Kaylen's Rising

I received a copy of KAYLEN’S RISING, book one in the Tomes of Taria series, by Yves Robichaud in exchange for an honest review.  

First I must point out the cover.  I love it!  It evokes mystery, danger, a bit of comedy, and has a strong comic feel.  I love comics!  I also must point out the name.  I have a cousin named Kaelin.  When she’s a little older, I will recommend this book to her.  This is a young adult fantasy, so she’s just a few years early. 

The book is exciting from start to finish.  Kaylen is an elf on a mission.  I found it cool that he’s a teenage elf.  Normally in fantasy novels, they are kids or adults, but not elves.

I recommend this strongly to fans of YA fantasy.

Direct Hit

I received a copy of DIRECT HIT by Mike Hollow from Lion Hudson via Kregel in exchange for an honest review.   Normally I start off reviews with a recap of the story, and what I liked versus didn’t like about the novel.  I’m actually going to start this one with recommendations.  This is perfect for my dad and uncle, and I sent links to both of them to see if they would be interested in it.  Crime.  World War I and II.  Drama.  It is right up their alley.  This felt like a “boy book,” but as a girl I still greatly enjoyed it.

Now for the plot.  Detective Inspector John Jago is investigating a murder.  The setting is London on the onset of World War II.  You get nonstop action within the 320 pages. 

The pages contain intriguing description.  No part of the novel dragged, nor did it feel as if there was too much description.  Dialogue flowed.  Each character had a strong personality, even the minor players.  The backstory wasn’t too much of an info dump.  That’s a huge plus for me.

This is a very impressive debut novel!  I can’t wait to experience more from author Mike Hollow.  

Silent Treatment

I received a copy of THE SILENT TREATMENT by Melanie Surani in exchange for an honest review.

I loved how the mystery played into the past.  I love things with history.  I love everything about history.  This kept me riveted to my seat. 

The family intrigue, especially with the ex-boyfriend, was well written and added a perfect amount of drama.  Overall, this is an entertaining read and I highly recommend it.

The Gatekeeper's Forbidden Secret

I received a copy of THE GATEKEEPER’S FORBIDDEN SECRET in exchange for an honest review. from author Penelope Brown.

This book was all around delightful.  I can see it appealing to young teenagers as well as adults.  I have already recommended it to my friends who have daughters and sons around 13 years of age. 

I loved the dog – I love dogs – but I also enjoyed how the children reasoned through problems.  Many of the things they do make them into great role models.

EVOLUTION

I received a copy of EVOLUTION in exchange for an honest review. The book is the first installment in the Arazi Corssing series by Carolyn Hockley. I must give this 5 stars, no doubt. It gripped me from the first with its world building, characterizations, and smooth writing style.

 I highly recommend it to fans of YA Fantasy. It is a must read. Speaking of recommendations, I’ve sent the title on to a friend for her to investigate if it would be a good choice for her 12-year-old daughter. Her daughter loves fantasy and has recently moved from middle grade into young adult. I think she will be able to connect with Quinn’s personality and I didn’t find much that she would see as questionable content.

Chasing Cassidy by D. Kelly

Book: Chasing Cassidy by D. Kelly Expected Release Date: July 28, 2015

When Zachary Stafford first set eyes on Cassidy Pope she was being beaten by her father. After witnessing the traumatic event, he made it his mission to befriend her. As the years pass, their relationship evolves and Cassidy not only gives Zack her friendship but her love, as well. Cassidy spent her childhood being verbally and physically abused. The best part of her life is her friendship with the Stafford twins, Zack and Rylee. Although she tries to put on a brave front, the years of abuse have turned Cassidy into a woman filled with insecurities who doesn’t believe she deserves love. Especially not the kind of love Zack has given her for the last twelve years. On their wedding day, Cassidy’s insecurities get the best of her and she does the one thing she knows how to do well…she runs. Zack is devastated and when he discovers why Cassidy ran, his devastation becomes fury. Long ago, Zack made Cassidy a promise he fully intends to keep and sets off on a journey to bring her back into his arms where she belongs. Will Zack and Cassidy get their happily ever after, or will Cassidy’s inner demons keep her from getting the only thing she ever wanted in this world? To be loved. Chasing Cassidy is a standalone novel.

Add Chasing Cassidy to your TBR on Goodreads here.

Cover design by Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae.

Excerpt:

Rylee bounces out the door and bounds down the stairs before our feet even hit the first step. I’m sure she’s trying to sneak in a kiss before we get there. “She was talking about what I think she was right?” “What sex?” I answer teasing him He shudders with just the thought “Yeah” “Of course she was” I answer with a laugh “So sick, I figured as much” he mutters “Don’t worry Zack, I’ll never tell your sister how well you wield your mighty sword.” He stops in his tracks halfway down the stairs cracking up. “Oh my God Cassidy that’s fucking classic! I almost wish you could, just so I could see her expression.” Then he whispers seductively in my ear “But if that’s how you’re going to describe my fucking magnificent cock, I really hope it’s in jest.” He nips the tip of my earlobe and sucks on my neck pulling me closer to him. His magnificent cock is pushing against my hip making sure I’m aware his description is indeed accurate. “Yes it’s just a joke. But you’d understand why if you could have heard her description of…” “Lalalalala” he cuts me off with his fingers in his ears and bounds down the stairs. “Oh gross! Seriously? Come on! Pete we’re about to eat. Damn Ry, you’re making me lose my appetite.” Oops guess he walked in on them anyway. “Paybacks a bitch big brother get used to it.” Rylee tosses back at him as I walk right past the kitchen and out to the patio. I’m starving and this will either end quickly or go on all night. Pete exits the house right behind me and takes a seat, followed by Ry and Zack. “There’s not enough bleach in the world for my eyes after that.” Zack complains as I begin dishing out food. “Stop whining Zack it was just tongue I’ve seen you with your ass in the air mid thrust so don’t talk to me about bleach.” Rylee pretends to stick her finger down her throat and gag. Zack does have the decency to look embarrassed, but it only lasts a second. “If you would have knocked first that wouldn’t have happened.” He taunts and she rolls her eyes at him. I love how Pete just stays quiet and sips on his beer. “New house rules starting now, no one gets to fuck in our house but us.” “Seriously Zack? We weren’t fucking, not even close to it.” Ry snaps back at him “I know” he says with a smile “I’m just making a pre-emptive strike in case you get too drunk to drive tonight.” “If I get too drunk to drive tonight I’ll call a cab because I’m definitely getting fucked.” Both Pete and I respectively choke, him on his beer and me on my salad. Zack gives Pete a long glare and Pete just shrugs. Damn I think I love him already. “You just said I couldn’t break her heart you didn’t say I couldn’t make her scream.” Pete points out hysterically. Hell, I’m laughing so hard I’m crying at this point.

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In celebration of Chasing Cassidy, D. Kelly has made her first book, Breaking Kate, free for a limited time. Breaking Kate is book one of The Acceptance Series.

DOWNLOAD TODAY! AMAZON NOOK (99c) iBOOKS KOBO

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I’m also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids biggest fan in anything that they do. I love to write, so when my career suddenly derailed I turned back to my love of writing. I married my high school sweetheart… how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is a bitch who slaps back hard and that mean people suck. I’m California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. The Acceptance Series is my first series with more books to come soon. Follow D. Kelly: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON