Thanks so much to The Novl #NOVLNation #LBYRPartner for gifting me with, The Other Side Of Perfect
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publishing date: May 11th, 2021
Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but then a terrifying fall shatters her leg — and her dreams of a professional ballet career along with it.
After a summer healing (translation: eating vast amounts of Cool Ranch Doritos and binging ballet videos on YouTube), she is forced to trade her pre-professional dance classes for normal high school, where she reluctantly joins the school musical. However, rehearsals offer more than she expected — namely Jude, her annoyingly attractive castmate she just might be falling for.
But to move forward, Alina must make peace with her past and face the racism she experienced in the dance industry. She wonders what it means to yearn for ballet — something so beautiful, yet so broken. And as broken as she feels, can she ever open her heart to someone else?
Touching, romantic, and peppered with humor, this debut novel explores the tenuousness of perfectionism, the possibilities of change, and the importance of raising your voice.
For fans of Sarah Dessen and Mary H.K. Choi, this lyrical and emotionally driven YA follows Alina, an aspiring dancer who suffers a devastating injury and must face a world without ballet — as well as the darker side of her former dream
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
THE OTHER SIDE OF PERFECT by Mariko Turk is a thought provoking insightful look at the struggle a young adult girl must grow through during a pivotal moment in her life.
Alina Keeler, has only had one passionate dream…Ballet.
In a series of events the unthinkable happens and a crushing injury halts any kind of future in ballet.
Her life takes a considerable turn and she finds herself starting her junior year of high school as full time student. No longer an online student that was pursuing a professional career in the arts, everything takes getting adjusted to.
Alina’s lifeline friend Margot helps her settle into her new life at Eagle View High School. Taking on the roll of substitute in a school musical Alina finds herself faced with a set of new obstacles. As she comes to turns with what life has dealt her, she undergoes character changes.
An emotional and hard look at what happens when everything you ever hoped for doesn’t happen. All the hard work and long hours isn’t enough, when fate becomes fickle. Alina has to over come so much so fast that she resents those that are allowed to follow their dreams and aspirations. She also will learn some humility and I enjoyed watching her character grow. A budding angst relationship makes for a memorable romance.
I enjoyed this book so much and I loved that not only was it diverse, or also explores themes of privilege.
Thanks to the author and publisher
Mariko Turk grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in creative writing. She received her PhD in English from the University of Florida, with a concentration in children’s literature. Currently, she works as a Writing Center consultant at the University of Colorado Boulder.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and baby daughter, where she enjoys tea, walks, and stories of all kinds.
Happy Pubday to The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers
Constance Sayers is an author that continues to deliver unique magical, complex stories.
Her latest release is breathtaking to say the least. If you enjoy genres of timeslip historical fiction, along with magical realism this a must buy!

From the author of A Witch in Time comes a magical story spanning from Jazz Age Paris to present-day America of family secrets, sacrifice, and lost love set against the backdrop of a mysterious circus.
Paris, 1925: To enter the Secret Circus is to enter a world of wonder-a world where women tame magnificent beasts, carousels take you back in time, and trapeze artists float across the sky. But each daring feat has a cost. Bound to her family’s strange and magical circus, it’s the only world Cecile Cabot knows-until she meets a charismatic young painter and embarks on a passionate love affair that could cost her everything.
Virginia, 2005: Lara Barnes is on top of the world-until her fiancé disappears on their wedding day. Desperate, her search for answers unexpectedly leads to her great-grandmother’s journals and sweeps her into the story of a dark circus and a generational curse that has been claiming payment from the women in her family for generations…
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Sayers weaves an intricate tale of birthrights, and dark magical secrets.
A thrilling ride of family curses that takes the reader from 1920s Paris to modern-day America. Sayers is one of those authors that excels at writing time slips. This suburb book is so cleverly written that reader is never lost as it changes time periods.
Let’s talk about the magic system, it’s done so well that it’s not disproportionate to the plot line.
A fast moving generational family saga that is Intertwined with an ominous circus.
The writing is detailed, and lush with magical realism. the perfect amount of mystery, along with dynamic skillful character development. I found myself completely immersed within the pages as mysteries unravel, making for an exceptional book.
The characters are well developed and fully fleshed out. All characters are intriguing from Cecile Cabot To Laura’s character who searching for answers to her family’s history. The Jazz Age Paris is enigmatic, along with overall premise of the book.
I really at a loss for words without giving to much away
A spellbinding book that is absorbing, and a highly compulsive read
Caroline Gray’s third season in London society ends as badly as her first two—no marriage proposal, no suitor, not even a glimmer of an interested prospect. She suspects it’s because she is far too quick to speak her mind to men who are put off by her forthright opinions, her eager intellect backed by a formal education, and her unconventional ideas about the future. She is far more daring than demure to suit the taste of her class. Besides, Caroline thinks there will always be next season to find a husband.
However, her family’s dwindling income leaves Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: a one-way ticket to sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend waits. If the match doesn’t work, Caroline cannot return home.
Captain Thomas Scott loves the thrill of the open sea, and as commander of one of the ships of the Fishing Fleet, he ferries scores of young English girls to the shores of India to find husbands. The voyages pay well, but he struggles to understand why families would allow young women to be matched with total strangers so far away.
The trips have always been routine and uneventful—until this trip’s first night’s dinner with one Miss Caroline Gray. She engages in a lively political conversation, presenting opposing viewpoints to the conventionally opinionated gentlemen at her table. Captain Scott is secretly amused and delighted at her boldness, not to mention quite drawn to her beauty.
The rest of the passengers are shocked by her behavior and Caroline finds herself an outcast, suffering harsh judgments from the other passengers. However, she finds an unlikely ally in Captain Scott which quickly draws them closer.
Both know an arranged marriage awaits Caroline at the end of their voyage, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Caroline will have to decide if she will honor her mother’s wishes and marry a man in India whom she has never met, thus securing a future for her and her mother, or be brave enough to throw convention to the wind and commit to love a sea captain. He may be enchanted by her bold and unconventional ways, but will his love and admiration last?
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Caroline Gray, has been unsuccessful in acquiring a suitor let alone a husband.A bluestocking through and through, her outspokenness is not a desirable trait with the gentleman of the ton during the Regency era. The three seasons have proved that She might be headed for a spinster life. Caroline Is given a chance to exceed where she has failed in London, by taking a society Mother offer to travel to India to acquire a husband. Bound for Mumbai, along with several other young women who found themselves in same predicament as was Caroline was back in London.
On board the ship she crosses path with the captain of the ship Mr. Thomas Scott.
He is drawn to her candor and thirst for knowledge, she is unlike most women he has come to know from his frequent travels from England and India. A friendship sparks, but Thomas struggles to keep his emotions in check. Caroline is destined for someone else…
Julie Wright’s newest novel is a historical romance that is wonderful. The author has created an engaging and memorable heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this lovely proper historical romance.
Caroline is a spirited young lady that I found compelling and eager to read about. The storyline has some suspenseful moments and unique twist.
Over all it was engaging story that offers some lovely atmospheric imagery and interesting characterizations. The author narration flows and the characters reactions are depicted well. The plot line holds the readers attention as book progresses, as you are lead up to the ending. Which I actually quite enjoyed, I thought it was romantic and didn’t need an epilogue.
This was tender romance with the perfect amount suspense and twists that didn’t overshadow the characters internal struggles.
Have a wonderful day ❥
ADVANCE PRAISE:
“A charming historical romance in which smarts and sass are vindicated.”—Foreword Reviews
“Caroline is a worthy protagonist, whose forthrightness contrasts with the strict propriety of the women around her. Caroline’s repeated failures to meet the expectations placed on women of the time are endearing and only enhance her relationship with the captain, who similarly struggles to navigate social norms. This adventure is sure to entice fans of historical romance.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“Wright builds a historical romance which teaches about the dangers of gossip, the need to be true to yourself and the value of sincere apologies…I so loved being swept away at sea once again.”— Heather Gardner,Fire and Ice
“This story examines the historical realities of Englishwomen who sailed to India in search of husbands…I enjoyed the unconventional heroine in a unique setting for the Regency romance genre.” Katie Jackson,RegencyProofreading.com
AUTHOR BIO
Julie Wrightwrote her first book when she was fifteen and has written over twenty novels since then. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her booksCross My HeartandLies Jane Austen Told Me, and she is a Crown Heart recipient for the novelThe Fortune Café. She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varyingamountof fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise.
Publisher:French Historical Fiction/ Fiction de la renaissance Française (Private self-publishing company)
Page Length:380pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Based on historical events and characters insixteenth–centuryFrance, this timeless tale pits envy, power and intrigue against loyalty and the strength of women’s friendships.
Although the French court dazzles on the surface, beneath its glitter, danger lurks for the three women trapped in its coils as power shifts from one regime to the next. The story begins as Queen Annelies dyingand King Louis’s healthdeclines. Theirtwo daughters,Claude and young Renée,heiresses to therichduchy of Brittany, become pawns in the game of control.
Countess Louise d’Angoulêmeis namedguardian to both girls. For years she has envied the dying Queen Anne, the girls’ mother. Because of her family’s dire financial problems, she schemes to marry wealthyClaudeto her son. Thisunexpected guardianshippresents a golden opportunity, but only if she can removetheir protectress Baronne Michelle,who loves the princesses and safeguards their interests.
As political tensions rise, the futures of Princess Renée and Baronne hang in the balance, threatened by Countess Louise’s plots.
Will timid Claude untangle the treacherous intrigues Countess Louise is weaving? Will Baronne Michelle and Claude outflank the wily countess to protect young Princess Renée? And can Claude find the courage to defend those she loves?
Praise for The Importance of Pawns:
Love, revenge, deceit, valour, struggle and bravery. These are the keystones of Keira Morgan’s fascinating new novel, The Importance of Pawns. Historical fiction at its best.
Keira retired from training and management in the Canadian Public Service to follow a career as an author. She now writes from Mexico where she lives happily with a husband, two cats and two dogs. Her doctoral level studies in Renaissance history underlie her historical fiction. She writes about the turbulent sixteenth-century French Renaissance. Her stories tell of powerful women who challenged tradition to play crucial roles in French affairs. Find out more at KJ Morgan — Writer
She also maintains a non-fiction website, All About French Renaissance Women, [https://www.keiramorgan.com] where she writes about the lives of Frenchwomen during the era. She plans to collect their biographies into a book.
England, 1605. When Lord Arik, a druid knight, finds Rebeka Tyler wandering his lands without protection, he swears to keep her safe. But Rebeka can take care of herself. When Arik sees her clash with a group of attackers using a strange fighting style, he’s intrigued.
Rebeka is no ordinary 17th-century woman – she’s travelled back from the year 2011, and she desperately wants to return to her own time. She poses as a scholar sent by the king to find out what’s killing Arik’s land. But as she works to decode the ancient runes that are the key to solving this mystery and sending her home, she finds herself drawn to the charismatic and powerful Arik.
As Arik and Rebeka fall in love, someone in Arik’s household schemes to keep them apart, and a dark druid with a grudge prepares his revenge. Soon Rebeka will have to decide whether to return to the future or trust Arik with the secret of her time travel and her heart.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Knight of Runes By Ruth A. Casie
Dr Rebka Tyler is an expert in medieval and Renaissance studies, has alway been plagued by a recurring vision. Something she has grown accustomed to, but they are still unnerving to her. She has recently been approved for eighteen months leave, to further her research in England. When mail from a solicitor office in London office arrives. Rebka Tyler’s life is about to change when she opens an envelope with heavy paper and old world styled handwriting. The letter’s contents informs her that she is the only surviving relative of the late Lady Parsons of Wiltshire. She has been left a comfortable Estate that includes the family holding, and Fayne Manor House.
She is excited for opportunity to find more about her family, since her father never revealed any information.
Upon arriving a series of events take place and Rebka finds herself transported back to another time.
Lord Arik, encounters a young woman wondering on his lands, unsure of what to make of Rebeka. Thinking she might be some sort of spy. Even though she claims to be a scribe from London, he has haunch that she is not being completely honest.
Ruth A. Casie brings her gift of storytelling through out this engaging book.
She combines vibrant era details, along with incredible characterization. Rebeka and Lord Arik conduct themselves exactly as they should given their backgrounds and the medieval time period they are placed in.
The Innovative medieval world building and incisive character development make this compulsively readable. The author has created an engaging and memorable heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this magical historical romance. The characterizations of places and time along with the characters themselves were absolutely wonderful and so vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel.
Casie’s strong narration carries the reader through a series of trial and tribulations leading you up to the ending. I thought the ending was superbly executed setting up for any follow up book.
If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend this book! I read into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and so came to care for the characters, and I hope we see many of them again in future books!
About the Author
Hi – I’m Ruth A. Casie and I write historical and contemporary romance. You might be wondering what I’m about. Sit back and let me tell you.
I’m happiest when I’m telling stories either chatting in a group or writing them down. I love to put my hero and heroine in tough situations and dare them to work it out—together, always together. They haven’t disappointed. Oh, they complain but in the end their love and relationships are stronger than ever.
My stories feature strong women and the men who deserve them, endearing flaws and all. They will keep you turning the pages until the end. I hope my books become your favorite adventures.
Thanks for joining me on my stop for the Blog Tour for The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper!
@TeaCooper1 @ThomasNelson @hfvbt @gwendalyn_books
#TheGirlinthePainting #TeaCooper #HFVBTBlogTours
The Girl in the Painting
by Tea Cooper
Publication Date: March 9, 2021
Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 384 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery
A young prodigy in need of family. A painting that shatters a woman’s peace. And a decades-old mystery demanding to be solved.
Australia, 1906
Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship— having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.
Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.
But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and the present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel Elizabeth’s story before it is too late.
From the gritty reality of the Australian goldfields to the grand institutions of Sydney, this compelling novel takes us on a mystery across continents and decades as both women finally discover a place to call home.
“Deeply researched. Emotional. Atmospheric and alive. . . Tea Cooper transports the reader to a sweeping landscape of turn of the twentieth century Australia—from the raw realities of the Australian goldfields to the sophisticated institutions of Sydney—and does so with an expert pen. Combining characters that are wonderfully complex with a story spanning decades of their lives, The Girl in the Painting is a triumph of family, faith, and long-awaited forgiveness. I was swept away!” —Kristy Cambron, award-winning author of The Paris Dressmaker and the Hidden Masterpiece novels
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The Girl in the Painting By Tea Cooper
The Girl in the Painting is a masterfully weaved historical fiction. A compelling dual time frame that weaves seamless from the mid 1800s and early 1900s.
Tea Coopers’s latest full length book is another stunning historical fiction. A tale that spans 50 years with mystery and twists to keep any reader on their toes.
Tea Coopers’s has once again, captivated me from page one. I found this story to be entertaining, well thought out, perfectly paced, exciting and intelligent. The author ability to give the reader various perspectives flowed perfectly, revealing new pieces of this historical puzzle.
1906 Maitland town, a precocious Jane Piper nine years is an orphan at a Catholic orphanage. She is summoned to a meeting with a businessman, Michael Ó’Cuinn.
He offers her a once in a lifetime chance, to live with Michael and his notable sister Elizabeth. Her mathematical skills are what draws the Ó’Cuinn’s to her. She is mathematically genius something they wish to cultivate. Even though Jane will soon come to call them Aunt and Uncle. She wasn’t officially adopted but was still considered very much part of the family.
1862 fifteen year old Michael Ó’Cuinn, and his little sister Elizabeth are booked for passage to immigrate from Dublin to ultimately Australia. When a series of events that prevent Elizabeth to travel accompanied by Michael. Instead she travels in the care of a family by the last name Cameron. Camerons who are travelling to Sydney, offer to have Elizabeth share their family accommodation.
Upon arriving in Australia both Michael and Elizabeth find obstacles and setbacks both personal and in business. The family business’s struggles and rise is meticulously detailed along with the brother and sisters personal life.
When the Ó’Cuinn’s take young Jane Piper into their care, they have already made their fortunes in business. Jane’s characters leaps off the page, and I loved reading her personal thoughts. She is bold and forthright as she enter the Ó’Cuinn’s household.
The storyline is exceptional written and the events are beautifully written as the author touches on some emotional thought provoking issues.
I have say by far this is my favorite out of all of Tea Coopers books I have read.This is a Book I highly recommend, a perfect example of a stunning historical fiction.
About the Author
Tea is an award-winning Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Horse Thief, The Cedar Cutter, The Currency Lass, The Naturalist’s Daughter, The Woman in the Green Dress, and The Girl in the Painting.
In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.
Tamsin is the most powerful witch of her generation. But after committing the worst magical sin, she’s exiled by the ruling Coven and cursed with the inability to love. The only way she can get those feelings back—even for just a little while—is to steal love from others.
Wren is a source—a rare kind of person who is made of magic, despite being unable to use it herself. Sources are required to train with the Coven as soon as they discover their abilities, but Wren—the only caretaker to her ailing father—has spent her life hiding her secret.
When a magical plague ravages the queendom, Wren’s father falls victim. To save him, Wren proposes a bargain: if Tamsin will help her catch the dark witch responsible for creating the plague, then Wren will give Tamsin her love for her father.
Of course, love bargains are a tricky thing, and these two have a long, perilous journey ahead of them—that is, if they don’t kill each other first..
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Sweet & Bitter Magic is a gorgeously written debut by Adrienne Tooley.
Seventeen year old Tamsin is a banished witch living and serving the townspeople of Ladaugh. Cast out from the coven where normally she would have faced death for her misguided decision using dark magic. She is instead cursed with the inability to feel life’s joys and love. Expelled from the World Within, she only excepts payment from the ordinary folk in the form a commodity of love. Living in a perpetual gray existence, she is bitter. Only twelve years old Tamsin was once headed to greatness. When five years prior she attempted to use dark magic, and bind her power to that of her twin sister’s life. A heavy handed penance for such a young witch all because she loved her sister so much that she would risk anything.
Wren has given up so much for the sake of her sickly father. He requires constant attendance to his daily needs. On the break of continuous starvation, she dreams of escape. Saving every little bit of money she can stow away, hoping one day from the never ending burden placed on her shoulders. She harbors a dangerous secret, one that would take her away from her village and her father. Wren is an undocumented magical source.
Thirty years ago when the Dark Witch Evangeline Sickness spread throughout the lands. Bringing about changes that make sure Witches and Sources are trained far way from ordinary folk. Where they can be closely watched. Tamisn and Wren find themselves on a harrowing journey in more ways than one.
You are thrown right into a beautiful, vivid and established world with fully fleshed out characters, and a exceptional magical system. A book was so entertaining and extremely hard for me to put down, I completely raced through this one!
Adrienne Tooley excels and precision narration with alternating chapters between the third-person POV of two protagonists. This is no ordinary Y’a Fantasy, with action adventure. This tale has substance, hands down! The characters are raw and believable. The strength of this novel handsdown is the author’s fabulous characterizations.
The love story is a slow burn sapphic one, that took just the right amount of steps.The storyline was creative and original. Rich atmospheric details was a highlight in this YA Fantasy. I found it to be riveting and intensely entertaining.
Looking forward to reading more from this talented author. I have a feeling that Adrienne Tooley is going to be an auto buy author for me.
Thank you to Simon Teen for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings:
– frequent discussions and depictions of grief regarding loss of a loved one, including: death of a sibling, death of a parent, and death of a friend
– depictions of anxiety, depression, and mental illness
– emesis (mention of vomiting on page)
– brief mention of needles (tattooing)
– amnesia
Adrienne Tooley was born and raised in the desert suburbs of Southern California. She grew up in the theater, earning her B.A. in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. She and her wife currently live in New York City where she works in hospitality tech. In addition to writing novels she is also a singer/songwriter and has released several EPs which are available on Spotify & other streaming sites. Her debut novel, SWEET & BITTER MAGIC, will publish from S&S/McElderry in Spring 2021. Her second novel, SOFI AND THE BONE SONG, will release from S&S/McElderry in 2022.
The final book in Kerrigan Byrne’s magnificent Devil You Know series is out today !
I’ve loved every single book in this series, and Francesca’s story did not disappoint.
It’s a grand tale if you enjoy heat rush Historical Romances full of suspense and intrigue, Kerrigan Byrne’s novels ones not to miss.
St. Martin’s Express
The Devil in Her Bed (Devil You Know, #3)by Kerrigan Byrne
Series: Devil You Know #3
Published by St. Martin’s Paperbacks on March 9, 2021
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Romance
Pages: 416
Buy on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, BookBub
Goodreads
“Hot romance and tantalizing intrigue…Readers will be delighted.” – Publishers Weekly starred review
“Amazon Editor’s Pick for March Best Romances”
He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart.
They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other. TRUE LOVE WEARS NO DISGUISE
Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed? “Romantic, lush, and suspenseful.”—New York Timesbestselling author Suzanne Enoch
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan ByrneIn is the last installment in the Devil You Know series.
A suspense fast moving plot, with steamy romance makes for a nonstop book.
By day Francesca is a countess, but by night she hunts those responsible for the deaths of her family.
The Devil of Dorset has gone by many alias throughout his lifetime. He has crossed Francisco path on several occasions. He keeps his secrets and his identity which in the shadows. The Earl of Devlin is employed secretly by the Crown. He considered to be the Crown’s most deadliest weapon, nicknamed the Devil of Dorset.
Wanting the same thing both the Devil and Francisco ultimately to destroy The Crimson Council. Francisco will stop at nothing to see them fall. Even if means her own safety.
A highly addictive book with some thrilling twists. This one passionate historical romance.
Devil You Know – Recommended Reading Order
(standalone stories with interconnected characters)



If you’re anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you…
Publisher: National Geographic (March 2, 2021) Hardcover: 336 pages
Infused with Mary Roach-style humor and science, this narrative illuminates the gross, strange, morbid, and outright absurd realities of our bodies, the Earth, and universe.
Filled to the brim with far-out facts, this wickedly informative narrative from the author of National Geographic’s popular Gory Details blog takes us on a fascinating journey through an astonishing new reality. Blending humor and journalism in the tradition of Mary Roach, acclaimed science reporter Erika Engelhaupt investigates the gross, strange, and morbid absurdities of our bodies and our universe. From the research biologist who stung himself with every conceivable insect to the world’s most murderous mammals, this entertaining book explores oft-ignored but alluring facets of biology, anatomy, space exploration, nature, and more. Featuring interviews with leading researchers in the field and a large dose of wit, this provocative book reveals the most intriguing real-world applications of science in all their glory.
This was such a fascinating collection of facts all with compelling descriptions and snarky humor. The author introduces the reader morbid curiosity to some very intriguing questions. A dive into the somewhat gross and taboo topic, that you probably have always were curious about, and some you may never even thought of.
So get ready to step out of your comfort zone and into the dark and and a little creepy side of science. If you are anything like I am that has always been fascinated with this the obscure and twinge induced things. Than this book is definitely up your alley. I found it humorous, but also very informative about some off canter topics that have been circling around in my head.
Erika Engelhaupt has written for and edited top science magazines, newspapers, and websites, including National Geographic, Science News, Scientific American, and NPR. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Welcome to my stop on the KNIGHT’S RANSOM by Jeff Wheeler Official Blog Tour.
Publisher : 47North (January 26, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 431 pages
ISBN-10 : 154202529X
ISBN-13 : 978-1542025294
Praise for KNIGHT’S RANSOM
“Jeff Wheeler has always been one of our more dependable storytellers. Knight’s Ransom adds to his reputation. A fine page-turner.” —Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author.
“With this superlative epic fantasy…Wheeler does an expert job of reintroducing his fantasy world through the eyes of sympathetic characters that fans and new readers alike will root for. This is sure to be a hit.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“[Wheeler] adds elements of Arthurian legend to the start of the First Argentines series…along with splendid palace intrigues and battles.” —Booklist (starred review)
From Jeff Wheeler, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Kingfountain novels, comes an epic new series of warring kingdoms, deadly family rivalries, and fearless loyalty.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A brutal war of succession has plunged the court of Kingfountain into a power struggle between a charitable king who took the crown unlawfully and his ambitious rival, Devon Argentine. The balance of power between the two men hinges on the fate of a young boy ensnared in this courtly intrigue. A boy befittingly nicknamed Ransom.
When the Argentine family finally rules, Ransom must make his own way in the world. Opportunities open and shut before him as he journeys along the path to knighthood, blind to a shadowy conspiracy of jealousy and revenge. Securing his place will not be easy, nor will winning the affection of Lady Claire de Murrow, a fiery young heiress from an unpredictably mad kingdom.
Ransom interrupts an abduction plot targeting the Queen of Ceredigion and earns a position in service to her son, the firstborn of the new Argentine dynasty. But conflict and treachery threaten the family, and Ransom must also come to understand and hone his burgeoning powers—abilities that involve more than his mastery with a blade and that make him as much a target as his lord.
You can purchaseKnight’s Ransom at the following Retailers:
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Did you know Jeff Wheeler’s Kingfountain Series is being adapted for Tv?
I am screaming!! Are you Screaming?
Hello Bookish Friends Everywhere, Let’s return to the Kingfountain.
Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler is a masterful tale of knights and intrique. A compelling coming of age story that will delight readers everywhere.
Marshall Barton, “Ransom”, the second son of a lord is sent to King Gervase of Kingfountain. He becomes Royal hostage at a young age, to bring Marshall’s Father to heel. During the years as a hostage, at King Gervase’s court he befriends and develops a relationships with another child Claire de Murrow.
In a series of events that have a climatic change in Ransom’s situation. He becomes in broiled in courtly drama and intrigue. Taking his destiny into his own hands and trains as a Knight. His determination, and internal moral code makes him a strong and compelling character. Jeff Wheeler expanding magic system is notable. The setting and world building are brought to life with unique details making highly compulsive. Character development and the complexity of the relationship between Ransom and Claire are wonderful depicted.
The writing flows effortlessly and was mesmerizing, Wheeler has a real way with words that pulls you in. I have to say that Wheeler is dynamic storyteller, plain and simple. This book checks all my points on what makes for a exquisite fantasy fiction.
Hands down Wheeler’s ability to create an enduring hero, is applauded. There are a few suspenseful twists to keep you guessing, and the ending is set up in a way for the next installment.
Once again Jeff Wheeler delivers a bold new fantasy with knightly adventure, that is engaging, and makes for one stunning book. This is one book I highly recommend if enjoy exceptional fantasy fiction.
A remarkable page turner book that should be on your TBR
Photo Content from Jeff Wheeler
Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains. His books have been on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller list 5 times (for The Thief’s Daughter, The King’s Traitor, The Hollow Crown, The Silent Shield, and Prism Cloud) and have sold more than 4 million copies. His novels have also been published or will be published in many languages: Italian, Chinese, Hungarian, Turkish, Polish, Spanish, Russian, and German.
He is also the founder of Deep Magic: the E-zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction (www.deepmagic.co), a quarterly e-zine featuring amazing short stories, novellas, and sample chapters.
You can usually find Jeff at Emerald City Comic Con, New York Comic Con or at writers conferences.
He welcomes hearing from readers: jgwheels /at/ gmail dot com
If you are interested in purchasing signed copies of his books for friends, family, or your own collection, please e-mail: WOJWbooks /at/ gmail dot com
As Daleth the Witch-King and his horde ready themselves for the final battle, a small alliance prepares for a desperate last stand.
However, the alliance is weak and fractured, led by a king interested only in retaining his wealth and a lord commander consumed by his thirst for revenge. With a seemingly unbeatable army before them, invisible foes amongst them, and broken hearts between them, the alliance appears destined to fall.
Yet in these dark times, her light almost extinguished, a peasant huntress is soon to be queen. But if she can find what was lost, she might prove to be more powerful than two kings combined.
This war will bring about the end of dreams, but for whom, the gods have yet to decide.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The final installment in The Gifted and the Cursed trilogy
The End of Dreams is a fantastic, epic conclusion.
Once again Lee’s adrenaline rush storytelling is brilliantly executed.
The End of Dreams picks up in the wake of the events following Tristian’s Folly.
The characters have been scattered, from the battle and the siege.
The storyline is well paced with reveals that come at just the right time. The authors narration and the flows effortlessly and smoothly. Making this book a fast read one that I completely inhaled.
The tension of this book is like tightly coiled spring. The world building is rich and stunning. The atmospheric details are astounding , but hands down its the authors ability to create a strong character driven fantasy. You become invested in the characters and what happing to them as you follow in their trial and tribulations.
Lee is able to tie all the loose ends together, to make a solid conclusion. As a reader you won’t be disappointed, I have to say that that even though it is the last book of this series, it is by far my favorite. There is a thread that loops around that was started in the first book that continues through the second book all the way through leading and connecting the characters as the storyline unfolds. The battle scenes are perfectly orchestrated and you will find yourself front and center as the this action packed tale will have hooked.
An exceptional intensely entertaining fantasy series, that holds a special place on my library shelve.
Writing hasn’t always been a serious hobby for me … but it has always been there, lurking in the shadows, serving me well when called upon.
As I look back over the years, I realise I was guilty of writing many short stories, as well as poetry, and I’d like to think, that even if they were never intended to be published, they were nonetheless warmly received by the intended recipients.
Then in 2019, I was inspired to write not just a short story, or poetry, but a book. Then, suddenly, one book turned into a trilogy and a labour of love, and it was a love I wanted to share with the world.
So, here we are. The pandemic that put my career in sport on hold also gave me the opportunity to lavish time on my alternative hobby, or if demand dictates my new career.
However, only you, the reader, will decide whether this trilogy, which is still a work in progress, will be the first of many. I genuinely hope so.
Who knows, now these creatives juices are flowing, I might just keep on writing anyway.
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Epic fantasy has been my favourite genre since I first read The Odyssey and The Illiad as a seven-year-old. Now it’s my turn to see if I can bring another world to life in the imagination of others.
Series: The Emma of Normandy Series, Book 3
Genre: Medieval/Historical Fiction
A breathtaking conclusion to Bracewell’s Emma of Normandy Trilogy, brimming with treachery, heartache, tenderness and passion as the English queen confronts ambitious and traitorous councilors, invading armies and the Danish king’s power-hungry concubine.
In the year 1012 England’s Norman-born Queen Emma has been ten years wed to an aging, ruthless, haunted King Æthelred. The marriage is a bitterly unhappy one, between a queen who seeks to create her own sphere of influence within the court and a suspicious king who eyes her efforts with hostility and resentment. But royal discord shifts to grudging alliance when Cnut of Denmark, with the secret collusion of his English concubine Elgiva, invades England at the head of a massive viking army. Amid the chaos of war, Emma must outwit a fierce enemy whose goal is conquest and outmaneuver the cunning Elgiva, who threatens all those whom Emma loves.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
The last installment in Patricia Bracewell in The Emma Of Normandy Trilogy.
A beguiling richly atmospheric book that catapults the reader into the the eleventh century. An unpredictable turbulent time, with complex alliances continuously moving back and forth. Both England and the Danes struggle to gain supreme rule, but only one will succeed.
A stunning woven tapestry with an expansive cast of well defined characters.
The Viking Dane’s have been raging a continuous war, with their ultimate goal being complete invasion. England and King Æthelred, are barely holding on.
Emma was sent to England as a child bride of Normandy. An arranged marriage to the English King Athelred. His unstable ability to remain on the throne is evident and his paranoid disposition is evident. As the storyline progresses we see the fall of this King and rise of another. A compelling tale of vindictive characters and power struggles as the rise and fall of the English empire swiftly changes.
Patricia Bracewell unique descriptive prose is astounding, as she deftly weaves threads of historical fact along with her own imagined creativity, to create a colourful fabric affording unique insights into the life of Emma of Normandy of eleventh century.
Focusing on the years 1012 to 1017 Queen Emma growth of character is superbly done. Her strength and fortitude is evident as seek to align herself with those who would benefit her and her sons. Bracewell writing is polished with impeccable execution and has been worth the wait.
Historical fans will be pleased with this last book in this powerful series. Emma of Normandy’s story comes full to life under Bracewell very talented writing expertise. This legendary Queen who’s place in history has been somewhat over looked by the masses.
A stunning series that will richly reward the attention of any reader who enjoys strong heroines, and engaging historical fiction.
Have a wonderful day!
About the Author
Patricia Bracewell grew up in Los Angeles where her love of stories led to college degrees in Literature, a career as a high school English teacher, and a yearning to write. Her first novel, Shadow on the Crown, about the 11th-century queen of England, Emma of Normandy, was published in 2013. Its sequel, The Price of Blood, appeared in 2015. The final book of her Emma of Normandy Trilogy, The Steel Beneath the Silk will be published March 2, 2021.
Patricia lives with her husband in Oakland, California.
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