Korrigan (Secrets Of The Fae #1) By Rebecca F. Kenney KU

Blurb

A girl at night, a caged monster during the day. Aislinn has lived in darkness as long as she can remember. She is Korrigan— and only by Life-Stealing can she keep her human shape from dawn to dusk. When she finally steps into the sunlight, the first person she sees is Zane. He’s everything she wants— handsome, sweet, and normal.
But an encounter with the Far Darrig, the malevolent trickster of Old Irish myth, changes Aislinn’s future. He opens a new realm of possibilities that are anything but normal— and with them, brings dreams and desires as dangerous as he is.
Above all, Aislinn craves choice— the right to decide her own path. But what if gaining power for herself means giving up something much more precious?

Review

     Wow! I finished this book in one day.  I am hooked and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. So this young adult book focuses on Aislinn, who is a 17-year-old girl who lives with five shady, uncaring guardians. All of the Korrigan are cursed, forced to pay a price, in order to go out in the day. I won’t spoil that part, since that will ruin some of the book. But let me just say, the curse on the Korrigan is truly horrible.  So, once Aislinn is able to walk around in the day, she meets Zane, a handsome guy who is sweet, kind, and good. Of course her guardians aren’t thrilled with her making friends with humans. In fact, most of the women that Aislinn lives with, treats her like she is a bother. She is often times controlled and ridiculed.  Aislinn also has nasty nightmares and is being harassed by the fae. When you find out the real reason why Aislinn and her guardians were cursed, you’ll be shocked. There is sort of a confusing love triangle that goes on. I like how it’s resolved in the first book. Aislinn also has to decide if she will walk down the path of good or evil. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys an all-consuming paranormal romance about the fae.

Gnotret (The Accidental Heroes Chronicles #1) by S.E. Cyborski

Blurb

While he doesn’t like the sound of the experimental drug trial his girlfriend Amy Veksler found a flyer for on campus, George Ormond still lets himself be persuaded to join it. He, Amy, and three other students go to a warehouse where Doctor Adam Carnesby, the biology professor who’s running the study, has everything set up for the month long trial. Everything seems to be going well even though all five of the students become sick for a week after their first injections. At the start of the second week, they all recover, feeling better than ever. Then, they start to discover that there were more side effects to the drug than just a cold.

Review

    Attention to all of the super hero lovers in the world, this is the read for you! During this pandemic, I’ve tried to find books that can bring me to another location. This author does a great job of making the reader feel like the characters are all real people. Everyone has their clear traits, and friendships have been made. George is what a guy would call “whipped.” But I feel that he would do anything to keep his hot girlfriend. Amy is outgoing, but through no fault of her own, becomes annoying after the trials begin. Then, we have my favorite character, Billy, who is smart, quiet, and powerful in his own way. Sandra is ambitious, while Michael is the party boy. The plot is that kind of plot that is safe enough that you don’t need tissues, but unpredictable in the way that digging into a box of chocolates is. I did not see the end coming. I mean, I thought that this would be like most super hero books. But guys be warned, this book doesn’t follow all of the same plot lines as every other book. I think anyone looking for a fast pace read will enjoy it.

Gnotret (The Accidental Heroes Chronicles #1) by S.E. Cyborski KU

Blurb

While he doesn’t like the sound of the experimental drug trial his girlfriend Amy Veksler found a flyer for on campus, George Ormond still lets himself be persuaded to join it. He, Amy, and three other students go to a warehouse where Doctor Adam Carnesby, the biology professor who’s running the study, has everything set up for the month long trial. Everything seems to be going well even though all five of the students become sick for a week after their first injections. At the start of the second week, they all recover, feeling better than ever. Then, they start to discover that there were more side effects to the drug than just a cold.

Review

    Attention to all of the super hero lovers in the world, this is the read for you! During this pandemic, I’ve tried to find books that can bring me to another location. This author does a great job of making the reader feel like the characters are all real people. Everyone has their clear traits, and friendships have been made. George is what a guy would call “whipped.” But I feel that he would do anything to keep his hot girlfriend. Amy is outgoing, but through no fault of her own, becomes annoying after the trials begin. Then, we have my favorite character, Billy, who is smart, quiet, and powerful in his own way. Sandra is ambitious, while Michael is the party boy. The plot is that kind of plot that is safe enough that you don’t need tissues, but unpredictable in the way that digging into a box of chocolates is. I did not see the end coming. I mean, I thought that this would be like most super hero books. But guys be warned, this book doesn’t follow all of the same plot lines as every other book. I think anyone looking for a fast pace read will enjoy it.

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman

Blurb

John Worthington is a man who knows his place in the world and keeps to it. That is, until a letter he writes is misdirected. A simple and thoughtful reply begins a correspondence that will turn that well-ordered life upside down.

Review

     Wow! I really didn’t expect that ending! And man, did it make me want to cry. Anyone that knows me will confirm that I love happy ever afters. But after reading this book, I’ve come to realize that the characters’ growth may matter more than an ending where the couple walking into the sunset hand in hand.

     This book also made me realize the power of words. A lot of the book consists of a compilation of correspondences between Jack and the pen pal that he accidentally acquired. The author did a great job of conveying personality through the letters. As a reader, I could understand why the couple fell for one another. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Jack and Emma. When the mystery was revealed, I wanted to smack myself for not reading between the lines of Emma’s letters. She was both honest and vague at the same time. It was also heartwarming to realize that Emma’s love made Jack a better person. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clean historical romance with sophisticating pros and a bittersweet ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

To Miss The Stars by Barbara Lieberman KU

Blurb

John Worthington is a man who knows his place in the world and keeps to it. That is, until a letter he writes is misdirected. A simple and thoughtful reply begins a correspondence that will turn that well-ordered life upside down.

Review

     Wow! I really didn’t expect that ending! And man, did it make me want to cry. Anyone that knows me will confirm that I love happy ever afters. But after reading this book, I’ve come to realize that the characters’ growth may matter more than an ending where the couple walking into the sunset hand in hand.

     This book also made me realize the power of words. A lot of the book consists of a compilation of correspondences between Jack and the pen pal that he accidentally acquired. The author did a great job of conveying personality through the letters. As a reader, I could understand why the couple fell for one another. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Jack and Emma. When the mystery was revealed, I wanted to smack myself for not reading between the lines of Emma’s letters. She was both honest and vague at the same time. It was also heartwarming to realize that Emma’s love made Jack a better person. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a clean historical romance with sophisticating pros and a bittersweet ending.

https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Stars-Barbara-Lieberman-ebook/dp/B00ONAKRQK/

Phoenix of Fyre by Danizza Hymas KU

Blurb

Magic. Mystery. Adventure. A war waged centuries ago is reborn as an evil sorcerer from Taurent attempts to seize control of the three Ivory Kingdoms. Magic not seen in 500 years returns to Cicero in the form of a young girl named Phoenix. Daughter of a blacksmith, she is taught to sword fight; a talent she ends up utilizing for survival and success. During an attack on her village, she loses her family, but she finds that she possesses a unique skill set that grants her certain mystical abilities, particularly over the elements. Raised by gypsies, she befriends a mute named Monique. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to meet Ayden, an archer. He assists them in the realization of Phoenix’s destiny as the Lady Fyre, who is prophesied to be the only being powerful to defeat the sorcerer Daedalus. The trio fights to take back Cicero, as well as their very lives. The island nation of Isys also has a unique interest in Phoenix. They send a spy to seek her out, which results in an unlikely alliance, as well as an unexpected reunion. Will Phoenix and her entourage be able to defeat Daedalus and his Taurentian army?

Review

What an exciting read! Can I have more, please? This author knows how to weave a plot that includes magic, mystery, secrets, action, adventure, romance and a villain who has control over two nations. The story begins when Phoenix is a child, and concludes when she is in her mid-twenties. I love this aspect because I was able to understand how each event in her life shaped her. As she matures, her powers over the elements, and her skills with the sword become even greater. She also acquires friends that aid her on her quest to rebel against the occupation of her country. The novel has intriguing side characters that have their own pasts and secrets. What I like most is that these characters are no damsels that constantly need saving. They are useful and have varying personalities. I don’t agree with everything that the characters do. But their moves are realistic, since things aren’t always black and white. If you enjoy a long read filled with action, adventure, and a side of clean romance, this is the book for you.

The Strictly Business Proposal (Freshwater Bay # 1 bye Nell Grey KU

Blurb

Is Beth Barnes a beautiful con artist or the genuine friend of Evan Morgan, an elderly Welsh chef?

When Evan dies, he hands talented London chef Beth her big break. She has the chance to realise her dream and run her very own restaurant in a village on the wild Welsh Celtic coast. But there are strings attached. Can she comply and gain her inheritance, her dream? Accused of being a gold digger by the family, Beth’s welcome to Wales is not quite as warm as she’d hoped for.

Burned from a recent divorce, the last thing on architect Gareth Morgan’s mind is another wedding. If he wants to realize his development dreams, he must marry.

It’s a strictly business proposal. But can Beth and Gareth really stick to the terms?

Review

I loved this book. This was a great start to a Series. It was your typical marriage for gain romance with a couple that end up falling in love. The author did a wonderful job with displaying the sexual tension between the characters. At times I was wondering, will they or won’t they? Both of the main characters are not perfect. I loved reading about the baggage that each of the individuals brought in to their arrangement. This is a four book series, and I am on book three. Each book focuses on a different couple. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys a romance that takes place on the sea.