The Azure Kingdom ~ Michelle Dare

Title: The Azure Kingdom (The Iridescent Realm, Book 1)
Author: Michelle Dare
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing
Date of Release: June 15, 2016
Pages: 230
Format: Kindle (Author)

Imagine, if you will, for one second you had a dream and it was so vivid, it scared you. In this dream, you saw a man. You can’t talk to him or touch him, but you feel an immediate connection to him and him to you. Imagine, this is a recurring dream you have nightly. That is Alison Wescot’s reality. Every night Alison falls asleep dreaming of this handsome young man, not knowing he does the same. One day at work she discovers a note from her mother in an antique dresser. It tells of adventure and a family Alison never knew she had, however, what the letter didn’t tell her was the man she dreamed of; not only was he the son of her father’s enemy, he dreamed of her too! Accompanying the letter is a key and it holds all the answers! Alison has a choice to make: Stay in Colorado and continue leading a life she’s not excited about or find her sense of adventure as her mother did and use the key. How is this even a choice?!

What an interesting story! I was hooked from the first page. It was engaging and I was fully invested in what happened to each character. I look forward to what happens next!

 

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To Win Her Back ~ Mackenzie Crowne

Title: To Win Her Back (Players Series, Book 4)
Author: Mackenzie Crowne
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Shine
Date of Release: January 24, 2017
Pages: 216
Format: Kindle (NetGalley)

For 3 books we have been following Victoria “V” Price, indirectly. Each book making you more curious than the last about what her story could be. It is quite the story, indeed. Fifteen years ago, V accepted the marriage proposal from her high school/college sweetheart, Sam Fitzpatrick. After an injury derails his pro-football dreams, V made the toughest decision of her life. She left, with no warning. Both have spent the last 15 years trying to come to terms with the decisions that have led them to where they are, and neither ever thought their paths would cross again, until The Marauders need an offensive line coach. Sam is the perfect man for the job.

Two adults fighting their feelings, one hiding a deep, dark secret, a teenager with spunk and a reunion with some beloved characters equals quite possibly the best book in the series. This story starts off as a revenge plot, but as the story progresses it becomes a second chance story line. With some match making from GGG (Gracie’s Gridiron Girls), Lucy (Sam’s daughter), and Caroline (V’s and Sam’s boss)… V and Sam have no choice but to put their stubbornness to the side and learn to bend. This teaches you that you don’t always get a second chance. If you are fortunate enough to get a second chance, don’t waste it! If this is the end of the series, it ended on a high note and I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review the series.

Caged ~ Brittany Crowley (Blitz)

Release Date:January 24, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hosted By: Chance Promotions

SYNOPSIS

Savannah

I was perfectly content with my life, or at least I thought I was. Then Zander ‘The Hitman’ Cage walked into my bar with those hypnotizing blue eyes and everything I ever thought I wanted flew out the window. Giving him a chance was the easiest decision I ever made. He ripped apart my safe little existence and took me along for the ride of my life. He was a fighter, a hero and every woman’s fantasy.

Zander

I didn’t need any distractions coming up on the biggest fight of my career, but fate had other plans. Savannah was a breath of fresh air and the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I never planned on meeting her, I also don’t plan on letting her go. I’ll do whatever it takes to show her that I’m more than just the name, and will stop at nothing to make her mine.

 

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ADD TO GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brittany Crowley grew up in Massachusetts and still lives there today. She is a stay at home mom to her three little ones and loves every second of it. Getting into the world of romance after she had her first child, she was hooked. Never thinking she had what it takes to write, she had many ideas in her head but never put them on paper. Now you can find her trying to keep up with her crazy kids and writing any chance she gets.

 

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Empowered: Agent ~ Dale Ivan Smith

Title: Empowered: Agent (The Empowered Series)
Author: Dale Ivan Smith
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Date of Release: January 31, 2017
Pages: 251
Format: Kindle (Author)

Mat is on probation, making it illegal to use her special gift. Her sisters start dating gang members that want to use her gift for their own personal gain. The same organization that put her on parole wants her to infiltrate the gang and help out a stop to them and save the world.

This was a difficult review to write… I didn’t love the book, but I hate it either. I didn’t connect with the characters. I couldn’t bring myself to care about the main character. The writing was good, the plot was interesting. The story was just okay for me. This was intriguing enough for me to continue. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Unmasking Miss Appleby ~ Emily Larkin

Title: Unmasking Miss Appleby (Baleful Godmother, Book 1)
Author: Emily Larkin
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Historical Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Self Published
Date of Release: November 7, 2016
Pages: 393
Format: Kindle (BookReview 22)

Unmasking Miss Appleby is an extraordinary story I just couldn’t put down. Truly an enchanting book. This story had a little bit of everything; which would seem as though it’s easy to screw up. You are so wrong. There’s a faerie, shape-shifting, romance, mystery, and humor.

Marcus Cosgrove has a blossoming political career ahead of him. One of his ultimate goals is to end slavery. Well, you can’t get that far in your career without making a few enemies. And boy did he have some! On a regular basis, windows would be smashed in, and a surprise left on his doorstep. One night, he and his secretary, Lionel, are attacked and leaves Lionel badly injured. Time to place an advertisement!

Charlotte lives with her aunt and uncle who aren’t particularly kind to her. She realizes she needs to get out and make her own way through the world, but she’s a woman. Imagine her shock and excitement when a faerie is in her bedroom on her 25^th birthday to grant her a wish! Let the fun begin! She becomes Christopher Albin and lands a job as Cosgrove’s secretary. They work together to solve the mystery of who is behind the attacks and vandalism. But, can they do it before Cosgrove is gravely injured?

The writing is superb. This is everything I look for in a historical romance. The playful banter between Cosgrove and Charlotte’s many personalities was delightful. When Cosgrove felt betrayed, you felt it too. You were on the emotional rollercoaster Charlotte was on as she dealt with deceit from her family to her feelings for Cosgrove. It doesn’t get any better than this! Amazing!

 

Dare: A Bad Boy Mafia Romance ~ Naomi West

Title: Dare (A Bad Boy Mafia Romance)
Author: Naomi West
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Romance Suspense
Publisher: Self-Published
Date of Release: January 9, 2017
Pages: 294
Format: Kindle (Author)

This my introduction to Naomi West, and I’m so glad I got the opportunity! Alessia is the daughter of a major mob boss, but there’s been some trouble brewing from a rival family. While Alessia wants nothing to do with her father, he wants to keep her safe. No better way to keep her safe than to have dad’s personal bodyguard, Dare, protect her.

This book has a bit of everything. There’s action, humor, well-developed characters. You are drawn in from the first page. Alessia gives off the vibe of not being too bright, but man is that assessment grossly false! Oh, did I mention there is travel?! They go to Scotland! They’re characters and I’m jealous… sigh. This book has great drama and some really good love scenes! I look forward to reading more from Ms. West.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.*

Immortal Shadow ~ Anderson Atlas

Title: Immortal Shadow (Heroes of Distant Planets, Book 3)
Author: Anderson Atlas
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Synesthesia Books
Date of Release: December 21, 2016
Pages: 112
Format: Kindle (ReadForReview)

Jibbawk was enslaved and battled his way to ruling his own kingdom. For him, it wasn’t enough. As most rulers do, he wanted more. He lacked the knowledge and materials to achieve his goal, until he met a young man from Earth, that is. His army finds Adam, a high school student, and becomes intrigued him. Adam has the knowledge help Jibbawk conquer more planets.

This is book 3 and my M.O. I didn’t realize this was the third book of the series, and I would say it’s ill-advised to read this a stand alone. I got the impression Jibbawk is one of the main characters for earlier in the series. The story is creative enough that it makes use your imagination. The author tells the readers just enough information without retelling the first two stories. It’s a quick read and flows quite well. I would suggest reading the first two books of the series so you have a complete story. Overall, not bad.