on anything but uncovering what happened. Her only clue is the bloodstain on the deck of Mackenzie’s boat. Ellie knows her sister isn’t on the best of terms with her ex-husband, Jason, but he wouldn’t kill her—would he?

Coast Guard intelligence officer Grayson Bradshaw believes Mackenzie faked her own death after stealing a seized cocaine shipment. The problem is convincing Ellie, who seems to view him as the true enemy. Continue reading “Review: The House at Saltwater Point (Lavender Tides #2) by Colleen Coble”

Review: Beautiful Exiles by Meg Waite Clayton

I watched this absolutely wonderful HBO miniseries called Hemingway and Gellhorn in 2012. I had major movie hangover after watching it. IMBD users didn’t seem to like it as much as I did, but for whatever reason this movie just resonated with me and I was fascinated by this couple I knew nothing about.

I knew that Hemingway was moody and an all around asshole but that he wrote beautifully. Full disclosure, I haven’t read a single Hemingway book—-but I’ve read enough Hemingway quotes to discern that he’s a brilliant writer.

The person I didn’t really know much about though was Martha Gellhorn. In the film she seemed like a cross between Lois Lane and a salty bitch—so naturally, I was intrigued by her. When this book came up for review, I was excited to read it, especially because it appeared to focus mostly on her. Continue reading “Review: Beautiful Exiles by Meg Waite Clayton”

Review: A Class Apart (A Matter of Class #1) by Susie Murphy

When I first started book blogging (almost 10 years ago!), I used to read a ton of indie and self published books but now that I have been blogging for so long, I tend to read a lot more books from publishing groups or established authors.

One of the things that I liked most about reading these self published or indie books was so that I could give constructive criticism. I hate when I read a book review and it just says something like ‘your book sucks’. Why not offer some suggestions to help guide them or praise where praise is due?

Most of the self published or indie books that I read were a little on the bland side but ever once in a while I found one that was a diamond in the rough. As I said, now a days I don’t read a ton of self published or indie books, but I do get pitches for them on a regular basis. As I have said before, I read every single pitch that comes across my desk and if it catches my eye, indie or not, of if it’s something I think my readers will be interested in, then I pick it up.  Continue reading “Review: A Class Apart (A Matter of Class #1) by Susie Murphy”