Book Review: Spring in Hyde Park

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance.

Join three bestselling Regency Romance authors, Jennifer Moore, G.G. Vandagriff, and Nichole Van, for three new novellas in SPRING IN HYDE PARK:

A HAPPY ACCIDENT by Jennifer Moore. Jonathan Burles father has just died, making him the new Marquess of Spencer and the most sought after bachelor in London. An unfortunate accident leads to a forced marriage to Maryann Croft, a young woman who possesses no title, and an unexpected secret. With the unstable beginning to their marriage, finding love together seems impossible.

THE DISDAINFUL DUKE by G. G. Vandagriff. Lady Saphronia Huffington has always thought of herself as plain next to the beauty of her sister, Lady Lavinia. So when her sister becomes engaged to Lord Gilbert Caldwell and Saphronia is paired for wedding events with his brother, the granite-faced Duke of Mayfield, who is known to prefer beauties, she sharpens her wit. Thus begins a lengthy sparring contest during which the Duke realizes Saphronia is anything but plain.

AN INVISIBLE HEIRESS by Nichole Van. Miss Belle Heartstone has everything money can buy—houses, servants, carriages, clothing, jewels. A husband, however, is proving much harder to, ehr . . . purchase. Colin Radcliffe, the newly minted Marquess of Blake, is in desperate need of funds—preferably of the wife-free variety. When circumstances draw the two together, Blake might be the only man able to see beyond the Belle’s outer façade, and fall in love with the woman inside. 

Review

This was such an enjoyable read! The Timeless Regency collection always makes me so happy. This collection had three novellas, and, I am happy to say all three of them were 5-star reads! I never wanted theses stories to end. 

A HAPPY ACCIDENT was excellent, but if I had to choose, this was my least favorite novella, but I still really liked it. It was just missing a certain je ne sais quoi. This story has the commonplace theme in Regency of misunderstandings, but everything is resolved in the end. 

THE DISDAINFUL DUKE was probably my favorite of the novellas, and I wanted so badly for it to be a full length novel. There is character development and it seemed like the story kept a good pace.

AN INVISIBLE HEIRESS was a great story with the sweetest friendship. Belle was such an interesting character, and her emotion was written so well it felt like I was her. The ending was so sweet I'm surprised I didn't get a cavity ;). 

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

Book Review: The Last of the Firedrakes

Goodreads Summary

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.

Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

Review

Where do I start with this book? It seemed like the action never let up, but the story didn't go too fast that it was hard to keep up. It was the perfect balance! The characters were developed and the settings and descriptions were dreamy. 

One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “Everything happens for a reason, and nothing is an accident. It is all part of a much larger divine plan,” Duke Silverthorne said gravely, but in a surprisingly kind voice. “When difficulties come, we must see them as what they are—opportunities and a new path to discover your potential. How will you ever know the magnitude of courage you are capable of if you have never experienced the hopelessness of fear? (Kindle location 1218)” This quote represents what the book is about, overcoming hardship and discovering who you are. Aurora is such a great heroine who is adventurous and brave, and sometimes ends up in crazy situations, but luckily Rafe is there to help her. 

Rafe is the hero of the story, and just one in a large cast of characters that help to make this story just so good. I can't wait to see more of him. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in what promises to be a fantastic series!

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

Happy Mother's Day!

"No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child."

~ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Can you believe it is already Mother's Day? This year has gone by so fast! The quote above comes from one of my most favorite General Conference talks evah!! I remember feeling so overwhelmed with the love I have for my mom as I listened to him give that talk. Because I finally have a blog, I thought I would dedicate a post to my wonderful mom. This is her 20th Mother's Day being a mom, so I have chosen 20 things that I love about her.

1. I love that you put up with me whenever I am moody and irrational. I can be a real pain. You seriously have the patience of a saint! 
2. I love that we can go out shopping together and just spend time with each other. I wouldn't trade those times for anything in the world. 
3. I love that you teach me how to work and get stuff done. I am eternally grateful you don't just give me whatever I want, but teach me to work and earn. 

One of my favorite pictures of me and my mom. Isn't she gorgeous?

 4. I love that I can talk to you about my problems and you will listen, but give me tough love when it's necessary ;). 

5. I love that you will buy me small little things that no one else would think to get me, just because you know me so well. 

6. I love that you love volleyball. Too bad I could never get the hang of it :). 

7. I love that you love photography and have passed that love to me. You are so talented!

8. I love that you love dad, and show your kids that love.

My parents are the coolest! I believe this picture was taken around the time they got engaged, early 1994. Denim jackets and shades. I can only dream of being that hip! 

9. I love how selfless you are. Caring for children besides your own, helping those who need it. 

10. I love your sense of humor and that we can laugh together.

11. I love that you know who you are and have taught me who I am and can become, even though I'm still learning. 

12. I love that you make time to visit your parents and spend time with them. 

13. I love that you will help me with school stuff, especially when I was younger and would stay up late to help me finish a project that I really procrastinated on. 

14. I love that you take care of me when I'm sick and I can still hold your hand when I get shots.

15. I love that you regularly tell me you love me.

16. I love that you are quick to forgive me.

17. I love how smart she is. If she wants to make or fix something, she'll figure out how to do it. 

18. I love that you share your treats with us, even if you get them for your birthday or Christmas and they are rightfully yours and you shouldn't have to share but you do anyways. 

19. I love that you push me to be my best.

20. I love that I got so lucky to have you as my mom!

This was in 2011 at the U2 concert in Salt Lake City. I got to go with my parents and some family friends. One of the best days ever! 

Mom, I love you so much! I want to be you when I grow up.

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” 

Abraham Lincoln

Book Review: First Light

Goodreads Summary

Seventeen-year-old Adrielle doesn’t believe in magic; she merely possesses it, though no one has ever mentioned that her unusual gifts—exceptional speed, a flair for fire, and an intimate knowledge of flora—aren’t things she was born with. When Adrielle starts a fire that burns down the family home, she must deal with both her grief and her siblings’ hurtful rejection.

While journeying to far away Tallinyne, in search of her older, estranged sister—the only relative who might take her in—Adrielle is separated from her escort when the carriage is beset by thieves. Alone, she is thrust into a dangerous and unfamiliar world where she encounters fairies and gypsies, a wild boar, a drunk cook, and an evil queen whose curse is sweeping death across the land. Adrielle also finds love, falling hard for a kind, funny, handsome—and completely unavailable prince.

From the glowing pearls tucked beneath her mattress and keeping her awake at night, to Queen Nadamaris’s curse that seems to thwart Adrielle’s every effort, Adrielle struggles to navigate a world of magic she never imagined, where people she knows and loves are not always what they appear to be. With the glowing pearls—and her fondest desire—within her grasp, she is forced to make a choice no girl should ever have to—satisfying her own heart or saving the kingdom. 

   This story was a charming fairy tale, with elements from Sleeping Beauty. Adrielle was a great heroine. Her life isn't easy and she goes through some pretty difficult things in this book. I don't want to give anything away, but when she discovers her purpose and what she can do, it is wonderful to watch it unfold. She is brave, kind, and everything else a leading lady of a fairy tale should be! 

   The hero of First Light is Christian, who is, you guessed it, a prince! His relationship with Adrielle was not insta-love, and I loved seeing them be friends before they got romantic. He had every princely quality I would want ;). 

   The villain of the book is truly horrible. Queen Nadamaris is probably to most cruel and just plain despicable villain I've encountered while reading in a while. The queen's hatred of Adrielle is almost palpable. I think Nadamaris could give all the other Disney villains a run for their money. 

   Overall, a great read. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be released!

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Perfekt Balance

Goodreads Summary:

Elsa Fredriksen knows there’s a thin line between love and fear. As High Healer, she rights the wrongs committed by Asgard’s enemies. But even the gods’ secret weapon can’t undo every injury—especially when her fate is completely entwined with the god she’s trying to save.

Elsa’s in love with the Norse God of Justice. But Forse’s heart is ruled by fear—fear that the past will repeat itself; fear that opening his heart will compromise his ability to do his job; fear that he’ll hurt the one girl he desperately wants to protect. Again.

When Elsa faces off against the very monster she once swore to protect, her survival depends on a power she isn’t sure she can control. And when Forse’s worst nightmare unfolds in front of him, Elsa has to decide whether it’s more important to hold the realms in perfekt balance . . . or hold onto the guy she can’t imagine existing without. 

Before I start the review, I thought I'd share pictures of who I picture as Elsa and Forse. For future book reviews, if I see pictures of who I picture certain characters as, I will be adding them to reviews, just for fun. 

Gabriella Wilde for Elsa:

And an unknown, but nevertheless very cute guy for Forse:

Now for the review!

This is the third book in the Aere Saga by S.T. Bende. This book focused on Elsa, Tyr's younger sister, and Forse, who is the God of Justice, Tyr's friend, and Elsa's longtime friend and crush. It was shorter than the other two in the series so far, but it was still packed with action and romance! Forse and Elsa's relationship was so cute! I hope we see more of their developing relationship. I liked getting more of a backstory on the characters and also on what happened leading up to Tyr and Mia's parent's deaths. I thought that Runa, the villain (or is she?) of the story was developed well. I'm very interested to see where her story goes, and without spoiling it, the revelation regarding her and another character was one that I definitely didn't see coming, but I liked it nonetheless. The action scenes are always so well written in S.T. Bende's books, I felt like I was right there. I also loved seeing all the techy gadgets that have been developed. I think my favorite part of the book was when (highlight to see spoilers) Forse proposed to Elsa. So cute! Now if only Mia and Tyr can get on the engagement train and I'll be happy! ;) End spoilers. Overall, a good continuation in the series. Too bad we have to wait till 2017 for the next one. :(

I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Midwinter Ball

Goodreads Summary
From the publisher of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance. 

Join three bestselling regency romance authors, Heidi Ashworth, Annette Lyon, and Michele Paige Holmes, for three new regency romance novellas in A MIDWINTER BALL. 

MUCH ADO ABOUT DANCING by Heidi Ashworth. Two years have passed since Lord Northrup declared his intentions for Miss Analisa Lloyd-Jones and forbade any other man to court her. Angry at the neglect, Analisa stopped reading his letters, never even breaking the seals. Tired of waiting, Analisa joins the house party at Mrs. Smith’s famous country home, determined to find a beau. When Lord Northrup unexpectedly joins the party, Analisa discovers she is no longer repulsed by the man who first laid claim to her hand.

SWEETER THAN ANY DREAM by Annette Lyon. Olivia Wallington is firmly established as a spinster, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the perfect man. Ever since her father’s death, Olivia has been forced into seclusion by her mother. When her brother and his wife come for a visit, they discover the extent to which she lives under their mother’s thumb. With their help, Olivia sneaks out to attend a local ball, where she meets Edward Blakemoore. For a few divine moments, all of her dreams seem possible. But even someone like Mr. Blakemoore would be hard pressed to get past Mrs. Wallington’s fortress of protection—or past Olivia’s pride.

AN INVITATION TO DANCE by Michele Paige Holmes. Lady Ella has been isolated on her father’s estate since her mother’s death as her father travels the world. When Alex Darling arrives with a letter from her long-dead fiancé, and a demand that she travel to London for a series of engagements, Ella thinks her father instigated the strange demands and agrees. In London, she discovers the truth behind her fiancé’s death, and that new love might be possible in the arms of the most unexpected man. 

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
These anthologies of Regency romance are becoming one of my favorite things to read! They are always clean reads, so it's nice to know that you won't run across anything inappropriate.

The first novella in this collection was Much Ado About Dancing. This was my least favorite of the three, but I still liked it. The whole story takes place during a house party, and the whole idea of it was interesting. Analisa was a likable heroine, and I liked seeing her grow as a character. I could see where she was coming from, not giving Lord Northrup a chance to really explain himself, but her decision to try to understand him was admirable. While I don't like that Lord Northrup tried to scare away all of Analisa's suitors when they were younger, I did like the man he became. Also, when we found out the reasoning behind his actions, we see him in a new light. Overall, a good read.

The second novella is Sweeter Than Any Dream. I really liked Olivia. Ever since her father died, her mother and aunt have been kind of horrible to her. When her brother and his wife come and visit, she is able to go to a ball where she meets Edward, whom she had had a run in with before. I also like Edward. He was so kind and understanding, and he was a schoolfriend of Olivia's brother. A really cute story.

The final novella is An Invitation to Dance. I liked this story, and Ella, the heroine. By the time the story starts, Ella's fiance has been dead for 10 years. Finding out the story behind this was interesting. I liked how Ella wasn't the usual type of society girl. She liked to be outdoors and riding horses. Alex was great and I loved getting to know him and how he knows Ella. I felt the story ended a bit abruptly, so I would've liked to see a bit more to the story. This was probably my favorite story of the bunch.

Book Review: Perfekt Control

So when I originally wanted to start a blog, I wanted it to be primarily a book blog, but I changed my mind to include other aspects of my life. This is my first book review, and I'm still trying to figure out my niche in reviewing, like how I want to format it and such. So please bear with me if the first few reviews aren't all formatted the same. :) 

Goodreads Summary
Brynn Aksel is a valkyrie—a battle goddess tasked with protecting both the God of War and the future of Asgard. She fends off giants and dark elves with an iron fist, a glossy smile, and no less than perfekt control. She’s focused one-hundred-percent on rising through the valkyrie ranks, and not at all on her lifelong crush on Henrik Andersson—the one guy in all the realms who could be her undoing.

Henrik serves as War’s other bodyguard, and he’s too focused on protecting their shared charge to realize that Brynn’s a girl. When an unprecedented surge of darkness abducts the Goddess of Love, Brynn’s already-steely focus is singularly directed on her new assignment—accompany Henrik to recover the realms’ source of light before the cosmos descends into chaos.

While battling demons, dragons, and the not-quite-dead, it becomes clear that immortality does not equal invincibility. And when Hel herself puts a hit on Brynn, the valkyrie has to decide if staying in control is worth losing everything . . . or if it’s time to rule the realms.

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book! The second novel in the Aere Saga, Perfekt Control was the perfect continuation to the series. I liked getting to know Brynn better. Her inner turmoil regarding Henrik and with Freya being taken and how she developed as a character was well done. I bet we'd be best friends in real life. It was also fun getting to know Henrik better. I love how he wears glasses to look smart. As if he isn't already smart enough, making all those tech gadgets. This book had more action and adventure to it than the previous one, which was a fun change. I enjoyed seeing some more of the realms in the Norse world. I liked seeing the other characters from the first book, especially because Tyr and Mia are my favorite S.T. Bende characters. I hope we find out more about Freya and her abilities. I want to know her story. I can't wait for the third book in this series, Perfekt Balance, and to learn about Forse and Elsa! Four out of five stars.