Tag Archives: 4 stars

Review: Josefina’s Sin

Posted on by
Reply
Image from Goodreads

Image from Goodreads

A thrilling and passionate debut about a sheltered landowner’s wife whose life is turned upside down when she visits the royal court in seventeenth-century Mexico.

When Josefina accepts an invitation from the Marquessa to come stay and socialize with the intellectual and cultural elite in her royal court, she is overwhelmed by the Court’s complicated world. She finds herself having to fight off aggressive advances from the Marquessa’s husband, but is ultimately unable to stay true to her marriage vows when she becomes involved in a secret affair with the local bishop that leaves her pregnant. 

Amidst this drama, Josefina finds herself unexpectedly drawn to the intellectual nuns who study and write poetry at the risk of persecution by the Spanish Inquisition that is overtaking Mexico. One nun in particular, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, teaches Josefina about poetry, writing, critical thinking, the nature and consequences of love, and the threats of the Holy Office. She is Josefina’s mentor and lynchpin for her tumultuous passage from grounded wife and mother to woman of this treacherous, confusing, and ultimately physically and intellectually fulfilling world.

(blurb from Goodreads)

———————————————————-

Ah historical fiction, how I’ve missed you. I won a copy of this book in Claudia Long’s Facebook party for another one of her books. I had finished up a book, had nothing new on my kindle so I picked up Josefina’s Sin. I honestly had a hard time putting it down. It made me remember how much I miss reading historical fiction, and that I should go read some more of it.

Josefina is a strong woman, especially for her time. At lot of misfortune and hardships are thrown her way, but she holds her head high and carries on. Sure, she made some mistakes that I wasn’t fond of, but the book would be pretty boring if Josefina was perfect, wouldn’t it?

If you like Philippa Gregory’s books, then I would give this one a try. It reminded me of the same style, which is a great thing!

My Rating: 4 stars

04

Find the book:

Amazon     Goodreads

***Disclaimer: Claudia Long has a different novel out by Booktrope. I work for Booktrope as well, but not with Ms. Long. Josefina’s Sin is put out by Atria Books – not Booktrope, so I don’t think this disclaimer is necessary, but I like to be cautious and honest. 

Review: Hopeless

Posted on by
Reply
Image from Goodreads

Image from Goodreads

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever. 

(Blurb from Goodreads)

———————————————-

So I thought that this was my first Colleen Hoover book, but I totally forgot that I had read Slammed and Point of Retreat a long while back. (Common mistake amongst huge readers like myself.)

I remember when I downloaded this book I had heard somewhere that it was a dark read, and yes it was. If you’re looking for a light young adult read-this isn’t it. It IS of course, very well done, the writing is great, the characters have depth, but it does get dark. I don’t want to say much more about the how or why it’s so dark because I don’t want to give anything away.

I loved Sky’s best friend, Six, and the moments that they have together. It just gives the story the extra push, and some humorous moments as well.

One thing that bothered me a bit was how far the story went. I felt like things just kept getting worse and worse to eventually unbelievable. Yes, I know it’s a book and fiction, but I felt like the story took it a little too far. I felt as though if one of those scenes was missing then it would be more believable. (Again, I’m being vague on purpose.)

That being said, it is a great book. Just make sure you’re in the right mood for it before you start.

My Rating: 4 stars

04

Find the Book

Amazon     Goodreads

Review: Risking Ruin

Posted on by
Reply
Image from Goodreads

Image from Goodreads

 

Marisa Tanner’s most important client, multi-billion dollar family-owned Brannon Company, has been sued by nine of its employees for sexual harassment. Marisa is a pro at handling sexual harassment allegations, but will she be able to handle the CEO’s prodigal son as well as she can handle the lawsuits? 

Clients are off-limits and Marisa could lose her law license and livelihood, but Memphis playboy Trip keeps making strong plays for her. 

Their attraction is undeniable and chemistry electric. Can she have her career and Trip, too, or will she have to choose? 

A steamy debut novel by Mae Wood, “Risking Ruin” is a stand alone novel that blends the tone of chick-lit and the sensuality of contemporary romance to create a landscape filled with strong characters in the lush environment of Memphis, Tennessee.

(Blurb from Goodreads)

————————————————————

What a great debut novel by Mae Wood!! I love a confident protagonist, and Marisa was just that. The characters had depth and the story was believable. I had no trouble at all getting lost in the fictional world that Wood created, in fact, I looked forward to picking it up every night before I went to bed until I finished it.

I only have one teeny tiny complaint – the way that Marisa takes her coffee – milky white. I’m fine with this, I love coffee myself, but the words “milky white” where just mentioned a few too many times.

Other than that it was seriously a great read. Fantastic job Ms. Wood!

My Rating: 4 stars

04

———————————–

Find the Book

Amazon  Goodreads

***I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.***

Review: The Garnet Dagger

Posted on by
Reply
Image from Goodreads

Image from Goodreads

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure. 

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

(Blurb from Goodreads)

———————————————————————–

The best thing about reading a book, is when it’s not like anything you’ve read before.  There have been times when I feel like I’m reading the same story over and over again in different books. This is not the case, and how refreshing that is.

The Garnet Dagger has everything you want in a fantasy story; elves, witches, magic blades, and an epic quest. And I loved the fact that although it was fantasy, I felt like it could have been historical with the way the setting was described. I felt like I could have been there myself.

Like the summary states (so I’m not giving anything away) I like how Brock is in the ultimate dilemma of killing Celeste to fulfill the prophecy and save his own life, or not killing her and forfeiting his life. It definitely makes the book that much better having such a conflict in it.

So if you’re looking for your next fantasy read, give The Garnet Dagger a try.

My Rating: 4 stars

04

——————————————–

Find the book:

Goodreads       Amazon

***I was given this book free by the author in exchange for an honest review.***

 

The Empyrean Key – Review

Posted on by
Reply
Image from Goodreads

Image from Goodreads

In Ardentia, a land carved by the Celestials and their magic, a great King lies dying.

Narcean soothsayer, Friziel Sunrender, has foreseen a shadow that threatens this already war-torn world, and whispers on the wind hint at the return of an ancient evil. To stave off this threat, he must call upon the halfbreed girl-child he banished years ago.

As a not-so-perceptive telepath and amateur scam-runner, Jahna Mornglow has filled the void left by an absent father, with the friendships of a bloodthirsty bar-maid and a bullied book-worm. Her mother, scarred by the racial prejudices of her past, refuses to nurture Jahna’s Narcean abilities of prophecy and telepathy, warning her of the hate beyond the safety of Groden Cove – a beachside safe haven for misfits and those who wish to be left alone.

When hidden enemies move their pieces into play as the King’s condition worsens; Jahna learns the true extent of her lineage, and is tasked with restoring a Celestial artifact known as The Empyrean Key. Jahna must now keep safe the world that has shunned and discarded her.

(Blurb from Goodreads.) 

——————————————————————————

The Empyrean Key, while fantasy, was a fast moving and easy going read.  I really enjoyed it.  The characters, the setting, the plot; everything about this book was unique.  And even though it is a fantasy book, I had no trouble following along.  (Sometimes in other fantasy worlds it’s hard to keep everything straight; not in this book.  Easy peasy.)

 The main character, Jahna, goes through some serious trials and tribulations and then finds out that she must go on a mission to save the world.  Her two best friends, Silko and Lilac accompany her on this mission.  The story kind of reminding me of Lord of the Rings. I can’t quite put my finger on why, except the fact that the characters are all so different, believable, and likeable (this is of course, a compliment!)

There were also multiple humorous times which made me laugh out loud, and a possible romantic interest appears as well, which I’m excited to learn more about.

I read this book quickly, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.  I’d definitely recommend!

My Rating:  4 Stars

 04

Some of my favorite quotes:

Jahna felt a churning in her stomach, a cold shiver racing up her spine and she was struck by a horrible feeling that unsettled and scared her.

A feeling that things were about to change.

———————————–

After all, even the slightest ripple in the ocean can create a mighty wave.

——————————————

“Any problems?” she asked.

“Not a one,” Arn replied. “Like candy from a baby.”

Lilac gestured to the cuts on their faces. “Babies with knives?”

————————————————

***I received a free copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.***