Horsefeathers by Caitlin Ricci

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this story. The concept was interesting, and while I didn't love the way everything played out I did like it. Some of the build up in the plot felt a bit too abrupt to me, and like the big reveal came a bit too soon, or a bit uneven. I liked the characters, and the ideas behind this story I just needed something more to make me feel as invested in it as I would have liked. Overall a good story, but not a great one. The cover is, however, stunning.

mle

Dangerous Territory by Cari Z.

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley.

I really liked this book something about the combination of Western, paranormal, and a few fairy tale elements really worked for me. I liked the characters, and just how different the shifters were from the human characters. I liked that it wasn't just a story about one character learning about the other, but about both men learning about each other, and growing to trust the other. I liked the pacing of the story, and of the relationship. It felt natural to the characters, their world, and the situation that they were in. I really like this author, and this story was another won for me.

mle

Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas by A.V. Sanders

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't usually like stories featuring established couples, but this story really worked for me. I think it was because their relationship was strong, and the story wasn't about any sort of drama between the two of them. I really liked Reid, and could understand his longing for his home, and familiar holiday traditions. The information about sharks was fascinating, and it added a lot to the story. I respected Reid, and what he was trying to do. The ending was nicely sweet, and it made me really love Graham as well. Well written, and sweet holiday story.

mle

Mercurial Shifts by Elena Alexandrescu

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While I found this book to be interesting I was a bit too confused by it to really enjoy it. I don't mind a bit of mystery, but I found myself lost by the twists and turns of this book, and I didn't feel like I was given enough hints or information in the story to follow it. I mostly just felt lost, and a bit unsettled. I also didn't think the blurb really did it justice. The ending was interesting, and I liked the concept, but the execution was a bit too vague for me. Something about the writing style didn't appeal to me, and left me feeling a bit distanced from the characters, and what was happening, so I don't think that helped me either.


mle

Sunrise over Southwest Harbor

The sunrise was beautiful this morning.

My Great Grandfather had amazing handwriting.

Also an interesting name.

I am iron scarf

My new project.

mle

From Lies by Ann Anderson

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this fairy tale re-imagining. The characters felt well developed, and I liked that things were not fairy tale simple. The relationship between Rafe and both of his sister's was well done, and I appreciated the reasons he acted the way he did. It made sense within the context of the story. The love story did develop quickly, but it fit with the fairy tale theme, and it didn't bother me like it might have otherwise. A sweet story about love, and what we do for ourselves, and the people we care about. I loved the ending, and appreciated Rafe's actions, and his love's response. Kind of a nice change for all the plain happily ever after.

mle

The Werewolf of Grey Lake Inn by Megan Derr

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

I liked this story. The paranormal aspects were interesting, and well developed. I was surprised by how much I liked Astor. I'm not usually a huge fan of vampires, but I appreciated how his prickly nature seemed to hide a pretty caring heart, and how he wasn't the typically controlling jerk. The werewolf biology was interesting, and I liked how the gender politics seemed better balanced than in a lot of stories. I did end up wishing for more of a ghost story, but I can appreciate how that played out in a different way. I did still have some questions left unanswered, and some things felt resolved in an unsatisfying way, but a good story overall.

mle

Dion's Redemption by J.D. Walker

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the idea of this story better than I ended up liking the story itself. I liked the relationship between Dion and his brother very much. Their bond felt real, and honest to me, and I appreciated that. I also liked the bond between Nolan, and his Grandfather. It was warm, and real, and I liked that. The relationship between Dion and Nolan felt a bit too forced to me, and Nolan's treatment of Dion was a bit too heavy handed, and almost patronizing for my tastes. I felt that Dion's changes came a bit out of nowhere, and I didn't buy into them fully. Dion's backstory was a bit much for me as well. A bit too action movie, and didn't feel real to me. The writing style added to that disconnected feeling. Not a bad story, but one that didn't really work for me either.

mle

Greenwode (The Wode, #1) by J. Tullos Hennig

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. The mythology was well developed, and felt true to the times, and the cultures. I liked that it wasn't a case of one group being the "good guys" and the other being the "bad guys", but rather a meeting of different people, and cultures, and values. I liked how this book set the stage for what is to come. It let me understand the people involved, and the factors that shaped them into the figures that they become. I liked that it wasn't just about them as mythology, but them as people. People who make mistakes, and get things wrong. I appreciated the handling of the religious aspects, and how everyone's faith was treated with respect, and neither religion was treated as all good or all bad. I liked the progression of events, and I ended buying the next two books before I had finished this one. Always a good sign for me.

mle

The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I first read this story in it's short form, and while I liked it I felt like I wanted more. I was thrilled to see that the author had decided to expand this into a full novel, and I found I enjoyed it much more. Seeing events from both character's view gave me a much better understanding on who they were, and how they kept misunderstanding each other. How their past lives, and their experiences shaped who they were, and how they interacted with each other. While in the short story I felt like were able to come together too quickly, the novel let me see how each character learned to finally understand each other, and for love to grow. The plot was interesting, and well developed. I liked the complexity to the planning, and the problems that arise from language, and an inability to understand others. a really enjoyable fantasy story. I can't wait to read more.

mle

Sharing a Pond by Alex Whitehall

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

I liked this story. I liked that it wasn't bogged down in a lot of unnecessary angst, and melancholy. There was a lightness to the characters, and the story telling. The gender issues were interesting, and given their due, and I appreciated that. I liked that it was about the three mean learning to know, and to trust each other. I liked that they were attempting to build a solid relationship together; one that wasn't based purely on biology, or destiny. A short story, but a well developed one. I'll be looking forward to reading more by this author.

Dragon Consultant by Mell Eight

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit I am a sucker for Mell Eight's stories. I appreciate the sweetness to her stories, her characters, and their relationships. They are a guaranteed pick me up when I'm feeling down, and this story was exactly what I was looking for. I really liked the family of dragons, and how each of the little ones had their own distinct personality, and quirks. I liked that their past history had left it's mark on the kids, and that they didn't feel too much like stock little kids. I liked that the relationship wasn't the main focus of the story, and the mystery was front, and center. Considering what's going on in the story, and the characters it makes more sense to have it that way to me. Nothing smutty, but it seems like neither of them seemed like they were in the right headspace for that. That, and there were more pressing issues to be dealt with. I can't wait to read more of this series, and learn more about the characters, and their world.


art credit: Dragon valley by AndreeWallin

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The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

I loved this book. The chapter headings reminded me so much of the tropes that are so prevalent through much of ya these days, and gave me the idea that the author had done plenty of his own reading. I don't know why all the Finn's cracked me up but they did. I think if this had been all this book had been about it would have been the satire I expected, but the meat of the story was so much more than that.



This is one of the most honest looks at high school I've ever read. A clear look on what it means to be young, and uncertain about who you are, and what you want. A refreshingly un-romanticized book that deals with problems like mental illness, eating disorders, sexuality, and sex in direct, and forthright way, and felt nothing like an after school special. I don't really want to say anything more because anything I say feels too much like I'd give too much away.



Just know that there was a turn of events near the end of this story that cemented it's place on my favorites shelf. I loved it so hard. Also I'm really wishing for a sequel, no matter that I know that there isn't going to be one my heart still longs for it.





mle

Just read it!

Status Update by Annabeth Albert

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was a bit nervous about this book when I first requested it because Noah is described as ultraconservative, and it is safe to say I am not. I was pleasantly surprised by his character. I liked that he had a innocence, but he was in no way overly naïve or ignorant. I liked his dedication to his faith, and the struggle it was for him. His love of gaming was well done, and it was refreshing to read about an online game that actually felt like it was for hardcore gamers, and not just causal ones. I liked seeing Adrian and Noah learn to understand each other, and begin to fall in love. It felt like thing developed at a natural pace, and nothing felt like instant love, or too rushed to be believed. I loved the sweetness to the story. Not cloying, or saccharine just a nice story about two people finding each other, and themselves. I can't wait to read more.

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The Inn Between by Marina Cohen

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchanger for an honest review.

I requested this book thinking that this was just the kind of book I would have loved to have read when I was younger. The mystery appealed to me, and I started reading it as soon as I was able to. I actually got to spend a beautiful November lunch reading this at a picnic table outside my local library reading this book. It was perfect, but I digress.

I really liked this book. Even though I was able, as an adult, to figure out where things were going pretty quickly I found that I didn't really care. I was able to let go, and enjoy the ride. The mysterious inn, the varied cast of characters, and I really enjoyed Quinn and Kara's friendship. The story did a good job raising larger issues of guilt, fear, family, and responsibility without feeling like a morality tale or an afterschool special. The plot was fast paced, and the writing style descriptive an engaging. Once I picked it up I had a hard time putting it down. The ending was well done, and I appreciated the touch of ambiguity. Nothing too open ended, but enough that I was still wondering a bit. A truly memorable, and atmospheric tale. One that I think will work for older readers as well as younger ones.



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Parking lot at sunset

Pre-Halloween outfit

but is it enough sugar?

Winter Wonderland by Heidi Cullinan

 

This one was just a miss for me. I really didn't see the romance as anything more than a crush or puppy love. Also the relationship felt rushed which is really weird to say because in the first book I think Frankie and Marcus had maybe three days to fuck, fight, and fall in love.

Maybe it's the age gap which isn't my thing, or how much of a door mat Paul is in this. Make that a childish door mat...his expression of displeasure in his family in the end didn't endear me to his case by any means. Though I did have to say what he did after did get me all misty eyed.

So I guess this goes under my different strokes for different folks category. If age gap angst is your thing, awesome, this might be the book for you.


I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review! 

- E

Alexey Dyed in Red by A.M. Valenza

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. I thought the fantasy world was interesting, and well developed, and I really liked the setting. The magic was different, and I liked the concept of the Warlock. Dark, and more than a little creepy. Way more than a little. The characters were interesting, and well developed. I liked the way they interacted together, and how it was about more than just love, but about friendship, guilt, family, and responsibility. The plot was nicely convoluted, and the twist was really well done. I liked that it was well supported by the story that came before it, not something that felt like it came out of thin air, but the foreshadowing wasn't so heavy that I had all the answers before I was given them. The ending was well done, and it fit the story, and the characters. I don't want to say too much because I'm afraid I'd give something away, so I'll just leave it at this. I can't wait for more.



mle

Moon Dogs by Erica Kealey

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In some ways this books feels like chapters of a larger work, and in a perfect world it would have been, but that's not to say it doesn't work as a short story. I felt like I was given enough information in the story to appreciate Grant and Cary's relationship, and how they got to the point where they are now. I felt like the events of the story were firmly grounded in the character's history, and personality, and it left me understanding what was happening, and why. Some of the werewolf stuff was a little silly, but not necessarily in a bad way. More like the author was having a bit of fun with some of the tropes, and ideas. I would really like to know more about these characters, and what happens next. Although it was short it felt like a complete episode of a larger story, and, in the end, it worked for me.

mle

Could be a crowd by C.J. Munoz

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly liked this book more than I expected to. I really liked Nicholas, and I could relate to his fears and anxieties. I liked that he could be more than a bit of an ass, and his sense of humor really worked for me. I found the reasons why he and Pierce never connected to be honest, and believable. I think Lynn was the biggest surprise, and I loved that he was so much more than he first appeared to me. I liked the balance between the three of them, and how much each of them brought to and got from the relationship. I liked their banter, and the sex was smoking hot. An excellent balance of sweet, fun, and sexy. I look forward to reading more from this author.

PS - Robots are creepy. Super creepy!

mle

Desert World Allegiances by Lyn Gala

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this story quite a bit. The characters were well developed, and interesting. I liked that people, for the most part, weren't simply black and white in their morality. I think the relationship between Shan and his brother was a highlight for me. Their relationship is strained, and complicated, but for very honest and very real reasons. I liked Temar, and his struggles. I appreciated that he was deeply hurt, but he never came off as weak or helpless. I think that I need a bit more to believe in their bond though. It seemed a bit quick, and some of Shan's feelings, especially in the beginning, felt a bit more like obsession than love to me. I did appreciate that Temar was able to advocate for his needs, and he never let Shan take control or do things "for his own good."

The plot was well developed, and, while it was a bit slow in the beginning, once events started unfolding things moved at a good pace. I liked the way slavery worked in this society, and I can see for people living so close to the edge, where it would seem like a better option than attempting to incinerate people, or leaving them with debts that they will never be able to pay. I'm not saying their right just that it's a complicated situation, and the author did a good job articulating that.

The ending was well done, and it fit the feeling of the story. I think the villain of the story was well done, and I liked that they had motivation beyond simply being evil. I can see where people could have been drawn into the plot, and the plans made sense in the context of the characters and the setting. A solid start to a new series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.


art credit: a cave on a desert planet by hoevelkamp

mle

Treats

Cupcakes are always the right size.

Balancing Act by Angie Barry

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


I really enjoyed this short story. The author did a wonderful job giving me a feel for the relationship between Narcissus and Adonis in a very short space of time, and without any info dumping or awkward exposition. I really felt for Adonis, and could relate to his complicated feelings for Narcissus. I appreciated that Narcissus was just as conflicted, deep down, and that he wasn't as simple as he first appeared to be. I think seeing things from both characters perspectives let me understand both of them, and how they came to this point. In the end I think it was Ganymede that was my favorite, and that's all I'm going to say about that. The resolution was well done, and I liked how things worked out between the three men. It was fitting, and it made me smile. I loved the modern feeling to the mythological characters. I loved that, even thought there were times that this story could have been overtaken by angst, it never was. The characters had fears, doubts, angers, but, in the end, it was a bright, and hopeful story. Not an explicit story, but I don't think it would have worked in this story. Overall a fun, short read.

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Art Quilts of the Midwest by Linzee Kull McCray

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I saw this book on my NetGalley Dashboard, and I was instantly drawn in by the cover. Something about the colors, and the texture, and the balance really appealed to me. I was also drawn in by the subject; my mother has been quilting my entire life, and it's always appealed to me. I've even made a few small projects of my own. It was interesting to see the different approaches, and interpretations of quilts in thi I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I saw this book on my NetGalley Dashboard, and I was instantly drawn in by the cover. Something about the colors, and the texture, and the balance really appealed to me. I was also drawn in by the subject; my mother has been quilting my entire life, and it's always appealed to me. I've even made a few small projects of my own. It was interesting to see the different approaches, and interpretations of quilts in this book, and even when they didn't appeal to me visually I was interested in the artist. It was nice to have, instead of artist biographies, the artist talk about their process, their inspirations, and their themes and ideas. It added a richness and a depth to the book, and let me better appreciate their work. It would have been nice to have more than just one man, but overall it felt like a diverse group, and I liked the diversity of quilts. There were touches of snobbery, and elitism in some of the artists, but I'm glad that didn't feel overwhelming, and not everyone was wrapped up in the idea of artist versus quilter. I liked how the variety in the theme of the book as well, and how a sense of place carried through, but was different for each artist. It's not a place I've ever been, but it was interesting seeing how these artists reflected on, identified with, and reacted to their surroundings. Overall an interesting book, and one I'm glad that I took the time to read. mle

Hidden Ponds Trail

Hiking with my mother - mle

 

 

 

Until There Was you by J.J. Bamber

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I suppose if I was a different sort of person I would suppress my desire to make mean spirited, and snarky comments. I suppose that my first instinct would be to make encouraging, supportive, and helpful comments in my review instead. Let's be honest though, I'm not that sort of person, and I don't write those kind of reviews.



This book didn't work for me at all, on any level. One of my biggest problems was the lack of setting. I didn't know where this book took place, and it made me feel unmoored and restless. The banking details felt wrong to me, working in a bank I know that a joint account absolutely can be closed by one of the people on the account not both. I'm not sure if that's just this state, or others, but it was one of those little things that bothered me. The main character also talks about his father building boats, and how much he hates boats, but he never says what kind of boats. Rowboats? Canoes? Sail boats? Yacht? Tugboats? I live in coastal Maine, boats is unhelpfully vague, and threw me out of the story a bit. The writing style felt stilted, and awkward. It never drew me into the characters or their world at all. For me the dialogue was the worst part, and it left me feeling like I was reading some sort of self help, inspirational, Nicolas Sparks-y sort of book. Or how I imagine Nicholas Sparks would read.




The characters felt just as wooden as the dialogue. The main character came across as weak, and whiny, and never really grew in my mind. It seems like someone always has to step in to help him, or save him, and it did not endear him to me at all. Also can I end by saying how much it irritated me that the main character made such a big deal about his son saying stupid, and then made a throw away comment that a student thinking he was crazy, and his love interest saying he was OCD because he was more neat and clean than the love interest. For a character who doesn't approve of snark, and meanness it seems pretty hypocritical. Just saying. There was more than a touch of the special snowflake to him. I don't care how many teenage girls love your book, you walk into a high school classroom chances are you are not going to be greeted with that much warm enthusiasm. Also I'm pretty sure that your best friend the high school Principal can not just hire you, especially if you have NO qualifications, pretty much on the spot to be the guidance councilor. I'm not an expert, but I don't think that's how that works. The love interest was dull, and insipid, and seemed to be there mostly to tell the mc how great he was. The child annoyed me to no end. Too wise, too perceptive at one moment than extra childish the next. The mc didn't ever seem to do all that much parenting, and the child mostly was shown when needed by the plot. The secondary cast was just as bad if not worse, and didn't add much to the story at all.



The plot was dull, and it felt like I was dragging myself through much of this book. Problems seemed too easily resolved, and characters would make sudden changes with no real motivation or explanation. The main character's father was the worst, going from raging homophobe in one little vignette to accepting in the next. That was my last problem. The story moved along until close to the end when suddenly we have these short little vignettes with time skips, and events. I was already feeling distanced, and distracted, and this sort of broken up ending didn't help matters any. It was the final nail in the coffin of this book for me really.



In the end I could see where the author wanted to go with this book, and what they wanted to accomplish, but it didn't work for me. It felt too cheesy, to plastic, to processed to be real to me. Too much of a think happy thoughts kind of thing, and not enough about making real changes.



mle

From the Stars They Fell by H.R. Harrison

I received this book as an ARC though Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the blend of fantasy, and science fiction in this book. I liked that Veni was from a much more technologically advanced civilization, and race that they never looked down on the people they met. They were curious, and open, and willing to learn from those around them, and I appreciated that. I liked their developing relationship with Wystan. I liked how Veni treasured the things that made Wystan different, and left him a bit isolated from the people around him. The plot was nicely developed, but I wasn't wild about the resolution. I appreciate that there were no easy answers, and that Veni was forced to make a very difficult decision. I didn't like that Veni seemed to forget the larger implications of his decision. Overall a good story about the meeting of races and cultures.

mle

Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I'm not quite sure why I waited this long to read this. Most likely because I forgot I had it, but that was my mistake. I really liked this story. The writing was beautiful, and almost poetic in spots, and I loved that. It really helped set the mood. I found the characters to be engaging, and real. I liked seeing both men grow closer together, and I appreciated how open they were with each other. I really liked Edwin, and his insecurities. I liked his thought process, and I was fascinated with his work. I found the descriptions of the process to be very soothing.



I liked the secondary cast very much. They added quite a bit to such a short story, and I appreciated that the story was about more than Edwin meeting someone, and falling in love. I found the resolution to be nicely done, and it fit the tone of the story very well. Overall a very well developed novella.

 

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Sunsets on the Pond - mle

The Neighbor by Bernadette Chapman

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. I liked seeing Anders and Finn getting to know each other. I liked that Finn wasn't out to change or fix Anders just to open his horizons. It was a nice change of pace. I liked both characters, and watching them fall in love was really sweet. Just what I wanted to read on a long car ride on a dreary day. Nothing too heavy, or too complicated just a fun, short read.

mle

Percolation, Poetry, and Passion by A.V. Sanders

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book felt more like the outline of a story than an actual story. Even for a short piece it felt incomplete, and sketchy. I never felt like I had a good feel for the characters, especially Simon. Too much of a rich stereotype, and not enough like a real person. The plot moved in fits and spurts, and it went too quickly from them hooking up to them going home to meet Beckett's family. Simon's jealousy felt over the top, and I think Beckett was too quick to forgive him for acting so possessive. The secondary cast felt even less developed than the primary, Beckett's mother in particular, and they didn't add to the story at all. I never felt like I could connect with any of this, and I never cared enough to really dislike it. There just wasn't enough there.



mle

A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book. I liked the scary aspects of this very much, and the idea of the house was interesting, but the characters didn't work for me at all. I found Hunter to be a very unlikeable character. Sheltered, and naïve, but also more than a bit petulant and childish. His mood swings seemed to come out of nowhere. I might have felt bad for him at first that quickly went away when I saw the way he treated pretty much everyone else in the book. I wasn't a big fan of Michael either, and found him to be a bit too pushy. I also didn't like the way he hid things from Hunter, but still treated him like he was crazy. I found their romance to be very unbelievable, and it felt very forced to me. The ending especially felt like it came a bit out of nowhere, and it left me feeling very satisfied. I think if Michael and Hunter had remained friends it would have worked better for me.



In the end I was probably the only one, but I was rooting for the demon and the house.



mle

Dark Economy by M. Keedwell

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. I loved that it was the mystery that drove the plot, and not the romance. It made for a much stronger story in my opinion. I liked the way the romance developed as well. That Cadell and Brenton had to learn to trust, and understand each other before any real romance started. There might have been attraction before, but there wasn't any of the silly instant love. I liked that the story felt very grounded in the time period, and I found the medical and police procedure really interesting. It also let me really feel how men like Cadell were treated at the time, and how that shaped the way they thought about relationships, and love. The characters were well rounded, and developed, and I liked that it extended to the secondary cast as well. There were no easy villains, and everyone was more than they first appeared to be, and this was true for both the upper, and lower cast characters. The ending was well done, and fit the story nicely. Overall a nice period mystery with a nice touch of romance.



mle

Mad About the Hatter by Dakota Chase

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book, and how the author was able to retain the feel of the original book so well. The blend of nonsense and danger was well done, and Wonderland never felt too silly or too angsty. I had a little trouble understanding Henry at first, but once I got a feeling for his character, and his family I grew to like him. I helped that his time in Wonderland really forces him to open his eyes, and his mind, and he grows a lot over the course of the story. I liked how the Hatter was done. He was more than a bit mad, but not too over the top. He was a very human character, and I appreciated that. I liked seeing them learn to trust, and understand each other over the course of the story. It was a sweet, slow romance. The plot was well drawn, and paced, and I liked that the romance was only part of the story, and it never overtook the main plot. The ending was well done, and fit the feeling of the story well. Overall a fun ya story with a interesting cast, and plot.



mle

The Oracle series by Mell Eight

The Oracle's Flame

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

There is something I really like about Mell Eight's books. There's a sweetness to her fantasy that's endearing rather than annoying, and I liked that as sweet as it can be the stories aren't without real danger, and consequences. I liked the characters, and I liked seeing them grow closer together. The plot had a nice arc to it, and even thought I thought some of the ending was a little out of left field I could still enjoy the story. A nice start to a new series.


art credit - Dragon Tea by freeminds

The Oracle's Hatchling

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. I found Ling to be a relatable character, and I liked that the cruel way in which he was treated didn't make him a hard or a cold person. I liked how he reached out to the Prince, and how the two men learned to trust in each other. The plot was well done, and I liked that it was about more than brute force, but about trust, and openness, and learning to have faith in others. The ending was well done, and fit the mood of the story, and the characters well.


art credit - Element Butterfly by GrafixGirlIreland

The Oracle's Golem

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is my favorite of the series so far. I liked the story of what happened to Golem, and the choices that the Oracle was forced to make. It added a touch of darkness to an otherwise sweet series, and gave it a nice balance. I liked how things weren't as simple as they first appeared, and sometimes bad things have to happen in order for better things to come. I liked that the story wasn't simply about Marl and Golem, but about Lichen and the Oracle as well. I really liked Marl, and how he didn't let not being the strongest stop him from learning his element to the best of his ability. The plot to this story was nicely paced, and I really liked how things turned out. Can't wait to read the next one.


art credit - Earth Dragon by koneko no arashi

The Oracle's Sprite

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. The characters were well drawn, and interesting, and I liked how Keir always knew that there was something special about Sprite. I liked seeing Sprite grow, and just how much Keir gives him strength. The plot was well done, and I appreciate that Sprite's home is far from perfect, and that the series has been tackling the problems there more and more. The ending was well done, and I'm really looking forward to the next book. I can't wait for Lichen to have his own story.


art credit - Blue Cloud Dragon by John Avon

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Pebbles came for a visit today.

Level Hands (Bend or Break, #4) by Amy Jo Cousins

I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really disappointed by this book. I liked what I saw of Rafi and Denny in the last book, and I thought that their budding relationship was sweet. I was very excited to read this book, but Rafi drove me nuts in this book. I understand his frustrations, and his fears, but I did not like the way he took them out on the people around him, especially Denny. He blew so hot and cold throughout the course of this book. One minute he loved Denny and the next minute he knew that they didn't fit, and it would never work. It frustrated me especially because it was all Rafi making decisions for Denny, and never sitting down, and talking it out like adults. I liked that Denny got mad, and Denny pushed back, but he seemed a bit too good to be true, and he was always waiting not matter how much Rafi hurt him. He was almost a bit too much of a martyr.



I also didn't appreciate Rafi's attitude towards his new home. It seems like he never really tried to understand the area where his college was located, and took for granted that the white kids around him were just as well off as Denny. I didn't like all of his comments about "New England white boys" kind of drove me crazy. You want to be treated as an individual and not a stereotype, and I appreciate that, but maybe you should extend the same courtesy to others. That and maybe learn a little more about New England. Just a bit.



The plot was a bit slow, and so much of it felt like Rafi's own self created drama that I had a hard time really feeling badly for him. Things started to change towards the ending, but by that time it felt like too little too late, and I just didn't care enough.



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The Possession of Lawrence Eugene Davis by E.E. Ottoman

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. The Depression era setting was well drawn, and it really made me feel like I was there. I liked how Lawrence's experiences, and injuries from the war played into the story. I think this setting also added to the atmosphere of the story, and the dust, and the war added to the horror of the supernatural elements. I loved the ghost story, and the possession. It was dark, and creepy, and just the sort of story I like. The characters were well drawn, and I was glad it was more a story of attraction than any sort of destined love. I think love is in their future, but it didn't feel forced, or unnatural, and I appreciate that. The ending was well done, and fit this story very nicely. Overall I really enjoyed it.
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Wolf, WY (Wolf #1) by A.F. Henley

I received this book as an ARC though NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. I found the characters to be interesting, and well developed. I liked Randy very much. He was far from a perfect character, and I really enjoyed seeing him grow over the course of the story. I took a little while longer to warm up to Vaughn. He came across as more than a bit of a controlling jerk at first, but I learned to see beyond that, and it helped that Randy never let Vaughn push him too far, and he wasn't afraid to push back either. I liked the different take on werewolves, and it was interesting seeing the challenges of Vaughn and Lyle's relationship, and how Randy's presence played into that. I liked that Randy was far from a pawn, and he was able to stand for himself, and didn't need anyone to save him. I liked the secondary cast. Vaughn's kids were cute, but not obnoxiously so. I really enjoyed Randy's dad as well, and how much he supported Randy. It was nice to see the father as the nurturing one for a change. The plot was well paced, and interesting. I liked how the relationship developed at a natural pace, and there was no real talk of destined mates, or anything silly like that. I'm really looking forward to reading more.

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The Girl Next Door by Amy Jo Cousins

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit I was a little leery when I saw that the third book in this series was going to be a het romance. I have nothing against het romance, but I've been reading them for over 20 years, and I'm more than a little burned out on the genre. I was pleasantly surprised that this was far from the same old same old het romance.



I really loved Cash. I loved how much he cared about his friends, and how respectful he was of those around him. I liked how secure he was in his own sexuality, and how open minded his was when it came to his own pleasure, and other people's sexuality. I liked how he took ownership of his own feelings, and didn't hold Steph responsible for his jealousy. I also liked that he wasn't perfect, and how deeply insecure he was about what he saw as his own limits. I liked how those insecurities made him more sensitive to other people, and more willing to ask for help. He was far from the typical alpha male douche that populates a lot of het romance.



I liked Steph as well. It was nice to have such a strong, confident female that wasn't a complete bitch. I don't know why so many authors seem to equate female strength with bitchiness, but they do. I liked that she was bisexual, and I loved that she was sexually confident, and adventurous. No shy stereotypical virgin trope either. I appreciated that she was the character who had the most trouble committing to a relationship, with understandable reasons, and it was nice to see it was more Cash pining for Steph than the other way around. I love it when a trope gets turned on its head. I loved their banter, and the balance of the relationship felt very equal to me, which I also appreciated.



The plot of the book was nicely paced, and I loved how the entire book wasn't focused on the relationship. It was nice to see Cash come into his own, and see how much he changed over the course of story. I loved the secondary cast, and how they played into the main narrative. The resolution felt well done, and I loved the pacing of the romance. One of the best romance novels I've read hands down.

 

 

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