Amid the Winter Snow by Grace Draven

REVIEWED BY 

Micky Barnard 

Amid the Winter Snow by Grace Draven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars overall

In the Darkest Midnight - Grace Draven 4.5 stars

Grace Draven delivered on a novella with the fullest sense of story, characterisation and completion. It had a seasonal feel in terms of some key moments in the story, though of course not traditional Christmas. This is a story told over more than a decade that is set in a world tenuously connected to Bast Haradis with a cameo from a character from Radiance and Eidolon. Jahna was a wonderful character, with that departure from traditional beauty that Grace Draven is so good at. Her admiration for Radimar is something to behold, young crush at first and over time their connection was beautiful. The world and the characters pulled me in so completely, the writing slipped into my imagination with ease. This winter anthology started off in the best way possible.

The Chosen - Thea Harrison 4 stars

This is my first read by Thea Harrison and I can say I’m infected in the best way by the story and characters that she weaved. This magical story of war, confrontation, leadership, desire and connection was superb. Wulf was both a bad and good man wrapped up in one, formidable and yet honourable. Lily was the chosen one, leader of her people at the abbey. She was a very interesting character to get to know and I loved their chemistry together. I would have to say that I came to this anthology for Grace Draven and found Thea Harrison of a similar style, so I’ll be checking out her work.

The Storm - Elizabeth Hunter 2.5 stars

My least favourite of the anthology, partly because angel stories aren’t really my bag (despite the subtlety of the context) and partly because I just didn’t gel with the storyline. I think this is because it is a novella from a wider series and I lacked knowledge of the world building necessary to appreciate it fully.

The Snows of Windoven - Jeffe Kennedy 3.5 stars

Whilst this book is a novella from a series I’ve not read, I did not feel disadvantaged. It was cleverly written so I could understand everything I needed for the purposes of this story and it’s world. The focus was a relationship of some longevity, a queen and consort and their battle to keep or lose what they had. It was sensual and riveting with a fantasy world that piqued my interest.

A copy of this anthology was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.


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Tales from Cushman Row by Suanne Laqueur

REVIEWED BY 

Micky Barnard

Tales from Cushman Row by Suanne Laqueur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I would never typically pick up a book of extras following on from a series or book I enjoyed, but rarely have I connected with books like I have with AN EXALTATION OF LARKS and A CHARM OF FINCHES. So, I had to delve into TALES FROM CUSHMAN ROW.

What’s inside is a flow of connected elements that builds to a crescendo and ending; I really didn’t expect that. In fact, Suanne says at the beginning, they’re disconnected bits but I think she does herself a disservice because the flow was full of ease from chapter to chapter, connection to connection.

The focus is Stef and Jav in the main, but not wholly them, many of the characters from larks and finches make it in these tales, you see Ari, Geno, Alex and more. Those extras from other characters were frankly like water to a dry desert and I gulped the words down. I laughed quite a lot at the banter and I’ve come out of it feeling like I know Stef and Jav so much better, when I thought I knew them well already.

Along with the witty banter between this couple, there’s plenty of heat and heart. The words and feelings from the heart just gut me when it comes to these two.

“I feel like me. I feel like I finally met someone who literally speaks my language.”

“I want for nothing right now. Don’t let it end. I waited so long. Now just let the rest of my life be this.”

How this collection of tales ended was simply superb. I was teary and fulfilled. I’m also sad these characters are seemingly at an end. Should Suanne decide to write more, I’ll be the one camping outside, at the front of the queue for more. To have been able to read these three books in one year has meant so much to my literary soul; I feel full up. I leave you with this snapshot of settled life.

“You look good,” Stef said. “Thank you.” “You wearing underwear?” “Yes, dear.”



A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe 

Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moonlight over Manhattan is Book 6 in the From Manhattan with Love Series but is easily a stand alone.

There is so much I loved about this book. This is the first book that I can remember that I actually woke up in the middle of the night thinking about. I had to grab that book and finished it as I knew there was no way I was going back to sleep.

There were several really good quotes. My favorite is when Harriet is referring to hot chocolate as 'hug in a mug'.

The banter Harriet and Ethan (aka Dr. Hot) have is what I think pulled me into the book. It was so realistic. Like I was there watching it unfold. I could visibly see when Harriet took a deep breath to get control of her stuttering. I also could feel Ethan's shame when he realized that because of his attitude it caused Harriet's reaction.

Ethan thinks that Harriet is a solution to a problem he has fulfilling his promise to his sister to take care of her dog but she turns out to be so much more.

I love that Harriet has no qualms about standing up for herself and putting Ethan in his place. She's so much stronger than she gives herself credit for.

Harriet's on a mission (Challenge Harriet) to do one thing every day that scares her.

Throughout the book we actually see Harriet gradually become more and more confident. We also see Ethan become more attached ('in clue') to others around him. I could see with his profession it became a necessity to be 'detached'.

I enjoyed the secondary characters, Ethan's sister Debra (aka secret matchmaker), Susan, a colleague (doctor) of Ethan's, and Fliss (Harriet's twin sister).

The author did a very good job of writing that had me connecting to this story throughout the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and have already bought the audio version because I know I'll be able to listen to it again before having the time to re-read it.

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So Over You by Kate Meader

REVIEWED BY 

Micky Barnard 

So Over You by Kate Meader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SO OVER YOU has unexpectedly become my favourite so far of the series. I wasn’t expecting to find Isobel such an interesting character. She seemed mousey but driven and a bit uninteresting in book one, however when the layers were peeled back, she had a lot going on, past and present.

Vadim was one heck of a character. Initially, I felt very little, by the end this Russian hockey player had totally won me over and I was cheering his side. Vadim was a slice of arrogant, part unconditional regard and a big ball of frustration, it made for fun and occasionally angsty reading. What I loved was Vadim and Isobel’s second chance element to their story, they had chemistry and emotion going on. The glimpses of Harper and Remy were welcome too.

This book started off slow for me and that has pulled the rating down a little but if you experience the same, please stick with it because it is definitely a grower and ultimately very worth it.

I cannot wait for book three. That little insight midway and the end absolutely have me in desperation for book three. I am delighted at discovering Kate Meader thanks to a buddy.

A copy of this book was provided by the author through netgalley, in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.

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Big Man by Penny Wylder

REVIEWED BY

Tina Shobe

Big Man by Penny Wylder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sasha Bluebell returns to her hometown on a mission to sell her mom's property that she inherited after her passing. She did plan on the complication of Grant Werther, whom unknown to her also inherited a portion.

Neither one of them thinks the other one recognizes/remembers the other. Prior to the drama of high school the two of them grew up together and were once pretty close friends.

I was confused on first trying to determine if the reason Sasha left town and had previously not returned was because her mom and her had a falling out or if something traumatic happened to her. Then I was confused on why the towns people were treating her the way they were. I think my confusion actually pulled me more into the story. It intrigued me as I was determined to figure out what happened in her past.

As far as Grant goes he grew up into a fine big man. Seriously is there anything hotter than watching a bare chested buff man chopping wood. I could actually visualize sweat running down his chest. He is definitely a small town guy. He doesn't need much to make him content.

They first came across as having nothing in common. 'City Girl' and 'Country Boy'. He thinks that small town life hold no attraction to Sasha. Sasha is determined there is more to her that being a big city girl.

These two have interesting dynamics. Like a love, hate relationship. There is underlying heat that slowly ignite as we read along and is at the point of being combustible when they give in to the chemistry.

As they work on the house and property that they have to figure out if the end result will be if they will have the same goal or will go their separate ways.


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Only for You by Melissa Foster

REVIEWED BY 

Tina Shobe 

Only for You by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Only for You is book 2 in the Sugar Lake Book but is can easily be a stand alone.

Bodhi Booker is renovating a home for his mom who's moving to Sugar Lake in the very near future. Her new home is next door to young widow Bridgette Dalton and her cute little boy, Louie.

Reading along while Bodhi and Bridgette fight their intense attraction had me reminiscing all those old awkward moments when I first met my husband; being tongue tied, caught staring, blushing at inappropriate times....

I completely understood their stance on not wanting to have a relationship. Bodhi isn't going to be in town long and with his job he doesn't want to risk putting someone through what he and his mom experienced when his father passed. Having already experienced loss it's not a journey that Bridgette wants to open herself up to plus she now has to think of Louie.

I absolutely love the moments that Bodhi is showing/teaching Louie how to do things around the house. Being a male role model for him. It just made my heart melt.

The secondary characters in this book add a lot of humor that for me, made me connect more with the story. Made it more realistic.

This was a wonderful fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Behind the Bars by Brittainy C. Cherry

REVIEWED BY

Monique Cashmere

Behind the Bars by Brittainy C. Cherry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is something about a Brittainy C. Cherry book that just draws you in. I’m sure it is due to the richness of her characters and the powerful storylines. This novel is full of that. The journey that you will be lead on is full of angst and heartache. It is a touching tale of friendships, family bonds, passion and sorrow.

It is told in dual POV by Elliott and Jasmine. Their story starts in high school where they form an unlikely alliance with a promise of more. Circumstances change the course of direction for them, and it is six years before they connect again. They have both changed, and maybe not for the better. Until they each find their truths, they can not fully reach their HEA.

Even though I enjoyed this read, I can’t say it’s my favourite. For me, it was too angsty, and that might surprise some, as I like my angsty books. Whether it was my mood or circumstances I’m not sure but it didn’t quite feel like a winner for me. It didn’t flow collectedly as I am used to from this author. I like a little more humor to lighten it up and not be fully sad. I also love romance in my reading choices, but this one seemed excessive and slightly over the top and unauthentic. I may be in the minority with these thoughts and it won’t by any means stop me from reading more works from Ms Cherry.

*I received a copy for an honest review.
*Reviewed by Monique for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.

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