Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by MistflowerPressured by her looming deadline and an unfinished romance manuscript, author Molly Covington applies her immersive research skills and goes all in. She hires a male companion for inspiration during three days of research in Las Vegas. Enter sexy, confident Jared Washington-an extreme sports enthusiast and relationship skeptic who moonlights as a Plus One male companion. Molly’s contract puts him within arm’s reach of buying his own business and making his dreams come true. The chemistry between her and Jared is surprisingly easy. Before their Vegas rendezvous comes to an end, one of them will need to lay all their cards on the table to discover if they’ll be lucky in love.
Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
Men in Books Aren’t Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by MistflowerPressured by her looming deadline and an unfinished romance manuscript, author Molly Covington applies her immersive research skills and goes all in. She hires a male companion for inspiration during three days of research in Las Vegas. Enter sexy, confident Jared Washington-an extreme sports enthusiast and relationship skeptic who moonlights as a Plus One male companion. Molly’s contract puts him within arm’s reach of buying his own business and making his dreams come true. The chemistry between her and Jared is surprisingly easy. Before their Vegas rendezvous comes to an end, one of them will need to lay all their cards on the table to discover if they’ll be lucky in love.
After reading the synopsis, I felt this book might be a perfect fit for my holiday vacation reading. When I opened to chapter one, the page opposite caught my eye—it was a “Praise for Amanda and Lisa-Marie” section featuring remarks from five authors. Their glowing reviews made me feel even more confident that I had chosen a winner. Without repeating their thoughts on Men in Books Aren’t Better, I wholeheartedly agree.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between the hero, Jared, and the heroine, Molly. Though my busy work schedule meant I had to start and stop several times, each time I picked it up, the story lifted my spirits. I connected deeply with the cast of characters, especially Molly, who was well-developed, grounded by a supportive family and co-workers, and yet carried the fame of being a number-one author with grace. Her quick wit and humor added so much charm to the story. While Molly had her share of baggage, it paled in comparison to Jared’s. Jared, to me, was like an adorable puppy needing to be saved—bless his heart. He, too, was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. I especially loved the moments of flirtation, banter, and occasional miscommunication between Molly and Jared, which made their relationship feel authentic and relatable.
The writing style enhanced my enjoyment, particularly the dual perspectives from Molly and Jared. Their points of view on shared experiences added depth and revealed their vulnerabilities, making them all the more lovable. Jared had all the qualities of a perfect book boyfriend: handsome, smart, sensitive, kind, a little insecure, and an old-fashioned gentleman. Molly, on the other hand, was inquisitive, determined, intelligent, beautiful, honest, and a touch dramatic. Her wardrobe of Bon Jovi and Duran Duran T-shirts won me over completely.
The story is set in Las Vegas, marking Molly’s first visit, with Jared as her guide. Having vacationed there myself for the first time last year, I felt transported back to the vibrant city. The vivid descriptions and immersive writing allowed me to experience the sights, sounds, and energy of Las Vegas all over again.
The chemistry between Molly and Jared was a joy to witness as their relationship slowly unfolded. I couldn’t help but cheer when they finally achieved their Happily Ever After. By the end, I had a delightful book glow. This story made me smile from start to finish, and I would happily read it again. It’s a keeper for my library, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, heartwarming romance.
Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker
A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Rated: 5 stars
Review by SnapdragonOnce a royal Breton knight, Sir Cardin is now infamously known as Basati, the Basque Wolf. Savage and sullen, he drowns his guilt in raucous taverns, accruing enormous debt and acquiring vengeful enemies.
Ulla, widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, is a skilled archer who lives as a recluse in a secluded woodland cottage. Rendered mute by trauma, she avoids humans, preferring the company of her wild wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Forest of Brocéliande.
When his mother’s dying wish calls Basati home, he finally meets the son he abandoned at birth and Ulla, the enigmatic priestess who is teaching the boy to hunt. As the holidays approach, Basati finds himself smitten with the beguiling beauty as he bonds with his once forsaken child.
But past enemies plot against him, and Basati is ensnared in darkness.
Can music lure the savage wolf into the light of love?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker
A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Rated: 5 stars
Review by SnapdragonOnce a royal Breton knight, Sir Cardin is now infamously known as Basati, the Basque Wolf. Savage and sullen, he drowns his guilt in raucous taverns, accruing enormous debt and acquiring vengeful enemies.
Ulla, widowed daughter of a Viking chieftain, is a skilled archer who lives as a recluse in a secluded woodland cottage. Rendered mute by trauma, she avoids humans, preferring the company of her wild wolf and falcon as she hunts in the Forest of Brocéliande.
When his mother’s dying wish calls Basati home, he finally meets the son he abandoned at birth and Ulla, the enigmatic priestess who is teaching the boy to hunt. As the holidays approach, Basati finds himself smitten with the beguiling beauty as he bonds with his once forsaken child.
But past enemies plot against him, and Basati is ensnared in darkness.
Can music lure the savage wolf into the light of love?
Incredibly, unexpectedly, it is the clever machinations of one woman who sets alight the plot of A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
The strength of family and sincere attachments brings readers close to the characters in this new historical romantic adventure. Cardin, one of Brittony’s royal knights, proves to be a deep and complex character. His nickname might mean ‘wolf,’ but he seems more like the brute the word also means. However, we heart-wrenchingly come to see why he makes the choices he does. And Ulla is not the just a lovely damsel. She, with her falcon, wolf, and horse create an image that is almost magical.
Yet, if not for a brilliant bit of trickery by a very secondary character, the two might never have met. It seems a step outside the usual, for this type of medieval romance.
A healer, Ulla is not merely beautiful, but is an active, important and thinking character. Her working companionship with her animals is thrilling to read. I really appreciated the strength and resourcefulness of the fairer sex in this tale. However, there is a lot more to it. At times, the descriptions become near poetic.
Truly, the author can describe a tavern so perfectly, you will believe you can smell it. ‘Odin’s blanket’ (snow), mistletoe, and druidic celebration all work to give this a Yuletide setting. The wonderful characters together with the believable setting have we can foresee further developments between the characters.
However, the motivation of every character is not always good, and alliances between various kingdoms across France, might, indeed, be fragile. The larger world intrudes quite abruptly, and all is not smooth sailing for Ulla, Cardin, and the extended family. Their story will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I always have to find something to complain about, and in this case it’s the cover. It is a great looking, dramatic cover that says, ‘historic Celtic Adventure,’ but it just isn’t different enough from others of its ilk. Yes, Cardin is every bit as masculine as one could imagine, but in my mind, Ulla ought to dominate this cover.
That said, it was my great pleasure to read this book. Many congratulations to the author… and to readers, I highly recommend you put this one on the top of your TBR list.
November Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ The Crossroads Hotel by Karen Avizur
The Crossroads Hotel by Karen Avizur
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeWelcome to the crossroads, where hospitality reigns supreme for the guests who are anything but human.
Marjorie has spent the last two years managing the Crossroads Hotel and Diner, a roadside stop in rural Missouri with a guest list that’s anything but ordinary. The locals are one thing, but it’s the visitors from other dimensions that keep her on her toes. Now, as she trains her new assistant, Josh, he’s quickly learning that dealing with shapeshifters and ageless little girls is just part of the job. But when an unexpected earthquake shakes more than the ground beneath them, Marjorie and Josh discover something far stranger is at play, and it’s no mere anomaly. At a hotel where the bizarre is business as usual, handling the changes might just be the toughest check-in yet.
The Crossroads Hotel by Karen Avizur
The Crossroads Hotel by Karen Avizur
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeWelcome to the crossroads, where hospitality reigns supreme for the guests who are anything but human.
Marjorie has spent the last two years managing the Crossroads Hotel and Diner, a roadside stop in rural Missouri with a guest list that’s anything but ordinary. The locals are one thing, but it’s the visitors from other dimensions that keep her on her toes. Now, as she trains her new assistant, Josh, he’s quickly learning that dealing with shapeshifters and ageless little girls is just part of the job. But when an unexpected earthquake shakes more than the ground beneath them, Marjorie and Josh discover something far stranger is at play, and it’s no mere anomaly. At a hotel where the bizarre is business as usual, handling the changes might just be the toughest check-in yet.
The customer is always right in supernatural matters.
One of my favorite aspects of this tale involved the backstories of the human characters. It takes a special sort of person to work at The Crossroads Hotel, especially on days when paranormal activity is much higher than usual. Some visitors can do and say alarming things, for example, and not everyone who stays at this hotel is necessarily who or what they appear to be. It made sense, then, that so many of the human employees had good reasons for wanting to work at such an unpredictable place instead of a nice, quiet hotel in another city.
The ending was what convinced me to select a full five-star rating for this piece. Looking back, there were a few clues I hadn’t fully understood at the time that could nudge a reader in this direction, but they could have also been interpreted in wildly different ways, too. I adored the surprise waiting for me in the last few scenes and thought it was executed beautifully. It fit the storyline and character development nicely, and it was also just plain fun to read.
The world building was strong and intriguing. Ms. Avizur created a comfortable but unusual setting where humans coexisted with all sorts of other sentient creatures. The rhythms of hotel life were sometimes interrupted by otherworldly conflicts, but I was honestly just as interested in the ordinary aspects of keeping guests from such a wide variety of backgrounds happy. Customer service remains the same everywhere even if one’s customers happen to be furry or immortal.
The Crossroads Hotel made me yearn for more. The sequel can’t appear quickly enough for my tastes!
September Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Grimwell by Michael Belanger
Grimwell by Michael Belanger
Publisher: Woodhall Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeEmbark on an unforgettable journey into the enchanting realm of Grimwell, where books wield an unexpected power to shape destinies. Meet Derek Winnebaker, a spirited barista with a penchant for literature and a taste for strong coffee. When Derek stumbles upon a novel detailing the whimsical adventures of a fantasy creature known as a grimkin, he finds himself irresistibly drawn into its fantastical world.
Using the book as his guide, Derek bravely navigates through life’s twists and turns, transforming from a downtrodden bystander into a courageous protagonist. From mustering the courage to ask out his crush to standing up to his tyrannical boss, Derek’s journey mirrors the epic saga unfolding within the pages of his newfound literary companion. Yet, just as Derek begins to master his narrative, the whims of fate take a dark turn reminiscent of Kafka’s surreal tales, challenging Derek’s agency in his own story.
In this captivating blend of comedy, romance, and twisted fairy tale, Grimwell prompts readers to ponder the profound influence of literature on our lives. Will Derek seize control of his destiny, or will he remain ensnared in the machinations of an unseen narrator? Prepare to be enthralled and enlightened as Grimwell invites you to reconsider the power of storytelling and the choices that shape our realities.
Grimwell by Michael Belanger
Grimwell by Michael Belanger
Publisher: Woodhall Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeEmbark on an unforgettable journey into the enchanting realm of Grimwell, where books wield an unexpected power to shape destinies. Meet Derek Winnebaker, a spirited barista with a penchant for literature and a taste for strong coffee. When Derek stumbles upon a novel detailing the whimsical adventures of a fantasy creature known as a grimkin, he finds himself irresistibly drawn into its fantastical world.
Using the book as his guide, Derek bravely navigates through life’s twists and turns, transforming from a downtrodden bystander into a courageous protagonist. From mustering the courage to ask out his crush to standing up to his tyrannical boss, Derek’s journey mirrors the epic saga unfolding within the pages of his newfound literary companion. Yet, just as Derek begins to master his narrative, the whims of fate take a dark turn reminiscent of Kafka’s surreal tales, challenging Derek’s agency in his own story.
In this captivating blend of comedy, romance, and twisted fairy tale, Grimwell prompts readers to ponder the profound influence of literature on our lives. Will Derek seize control of his destiny, or will he remain ensnared in the machinations of an unseen narrator? Prepare to be enthralled and enlightened as Grimwell invites you to reconsider the power of storytelling and the choices that shape our realities.
Feeling stuck in life is frustrating, but there are many ways through it.
Derek was a likeable and sympathetic protagonist. While it’s not at all necessary for me to share a lot in common with a main character in order to enjoy reading about them or agree they’re well written, I was delighted to see how much I could identify with his vivid imagination, his love of the fantasy genre, and the troubles he dealt with in real life that didn’t have easy solutions. He was an intelligent person who had made a few understandable mistakes, and I nodded along as he acknowledged where he had gone wrong in the past and what he wished he’d done differently. There is nothing like meeting a character who feels so familiar, and I hope other readers have the same warm and understanding reaction to this realistically flawed but also genuinely good individual.
While I will admit to finding the pacing a little slow in the beginning, this writing style was necessary in order to introduce Derek to the readers and set everything into motion for his grand adventure. I was so glad I remained patient for these sections as they richly rewarded me once I was about sixty pages into it and became a solid five-star read shortly after that. There were plenty of bright spots much earlier than that, of course, but this was the sort of tale that works best in my opinion for readers who are willing to let things simmer a little at first. This is not a criticism, only a heads up for anyone who needs it as there are plenty of wonders waiting to be discovered if one gives them time to appear.
Some of my favorite scenes were the ones that found creative ways to blend together common fantasy tropes with situations that often happen in the real world. For example, Derek’s manager at work was someone who was excellent at giving orders but rarely interested in rolling up his sleeves and helping his employees actually get anything accomplished when they hit a busy period. I’ll leave it up to other readers to discover how Derek was inspired to try to change this dynamic by how such things can play out in the fantasy genre when a boss is lazy or treats their workers unfairly, but I mentally cheered him on as he realized just how much better things should be for him and everyone else who works in the service industry. This was a clever example of how something can be deeply rooted in more than one genre in ways that enrich both or all of them.
Grimwell made me yearn for a sequel.
Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ Waiting For Spring by Sonya Rhen
Waiting For Spring by Sonya Rhen
Jelly Beans and Spring Things Series
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeReturning to belly dance at the annual Kirkland Crocus Parade with the Habibi Nile Dancers, Shayna vows to forget her breakup after last year’s parade and guard her fragile heart. However, her best friend is just as determined to find her a new love interest. Shayna would rather not think about matters of the heart and just concentrate on entertaining the spectators by dancing with her dignity intact. Which is harder than she thought. As the parade participants march on through Kirkland’s quaint downtown streets, the Easter Bunny, her fearless leader, her best friend, an eye-catching drummer, and a jelly-bean-tossing clown, might give Shayna a reason to open her heart…after all, spring is in the air!
June Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ The Dark Court by Vyvyan Evans
The Dark Court by Vyvyan Evans
Publisher: Nephilim Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by RoseA genre-blending dystopian, sci-fi mystery-thriller that will make you think about communication in a whole new way.
Five years after the Great Language Outage, lang-laws have been repealed, but world affairs have only gotten worse. The new automation agenda has resulted in a social caste system based on IQ. Manual employment is a thing of the past, and the lowest soc-ed class, the Unskills, are forced into permanent unemployment.
In a world on the brink of civil war, a deadly insomnia pandemic threatens to kill billions. Lilith King, Interpol’s most celebrated detective, is assigned to the case.
Together with a sleep specialist, Dr. Kace Westwood, Lilith must figure out who or what is behind this new threat. Could the pandemic be the result of the upskilling vagus chips being offered to the lowest soc-ed class? Or are language chips being hacked? And what of the viral conspiracy theories by the mysterious Dark Court, sweeping the globe? Lilith must work every possible angle, and quickly: she is running out of time!
While attempting to stop a vast conspiracy on an intergalactic scale, Lilith also faces shocking revelations about her origin, coming to terms with her own destiny.
READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE!!