Search

justlovemybooks

Book Blog (Romance & More)

Open Search

First blog post

Professional Reader Reviews Published10 Book Reviews

Hi!

June 9, 2016

So this is my new blog.  On here I will review all the books I read.  Right now, nearly all my reviews can be found on Goodreads. As I continue to work on this blog I will sort and add my older reviews into categories. I am looking forward to this project as this is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I love to read and I love to write.  So I hope you will visit this blog from time to time and watch it grow.

Christine

Featured post
0

DOUBLE COVER REVEAL ~ Title: King’s Men Series: Savage Fall Duet #1, Release Date: February 27, 2019, Savage Fall Duet #2, Release Date: April 10, 2019, Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

 

Title: King’s Men

Series: Savage Fall Duet #1

Author: Lana Sky
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense

Cover Design: The Illustrated Author Designs

 Release Date: February 27, 2019

Blurb

 

The more treacherous the lie…
Ten years ago, Snowy Hollings did the unthinkable: she
betrayed the love of her life.
Now, when her family’s fortune is decimated overnight, the
popular socialite is in for a rude awakening: you reap what you sow.
…the harder the fall.
Mysterious newcomer Blake Lorenz despises everything that
Snowy Hollings stands for–and he’s determined to destroy her piece by piece.
When all is said and done, this ruthless corporate king will
stop at nothing to torment the redheaded beauty.
She had it coming, after all.
And, when he’s through, she’ll be lucky if there’s anything
left to ever make whole again.
____
This story contains dark, disturbing subject matter not
suitable for those under 18 years of age, including mentions of rape, child
abuse and eating disorders. 

 

ADD TO GOODREADS  

Pre-order Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Title: King’s Horses
Series: Savage Fall Duet #2
Author: Lana Sky
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
Cover Design: The Illustrated Author Designs
Release Date: April 10, 2019
Blurb
The harder the fall…
Ten years ago, Snowy Hollings betrayed the love of her life…
Or did she?
Blake Lorenz has finally broken the Hollings heiress but
revenge doesn’t taste quite as sweet as he’d hoped. And as the murky depths of
his past begin to come to light, the more he’s forced to realize that he may
have made a grave mistake.
…the more brutal the redemption.
Destitute and disillusioned, Snowy is trying her best to
piece her broken heart back together. But Blake isn’t the only man on her
trail, desperate to claim her.
No good deed goes unpunished, after all.
And the truth has a way of destroying even the most
resilient of hearts…
ADD TO GOODREADS
Author Bio
Lana Sky is a quirky writer from the US who dabbles in dark,
paranormal and contemporary romance. Her stories aren’t always typical, but
contain a little something for everyone.
Author Links

 

0

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Randy’s Candy by Taryn Bradly! Genre: Modern Day Fairytale ~ Available Now!



FOREVER WRITE PR is proud to bring you the Release Blitz and Review Tour for Randy’s Candy by Taryn Bradly!


 
Title: Randy’s Candy
Author: Taryn Bradley
Publication Date: Feb 14 2019
Cover Designer: CT Cover Creations
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
Amazon US:
 
Amazon UK:
 
Amazon CA:
 
Amazon AU: 
 
Kobo:
 
B&N: 
 

 

 
BLURB
 
For one magical night… 
I was Cinderella at the ball, sipping champagne and dancing under the stars with the most gorgeous man I’d ever laid eyes on.
 
For one magical night… 
I was the sparkle in his eyes and in the heat of passion…the name on his lips.
 
For one magical night…
I lived my fairytale and the man before me was my dream come to life…my very own Prince Charming.
 
But, my magical night disappeared with the light of day…
As did my handsome prince.
So, just like Cinderella…I ran.
All the way home to New York City…
To lick my wounds and nurse my broken heart.
 
Now 3,459 miles away from that magical night… my prince’s face was smiling back at me…from the magazine rack at the grocery store. 
It wasn’t pretend.
He really is a prince.
And he’s searching for me.
Now, I need to do everything in my power to not be found…
 
Read the entire prologue at:
 
TEASERS
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
Taryn Bradley makes her home on a small citrus ranch in the rolling hills of California. When she’s not tending to her many animals, or reading, she is barefoot in her writing cave, spinning tales and drinking whiskey from a tea cup. Randy’s Candy is her third novel.
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tarynbradleybooks/
 
Website:
https://www.tarynbradleybooks.com/
 
 

 

0

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Title: Love Above Law, Author: Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels, Genre: Romance Suspense FBI, Release Date: February 18, 2019

Title: Love Above Law
Author: Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels
Genre: Romance Suspense FBI
Release Date: February 18, 2019


Agent Lex Taylor
 
My assignment—take down human and drug trafficker Miguel Santino and rescue Leyna Martinez, the sister of a member of an outlaw MC.
 
One look. That’s all it took.
 
My center of gravity shifted, and I knew. She was going to be mine.
 
I take down criminals; the rats of society. I eat, sleep and breathe the law, but I’m willing to risk it all—my badge and my life to protect her.

 

Crystal and Sandy are Romance Authors and the sister writing duo behind several Love, and Purpose filled romances. Since 2017 they have published seven books including The Kings of Retribution MC Series – Undaunted, The Darkest of Light, Finding Solace, Defy, Unbreakable and Lost King. And a standalone Novella – Leather and Mistletoe, an MC Christmas.

 

HOSTED BY:

 

0

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Title: Broken Heart: A Vampire Love Story, Series: Stories of the Heart #2, Author: Cybill Cain, Genre: Steamy Paranormal Romance, Release Date: February 18, 2019

Title: Broken Heart: A Vampire Love Story
Series: Stories of the Heart #2
Author: Cybill Cain
Genre: Steamy Paranormal Romance
Release Date: February 18, 2019

 

 

 

A vampire’s love lives forever. 
For thousands of years I waited to find my Sara.
She was everything to me.
Three years ago I lost her.
The time without her has left me a cold, empty, shell of man.
I had given up hope when I found her again.
But she doesn’t know who I am.
Someone has stolen her memories of our time together.
I’m going to make her remember our love.
I’m going to make her remember what my touch can do to her body.
I’m going to make her mine again, forever.
Then I’ll find those who took her from me, and I’ll make them pay.
***This is Stories of the Heart Book 2. To understand what is happening you need to have read Dark Heart, Stories of the Heart Book 1.
***If you missed Dark Heart, but are interested in picking up the series to review on your blog, I will provide ARC copies of both books upon request.
***This story ends on a cliffhanger.
***Book 3, Fiery Heart will be released April 29, 2019.

 

 

 

Cybill Cain writes stories about love, adventure and romance, and is the author of multi-award winning contemporary romance series The Chimera Club Stories.
 
She is an experienced journalist, blogger and fanfiction enthusiast who believes “every story is a love story.” 
She is also a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
HOSTED BY:

 

0

RELEASE TOUR ~ Title: Rise of the Phoenix, Series: Phoenix Skulls MC – Book 1, Author: Jessie Cooke, Genre: MC Romance, Release Date: February 18, 2019

Title: Rise of the Phoenix
Series: Phoenix Skulls MC – Book 1
Author: Jessie Cooke
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: February 18, 2019
Jace Bell, a nomad for the Skulls, and Beck Golden, his new old lady, moved to Phoenix with high hopes.
Jace had been handpicked to run the new chapter of the Skulls by the presidents of both the Westside and Southside chapters.
Wolf Lee and Dax Marshall made sure the club had the land to build on and the support they needed to move forward.
It all felt almost surreal to Jace who had moved his entire life from the East Coast to the West in order to take the job.
His life had never been easy and suddenly he had everything he’d ever dreamed of…but only for a fleeting moment.
When befriending an older Native American couple introduces the club to their twenty-two year old son, Tommy, bizarre things begin to happen.
At first Jace and Beck believe it’s all a ploy by Tommy to get them off land Tommy believes they don’t belong on.
But then bodies begin to turn up and Jace has to dig deeper, unearthing, along with the bodies, a twisted tale of murder, lies and family dysfunction that runs much more than skin deep.
The future of the club is up in the air and nobody knows where the killer will strike next.
Will Jace and Beck cave underneath all the pressure, or can this odd couple and their misfit crew rise from the ashes and begin again?
Book 1 in the Phoenix Skulls MC Series. 
This is a Standalone Romance Novel but characters from this story, will appear in future books in the series. 
HEA and No cliffhanger. 
Intended for Mature Readers.
 
* * *
 
The Phoenix Skulls MC Series is about members of the MC club, their friends and associates. 
Each story, while focused around one main character, is not necessarily about a Phoenix Skulls club member, but the story is related to Skulls members and the club.

Phoenix Skulls – Rise of the Phoenix
Chapter One


“Yazhi, where have you been? We closed up half an hour ago. Why do you have blood splattered on your hands?” Ajei was looking at the spots of blood that dotted her son’s big, brown hands. When she looked back up at his face, he was looking down at them, with a look as surprised as hers had been.


He frowned and after a minute he said, “I hit a rabbit. It darted out in front of me. I didn’t realize the blood had splashed up so far.” He was still frowning when he said, “I’m not going with you today, anyway. I thought I was clear about that.”


“Yazhi…”


“Mom, please! Stop talking to me like I’m a child! And stop calling me ‘Little One!’ I’ve been taller than you since I was thirteen. I’m a grown man, Mother, look at me. I’m twenty-two years old. I’ve told you and Father both that I’m not going to greet these bikers like they’re welcome here.” She had the feeling his indignation was an effort to hide something else, but she wasn’t sure what. He’d disappeared most of the afternoon and she wondered where he’d gone.


“Tommy,” she said, softening her voice even more. “We’ve talked about this so many times, and the tribal council has even tried to be reasonable with you. That land has not belonged to us for decades…almost one hundred years. They bought the land from a developer who bought it from the government. We can at least feel better about them being there, knowing this developer isn’t going to put up a strip mall or something that will draw in a big residential crowd.”


“Nobody should put up anything on it. Ama Sani is probably wandering the hills at night, weeping.”


She sighed and reached out to touch him. He took a step back and gave her a defiant look. “Tommy, you know I loved your great-grandmother, but by the time you were old enough to know her, she no longer lived in the real world.” Tommy’s great-grandmother, Ajei’s grandmother, had Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed right after Tommy’s birth but lived another twenty years. Tommy loved her dearly and he’d grown up hanging on her every word.


“She lived in our world. She was the only one who remembered how it was, and how it should still be.”


“Tommy…”


He threw his hands up and left the room. His mother sat and looked after him, sadly. She was still sitting there, lost in her thoughts about her son, when her husband Tse walked in. He knew as soon as he saw her that something was wrong.


“What’s wrong, My Heart?” My Heart was what her name meant in English and Tse meant Rock. The couple had called each other by their English names since they met as young adults. They had been together now for thirty-five years, since Ajei was seventeen and Rock eighteen. Tommy was a late-in-life child. The couple had been together and on the road traveling, Rock on the old Indian bike he wouldn’t give up, and Ajei on her Harley, for thirteen years by that time. Rock had modified her bike to make it possible. Ajei had been the one unsure of raising him that way, on the road around the kind of people they spent their time with. They had been involved in some things back then that as an old woman, Ajei wasn’t exactly proud of either. But, you do what you need to in order to survive. Old age had at least taught her that much.


Ultimately back then, however, she had given into her fears and her family’s pressure to leave him behind and let them raise him. Tommy lived with Ajei’s aunt Lena and her two children, who were quite a bit older than him. But their culture truly believed that it takes a village, so ultimately he was raised by a gaggle of relatives: cousins, aunts, uncles, great-grandparents…all wonderful, warm people who loved him…and Ajei and Rock were home as often as they could be. Ajei tried hard to bond with her son, but sometimes Tommy’s dark eyes seemed to seethe with anger or resentment when he looked at his parents. Rock always told her that she worried too much. Ajei hoped that now, since they were all together, they could finally begin to heal old wounds. But now she had to worry about how Tommy had attached himself to the old stories and legends his demented great-grandmother had told him as a boy, and it was leading him toward trouble.


“I’m just worried about our son,” she said, “and this idea that he’s doing something just for our people by not welcoming our new neighbors.” The idea of having a motorcycle club just to the north of where Ajei and Rock ran their small grocery and hardware store had thrilled them both at first. Rock was a nomad for a club out of Tempe for over twenty years and Ajei had ridden alongside him all that time. When they first met as teenagers, Rock drove an old Indian motorcycle he had bought and fixed up himself. Over the years he’d upgraded many times but he was never willing to trade in the Indian for a Harley. Ajei’s first motorcycle was a used Harley that they bought together after they eloped and Rock taught her how to ride. Tommy didn’t come along until thirteen years later and by that time Rock and Ajei were doing long runs for the club, and it was the only life they knew.


That was where Ajei feared, now, they had begun to make mistakes with Tommy, and she had prayed five years earlier that coming home at last would mend what was broken between them all for so long. The club in Tempe, the Tarantulas, had just run its course after almost fifty years in business. Most of the members were either too old to ride, or just tired, and when it broke up, Ajei and Rock came home to Phoenix for the last time. Rock’s uncle owned the little store and he was past ready to retire. Rock and Ajei bought him out and although that went well, Ajei’s hopes for bonding with her son were dashed by the fact that Tommy chose to go to college in California. They were separated by miles for another four years while he completed his degree. The day he graduated with honors was one of the proudest of Ajei’s life and when he chose to live at the store rather than go back with his aunt, it gave her hope that he was finally ready to try to get to know his parents and they him. But so far, that wasn’t going as planned either. He was so obsessed with the land and the old tall tales her grandmother told him. Tommy, in Ajei’s opinion, was a bright, wonderful boy, but in her mind, not yet a man.


“Give him some time,” Rock said. He always did his best to be impartial while giving his wife as much hope as possible. “He’ll see that they don’t mean us, or the land, any harm soon enough and come around. You know telling him things has never worked. Our boy has always been one that had to see things for himself.”


Ajei smiled at her husband. At fifty-three years old, he was still the handsomest man she knew. She was so glad that their son took after him. Rock stood over six foot tall and had broad shoulders and muscles that came mostly from riding that Indian motorcycle he loved so much. He wore his black hair short now, and sometimes Ajei missed the days when it used to touch his shoulders the way Tommy’s did now. His skin was the color of coffee just lightened slightly with milk and his eyes were as dark as his hair, but they shone when he laughed or smiled, which he did often. The crow’s feet around his eyes spoke to that, but Ajei loved them, just as she loved every other part of her handsome husband. “I’m sure you’re right. I can’t help but worry. He reminded me again today that he was a grown man.”


Rock chuckled and said, “And when he’s forty, we’ll both believe him. Until then, it might be easier to pretend. Are you ready to go? Our neighbors are expecting us.”


Ajei nodded and began to gather up the things she was taking to welcome their new neighbors. She and Rock lived in the “real” world, but that didn’t mean they had completely forgotten where they came from and the things they had learned as children. Ajei had weaved a blanket for each of the three newcomers and she had baked homemade bread and gathered two baskets of vegetables from her garden out back. She handed the basket to Rock as they locked up the store and headed for their bikes. Rock covered the basket with a cloth and strapped it onto the back of his Indian before helping Ajei batten down the heavy blankets she’d made. When they had the gifts ready, they both tied their bandannas over their hair and started up their bikes. Ajei looked up toward the window in the small apartment above the store where Tommy lived now. She saw him looking down at them, smiled, and waved. Tommy dropped the curtain and she felt a pain in her heart. Her one wish before the Holy People took her from the earth was that she and her son would come to understand each other.


********


The young bikers were expecting them, and came out to greet them when they drove in. They were living in the only house that had already been standing on the property they bought. It was built years before, by hand, by another idealistic young Navajo man. He’d squatted on the then government-owned property for years, claiming that it was his by “birthright.” Eventually he was forced off the land at the end of a dozen guns the government had sent to evict him. He left kicking and screaming, chanting crazy things, and he was locked up in a psychiatric facility in the city. Ajei never heard anything else about him after that, but she prayed almost daily that her son would never take his misguided mission so far that it drove him mad.


Rock and Ajei stopped their bikes and she slipped the bandanna off her long, gray hair before sliding off the Harley. Rock told her she was still as beautiful as the day he met her, but some days she was slightly envious of the way he seemed to age better than her. He still didn’t have a touch of gray in his hair, and in hers there was barely a touch left of the dark brown it used to be. Her crow’s feet weren’t as “distinguished” as his, in her mind anyway, and her high cheekbones seemed to get lower every time she looked in the mirror and watched as gravity took possession of her skin. But she tried not to dwell too much on aging. If the truth be told, had she died that very moment, the only regrets she had would be the ones she had about her relationship with Tommy.


The couple came toward them. The man was big, taller than Rock and slightly broader in the arms and chest. His eyes were dark and his face scarred. Ajei noticed the thick scar just above his collar right away and she felt a chill run through her as she felt his suffering. Ajei didn’t fancy herself as a psychic or seer, or whatever people were calling it these days. She’d just always thought of herself as an empath; she deeply felt the pain of others sometimes.


The big man had his arm around a woman, whose light blue eyes were the crowning glory of her beautiful face. Wild blonde curls framed her delicate face, but those eyes, and the lean muscles in her arms and legs that rippled as she walked in her boots, told a story that her pretty face might otherwise hide. “I’m Rock, and this is My Heart,” Ajei’s husband said. “Welcome to Phoenix. We’re looking forward to having you as our new neighbors.” The big man shook Rock’s hand and said:


“Thank you. I’m Jace and this is Rebekah.”


“Beck,” the pretty woman said, offering her hand to Ajei.


“And you don’t have to call me My Heart,” Ajei said with a smile. “I’m Ajei and it’s a pleasure to meet you both.”


“Please, come inside,” Beck offered. Ajei and Rock gathered their gifts and followed Beck and Jace inside the little house. They’d only been there for a week, but it already had a warm, comfortable feel to it. Ajei told them so and Beck laughed and said, “I grew up in Phoenix. My mother and grandmother still live about twenty miles from here. They came and decorated the house before we even got here last week. Probably because they knew I’d just toss down some sleeping bags and eat takeout if it was up to me. Please, have a seat.”


The four of them sat and Rock presented them with the gifts they’d brought. Jace and Beck both seemed genuinely grateful, and Beck seemed particularly happy with the blankets. She set the third one aside and said, “Finn is out right now but when he gets back I’ll make sure he gets that.”


“Finn,” Ajei said. “That’s an interesting name.”


“He’s Irish,” Beck told her. “He’s only been in the US for about a year. He’s young and he has a lot to learn, but I think he’s a good kid, at heart.” Ajei could see in Beck’s eyes that she still had questions about the young Irishman. It wasn’t her business however, so she moved on.


“Our son is the same,” she said. “I wish he could have come with us today. He keeps himself busy with his projects. He just recently graduated from college and hasn’t found a permanent job yet, but he never stops doing his own research.”


“What kind of research does he do?” Beck asked.


“He’s got a degree in environmental services,” Rock answered. “He’s interested in anything to do with the land and the indigenous plants and animals. Sometimes I think he should have gone for a degree in Native American studies instead. He has a lot of interest in our culture and history.” Ajei smiled. Her husband explained their son’s “obsession” much more diplomatically than she could. She opened her mouth to ask Beck if they had any children but was interrupted by the sound of a man’s voice, calling out for Jace. It was coming from outside, around the back of the house. The four of them jumped up and Ajei saw Rebekah grab a gun off the top of the refrigerator as they ran outside. Jace stopped first and Beck nearly ran into him before she came to a dead stop as well. Rock stood on the other side of Jace, looking at what had stopped them all in their tracks. Ajei saw it, and the young, heavily tattooed man with the long hair standing next to it, and then she turned to look at her husband. Rock wasn’t looking at her. Maybe that was good. Maybe if he looked at her she wouldn’t be able to hide the fear in her eyes or the fact that her heart was slamming into her rib cage. She sucked in a shaky breath and looked back in the direction the rest of them were still staring in.


“What the fuck is that?” Beck said, appalled, with good reason.


No one said anything for a long time. Rock still wouldn’t look at his wife. They all stared at the big tan-and-white jackrabbit…or what was left of him. It was simply a carcass, without a head, and the four feet had been nailed to a post behind the house. Written in what looked like blood above it were the words, “Go Away!”


Ajei couldn’t see anything inside of her head at that moment other than the bloody fingers of her son. She was looking down at her own hands and she felt like she could see blood on them too. Rock finally glanced over at her and when she felt his eyes on her face, she looked up. She could see the worry pouring out of his dark eyes. She wanted to deny that her son did this. She couldn’t imagine Tommy killing any animal just for sport, much less mutilating it. But sadly, she had to admit if only to herself that since he’d come home from college, it seemed there were a lot of things about her son she didn’t know. She opened her mouth, ready to tell their new neighbors that she might know who did this and that she would take care of it, when Beck, clutching her gun tightly at her side and speaking through clenched teeth, said, “When I finish with the motherfucker who did this, that rabbit’s going to look like the lucky one.”
Jessie Cooke writes hot romance novels about tough guys, bad boys, bikers, fighters and lovers and the women of strong character who tame them.
 


 HOSTED BY:

 

0

BLOG TOUR ~ Title: Screw You: A Screwed Duet, Author: Serena Akeroyd,  Genre: Contemporary Romance,  Series: Five Points, Hell’s Kitchen Book 1

 

Title: Screw You: A Screwed Duet 
Author: Serena Akeroyd 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Series: Five Points, Hell’s Kitchen Book 1
 
Add on Goodreads 
 

 

 

 
When a man like Finn O’Grady wants something, no one, not even God, will deny him his desires. 

FINN

I’ve wanted Aoife since the first time I heard her name. So Irish. So traditional. Then I saw her photo, and I had to have her. 

In my world, a man like me is never denied, and Aoife’s no different. 

I’ll have her in my bed, I’ll make her want me, and when I’m done, that’s it. Game over. 

Well, that was the plan. 

My curvy cailín is as addictive as she is sweet. With more secrets than even me, she’s a sinner’s paradise, and I might just be willing to repent if it means keeping her in my bed.

For as long as we both shall live.

SCREW YOU is the 65k first part in A SCREWED duet.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 
Serena Akeroyd is a romanceaholic. She won’t touch a book unless she knows there’s a happy ever after at the end of it. Pathetic as it may be, because of this addiction, Serena decided to craft her own tales, stories that suit her voracious need for sexy romance. After all, a love story ain’t a lurve story without a bit of naughty!

A citizen of the world, Serena is a nomad at heart, and her novels enable her to travel the globe and all behind her computer desk.
Naturally, she’d prefer the option of a private jet, but still, if wishes were horses, eh?

Always feel free to connect with Serena, she’d love to chat with her readers, as well as fellow romance addicts!
 

 

 
Facebook 
website
Twitter
Goodreads
Amazon 
Bookbub
Booksprout
 

 

0

📝Review📝 ~ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ Spin The Dawn (The Blood of Stars #1) ~Author: Elizabeth Lim ~ Genre: #YA #Fantasy #Retelling ~ Expected Publication: July 30th, 2019!

36683928

Spin The Dawn

(The Blood of Stars #1)

By Elizabeth Lim

Genre: #YA #Fantasy #Retelling

My Rating: 5

Cover: 5

Publication: July 30th, 2019

Read: February 17th, 2019

POV: First-person single perspective

Hardcover: 400

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36683928-spin-the-dawn

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Dawn-Blood-Stars-Elizabeth/dp/052564699X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C865TPTI8ZZC&keywords=spin+the+dawn&qid=1550421203&s=gateway&sprefix=spin+the+daw%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

Series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/224554-the-blood-of-stars

Synopsis:

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.

Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this young adult fantasy is pitch-perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Renée Ahdieh.

Icon_Transparent

 

 

 

📝My Review📝

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book. It was fresh, original, unique, and nostalgic of other tales. Spin the Dawn is the amazing story of Maia Tamarin and how she fights to become the Imperial Tailor and the amazing journey she goes on to create the dresses of legend. The plot was constantly intriguing, I never wanted to put the book down. This book is a Mulan inspired retelling but other than the fact that Maia has to disguise herself as a boy the similarities stop there. Spin the Dawn was its own original tale but like I mentioned some aspects of it reminded me of other stories. The plot was consistently moving, it was a nonstop battle to the finish. My only critique is that I think the romance leaned towards insta-love and that is not my favorite trope at all.

I really loved the characters. Maia is a wonderful female protagonist. She consistently worked hard no matter how many people undermined or teased her. Her talent as a seamstress knows no bounds. I think she got in her head a lot of the time but she was always strong enough to pull off the tasks required of her without Edan’s help. Now let’s talk about Edan! His character archetype is what I like to call the “Nikolai Archetype,” meaning that his character personality and actions are similar to that of Nikolai from the Grisha trilogy. These characteristics include sarcastic, snarky, never takes anything seriously, fun, sly, secretive, very attractive, has some type of eliteness to them, mischievous, evasive of questions, usually lonely, and lastly has a 99.9% chance of being my favorite character in the book. Another character like this who Edan reminds me of in River Shara from Even The Darkest Stars. He was a wonderful character and as the Lord Enchanter there was no shortage of antics from him. He loved to tease Maia but also supported her along the way. Lady Sarnai is the character I am most interested in. I think she has a big role to play and I want to learn more about it. She acts cold and vicious but it is obvious to see that she is just a girl upset over being given to the emperor as a way to barter peace. More is going to come out of that storyline and I cannot wait to learn more about it. Emperor Khanujin is interesting and I can’t really figure him out. He seems calm and peaceful but I can see those hints of his thirst for great power. I wonder what will happen with that.

Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Renee Ahdieh, Naomi Novik, and Heather Fawcett. Specifically fans of Uprooted and Even The Darkest Stars. I really loved this book and I cannot wait to read more. Even if this book doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, I encourage you to try it out. I am sure that you will find it worthwhile. I certainly did.

Follow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/28645541-emily

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stardustleia

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverlandsreads/

1

📝REVIEW 📝~ 🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ Locked Up Love by ALexa Riley ~ Genre: Insta Love Romance ~ Release Date: February 9th 2019 ~ Available Now!

43910650

LOCKED UP LOVE

BY

ALEXA RILEY

Genre:  #Romance #InstaloveLustRomance #Novella

My Rating:  4

Cover:  5

Publication:  February 9th 2019

Read:  February 12th 2019

POV:  First-person dual perspectives

Add to Goodreads:  Locked Up Love

Purchase Links: ‪Amazon ➳ amzn.to/2TJ11gu‬
‪Amazon Universal ➳ geni.us/2l47gVk‬

52440846_2261849194091115_4633468374565781504_n

Synopsis:  

When Lizzy Roberts agreed to go on a blind date she never imagined it would turn into such a nightmare. Thankfully she’s rescued by a dark knight named Rocco, but his heroic act is seen as a violent attack after the judge is bought off and Rocco is sent to jail.

Rocco Lang took one look at the blonde and knew he had to save her. But when his anger got the better of him he ended up behind bars. He doesn’t regret his actions, just that they took him away from her. Now all he’s got are her letters to keep him warm at night.

Can they fall in love with just a pen and paper and their hearts on the page? You’re damn right they can!

Warning: This alpha might be behind bars, but he’s still running the show. Grab your jumpsuits and cozy up because this prison romance is everything your Valentine’s Day needs!

IMG_7439 (4)

📝My Review📝:

 Locked Up LoveLocked Up Love by Alexa Riley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
I haven’t read a book from this author duo in a while. Matter of fact, I can’t remember which book of theirs I read last. For no other reason than my lack of time is the culprit. That said, I enjoyed Locked Up Love very much. Just as I remembered the style of writing by this author duo, I felt right at home. It was fast paced, sexy and delightfully over-the-top as is usual with their alpha heroes.

Before they could even develop a natural relationship, Rocco is sent off to jail. I won’t go into details because you’ll want to read this on your own. Regardless of the fact they barely knew each other, in addition to the fact that he was in prison, Rocco and Lizzy managed to connect on an intense level. These two were made for each other before they even had the chance to officially meet. While in prison, these two managed to grow a relationship that started with writing letters. That relationship was strong, bonded in love and yes, protectiveness and possessiveness; another Alexa Riley trademark.

So, again, no more details from me. I will say that I enjoyed this book and am very happy to have read Rocco and Lizzy’s story. While it was over-the-top instalove, it was also sweet and endearing.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you taking the time to read it. 🙂

 

51795595_2260886157520752_355883829119942656_n.jpg

IMG_7216 (3)

You can also find me here:

Facebook Blog:   https://www.facebook.com/justlovemybooks/

Facebook pages:  https://www.facebook.com/Christine.Indriolo777

https://www.facebook.com/christine.michele.77920

Facebook Groups: 

Inside the Pages Pimping and Posting: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372784379464260/

Sexy Little Books and More:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/215495178571658/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/justlovemybooks/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ItsMyLife7777

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31054192-christine-justlovemybooks-com-blog

Amazon (for my reviews):  Christine Indriolo https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AEFJIOJZCQ3IOC2WPSOEYJMCIFCQ?preview=true

Book Bub Profile:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3253381088

0

📝REVIEW📝 ~ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ Waiting For You: The Holbrook Series Book One ~ Genre: Romance ~ Author: Jasmine Stevens ~ Release Date: February 5th 2019 ~ Available Now!

43187479

WAITING FOR YOU

BY

JASMINE STEVENS

Series:  The Holbrook Series Book One

Genre:  #Romance #FriendsToLovers #BookBoyfriend

POV:  Third-person with both perspectives

My Rating:  5

Cover:  5

Publication:  February 5th 2019

Read:  February 15th 2019

Add to Goodreads:  Waiting For You

Purchase Links:

KINDLE UNLIMITED

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2FbjtKh

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2LZCyAN

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2C2ur1v

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2VxnZbK

 

49716287_2341169156120534_5608097119471665152_n

Synopsis:

Eighteen years ago Charlotte Denver left the quaint country town of Holbrook, after a tragic accident. Now, she’s back in town to renovate her old family home, which will feature in the magazine where she’s employed as a journalist. Making the rundown house sellable, will allow Charlotte to sever all ties with her tragic past and finally move forwardwith her life. That is until the one person she’d spent all these years trying to forget is contracted by her magazines editor to help her complete the job.

Will Beckett’s no longer the twelve year old kid who used to play practical jokes on her, tease her and make her belly laugh. Now he’s a ruggedly handsome, sweet talking, successful builder. Despite Will’s wholesome country charm and sexy smile, that makes Charlotte’s heart skip a beat, she’s determined to concentrate on the job at hand and protect her heart at all costs.

Will never thought he woud see his best friend again, but now she’s back, as stubborn and strong-willed as ever. Her return reminds him all over again of everything she lost because of him, and he desperately wants her forgiveness. As they reacquaint with each other Will becomes just as determined to reunite their friendship as he’s set to win her heart.

Can Will break through Charlotte’s wall of defence or will his heart be broken again?

 

 

 

IMG_7439 (4)

📝My Review📝:

 Waiting for You (The Holbrook Series #1)Waiting for You by Jasmine Stevens

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars

What a fabulous book given this is a debut novel. Before I get into my review, I want to mention that this author took nearly six years to get this book to us. I read the author’s note at the end of the book. Truthfully, after reading that, I could appreciate this book even more. While you are reading, you will feel this is a seasoned author. Jasmine Stevens poured her heart and soul in this novel, that fact being very obvious. Great word building, extremely complex and flawed characters and a happily-ever-after that was worked hard for. Lottie and Will’s story is poignant, complex, heartbreaking, tragic, and thankfully, the author threw in some humorous moments to give the reader some balance of emotions. Definitely has all the “feels.”

A childhood tragedy tore two best friends apart. Lottie and Will would be separated for eighteen long years. And truthfully, if it wasn’t for the fact that Lottie had to take care of the disrepair of her childhood home, she would have never come back to her home town of Holbrook. Her reasons were justified, although I will say that Lottie frustrated the heck out of me. To be honest, it took quite some time before I liked her. Will, I adored from the beginning. Lottie treated him poorly for most of the book, all in the hopes of protecting her heart. Will was persistent, though. He wanted to be with Lottie. As a child he loved her the only way best friends could. But seeing her as an adult changed his perspective. I want to tell you, there is a sad story here for these two. That said, at this moment, I can’t think of two characters that are so well deserved of a happy ending. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Though there were times I worried it wasn’t going to happen.

This book is angsty. And while there is great chemistry between Lottie and Will and a huge amount of tension, their intimacy was sweet. I wouldn’t call this a clean romance, but it was a tame one. Also, while the writing flowed nicely, I found some of the story to drag in places. Of course, I was getting impatient for my happily-ever-after, so it could have just been me. Regardless, I loved this book, I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and I will definitely be looking for the next installment in Jasmine Steven’s Holbrook Series.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. 🙂

IMG_7216 (3)

 

You can also find me here:

Facebook Blog:   https://www.facebook.com/justlovemybooks/

Facebook pages:  https://www.facebook.com/Christine.Indriolo777

https://www.facebook.com/christine.michele.77920

Facebook Groups: 

Inside the Pages Pimping and Posting: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1372784379464260/

Sexy Little Books and More:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/215495178571658/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/justlovemybooks/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ItsMyLife7777

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31054192-christine-justlovemybooks-com-blog

Amazon (for my reviews):  Christine Indriolo https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AEFJIOJZCQ3IOC2WPSOEYJMCIFCQ?preview=true

Book Bub Profile:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3253381088

 

51407058_2363267220577394_2402733279523373056_n

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑