Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Romantic Fantasy by Kelly Miller, Janet Taylor, Carol S. Bowes KU

Blurb

What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.

Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?

In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?

Review

Attention! If you’re a lover of everything Jane Austin and fantasy, you should most definitely read this story. This isn’t simply a reimagining of the lives of the characters that millions of historical romance readers have fallen in love with. The authors manage to take a classic and make it all their own.

In the beginning of the story, the reader is introduced to Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, the master and mistress of Pemberley. While Fitzwilliam is nearly thrown from his horse, his wife mysteriously faints in the garden. While Elizabeth wakes up from her faint surrounded by servants who are concerned about her, Fitzwilliam isn’t so lucky. An angel named Graham appears to him and announces that he has saved his life. In return, Fitzwilliam has to allow the angel to accompany him for a week. Graham tells Fitzwilliam that he would like to understand humans and why they feel so deeply. The mortal is pressured into helping the angel on his journey.

From the start, Graham is trouble. He clearly covets Elizabeth, and the life that Fitzwilliam has. This isn’t the only conflict in the story. A relative from Fitzwilliam’s past decides to appear without invitation with a beautiful woman in toe. Her goal, is to tempt Fitzwilliam into cheating on Elizabeth. Trust me, between the angel and the vengeful aunt, the couple has a lot of drama to deal with. Don’t worry, Graham does get better in the book. Because of his powers, he does uncover a lot of secrets. But he struggles with his morals and learns a few things about himself.

I’d recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading well written drama filled stories.

Wolves What Follows Fall by R.L. Hemlock KU

Blurb

Orphaned by her father’s death, Victoria finds herself taken in by her estranged uncle, moving her far from the familiarity of England to the quiet countryside

of Norway. This was her father’s childhood home, a home riddled with long forgotten memories and a mysterious history just waiting to be unraveled, but

at what cost?

Upon Victoria’s arrival to Lovik Manor she is faced with the challenge of learning the language. Her world has already been turned upside down, but news

of past and present murders are not far behind. Surrounded by superstition and fables, most people stay out of the Innerdalen woods, but curiosity gets

the better of all of us sooner or later.

Review

This book was awesome because it was a mix of historical romance, fantasy, and mystery. Since there is a surprise at the end, I will try not to include spoilers. The story begins with an English teen named Victoria. She has just lost her father, and an uncle that she has never been acquainted with shows up and brings her back to Norway. Since her uncle doesn’t have any heirs, he names Victoria his heir. Being his heir means that Victoria will one day be a lady, which is a huge adjustment. Victoria is well educated and is used to getting her hands dirty, which I love. She is kind and approachable.

Victoria catches wind of the murders of beautiful young women, that seem to occur in the fall. The bodies of the women are posed, in such a way that suggests that their murders are ritualistic. Of course, one family has been rumored to be the culprits. I won’t spoil any more. Let me just say that a sweet unlikely romance does occur between Victoria and a emotionally damaged guy. But the supernatural aspect is the “are they or aren’t they?” kind of thing.

If you enjoy a historical novel with elements of mystery and fantasy, this is the book for you!

The Smoke Tree by Stefanie Nici KU

Blurb

What’s a girl to do after it all falls apart?
That is what Tora McAllister must learn after her husband’s sudden trip to the hospital leads her to the surprise of her life. Feeling abandoned and alone, she is left to figure it out on her own.
Enter Peanut, a Yorkie Terrier her sister Courtney drops into Tora’s frazzled lap. Peanut’s presence brings her new joy, as well as a friendship with a popular neighbor and a handsome veterinarian, shaking up Tora’s life even more. Finding it difficult to let go of what was, will Tora welcome new beginnings with open arms or continue clinging to a hopeless past?

Review

From the first page, the story captivated me. Tora is a thirty something, that has the perfect hard-working husband, and a seemingly good group of friends. Her husband works late nights, and Tora fills her loneliness by eating. That affects her wait and kills her confidence. But her confidence takes a hit when she discovers that her husband and her group of friends have been lying to her. After suffering a betrayal, Tora’s sister Courtney begs her to watch her new dog Peanut. While taking Peanut for a walk, Tora meets Jill, and thankfully, they start a healthy friendship. But just remember, Jill also has her own secret. The dog also introduces Tora to the love interest of the novel, a kind veterinarian that is patient and sweet.

Although this book does have romantic elements, it’s mostly about a woman that pulls her life back together again. There are some “holy crap!” moments in that book. At times, Tora’s timid nature does get irritating. But in the end, I appreciated how she handled everything. The book is written so well that at times I thought I was reading a nonfiction novel. It’s amazing how the author was able to bring Tora to life. Her insecurities, her experiences, her reactions were all so real.

If you enjoy a book with mean girls, amusing characters, and a woman that finally finds her place in life, this book is for you.

True Rising: Mark of the Defenders by Tanishq Sheikh

Blurb

“I will get you someday,” the voice whispers its macabre promise, “Someday you will sleep too deep, some day you will dream too far…”

What if you grew up being haunted by a mean, vengeful spirit? But what if it isn’t a spirit? What if it is something more sinister, something ancient?

What if it’s an entity ordained by your bloodline?

Prisha’s past is but a memory and her teen years mark the beginning of her life’s intriguing journey. At seventeen, she meets the suave and sensuous Ajaz

Markos. His whiskey eyes and killer smile are enough to melt her heart and break it. Their desire for each other is mutual, as is their love until he casts

her aside.

Prisha leans on her best friend Nik to mend her broken heart. But neither know that she’s a danger to him and their future together. Then Ajaz is back

and it isn’t coincidence.

Prisha and Ajaz are older, wiser and thrown together as part of a larger, Machiavellian plan. Armed with mystical powers, they must fight indestructible

entities and face their legacies to save an innocent life. One thing Prisha knows for sure, her bloodline is both a boon and a curse.

But how will she defeat the most powerful force of them all? What price will she have to pay? Will Prisha and Ajaz come out of the ultimate battle of their

lives unscathed? Will she rise to protect what’s hers?

Review

I want more! This novel was written well. It had all the characteristics of what I love in a book. There was love, heartbreak, evil entities, action, and it was unpredictable.

Most of this novel takes place in India, though, the characters do live in America for a period of time. In the beginning, we learn about the main character Prisha’s early years and her first experiences with an Unknown spirit. Then, the novel brings us through her teen years and into adulthood. There are two love interests, Ajaz and Nick, who are both great men that are easy to fall in love with. Since the novel covers the span of Prisha’s live into late adult hood, you get to read about two romances. There are parts of the novel that made me cry, laugh, and exclaim and surprise. I would recommend this to anyone that loves romance that is interwoven with supernatural interferences.

The Complete Free Falling Series: AM/BW Interracial Romance by Raven St. Pierre

Blurb

The Complete Free Falling Series lets you experience the love between Sam and AJ at every phase—from the angst of newly discovered feelings, to full-fledged,

unquenchable romance. This set includes all three full-length novels, plus the novella, at a fraction of the cost.

Gravity:

A chance meeting reshapes the lives of two strangers who soon learn that we don’t always choose who we fall in love with; sometimes life chooses for us.

Samantha Kelley thinks she’s got it all figured out until she literally collides with

Anthony “AJ” Hahn one fateful day, forcing her to question whether she’s been

missing something all along… Him.

Secrets:

She’s never loved the way she loves him.

He’s consumed by an unquenchable need for her.

Sam and AJ have faced so much together, survived so much together, but when secrets and mistrust rock the very foundation of their relationship, they must

fight to keep it all from falling apart.

***THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT AND SCENES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE WHICH SOME MAY FIND OFFENSIVE; THEREFORE, THIS NOVEL IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PERSONS

UNDER THE AGE OF 18 OR THOSE PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE TO VIOLENCE. ***

Exposed:

Walking away seemed like her only option.

Letting go was the one thing he couldn’t do.

Sam and AJ have spent the last five years trying to get over their painful breakup. Both have moved on, but neither has fully healed from the wounds of

the past. When avoiding one another becomes impossible, fate may once again force them to confront their feelings – feelings they thought no longer existed.

Will they continue to fight against gravity’s pull? Or will their worlds once again collide in the third installment of the Free Falling Series?

Today. Tomorrow. Always.:

Events and decisions of the past almost cost her everything, but she was given a second chance.

He marvels at the beautiful life that almost slipped through his fingers, vowing never to let anything come between them again.

The memory of being apart lingers with both Sam and AJ, but those days are long gone. Now that the dust has settled, all that remains is their unwavering

love and an impenetrable bond many have tried and failed to break.

“Today. Tomorrow. Always.” is a glimpse into the life this couple has managed to build together and a chance to catch up with old friends you’ve grown

to love throughout the Free Falling series.

Review

This book series is so addicting that I couldn’t put it down! Where do I start? The story begins with Sam, a seventeen-year-old senior in high school who thinks that she has everything figured out. She has been dating Antonio, who is someone that she has been friends with for a while. He’s the kind of guy that every girl goes crazy for. Then, she meets AJ, a hunk who plays basketball. She’s drawn to him but doesn’t know how to handle her feelings. Sam’s choices often times are brow raising, but she does provide a somewhat logical reason for them. Sam, AJ, and Antonio practically jump off the page. Though I have to say that the author has a talent for character development. Everyone has good aspects and some traits that are undesirable. Some characters are evil in nature, while others have a moral compass.

I don’t want to give too much away, so I’m going to be as vague as possible. This book series does follow Sam and AJ into adult hood. Sam will be betrayed, suffer horrible tragedies, and will form both good and bad friendships. There is a triggering scene in book two. That particular scene does contain graphic violence. The author does describe the love scenes beginning in book two. The book series also has an eventual happy ending.

If you enjoy a book series that is filled with passion, laughter, heart break, and lasting love, this is the series for you!

Rose (Suitors of Seattle Book 1) By Kirsten Osbourne PF

Blurb

Rose is the first book in a highly anticipated new series Suitors of Seattle, following the adventures of eight Western daughters ready to benefit from

the matchmaking skills of her new Aunt Harriett, whom readers will recognize from the best selling Brides of Beckham series.

Pampered socialite Rose is used to men falling at her feet. But her match with handsome Dr. Shawn Henry leaves her feeling less than adored. Has Rose fallen

in love with a man who can’t love her back?

Want more matchmaking madness? Check out the Brides of Beckham.

Review

I think I’ve read this book 20 times already! It’s one of those stories that you never get sick of. It’s an interesting spin of the “unrequited love” theme. Rose is not only pampered but a bit self-obsessed. She have had dozens of suitors, who has declared their undying love for her. So naturally, when she meats Doctor Shawn Henry, who’s also a bit full of himself, she is sure that he loves her.

What I find most entertaining about this read is that the author does a fabulous job switching between perspectives. On one hand, you have Rose, misinterpreting the gestures that Doctor Shawn, who acts as if the courting process is tedious. Rose, doesn’t find out that the dentist doesn’t love her until after they make love on their wedding night, which serves as a bucket of ice water dumped onto the character.

What I love about this book is that there is more to Rose. Through out the story, she shows a compassionate, that many are surprised to see. She volunteers in a battered women shelter and helps two of her siblings with their own love stories. She finally gets to know Doctor Shawn, who in turn sees that Rose is truly a gem. She doesn’t have to change as a person, though, I feel like Rose does mature through the book.

If you’re looking for a historical romance that has flawed but lovable characters, this is the book for you!

https://books.apple.com/us/book/rose/id657179651

Unbreakable Bond (Fated Mates Duet Book 1) By Jess Bryant KU

Blurb

Sometimes fate gets it all wrong.

Zoey Kent has lived with that fact ever since she turned eighteen and learned that the man she loved could never be hers. He’s a born shifter, a wolf,

and she’s a mere human. Fate doesn’t care if on paper they’re a perfect pair. She isn’t his fated mate and she’s resigned herself to the knowledge that

someday, she’ll have to watch Michael mate with another. It’s never crossed her mind that there might be someone else out there for her, that she would

be the one to mate another, to choose another over everything she’s ever known or wanted.

Sometimes fate gets it all right.

Rafe Hudson left his pack behind years ago. Physically and mentally scarred from an attack that left his parents and twin dead, he walked away from his

responsibilities as Alpha. He never intended to return but lone wolf or not, he can’t leave Michael open to an attack he’s learned is coming for his only

brother. What he didn’t know was that going home would mean scenting his mate, the one person in the world that could make him whole again, that could

give him everything he thought he’d lost. His pack, his home and his family.

But fate always has a plan.

There’s no way Michael’s brother is her future, is there? Just like there’s no way that the girl his brother has loved since they were kids, was always

meant to be his, right?

Only fate knows why they were brought together but there is one thing for sure, the sparks between Zoey and Rafe are undeniable. The bond between them

is unbreakable. And together… they’ll change the face of the pack forever.

Review

This book is so awesome that I had to read it twice! I’m sure that everyone has that “feel good” read. It’s a book you can reread when you’re in a particular mood. I know that in my case, it helped me escape the monotony of staying home. I love this book for several reasons. The first one is the lack of bone chilling horror. It isn’t a dark fantasy with heads being boiled, but there are a few fight scenes that are enough to keep a fantasy fan like me excited. It also has a romance that is unexpected by both characters.

You have Zoey, who is a human that was adopted by a shifter couple. She spends the beginning of the book thinking about Michael, her best friend, and alpha of the pack. Despite longing for one another, the pair still manages to be friends. A relationship between them is hopeless, since they are not fated mates. Rafe on the other hand is broken for a good reason. Rafe was the rightful alpha of his brother Michael’s pack, who vanished after the death of his twin brother and his parents. He holds on to guilt that kept him away from the pack for years.

Naturally, Michael tries to prevent Rafe from claiming his soulmate, but Zoey fights for the man that belongs to her. Thank goodness, she’s a female lead with a back bone. This is a shifter romance, so there is instalove, steam, dialogue, and testosterone. The side characters are interesting. The threat to the pack does reveal himself, and he is handled in the second novel, which I have also read and enjoyed.

If you’re looking for a new adult novel that has steam, love, and hot werewolves, this is the book for you!

Loving Eliza (South Dakota Series #1) by Ruth Ann. Nordin PF

Blurb

Eliza left her life of prostitution to become something she could never be back in Omaha: a lady. Her plan is to remain single for the rest of her life,

but when she arrives in South Dakota, she runs into John Evans. And he’s not about to let her remain single if he has anything to do about it.

As soon as John sees Eliza, he falls in love with her. Not only is Eliza the most beautiful young lady he’s ever seen, but she isn’t put off by the fact

that he’s mute. Since his mail-order bride didn’t come, then he sees no reason why he can’t marry Eliza and make a home with her.

Eliza, however, knows very well why they can’t be together. She used to be a prostitute. John is a sweet man who’s never even kissed a woman. He deserves

a virgin who can give him her innocence and a future with children. Eliza can do neither one for him. But while she insists he waits to see if his mail-order

bride is coming after all, she is taken in with his sweetness and charm until she’s torn between doing what is best for him and what her selfish heart

wants.

*This is the first book in the South Dakota Series.

Book 1: Loving Eliza

Book 2: Bid for a Bride

Book 3: Bride of Second Chances

Review

What a read! The book begins with the arrival of Eliza, a former prostitute who is looking for a fresh start. She arrives in town to clean houses for a middle-aged woman, but is intercepted by John, a mute man who mistakes Eliza for his mail order bride. He sticks to Eliza like glue, because he already knows that Eliza’s employer had suffered a deadly fall down the stairs. In a typical historical romance, the heroine would then be forced to marry someone. Nope, Eliza is under the impression that her sorted past makes her unfit to be a bride. So, she agrees to work for John instead of being his bride.

Although the story is romantic, sensitive subjects are touched upon, but are not enacted in scenes. John also deals with a disability that is misunderstood by many. Because he is mute, many of the towns people, including his brother Troy, think that it translates into him being stupid. The fact that Eliza is able to see John for who he really is, makes this story have a special place in my heart. It’s nice that in return, John is able to love Eliza for the wonderful person that she is.

There are twists, turns, and moments that made me laugh out loud. I’d recommend this read to anyone looking for a story that has love, spice, and interesting side characters.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/loving-eliza/id380446423

A Chance for Charity (The Immortal ones #1) By S.L. Baum PF

Blurb

A new family has just arrived in the isolated mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Welcome the Johnstons – Jason (a doctor), Rachel (a designer), and their niece Emily (a current High School Senior).

Emily has lived the life of a quiet loner in the past, trying to go unnoticed. But with Telluride being such a small and welcoming town, she finds a group of friends at school almost immediately. When Emily meets Link (another new transplant in town) her world turns upside down. She doesn’t understand why she feels a magnetic pull toward him, or why she unknowingly lets her guard down around him. Link is just as confused by his own need to be with her.

Emily knows she is playing with fire. She should be doing whatever she can to keep herself isolated, to keep Link from getting too close. Danger has a way of finding Emily’s family – that is what keeps them on the move. They arrive in a new town every few years – it is safer that way.

Because… Emily isn’t really Emily… her real name is Charity – and Charity has an even bigger secret. Charity and her family are not like other people, they have “skills” that mere mortals cannot begin to comprehend.

Before long, Charity is struggling with the reality that her two lives are coming closer to each other with each passing day. Soon Link will find himself wrapped in a supernatural world that he never knew existed – and discover that mortals are not the only beings that walk this earth.

Review

What a refreshing book! Anyone that knows me, won’t find this surprising, but I’m all about the sweet paranormal romances. In fact, I can get lost in those feel good novels for hours. This read was no different.

So, the novel begins with Emily, whose real name is, Charity. And, yes, she’s the one that is a part of the supernatural world. She has decided to stick with her friends, who pose as her aunt and uncle. They travel every few years in order to stay undetected by hunters, and suspicious humans. Of course, she meets Link, who is completely human and unaware of the supernatural. Link is in his early twenties, and Charity is posing as a 17-year-old, don’t worry she’s actually much older. In fact, Charity has a heart-breaking past and by the end of the novel, an unknown aspect of her history will be revealed.

Charity is transformed by the relationships she makes, both romantic and platonic. I have to mention that Charity and Link’s chemistry is lovely, beautiful and makes me nostalgic. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will mention some cool aspects of this book. The author incorporates witches, vampires, and shifters. Meanwhile, she also created a race of beings that have something in common with vampires. I also love how the author brought Telluride to life. She wrote in such a way that I felt like I was on the slopes with the lovebirds.

This book will appeal to anyone that enjoys a feel-good novel that has magic, hilarious side characters, love and awesome dialogue.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-chance-for-charity-the-immortal-ones/id443234490 https://www.amazon.com/Chance-Charity-Immortal-Ones-Book-ebook/dp/B003PPCTS8

Because of Hattie: A grippingly seductive story of love, lust and loss, with heartbreak and betrayal that will change the course of a young woman’s lifeForever. By Roxanna C. Revell KU

Blurb

Ava Swan’s life had always been simple – until she fell in love. Big love. Epic love. Epic sex… Love; a common, yet utterly complicated emotion that

brought her a happiness that she never thought possible – until it ripped her world apart.

Turning to the sanctuary of her parents at their home in the idyllic village of Clovelly; Ava starts to put the pieces of her life back together. Her life,

and that of the baby that she keeps hidden from her past.

New love arrives and Ava believes that she has truly moved on. Only, the past always has a way of catching up with you.

When Mark returns to Ava’s life, so to do the feelings that she buried deep inside, and when the new love she found, and the new life she created, is revealed

to have been built on lies; danger follows, along with a whole new level of pain and despair.

It’s enough to break you, but sometimes it can make you – and all of this, because of Hattie.

Review

This novel may be fiction, but it reads like a captivating memoir that is jammed packed with emotions. I know you’re thinking, who is Haddie? Simply put, she is a toxic best friend in sheep’s clothing. She is the kind of person that sneakily sucks the joy out of her friends lives. Ava is kind but too loyal in the beginning. She is sent running from the love of her life because Haddie and her accomplices manage to take everything from her. She has her baby Jacob in secret, and builds a relationship with someone else. I won’t tell you the outcome, but I’ll just say that the author has a talent for character development. Ava starts of as a kind person with little backbone and turns into a strong woman who knows how to take care of herself. Though, most of the story is told from Ava’s point of view, the author does include the point of view of a few of the supporting characters. I promise, there is steam, passion, heart break, loss, friendship, supportive family, and so much more in this novel. If you enjoy a romance that is filled with drama, love, and the highs and lows of a mother trying to put her heart back together, this is the book for you!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088ZWQ8PZ?ref_=d6k_applink_bb_marketplace