I absolutely loved the first book in this series - "Ondine: The Summer of Shambles." The mix of fantasy, sweet romance, and an adorable talki4.5 Stars
I absolutely loved the first book in this series - "Ondine: The Summer of Shambles." The mix of fantasy, sweet romance, and an adorable talking ferret had me head over heels in love. "The Autumn Palace" did not disappoint, and I was left with that warm fuzzy feeling all over again.
This time around, Shambles the ferret and his super cute human self, Hamish, along with Ondine and her Aunt Col, travel to the Duke's Autumn Palace. The Duke has enlisted Col and Shambles to utilize his ferret form to spy on his household. Ondine doesn't find it quite as glamorous as she thought when the only job available to her is in the laundry, and then she becomes the Duke's persnickety sister's butler. All the while, Hamish seems to be having a great time, how frustrating!
I must say I did miss Ondine's family in this one, but the prickly Infanta did start to grow on me as Ondine's employer. Hamish was such a cute and nice boyfriend, even if his work kept him from spending a lot of time with Ondine. Shambles wasn't quite up to as many antics as in the first book and I missed that a lot. But there was an unfortunate incident with a tube of toothpaste that was just like his old self.
Ondine and Hamish's romance was just as sweet as ever and their relationship grew in this installment. I can't say enough how much I love that their relationship is healthy! Sure they have disagreements, but they deal with it in a positive manner. In today's YA world of stalkers and abusive relationships being glorified as romantic, I LOVE seeing a healthy romance that is so swoonworthy!
I really love this series and I'm hoping to see more Ondine and Hamish soon. Hopefully Shambles can stay out of trouble long enough for another book!
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
This fantasy reminded me a lot of one of my favorite movies, "Don Juan DeMarco." As in the movie, a troubled legendary character comes to life seekingThis fantasy reminded me a lot of one of my favorite movies, "Don Juan DeMarco." As in the movie, a troubled legendary character comes to life seeking help from the main character, but really ends up helping the main character even more.
Errol, aka Eros, aka Cupid, was just too lovable. Sure he had a bad boy vibe that I rarely fall for, but he was just so tragic, I really wanted to help him. I loved Alice's relationship with Errol, it wasn't romantic, but there was chemistry bubbling under the surface. It was great to see how complex their friendship was and how much they cared about each other even though they weren't in love.
Tony couldn't be any more of my type of guy. A super hot, sweet guy, and he has glasses! The jealousy between Tony and Errol was cute and never over the top. I loved that ultimately he understood Alice's friendship with Errol and never got possessive or creepy.
Alice was a great lead character and she was so well written that you could really understand her feelings about protecting her mother and having to hold it all together. But she was never hopelessly alone because she always had the support of her neighbors who were basically her family.
I love a unique story and this one really fits the bill. The author knows how to make the fantasy world of Cupid believable while still dealing with real world problems and issues.
I loved this story and the characters really made this book a keeper for me.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
There's a reason why Lauren Willig's books are so popular, and "The Orchid Affair" reminded me of why. I didn't want this book to end. The story is anThere's a reason why Lauren Willig's books are so popular, and "The Orchid Affair" reminded me of why. I didn't want this book to end. The story is an excellent, well-rounded historical. There's lots of adventure and mystery, great characters, and a lot of sweet romance.
The book started a little slow for me, there wasn't a lot of action at the start. But I felt the story picked up as soon as Andre and Laura ran into the boisterous painter, Daubier. I feel like that's when the secrets really started to come out in the open.
At first, I couldn't tell if Emma's relationship with Andre was going to lead to romance or not, but once it did, I was on the edge of my set for the rest of the book. Their love had it all, secrets, jealousies, insecurities, and always and foremost, respect and friendship. TI loved that they were a little older and wiser than romance heroes and heroines normal are. That made their love so much deeper and more real.
Andre was so strong and such an honorable character. I loved that his quiet strengths were so much different than a typical hero. I also loved that Andre had eye glasses and that he was always actually wearing them. It wasn't a detail that got lost in the story, it was very much a part of his character.
I really liked the secondary characters, they made the story come alive. The two children were so cute and seem so real, They weren't used just for laughs. Daubier was a lovable bachelor Uncle type of character, and I'm not going to lie, De Barry was hot!
The mystery was very well plotted and had me guessing the whole time. I was often shocked at the twists and turns in the story. I loved trying to decipher the messages form the Pink Carnation.
I wasn't totally a fan of the present day part of the story. I see it as a way to tie the series together, but I felt lit took me out of the real story sometimes. At one particularly exciting point, I was so upset to turn the page and see the modern characters. It was like the dreaded "to be continued" at the end of your favorite tv show.
This book perfectly balances a sweet and tender romance with an adventurous historical mystery. I can't wait to read the books that I've missed in this wonderful series.
I can't resist a good horse book and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The story had a bit of a slow start for me because there was a lot of insider showI can't resist a good horse book and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The story had a bit of a slow start for me because there was a lot of insider show horse info and lingo. But after I adjusted to the setting, I was caught up in the world of show horses.
The three main characters were complex and likable. Zara, the wild child, takes some getting used to, but Kate was totally believable in her perfectionism. I think I liked Tommi the best, a snobby heiress on the outside, but with a heart of gold if you care enough to look underneath the facade.
I can see how this book would be a great stepping stone for girls who love to read about horses. It's very odd that there are so many books about horses for middle grade readers, but practically none for older teens. I think it's a great niche to fill. However, it's a really big jump from the innocence of the middle grade books to a book with such themes as sex, drugs, and drinking. So parents be warned of that before giving this one as a gift.
There practically has to be a sequel, because there are a lot of stories left unfinished. Zara still has a lot of growing to do before she's completely likable and one of the romances was left a bit open ended.
This is a fun story for older teens where the stable is its own little world with lots of drama, and of course, lots of horses! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series if there is one.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
I thought the author made some really good points and she had a great positive attitude. The book was set up with an intro and then a quiz to determinI thought the author made some really good points and she had a great positive attitude. The book was set up with an intro and then a quiz to determine what aspects of your life are energy-deprived. Then you can flip to specific chapters to learn how to get energy in the areas of life that you need it most.
The tips and tricks aren't physically hard, but it's hard to make lifestyle changes. The workout moves and stretches aren't difficult either, they are things that people most levels of fitness can do. I like her ideas for mini stretches throughout the day, and yes, she shows you how to do them. her meal and snack ideas are simple and do-able. No foods you've never heard of, three hour prep times, or complicated recipes. The great thing about the book is that everything is do-able. It's not a heard core diet or work out book.
Austin feels that if we're always running around, working, and doing chores and we never take even a few minutes for ourselves, our energy is always going to be zapped. I love that she tells us to take time out for joy. Whether it's talking to friends, taking a walk, or ice cream with your kids, we all need to treat ourselves to recharge our energy.
Sometimes, the book becomes a little repetitive, almost like she had to fill a certain number of pages. But the basic ideas are great. Even if I only take a few this way from the book and try to implement them, I think I will see an improvement in my energy level.
Overall, great advice delivered with a positive attitude and kindness.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
Once again, Elizabeth Chadwick perfectly blends together a well-researched historical saga with a tender, caring romance. Her characters are well-drafOnce again, Elizabeth Chadwick perfectly blends together a well-researched historical saga with a tender, caring romance. Her characters are well-drafted and I love the glimpses at daily medieval life alongside the sweeping major battles.
For having an arranged marriage, I'd say Mahelt got extremely lucky! You couldn't ask for a better husband than Hugh. Strong, jaw-droppingly handsome, a great father, and always fighting for what's right-those are just a few of his qualities. Hugh never tried to reign Mahelt in or dampen her wild spirit and I loved that about him. Did I mention how handsome he was?
There was one thing about the book that upset me though. I absolutely loved the previous book, "For the King's Favor" and I completely fell in love with Roger Bigod along with Ida. Roger and Ida are Hugh's parents and I was looking forward to seeing them again. I fully understand Roger's conflict with Mahelt, and even enjoyed it, because they were such opposites. Mahelt was so wild and Roger so by-the-book, it was fun to watch them butt heads as they became family. However, I didn't like the portrayal of Roger's relationship with his wife at all. It's disheartening as a reader to get so attached to characters and see them have their happily ever after, only to see it shattered in the next book. It makes me wary that next time Hugh will be made out to be the bad guy and stop caring about Mahelt, even though he was so wonderful in this book.
I really enjoyed this historical saga, even though some of my old favorites from the series weren't portrayed as I'd hoped.
book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review
This book is filled with beautiful photos and packed with information, quotes from John Lennon, as well as quotes about him from others. The photos inThis book is filled with beautiful photos and packed with information, quotes from John Lennon, as well as quotes about him from others. The photos include pictures of Lennon and detailed photos of memorabilia. My personal favorite parts of the book were the quotes from Lennon himself.
As a Beatles fan, but also someone who didn't live during the ear, I found out a lot of new information from this book. The body of the book was just the right balance of concise information, with enough details to satay both fast moving and in depth.
You could tell the book was written by a true fan and I loved the gushing moments praising Lennon and the Beatles' work. It was fun to know that the author was so passionate about Lennon's music. If you are a Beatles collector, you definitely need this book. There are detailed photos of memorabilia with prices and details about the rarity and condition of the items. I had no idea that some really fun items were actually affordable. It's fun to think that if I wanted to, I could really get that vintage Beatles bobblehead for myself!
If I had to make one complaint about the book, it was that the photos didn't always match up to what you reading about in the body of the text. I would be reading about John's relationship with Yoko and on the opposite page was a photo of the Fab Four circa 1964 in matching black suits. It just didn't make for a smooth flow.
That aside, I loved the book and it was filled with info, quotes, and photos. There was just enough detail to make me feel informed and also want to read more about Lennon and the Beatles and do more research.
Lennon's life philosophy shines in this book, and I absolutely loved the quotes featured here.
A wonderful collection of regency romances for the holiday season! These stories are full of holiday cheer, they didn't just throw in one or two ChrisA wonderful collection of regency romances for the holiday season! These stories are full of holiday cheer, they didn't just throw in one or two Christmas scenes and call it a Christmas book, it's all about Christmas in this one!!...more
This book was excellent, it really was so much more than what I thought it would be. I assumed it was yet another YA paranormal set in today's world. This book was excellent, it really was so much more than what I thought it would be. I assumed it was yet another YA paranormal set in today's world. But I was so wrong. The author has set up an entire world where mermaids, humans, and winged people all live (somewhat) together. The world is historical in nature, even though I couldn't pinpoint an era, it'd definitely not today's world of cell phones and mean girls.
I loved that the author really thought out the romance. It wasn't the watered down fairy tale where the girl drops everything to be with the boy. Both Esmerine and Alan really respect each other and don't want to tear the other from their home and way of life.
Aside from the Dosinia storyline, which I had figured out pretty quickly, there was nothing else predictable about the story. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen to Esmerine and Alan. I loved that the book was only 250 pages. Because there was no filler to make the book longer, every page was exciting.
The romance was fantastic, even tough I wanted more romance in the beginning. The couple was very guarded at the start, but once they let each other in, their relationship was wonderful. And what better hero could a reader want than a cutie who always has a book tucked into his vest pocket?
This book is perfect for fans of fantasy and romance who are ready for something different from the norm. It's definitely on my keeper shelf.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
I was so excited to read a western retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" and let me say this book delivers! The author retains everything we love about tI was so excited to read a western retelling of "Pride and Prejudice" and let me say this book delivers! The author retains everything we love about the original, while still making the story different enough that you have to keep reading! He stays true to the characters and themes, but it's not a scene-for-scene rehash of the original, he mixes it up a lot.
I love reading about American history in historical novels and I feel like it's pretty rare to find an historical book set in America. It was great to see such a personal side to the Civil War and it's aftermath. Also, it fit the story so well for Beth to be prejudiced against Darcy at first because he's from the South and she's from the North.
Darcy and Beth are fantastic lead characters, I especially have a soft stop for Darcy. Sure, he makes some silly mistakes in wooing Beth, but you couldn't ask for a more upstanding hero. His heart is always in the right place, and he is always willing to stand up for his high moral standard. Beth is a confident and no-nonsense lady, she's used to taking care of herself and her family on their farm. She doesn't need to be pampered like some of the ladies in the story. Beth is definitely not a swooner but I wouldn't blame her for swooning when Darcy calls her "Miss Beth," with his Texas charm.
Beth's family is funny and loving, and all of the secondary characters are vividly drawn. A few other Austen characters pop into the story briefly, even Knightley!
I loved this book, both as a "Pride and Prejudice" spin off and on it's own. I'd love to see the author write more Austen tie-ins.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
"Duchess of Sin" is just the kind of historical romance that I love. The love story is so sweet and heart-stoppingly romantic. The lead couple is cari"Duchess of Sin" is just the kind of historical romance that I love. The love story is so sweet and heart-stoppingly romantic. The lead couple is caring towards each other, and the secondary characters are vivid in their own right. The plot is fast-paced while still focusing on the romance.
Anna and Conlan aren't stereotypical romance characters, they're both fully developed and have many sides to their personalities. In fact, one of the things Conlan loves so much about Anna is that he is always learning something new about her.
I love that Anna is a bit wild and reckless (but not to the point that she's stupid or puts herself in real harm). She's so different from most of the super innocent and straight-laced society ladies we generally see in historical romance.
Conlan plays the role of dark, brooding, reclusive duke to a tee. However, he's also kind, caring, and heroic to anyone who cares to look past the surface.
As an added bonus, there are two more romances woven into the story. Anna's sister, Caroline, finds herself almost falling for 'the wrong man', a story that looks like it will be continued in the next book in the series. And Anna's mother, Katherine, has her own romance with Caroline's gorgeous and sensitive art tutor. I loved all of the supporting characters just as much as the leads.
The Irish history was not the typical historical romance fare, either. I really enjoyed reading about this time period in Ireland's history.
The story does have a bit of Christmas spirit, one part of the book focuses on a house party celebrating the season. It's fun to see the holiday traditions they took part in.
I loved this story, the leads were perfectly multi-dimensional and I really cared about what happened to them. Laurel McKee has just become one of my must-read historical romance authors.
book was sent by the publisher in exchange for honest review
Today's kids watch reruns of shows that I used to watch when I was kid, like "Full House" and "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." When I was a kid, I watched wToday's kids watch reruns of shows that I used to watch when I was kid, like "Full House" and "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." When I was a kid, I watched what my parents loved when they were little: "The Mickey Mouse Club."
This book was one of the most fun books I've read for a long time. It didn't seem overly gossip-y and I loved that the author actually interviewed most of the "Mice" herself. There were a few who were unable to comment, including the most popular Mouse herself, Annette. Armstrong used credible sources, like Annette's autobiography for her information about the missing Mouseketeers.
It was so fun to see all of the behind the scenes information. One moment that stands out is some of the girls giggling over seeing Guy Williams, aka Zorro, in the commissary eating lunch. These day to day tidbits were something I had never heard about before in all of my Mickey Mouse Club fan moments. While I was reading, I really felt like I was at Soundstage 1 on the Disney backlot, like I was one of the Mice too.
The book is separated into chapters detailing auditions for the Mickey Mouse Club, the early days of the show, the phenomenon years, "Spin and Marty", and the aftermath.
I'd recommend this book for a true fan of the show. There's no mean-spirited gossip here that would ruin anyone's feelings towards the show, but there is some great insider information straight from the sources. I don't think this book would take away any of the "Magic" of the show, or ruin any idealized notions a huge fan would have. It's all done respectfully.
True Mickey Mouse Club fans will not be disappointed in this book. Just like the original Mouseketeers, the book has a heart of gold with nothing but fond memories for the show. Now, please excuse me while I try to track down the out of print "Spin and Marty" dvd set on eBay!
book sent by the publisher in exchange for honest review
It doesn't get much better than a book about mermaids, and this one doesn't disappoint. The underwater world was so vivid and real. It seemed4.5 Stars
It doesn't get much better than a book about mermaids, and this one doesn't disappoint. The underwater world was so vivid and real. It seemed entirely new and not a rehash of any other teen paranormal romances.
I also liked Tempest's dry land worlds. It felt just as new and fresh as her undersea life. She was a surfer, which is a culture we don't see a lot of in YA. I loved Tempest's relationship with her father and brothers, it seemed very realistic. Also well done, was her anger towards her mother, who had left them for the sea. My heart broke for Tempest's father, always looking out to sea, waiting for his wife to return.
I didn't really think the love triangle was accessory in this book. it didn't add anything to the story in my opinion. The love story would have been much more powerful for me if there wasn't that nagging guilt happening. I was never able to lose myself in the romance, which could have been amazing.
I'm unsure about the ending. I felt a little drained by the roller coaster ride of Tempest making her "choice" at the end. It was a little disappointing for me and even a little unclear, but I'll let you decide what you think of it!
A fresh new paranormal with exciting new worlds to explore, along with a lot of romance!
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
The first installment in the Goddess Girls books is a great introduction to the series. The reader is introduced to the school at Mt. Olympus4.5 Stars
The first installment in the Goddess Girls books is a great introduction to the series. The reader is introduced to the school at Mt. Olympus at the same time that Athena first sees it. We are thrust into this brand new world of immortality and magic just like Athena is.
The book has a great message for girls about dealing with mean girls and also how to deal with boys. I loved Athena's attitude towards the cocky Poseidon as she realizes he's not so crush-worthy after all.
Book lovers will love Athena's brainy personality, and how she's always carrying around tons of scrolls (books). Her relationship with her dad, Zeus, is played out with love and comedy.
The only reason I marked this one 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because I really liked books 2 and 3 a lot better than this one. But sometimes that's what happens in the first book of a series, because the world has to be set up and introductions to the characters need to be made.
The covers of these books are fantastic. The bright colors and cartoony girls are so eye-catching, but the beauty is really in the details. Each cover has many small elements from the book that are woven into the picture. It's so fun to see Persephone's missing ball of yarn or Athena's pile of homework scrolls that she's never seen without. It's so nice to see a cover where the artist has clearly read the book instead of using a stock photo.
This is another great installment of the Goddess Girls series, fun, sweet stories for girls with a fantastic message!
sent by the author in exchange for an honest review
This book is so much more than a cookbook! There are lots of tips to keep your family happy during your nightly family dinner. The book features fun, This book is so much more than a cookbook! There are lots of tips to keep your family happy during your nightly family dinner. The book features fun, full color photos along with personal stories, games, recipes, and quotes from celebrities. Honestly, how can you not love a book that quotes "Leave it to Beaver"?
" 'Wally, there's nothing old-fashioned about politeness.' -Ward Cleaver to his son at dinner" (p23)
There are lots of unexpected chapters in "The Family Dinner," including a section on staying green called "Your Green Table." The chapter features lots of environmentally friendly tips for parents and kids. Other interesting chapters are about giving thanks for our many blessings, and conversation starters. There's even a section called "Dinner After Divorce."
And or course, there are lots of family friendly recipes! I know my boyfriend would love the "Caesar Pita Pizza Pies" (p124), a yummy mix of a Caesar salad and pizza. And the very first recipe in the book looks like a show stopper-"Gary's T-Night Tacos" (p9)- and they're meat-less!
I've really taken a few of the tips to heart. I think a meal with no cell phones would be fantastic. It's hard to do but, I think it's worth it to give family undivided attention for that designated time.
Bottom Line: I am so impressed with this book and diversity it offers. This book is going to be on the shelf in my kitchen for along time. I think it would also make a wonderful and thoughtful gift for a special family.
I love reading about the Greek myths and the tales in this series are perfectly told for young readers to learn how fun and exciting the myths are. EaI love reading about the Greek myths and the tales in this series are perfectly told for young readers to learn how fun and exciting the myths are. Each of the characters are lovingly crafted as a young, modern version of the classic figure. The modern twist is there, even while being fully contained on Mount Olympus. The books teach the ancient stories and also teach valuable life lessons to young girls.
After reading the first three books in the series, "Aphrodite the Beauty" was possibly my favorite in the series. It was so much fun while still containing a great message.
Aphrodite has all the boys in school wrapped around her finger. She especially loves the attention from handsome Atlas. Aphrodite decides to give her friend, Athena, a makeover but doesn't really enjoy the result-all of the boys giving Athena attention instead of her. The only boy who still talks to her is Hephaestus, who walks with a limp. She likes Hephaestus but when rumors swirl about them, she starts avoiding her friend. But Hephaestus may be the only one who can help her with a special project.
I loved how this book told the story of Atalanta's race with the golden apples, one of my favorite myths. Hephaestus was such a sweet character, I loved reading about him.
This story was so fun, with crushes on boys and jealousy over other girls getting attention. But the focus was on friendship and being true to yourself before falling for a boy who doesn't deserve your attention. I love the girl power message of these books.
I can't' recommend this series enough, both to young readers, fans of Greek myths, and those who want a sweet, fun read with a great message for girls.
this book was sent by the author in exchange for an honest review
Felicity Bennett is engaged to marry a gambling swindler against her will, her only way out is to pay him. So she accepts a tutoring position for the Felicity Bennett is engaged to marry a gambling swindler against her will, her only way out is to pay him. So she accepts a tutoring position for the impressive Duc and Duchesse de Valere. Felicity expects to be a governess to a small boy named Armand, but she finds out that Armand is a very handsome, if untamed, grown man. Armand had been imprisoned since childhood during the French Revolution. While in prison, he lost all human contact, even losing his ability/desire to speak and touch others. Will Felicity be able to help him communicate in society and overcome his past, and can Armand help her overcome hers?
I loved this book! The romance between Felicity and Armand was magical. It seemed like they were the only two people in the world. Armand was so guileless in his feelings for Felicity, he never played Society's games, always choosing to ignore their rules. I loved that the romance was so simple because of Armand's lack of knowledge of "The Rules"-not to mention that he didn't care to even learn them. Armand was so fierce, but since he had been through so much pain, he was very vulnerable.
I liked the backdrop of the French Revolution. It's not something you read about a lot in historical romance, so it was good to read something new. And Armand being a Comte just sounded exotic and untamed just like him.
This romance was very much about a fantasy and a very pure love. The story was simple and not overcomplicated with side stories. There was a very clear and valid reason why Armand didn't speak, which made the story believable. The book reminded me a bit of a Tarzan-type of story, or even a little like "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie."
I loved this book, true love stories like this are what historical romance is all about. Shana Galen is one of my new authors to watch!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Wow!! This love story was intense! In a very good way. I don't think there's a person anywhere who doesn't want to be loved the way Griffin loves HeroWow!! This love story was intense! In a very good way. I don't think there's a person anywhere who doesn't want to be loved the way Griffin loves Hero.
As always, Hoyt's characters fly off the page. I found myself sympathizing with Griffin a bit more than Hero, just because he's so fiery and emotional. He loved her passionately, and she was still trying to sort out her feelings. Hero was much more closed off because she'd been raised to do everything a Duke's daughter must do. But still, every time she rejected Griffin, my heart broke along with his. I loved all the drama and secrecy that surrounded Griffin and Hero's love because she was engaged to Griffin's brother, Thomas. Don't worry, it's delivered perfectly, Hero and Thomas are nowhere near a love match. Nonetheless, the family drama and brotherly rivalry amped up all of the already heated emotions.
As the second book in The Maiden Lane Series, parts of the story took place in St. Giles, the shady part of London. While still showing the seedy happenings in St. Giles, this book isn't as dark as the first book in the series, partially because the leads aren't as scarred. I really liked the first book, but I loved this one even more.
Hoyt has written a large cast of multi-faceted characters. We get to see just enough of the supporting players without them overshadowing the stars-Griffin and Hero. We also get a few more clues as to the identity of the Ghost of St. Giles. I am looking forward to Silence and Mickey's story, next!
I can't recommend this book enough to readers of historical romance. Fans of Elizabeth Hoyt will not be disappointed and if you haven't read any of her books yet, this is a perfect way to start.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
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