Review: Caroline and the Duke

dear readers,

I have been reading more novellas in the last couple years and have gotten more into the genre than I thought I would.  A talented author should be able to tell a great story whether it is novel length or a short story. I like that with novellas they can introduce you to a new series or author. It is a good way to see if an author or series might be to your liking without committing to a longer read.  It may also fill the space in between novels. Waiting for the new book in a series can be torturous so it's nice when an author releases a novella so you have something to whet your appetite while you wait. But for some authors this may not be a good way to introduce their writing as it may turn off a reader rather than draw them in...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

CAROLINE AND THE DUKE
(Novella)
written by Sabrina Darby
genre: historical romance, novella

2 Stars 

Caroline was once in love with Duke Sutbridge but he was not quick enough to propose so she married another man with a title.  The man she married was cruel and even after giving him an heir and a spare he still lavished all his attention on his mistress.  When he dies Caroline does not want to get trapped into another arranged marriage.

Her married friend and sister of Sutbridge tells her to find a lover instead so she can get her pleasure without committing.  Caroline looks to Sutbridge to fulfill her urges but he wants a commitment from her.  He has been waiting for her and will not accept anything else.

Will one of them bend or will they live another few decades without each other?

A very short story with nothing to hold the reader's attention.  The plot sounded good but unfortunately, the author did not use banter or chemistry.  

There are too many good novellas out there to bother with this one.

love, 
kris

Novella Review: To All the Rakes I've Loved Before

dear readers,

Looking for a short read that will give you a novel experience...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

TO ALL THE RAKES I"VE LOVED BEFORE
(Honeycote: Book 1.5)
written by Anne Barton
genre: historical romance, novella

4 STARS

To All the Rakes I've Loved Before features Owen Sherbourne's cousin Amelia Wimple whose wealth comes from trade instead of being a peer.   Along with not fitting in, Amelia has also been jilted in favour of another woman.  Defeated she retreats to her home reading gossip rags.  Her strong-willed mother has left on a trip leaving her home alone.  All is going well until one night her ex-finace brings to her door, Lord Stephen Brookes and soon her own life is worthy of the gossip newspapers she loves to read.

I loved Barton's first novel and this novella did not disappoint.  I do wish it was longer but Barton was able to put everything in this novella that was needed to tell a story.  I liked that characters from book one make small appearances and am waiting to read book two in this fun series.

love, 
kris

Review: Mrs. Poe

dear readers,

Everyone knows Edgar Allan Poe for his gothic poem, The Raven and story, The Tell-Tale Heart but did you know his own life was just as gothic as his writing? Poe's young life has had much upheaval and when he was 27 he romanced his 13 year old first cousin.  When Poe meets commercial and critical success with The Raven he meets fellow writer Frances Osgood. Frances is a mother of two young girls living with friends.  Her own husband is busy romancing rich women and leaves her in New York alone.  When Frances - a non-gothic writer - meets handsome Poe things only heat up...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

MRS. POE
written by Lynn Cullen
genre: literary fiction, historical fiction, romance

2.5 Stars 

Mrs. Poe is based on true events, rumours and with Cullen's imagination.  In 1845 Edgar Allan Poe was known for his gothic poem, The Raven and marrying his very young first cousin, Virginia.  Frances Osgood, a writer, has been abandoned by her artist husband.  She and her two young daughters take refuge in New York at a friend's house.  Through a literary society she meets the enigmatic Poe and forges a connection through writing and attraction.  Mrs. Poe requests to meet Frances claiming to be a fan of her.  Curious Frances goes to see her and does not know what to think of the sickly Mrs. Poe.  As Frances visits and spends more time with the couple and Mrs. Poe's mother she grows more attracted to Edgar and more scared of Virginia.  As rumours begin to fly and poems exchanged the once happy trio is hurled into dangerous games.

While the subject matter and plot was interesting the book felt long and then started to get dull. The writing was very flowery which might have been due to the book being about poets.  Yet this added to the book feeling longer. I did finish the novel to see the author's interpretation of the facts and gossip. With better editing I think this novel would have been more engaging.

While the novel did not engage me the story of Poe, his young wife and maybe mistress has definitely intrigued me.

love, 
kris

Review: Sanctuary Island

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

SANCTUARY ISLAND
(Sanctuary Island: Book One)
written by Lily Everett
genre: contemporary romance

3 STARS  

Ella Preston's sister, Merry is pregnant and wishes to reunite with their estranged mother.  When Ella's boss forces her to take a vacation she agrees to go with her sister go to Sanctuary Island.  She vows to not let her mother into her heart and is determined to not have any fun. That is until she meets handsome Grady Wilkes.  Grady, however, is like family to her mother and tries to change Ella's mind about her.  Will being with Grady include having to forgive her mother?  Will she lose her sister and her own heart to Sanctuary Island?

A cute novel about love, family and forgiveness.  There is nothing outstanding in this novel that sets it apart from other contemporary romance series.  The romance between Grady and Ella is awkward and forced at times which makes a reader feel uncomfortable.  Since you do not really get to know any of the characters it is hard to root for a character.  Yet, the heart in this novel is present and shows promise.  I am in for the next book and will see if I continue the series.

love, 
kris

Review: And When She Was Good

dear readers,

Have you ever wondered what secrets your neighbours have tried to keep hidden from the world?  Shows like Desperate Housewives and Weeds grips us because we cannot imagine that a person you see every day would have such shocking lives...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD
Written by Laura Lippman
genre: suspense, fiction 

3.5 Stars 

Heloise is a suburban mom attending her son's sports games and is involved in his school and activities.  She attends church regularly but Heloise also has a secret life.  Only her son's caregiver knows her true profession as a Madam to some of the most powerful men.  We learn through flashbacks how Heloise came into this life and has kept her secrets from others.  When another woman is accused of being a suburban madam and is found dead in a car Heloise worries her life may just unravel.

The novel And When She Was Good is based on Lippman's short story, Scratch a Woman.  I have not had a chance to read this short story yet.

An interesting novel for sure.  Lippman takes the subject of prostitution and turns it into something her readers can relate to and not easily dismissed.  She  shows how someone, or anyone, can turn to this life before they even realize what is happening.  Heloise keeps the novel engaging but the suspense keeps you turning the pages.

love, 
kris

Review: Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel

dear readers,

Melody Carlson is a Christian Literature author...which basically means God is mentioned without his name being taken in vain and characters may attend church.  Recently, I have picked up some novels with the "Christian Literature" label but it has not affected my opinion of the book.  I am not Christian or religious but believe in God and love learning about different faiths. As long as religious preaching does not take over the novel I will continue with these light quick reads.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

LOCK, STOCK AND OVER A BARREL
(Dear Daphne: Book 1)
written by Melody Carlson
genre: christian literature, contemporary romance, fiction

3 STARS 

Daphne's life in New York and working at The New York Times is not going the way she had first envisioned. Her best friend is married and having her first baby and looking for a new house.  When Daphne's Aunt Dee dies she rushes home for the funeral.  She soon discovers she has been left Aunt Dee's estate but it comes with conditions. These conditions must be met within the next year if she wishes to keep her new life back home.

This book is described as "Christian Literature" but isn't heavy on religion (or preachy) at all.  I cannot describe too much about the novel as there is some surprises that might be revealed.  I will say this is a light low action contemporary romance with light humour.

I do have the next novel in the series to review.

love,
kris

Witch Finder: Review

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

WITCH FINDER
(Witch Finder: Book 1)
written by Ruth Warburton
genre: fantasy, historical, paranormal, romance

3 STARS 

It is London, 1880 Luke is turning eighteen and being initiated into Malleus Maleficorum.  To belong to this secret brotherhood he must pass some tests.  Once he passes most of his tests he is asked to chosen his first victim - a witch.  Malleus Maleficorum is a group set up to rid the world of witches.  He chooses the titled Lady Rosa - he must kill her or be killed himself.

Lady Rosa is a witch and a titled lady but her family is in debt and her family has a plan.  Her cruel brother and cold mother demand she marry Sebastian - wealthy member of the Ealdwitan. Rosa marrying Sebastian would guarantee wealth and prestige for her brother.  The more time she spends with Sebastian she sees he is just as cruel as her brother.  

What neither teen expected was to fall for each other now they have choices to make....

A good fantasy/paranormal/historical young adult novel.  There is nothing new in this novel but it is an entertaining book and Warburton builds a solid world.

love, 
kris

One Too Many Problems: Review

dear readers,

I am a "read in order" reader.  I have to start with book one and if I can start with the author's first book written I will.  Maybe I'm too curious...or nosey...I don't ever want to miss a thing...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

ONE TOO MANY ROGUES
(Rival Rogues: Book 1)
written by Samantha Grace
genre: historical fiction, historical romance, romance

3 STARS

Gabby has loved Anthony, her brother's best friend, for as long as she can remember.  When they are alone she thinks he may feel for her what she feels for him, but when her brothers appear he becomes aloof.  Anthony has already broke Gabby's heart once by marrying another woman.  When he becomes a widower he promises Gabby he will marry her but has to go do one thing before he can ask her brothers for her hand in marriage.  Feeling abandoned she lets Sebastian, a rogue, charm her into letting him court her.  When Anthony finds out Sebastian they begin a wager for Gabby's heart and hand.

First of all - while this is a novel in a new series the series is connected with her first series, Beau Monde Bachelor.  This novel may reveal some of the plots from her previous novel.  Gabby's brothers have their story in that series. 

I enjoyed this novel but I kept getting this sense of Im missing some of the story due to the fact Grace hints at backstories (as I have said above).  I also did not care for Gabby that much.  She seemed to create her own problems and then was confused as to why she was in a pickle.  Anthony also dragged things out so much I did not blame Gabby for wanting Sebastian for simplicity.  I think I will start at the beginning with Samantha Grace and see if I like her first novel any better.

love, 
kris

First Impressions: Reviews

dear readers,

Have you ever read a synopsis and thought it sounded great or horrible or judged a book by it's cover only to discover the opposite is true...

(I received both ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

DEFY
(Defy: Book 1)
written by Sara B. Larson
genre: fantasy, adventure, young adult, romance

2 STARS 

"Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?" (From Amazon - As soon as I finished the novel I forgot the story)

A great synopsis and book cover but a bad novel. It is like every other book in it's genre with nothing new or interesting. I did not care for Alex - the main character - or her choices of love interests. It is trying to be in the calibre of the Twilight series but lacks fun (ie: at least you can laugh and complain about Twilight but this is not book that is annoying or enjoying enough).

IMPOSTER 
(Variants: Book 1)
written by Susanne Winnacker
genre: mystery, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi, young adult, new adult

4 STARS 

Tessa is able to absorb any DNA by touch and morph into their appearance.  Tess is a Variant and her family has shut her out because of her power.  Looking for a place to belong she has joined the special branch of the F.B.I. called Forces with Extraordinary Abilities.

After two years of training with the FEA she has to take on the identity of teenager who was murder by a serial killer in a small town in Oregon.  As she lives Madison's life she finds her self with a family, friends and romance. What scares her more than the murderer is living with Madison's family who loved her dearly.  This is what Tessa has longed for her whole life.  

Honestly, I had no expectations for this novel.  It sounded a bit like X-Men and without Wolverine could it even be any good? The answer is hell yes.  Imposter is more than a fantasy/sci-fi teen novel.  It is a good suspense mystery novel where some of the characters are Variants and teenagers.  I highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a good suspense novel.  

I hope you give Imposter a chance as it so worth the read!

love, 
kris

Must Read Book: The Invention of Wings: Review

dear readers,

Sorry I have been absent for awhile but I have been doing a LOT of reading so I have many reviews for you all! I love history and American history from inception to the 1960s is my passion.  Along with factual reading I enjoy historical fiction.  It is a way to put yourself in the time through interesting characters...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THE INVENTION OF WINGS
Written by Sue Monk Kidd
genre: literature, historical fiction, african-american history, women's history

4 STARS 

Sue Monk Kidd wrote The Invention of Wings because of her interest in the Grimke sisters and the time they lived in. In the novel we hear from Sarah Grimke and her maid, Hetty "Handful" Grimke.  

Sarah Grimke is the middle child of a wealthy lawyer with a household of house and field slaves.  We meet Sarah at a young age when her ideals and moral code is cemented.  As a child she wanted to be a jurist like her father and brother but is told that she is a woman and therefore will be a wife.  She meets a charming man with whom she thinks she can be the "wife" with.  When her heart is broken she forgoes society and her reputation as she fights for the rights for women and African-Americans with her youngest sister, Angelina.

Hetty's mother is also a slave has become Mrs. Grimke's seamstress when she  shows talent.  Hetty sits at her mother's feet learning about sewing, her family history and wanting to be free.  Sarah is uncomfortable with Hetty being a slave and tries to free her when Hetty is given to her on her birthday.  When she is told no Sarah goes against the law to teach her to read and write.  Hetty taking on her mother's word joins the cause to free herself.

I loved Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees and was pleased to see that she was writing another novel set in the South. Before I started this novel I did not know that this story was based on real historical figures.  The author does tell in the Afterwards why she wrote this story and how much is historical fact and how much is historical.  I love that the novel alternates between Sarah and Hetty as it gives us the aspect of both "slaves" and "slaveholders" in the early nineteenth century.  The writing is brilliant and the subject matter is so interesting.  I found myself looking up the Grimke sisters and seeing what was written about them.  This is one novel that will leave you still thinking about it months later. 

I will have a few more reviews on historical fiction set in the United States for you!

love, 
kris