zondag 17 april 2016

Recommendations from Peggy for April 2016.

In order to bring some more variety to my blog, I have asked some of my bookish friends to tell about the books they have read in the past month, and to give us a recommendation. Today’s post is made by Peggy from Belgium.

Peggy:

I have read 8 novels in the past month, and the 3 books I enjoyed the most are:

1. All that jazz – Natasha Boyd

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There's something totally inconvenient about falling for your best friend's brother. Especially when he's turned into a pompous, arrogant, albeit annoyingly sexy a-hole that you'd like to punch or kiss to death at any given moment.

After a stupid favor that blurred the lines from friends to lovers the summer she turned eighteen, Jazz Frazer accidentally lost her heart to Joey Butler. For three years they've pretended there's nothing between them anymore. Jazz is finally ready to move on with the rest of her life. She's determined that experiences and relationships will be fun, casual and easy. After all, she learned the hard way that men just don't stick around anyway. But when her best friend gets herself into a relationship with a celebrity, Jazz has to do the one thing she never thought she'd do, call Joey and ask for help.
Repeatedly thrown together, Jazz tries everything she can to protect her heart and not fall back in love with Joey. But when Joey finally admits that Jazz is the one he's always wanted, all bets are off.

This is a full length, standalone, contemporary, friends to lovers and second chance romance. It is a spin off from the Eversea series and may therefore contain minor spoilers.


2. Canada Square – Carrie Elks

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Secrets have a way of coming out...
Amy Cartwright isn't sure who she's supposed to be anymore. Her family thinks she's flighty, her ex believes she's a walkover (the bastard) and her friends think she's plain crazy. But there's a different side to her that nobody sees, nobody but the cool, sexy Scotsman who just happens to be her boss.
Callum Ferguson isn't looking for excitement; he's had that and it almost ruined him. He likes things calm and predictable - everything that his new PA turns out not to be. But from the moment she walks through his office door it's as though the light has come back into his life, and he can't get her out of his mind.
Fighting against the inevitable, they both try to ignore the attraction, but the flame of desire is too bright. They're soon drawn into a steamy love affair that they have to hide from everybody, knowing the revelation could cost them everything they've worked so hard for, as well as each other.
Author note: Canada Square is #3 in the Love in London Series, but can be read as a standalone novel.

3. Reckless surrender – R.C. Martin

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Three and a half years ago, Daphne walked into my shop, kicked open the door to my soul, invited herself inside, and got comfortable. By the time I realized she’d made herself at home, it was too late to kick her out. Now, I’m in love with her. But I’m not her boyfriend. She’s not my lover. We’re just friends…

Trevor’s it for me. I love him so much it drives me crazy. But we’re broken—two battered people whose souls have been ravaged by the world. We decided a long time ago that we wanted to love each other but not attempt to fix one another. Instead, we give each other as much as we can. I’m beginning to wonder if that’s ever going to be enough…

Daphne is my best friend, our bond forged by a shared mistake that left us both brokenhearted. Her happiness is wrapped in the tattooed package of a man named Trevor, and I want her to have him. I'm bold enough to do anything to push those two together, even if that means consorting with the enemy—her brother, Roman. All I have to do is convince his stubborn ass that my plan will work...


To my delight I received this month an ARC from two writers. One was ‘All that jazz’ from Natasha Boyd (a writer that I met at the Love Letter Convention last year and who was very nice) and the other one was from a new writer (to me) namely Carrie Elks who I will meet this month at the Love Letter Convention in Berlin. I liked both books very much.

‘All that jazz’ is a spin off from the Eversea series but you don’t have to read them to read this book. This story is about Jessica ‘Jazz’ Frazer and Joseph ‘Joey’ Butler. If you have read ‘Eversea’ then you know that Jazz is Keri Ann Butler’s best friend and Joey is her brother. Although we see Keri Ann and her famous boyfriend Jack Eversea in this story, the whole story really revolves around Jazz and Joey. I really liked the way that the writer Natasha Boyd wrote the story from present to past to present again. That she told us, what happened between Jazz and Joey in the past so we could better understand their troubled relationship in the present.

I really loved this story. Sometimes it’s very easy to fall in clichés when telling a story about second chance romance but Natasha Boyd didn’t do that with Jazz and Joey’s story. She made Jazz strong and believable. I really liked the last part of the story. It was the perfect way to go for Jazz and Joey’s story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book of Natasha Boyd.

‘Canada square’ from Carrie Elks is the third book of the ‘London of love’ series but you don’t have to read the first two books of this series to read this one.

One thing that I love in a book is when a writer surprises me with the way the story goes and Carrie Elks did this to me with ‘Canada Square’. After reading the blurb I didn’t really knew what to expect from Amy Cartwright but I can tell you now, that I liked her very much. She got more confidence during the story and you can say that she grew into herself. I loved the way that she stood up against Callum Ferguson. I love the interaction and the chemistry between Amy and Callum and the way that their ‘relationship’ blossomed between them. But it’s also a story about Amy’s friends and her family and how they see her and her ambition for becoming more in life. This story left me definitely curious about the other two stories in this series.

That’s my recommendation for this month.

Until next month.

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Aurian: Thanks for the recommendation Peggy! Good of you to read books of authors for Berlin, I haven't even started yet!



© 2016 Reviews by Aurian

zaterdag 9 april 2016

Lucy Arlington - Off the Books

The fifth book in the Novel Idea Mystery series, published February 2, 2016.
Genre: cozy mystery
Cover: lovely

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Literary agent and amateur sleuth Lila Wilkins is back to seal the deal in the "New York Times" bestselling Novel Idea Mystery series. "Lila is showcasing some of her biggest authors at a bridal expo. But when the joyous event turns deadly, she ll have to figure out who penned the perfect crime..." The Novel Idea Literary Agency has planned a wedding-themed week for Inspiration Valley, celebrating not only North Carolina s best vendors but also some of the agency s most popular bridal books. The fact that Lila can use the event to plan her own impending nuptials is just the icing on the cake. But wedding bells turn to warning bells when Lila finds a dead man facedown in the frosting. Soon it s discovered that the victim was connected to several Novel Idea authors, all of whom quickly become suspects in the case. It s up to Lila and her fellow agents to find the real killer before one of their clients winds up scribbling stories from behind bars..."


Great series and great characters. Lila sure has her work cut out for her in this book. One client charged with murder, while another one might have done it. But how to prove it?
Add to that the fact that her mother has a new boyfriend, and her son has quit college to follow a career in cooking and her fiancée is reluctant to set a wedding date …
But of course all will work out. I loved that she got closer to her mother, as they were working together at the event. Althea sure is a character that could have her own series!

Recommended!


9 stars.

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© 2016 Reviews by Aurian

vrijdag 8 april 2016

Lisa Shearin - Wedding Bells, Magic Spells

The seventh book in the Raine Benares series, published February 15, 2016.
Genre: urban fantasy
Cover: lovely

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Name: Raine Benares
Race: Elf
Job: Seeker, bride, peace talks referee
Problem: Back-stabbing diplomats, bride-hating mother-in-law

I've successfully destroyed the Saghred (AKA, a legendary soul-sucking rock). I've sent an evil goblin demigod to the Lower Hells. I'm coming to terms with my burgeoning new powers. I'm marrying super sexy paladin Mychael Eiliesor. You'd think I could handle a wedding and meeting my soon-to-be mother-in-law without another calamity brewing. You'd be wrong! The new, thankfully non-psychotic, Goblin King is willing to come to the table to discuss a peace treaty. The Isle of Mid is the site of these delicate negotiations, meaning all hands on deck for Mychael and his Conclave Guardians. When the head of elven intelligence (and my wedding guest) Duke Markus Sevelien is nearly assassinated upon his arrival, I suspect my mother-in-law will be the least of my concerns. Sabotaging the peace talks is the first salvo in a treacherous and deadly new apocalyptic plot. Mychael and I might not make it to the altar after all!


I do love this series a lot, and I am very happy Lisa Shearin is continuing this series on her own. So yes, I bought the expensive print-on-demand version at Amazon. (Why does the cover have to feel so icky on those books? And why does it always seem as little dead bugs are squashed in the pages? Or is that just me?)
Was it worth the money? Absolutely. I did love the story, and the battle with the evil goblins is not ever yet, the next book promises to be epic. Still, it did feel a bit like a filler, like the author has to get back in the vibe herself, and it was more a reunion book with Raine's loved ones who have come to attend her wedding to Michael. With danger and scary creatures thrown in the mix for fun.
Lisa's writing style is just right for me, the mix of humor and kick ass (female) characters, and the elves and goblins. The fight against evil continues, and I want the next book.

9 stars.



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© 2016 Reviews by Aurian

donderdag 7 april 2016

Hamilton Crane - Hands up, Miss Seeton

A book in the Miss Seeton series, published January 1, 1992.
Genre: cozy mystery
Cover: bad

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In a flurry of confusion, Miss Seeton is accused of being a thief's accomplice. She's cleared of any wrongdoing at the police station and discovers the Yard's latest baffling case is cocaine smuggling. Armed with an unerring eye for detail, Miss Seeton uncovers the ring of drug dealers--in her own village.


A fun story I really enjoyed. Miss Seeton meets some old friends from that fatal Greek cruise, and gets suspected of being a criminal herself.

7 stars.



© 2016 Reviews by Aurian

woensdag 6 april 2016

ARC-review Gini Koch - Camp Alien

Book 13 in the Katherine 'Kitty' Katt series, to be published May 3, 2016.
Genre: sci fi fantasy
Cover: filled with action

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The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, don't get any downtime once the Mastermind has been revealed to the world. Not only do they have myriad high-level government positions to fill, but the scrutiny and pressure on this Administration has gone into overdrive.
The sudden reappearance of a long-forgotten adversary turns out to be the tip of the iceberg. New robots and androids attacking, old enemies making new alliances, and new aliens with interesting abilities almost overshadow the fact that the U.S. still has to host a peace summit at Camp David between Israel and Iraq. It's clear that while the Mastermind may be down, there are plenty of others ready to take his place - and all that stands between them and success are Kitty and Company.
Kidnappings, rescues, creepy hideouts, a hidden black site, and a domestic dispute that could end Jeff and Kitty's marriage are nothing compared to finding not one but two hidden labs where dangerous and deadly things are brewing.
But when the President and his entourage finally get to the peace talks, things are no better. Mossad rightly suspects something's wrong with both their Prime Minister and the President of Iraq. A hidden in-control superbeing, an android replacement, and an army of Fem-Bots turn the peace talks into a Battle Royale that the team might not actually survive. And if they don't make it, Earth won't make it, either.
But no pressure.


This book picks up right where the previous one ended, with no time to take a breath for Kitty and Company. It is non stop action and intrigue, and Kitty has to get used to being the FLOTUS fast. Living in the White House, instead of the Alpha Centaurian Embassy, and possibly without the Elves! But all the animals will still join them nightly, and of course invisibly during the day.

But this time, Gini has picked up the pace with some creepiness, by putting Kitty and her gang in one of the scariest places in America: Forest Haven Insane Asylum. It absolutely added to the atmosphere of the book, and if you love creepy stuff, you will love it. I so never want to go there! (Yes, it is a real place, and yes, there are pictures and stories on the internet if you are curious.)

Something also happens that makes Kitty absolutely furious with Jeff, Chuckie and Reader, and they will have to grovel to make it up to her. That was a great scene, where Kitty speaks her mind and tells them off.

There never seems to be a shortage of enemies, old and new, and plots against Kitty and her children. But with the help of her music, her secret ally and her devious brain, Kitty foils them all. I can't wait to see what will happen next.

10 stars.



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© 2016 Reviews by Aurian

dinsdag 5 april 2016

Julie Hyzy - Foreign Eclairs

The ninth and last book in the White House Chef Mystery series, published January 5, 2016.
Genre: cozy mystery with recipes
Cover: good, I want one!

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White House executive chef Ollie Paras has served plenty of meals to foreign dignitaries from around the world. But someone is ready to serve her an ice-cold dish of revenge.... Things are about to really heat up for Ollie. News of a bombing and attempted breakout at a federal prison reveals that the brother of a terrorist she helped defeat is back with a vengeance. And after she gets mugged on her way home from work, the Secret Service won't leave her side, fearing that she is now a target. When a White House staff member is murdered, officials rush into action over a possible security breach. It may be time for Ollie to trade in her apron for a bullet-proof vest as she becomes part of a bold strategy to make sure this terrorist gets his just desserts.


Julie Hyzy explained in a nice blogpost why she has to stop writing this series, and the possibility that another author might take it over, as she doesn't own it. I don't know about other readers, but I am a fan of an author, not of a publisher, so I don't think I could read on in another author's style.
I think she did a marvellous job on this last book in the series, leaving the ending kind of open, so the next author can do with it what he or she wants.
It was suspenseful, and though on Ollie and her husband Gav, but again Ollie managed to get herself out of danger.

I loved it, and I will probably read this series again some day. It is very well written, and I can imagine being in the White House and seeing all those amazing rooms.
Julie, thank you for writing such an entertaining story!

10 stars.



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maandag 4 april 2016

Anne Bishop - Marked in Flesh

The fourth book in the Others series, published March 8, 2016.
Genre: urban fantasy
Cover: fits the series

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The dynamic between humans and Others has changed. Some, like wolf shifter Simon Wolfgard and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the closer companionship as beneficial - both personally and practically. But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. They don't realize that there are older, more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land-and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs.


My most anticipated read of 2016, that is for sure. And perhaps I expected too much of it, because although I thoroughly enjoyed it (it kept me up until 3 a.m., not smart on a Wednesday), I kept expecting more. More danger, excitement, retaliation by the Elders. But the book did tug on my emotions big time, and I really liked meeting new people, both Intuit and Shifters and Elementals.

I liked the progress with the blood prophets, and that Meg learns something else besides cutting herself for prophecies. I like Hope a lot.

And in my opinion, it did not need that last chapter.

10 stars.



Autobuy authorLove this book

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© 2016 Reviews by Aurian