Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan
*****

The Kingdom of Xyian is left in the hands of Xylara's, half brother, who knows virtually nothing about running the kingdom, and is on the brink of losing it altogether. Lara has learned the art of healing. She helps those that need help including their prisoners that have been taken in during this war. she is kind, tries to learn their language, and help them to heal from there injuries. They are a little confused at her willingness to help them as well as her methods for healing. In the end they are greatful to her for saving their lives and limbs. The Warlord offer a cease-fire on conditions that he can have Xylara, as the Warprize. The king can't refuse such an offer, and sends his sister to the Warlord, as the Warprize. Lara thinks she is to be his slave, but is still willing to do this thing to keep the peace and save her people.
This was a delightful story of love, two peoples trying to come together and form a strong nation. This process however is not easy and there are many adventures along the way. I loved learning the customs of the Firelanders, they are set up similar to a tribal society. I loved the part in the story were they do Pattern Dancing and I had to laugh at the token bucket, sometimes. The characters in this story are so richly developed, and I loved them all. Marcus Keir's(warlord) friend and do it all guy, was great! he was funny, witty, clever, and an amazing friend to both Keir and Lara. I loved Xylara, she was smart,and strong, self sacrificing for the over all good of everyone, in love, and scared at times, but so courageous. Keir is one of my favorite male heroes so strong, full of chilvary, takes care of his people, in love, and oh so sensitive and gentle with Lara and her needs. *swoon* So many other amazing character in this story that I love, I will leave you to explore and get to know them yourselves. I loved everything about this story, it was really well written and the plot was interesting, the romance was perfect not to much, but not to little either. I look forward to enjoying the rest of this series.

few language issues
Clean romance does push it alittle
Adult read

Vanish by Sophie Jordan
*****

What a great sequel to Firelight. This story immediately picks up were Firelight left off. Jacinda had done what she felt necessary to save the boy she loved, Will. With that will come consequences, she has endangered the Pride,and possibly lost Will forever.
As Jacinda and her family arrive back home they are immediately meet with hostility,question, and judgement. Thanks to Cassian punishment is lighter, as long as Jacinda, stays in line, fallows the rules and gives up on Will, the human, the hunter. Can and will Jacinda do that?Jacinda's sister Tamra has suffered, and gained some in all this, however since being brought home she has been sent to live with Nadia. Jacinda's mom has a hard time back with the Pride as does Jacinda. She isn't exactly the favorite amongst the Pride any longer. In fact Cassian is the only one who is still friendly to her. She is actually greatful for him. She wonders at moments if there might could be more to the two of them. She knows she should forget about Will and be happy, so she tries. Events happen and Will appears, What will this mean for Jacinda, Cassian, Tamra and the Pride?
This was a wonderful written story and I couldn't put it down, read it in one day. I just had to find out what was going to happen to them all. This continuing story didn't disappoint. It was full of adventure,romance, and tension. I felt for Jacinda and what she was going through. She is so strong,courageous, a little selfish, hopeful and so in love. Will is amazing goes after what he wants, sacrifices, loves deeply , and is swoon worthy. Cassian is one of my favorites in this story, he is so amazing with Jacinda he protects her,full of chivalry, kind, sacrifices,courageous, and in love. Tamra, Tamra...lots happens with her in this story sometimes I was so frustrated with her. Many twists and turns in this wonderfully crafted story, that I totally enjoyed. I am already looking forward to the next book!

One or two language issues
Clean romance

ARC given to me by Netgalley

The Girl In The Steel Corset By Kady Cross
*****

This was my first Steam Punk read, and I have to say, I completely enjoyed it. I like how you have the Victorian setting in England during the 1800's but there are also some of the machines from today, howbeit somewhat in crude form. It was interest to see what new mechanical device would appear next. This story is about Finley who is a strong, independent, kind, and stubborn girl who has trust issues, and is going through changes she can not explain. Through certain events she is quite literally put in the path of the handsome and wealthy Griffin Duke of Greythorne. He noticed she has special abilities and tells her she is like him and his friends, and that she should stay with them. Which true enough Griffin does have an amazing group of friends, who are unique with special abilities. We have Sam, who is strong and willing to sacrifice his life for his friends. He at times is very annoying, stubborn, full of chivalry and naive. Emily is a cute little thing good friend, smart, kind, and willing to sacrifice for others. Jasper is witty, handsome, fast and a good friend. Griffin is the glue in a sense that holds them all together, he is smart, handsome,full of chivalry, kind and good to others. I really enjoyed his character a lot. Finley is fun to watch. She is now on the adventure of her life, trying to figure out what is going on with herself, wondering whom she can and can not trust and what to think of feelings toward certain men in her life. Oh I cannot forget Jack Dandy, he is an interesting character who Finely has some associations with, must say quite intriguing. The group of friends must figure out their loyalties to each other as they let Finley into their group, of which they know very little about. Griffin also has a case to solve concerning the Machinist, and it is quite personal.
This was a such a fun an intriguing read, writing was great and flowed smoothly. My favorite part of this book were the characters, and how well developed they each were. The relationships and dialog amongst them was great. Felt like I was right there with them. Story was intriguing with lots of twist and turns. There is a wonderful romance or two a brewing, which is what I love, could have a little more in this one, but I have great hopes that the next book will have even more. A definite must read!


Some language
Clean romance

Flawless by Lara Chapman
****

Sarah has a flaw or does she? This is a cute retailing of Shakespeare's Roxanne. A coming of age story, how we perceive ourselves as to how others really see us. There were wonderful quotes at the beginning of each chapter here is one of my favorites: "I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may-light,shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful." by John Constable.
Sarah and her best friend Kristen start the new school year the same as always, except for gorgeous Rockford is the new amazing guy in their high school. Rock is handsome, smart, attentive, and fun. Well Sarah and Kristen both have a crush on Rock. Sarah has rarely fallen for a guy, while her best friend Kristen goes through guys fairly quickly. Once Kristen has her eye's set on something it is full steam ahead, and since Sarah thinks they look good together and she loves her best friend she agrees to Kristen's scheming to catch Rock. This story was fun and light, but at the same time delves into the topics of appearances and liking ourselves the way we are and not giving into the social acceptable perfect looks. So what her nose is a little big, but does her nose have to define everything about her? Does it make her ugly? Who defines ugly? The writing flowed smoothly, the characters were interesting. I enjoyed the best friend relationship, how they were there for each other. Sarah is smart, funny and witty, and self sacrificing almost to a fault. Kristen is the fluffy, beautiful best friend. A quick fun, light story, with a point.


fair amount of swearing
clean romance
one brief underage beer party pretty mild

Summer Wishes by Kailin Gow
****

What a book of revelations. Jocelyn is awaiting her 18th birthday to get her life's plan. She is very distraught about the hole ordeal because she and Matthew are in love and chances are won't be in each others life plan. Matthew wants to leave Arcadia, just like Jocelyn's brother Jacob and girlfriend Melanie did. What would life be on the outside, are they ready to give up the familiar? Then a blue heart arrives and everything changes! Is Arcadia as perfect as it appears or are there secrets that are to inconceivable to even think about? Great little story had me cheering and cringing often. I love the character development, the flow of the writing, and how I feel transported to Arcadia. I can hardly wait for the next book, I have really enjoyed this series.

clean language
clean romance

Legacy by Cayla Kluver
*****

WOW! This book was amazing! I loved everything about it, the characters were well developed, the storyline was intriguing, the romance was great, descriptions of surroundings were wonderful. It was the perfect book for me. I love fairy tales and fantasy books and this just became my favorite. I am trying to think were to begin it was all so good,and I don't want to give anything away. Princess Alera of Hytanica Kingdom is coming of age to marry. Her father is ready to relinquish his title to whom ever Alera marries. However who ever Alera chooses to marry must be approved by her father, and their is thus far only one man that he feels can take his place, Steldor. Steldor is handsome and full of chivalry but.... he is also full of himself and rightly so. Steldor is amazing he is the best of the best. Best Knight, best in his class,he is charming, all the women adore him, and he drives Alera crazy with his arrogance. Then enters Narian a handsome and mysteries young man. He has arrived from a rival kingdom, many questions are raised about him, is he a threat, why is he their, what does he want? On top of all of this there are secrets of ancient origins that threaten to tear Hytanica apart and bring her to war. This book is a wonderful romantic, intriguing, adventures, mysterious gem of a book.

I loved Alera, she was the perfect 17 year old, she was strong, witty, knew what she wanted but wasn't sure how to get it. I liked this aspect of Alera, to often books of this kind the lead woman character is so strong and things just happen because they can. With Alera we see her coming of age and trying to over come some of her immaturity, and naivety. Her father is king and she shows him the respect he deserves, even when she doesn't want too. At times this frustrated me, but if I looked at it from a 17 year old living in her time period, it was very real her emotions and reactions. I really appreciated that Ms. Kluver kept Alera true to who she was. Alera wasn't wimpy she stood up to her father and others, but she was respectful of protocol,and her kingdom. Steldor is gorgeous and swoon worthy, and utterly irritating. Yet at the same time he does try to be good to Alera and win her over. so I do have respect for the guy. I developed a love hate relationship with Steldor. Narian is handsome to but not quite as much as Steldor. He is smart and witty full of chivalry and good to Alera. Another of my favorite characters was London, he is Alera's bodyguard and he is tuff, sensitive, and just amazing with Alera, he was one of my favorites. There are many other wonderful characters in this story that I will save for you to explore. As you can tell I really loved and enjoyed this book. If you haven't read it go get it! I can hardly wait for book two and three, please hurry and release them!!

Clean language
Clean romance

Lifeblood by Werner A. Lind
****

This was a delightful story, about vampires told from the more traditional folklore. The writing was wonderful and flowed so smoothly, and had such a wonderful descriptive nature to it. This is a story about a women named Ana who is forced into becoming a vampire. Her back-story is so sad and tragic, but yet hopeful. Ana has amazing kindness, strength, courage and love. I really came to care for her, and wanted life to be good for her, and some how be different for her. I felt sorry for her, she seems so human and so gracious and yet so stuck in her situation. Unlike most vampires she survives off animals and not humans.Joshua is the amazing man in this story, he is patient, kind, god fearing, hardworking, willing to sacrifice and in love with Ana. Theirs is a sweet love story. Joshua amazes me at one point in this story,it was so touching. This story has lots of mystery and suspense to it as it unfolds it's self. This story has deeper meaning as well, one for instance that I thought about was, what does it mean to be human or monster? I absolutely loved how it all played out to a wonderful, wonderful ending!


2 language issues
clean romance

Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman
***

This book had some really funny parts to it, and was well written. I loved the friendship/ relationship between Natalie, Darcy and Chloe. They were amazing friends, who really watched out for each other, had fun together, got in trouble together, and were there for each other. They were great! The premise of the story is cute and fun. Natalie a student journalist, wants a story, a really good story about the inner workings of the male species. What does Natalie decide to do, well what any good reporter wood do, go under cover to the all male academy in town. Natalie learns a lot of things about boys as well as about herself. Along the way she falls for her cute roommate, but how will that work out for she is a boy. Quit the adventure Natalie gets herself into, but with good friends and perseverance who knows what will happen. A very cute story, reminded me of the movie "She's the Man".
Okay now the things that gave this story a 3 star rating verses higher rating. I did not like all the underage partying with alcohol, with no parental supervision. Really grated on me. Their is a lot of sexual talk that quit honestly reminded me of my little boy when he goes around talking about farts, and butts. It just wasn't very tastefull, or funny. That's just in my opinion.

fair amount of language
clean romance, but sexual talk, misunderstood situation not appropriate. Not for my teen

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
*****

I really enjoy this serious, it has depth, great plot, and characters you know and care about, plus the added bonus it's a romance. This story takes off were it left off.Bryn is Alpha of the Cedar Ridge Pack, and getting accustomed to what that means to her the human non werewolf girl. I really like Bryn she is spunky, smart, speaks her mind, cares about whats hers, has a big heart, and is willing to sacrifice. She has lots of responsibility to her pack, and she takes it seriously. This story has an appearance of a mysteries girl, and a mysterious wolf boy who shows up on their front doorstep. Who is this mysterious boy who as been beaten, who sent him and why. This story was a tangled web of pure adventure and mystery and I loved every moment of it. The ending through me for a loop I had no idea that was going to happen! Bryn uses her wits, smarts and knowledge she has learned from dear old Cullen to unravel all the threats facing her and her pack, it takes time and is a process that we the reader get to enjoy right along with Bryn. There is a wonderful romance to to this story, being Chase and Bryn, I love their deep connection, like they know what each other needs before it is even spoken. Chase is beautiful, tortured, strong, gentle, and swoon worthy. Chase is a perfect match for Bryn he is her quite strength. I love Ms. Barnes writing style, great description, words flow smoothly from the pages. Great sequel and I hope PLEASE LET THERE BE A THIRD BOOK!! from what I could find there is no definite third book yet. So, so good!!


no language
clean romance

Lisa T. Bergren
*****

I absolutely love this series, it is so,so good! It is one of those books you just cant put down and don't ever want it to end! Cascade starts off were Waterfall left off. Gabi and Lia are back in present day Italy. Gabi is completely heartbroken to have left Marcello( as was I). There were a few things they had to do in modern Italy, and then they head back to 1300's Italy. This was one adventure after another, some were good and some had me heartbroken. Mrs. Bergren writes a wonderful romance, I loved watching Marcello and Gabi's love grow and blossom into something special and real. Marcello, Marcello he is so amazing, he is always there for Gabi physically saving the day as well as opening his heart to her completely! There are some wonderful surprises to their relationship, that I will not spoil and let you find out for yourselves. Lia and Luca's relationship is great too. I like how it is moving slowly and I love Luca he is so hilarious with all his little one liners. He is also handsome, full of chivalry and totally into Lia, he is also very patient with her as she is trying to figure out what she wants. They all work together to fight for their family and lands. There are so many other wonderful characters from the first book that we get to be with again, as well as some of the villians we don't like. I couldn't flip pages fast enough, I love this series, so well written and intriguing, with a wonderful romance. I don't want to wait until September for book 3, and I really don't want this series to end!! Can't it just go on forever?


no language
clean romance

Supernaturally by Kiersten White
*****

A beautiful cover for a great, fun book! I really enjoyed Supernaturally, I thought it was suspenseful and had some great humorous parts. It was fun to be back in Evie and Lends world. I like Evie's strong will, and eagerness to save the day, which usually goes a rye some how, and it was interesting to watch her try and figure out her place in the world. Living inside International Paranormal Containment Agency, all you life and then being thrown into the real/paranormal world is bound to be an adventure. Lend is still his amazing, sweet, gentle, in love with Evie self. Sometimes I would get annoyed though when school would call him away from Evie, but that's life. There is also a new mysterious guy in town who is quite handsome, funny and I wanted to throttle a couple of times. Reth, Okay I really like him, he is handsome and is always saving Evie from her mishaps,and he seems to really care for and about her. This story takes us further into the fairy realm, which was described so beautifully, and those walkways the fairies take everyone on yikes if you get left alone their! Mrs. White did a wonderful job, showing me and describing all these beautiful places, and people or non people in Evie and Lends world. Story flowed wonderfully, and had me on the edge of my seat/page wondering how this was all going to turn out. Lots of adventures, and self discovery for Evie in this second book. I already am excited for the third book. I will definitely be re-reading this one soon too, I read it to fast because I was so excited to get it!

no language
clean romance

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
***

This was just an okay book for me, nothing wrong with the book, I just found it to be a little to young for me. With that said, there were still plenty of hilarious situations that happend, and had me laughing out loud. I found it reminded me quite frequently of the movie "Mean Girls." The movie wasn't my favorite either. If your a fan of the movie you will probably like this book. I thought the cover was very catching and fitting for the book. Good book just not a good fit for me.

Desire by Kailin Gow
*****

All you desire can be yours in this dystopian society. In Arcadia, you are given your life's plan when you turn 18 years of age. Your life plan is filled with things you desire and want out of life. The committee in charge of life's plans try to keep to those things if possible. Arcadia seems to be a beautiful and peaceful place. Kama and Liam are deeply in love and hopeful that their life's plan will evolve around each other. Kama, is strong, courageous, willing to sacrifice, and in love.....Liam is confident, strong, so so in love with Kama, courageous, willing to sacrifice, and chiveriest, and such an amazing guy. I thought Liam was wonderful in the guy department, he is so good and gentle and kind to Kama and completely soon worthy. Theirs is an amazing relationship they have been apart of each others lives since they were children and know every detail of each others lives. Shortly before her 18th birthday Kama meets a beautiful young man who will open her eyes to many things in her world, and possibly her heart. As Kama finds out who she really is and what she really desires, and what is expected of her things start to fall into place, and everything changes. This was quit a delightful read, the authors prose were smooth and wonderful. She captures the beauty of love into words. Magical!
This cover is absolutely gorgeous, one of my favorites!

language 1 or 2 words
clean romance for adult, pushes the limits a bit for me. Heavy making-out couple of times, with small amount of detail. Not for my teen.

The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
*****

Absolutely amazing!! I have loved this story from the first book. It just keeps getting better and better with each book, if that's possible. I love the premise of the story, time travel through a time machine made by Da Vinci, brilliant! The world that Mrs. Mangum creates on the bank of the river and the river it's self was wonderful. I could picture this amazing river, flowing and rumbling with the pictures of time. Now however the river of time is in danger and Abby, and Dante need to heal it and close the circle of time. This final book in the Hour Glass series takes us on the complex journey of saving time, and all the things that our favorite characters; Abby, Dante, Orlando,Val, Lorenzo(not so favorite/with wrong goals in mind, he is a great villain I have to admit) will go through and what sacrifices they will make to accomplish their goals. From the first page I was riveted and so anxious this story just plows through were it left off. I love Abby and Dante's love and caring nature for each other, the author does a great job showing us how much they love and care for each other. Abby is still that strong and vivacious, girl willing to do what ever to save those she loves. Dante is strong, confident, amazing, and gentle with Abby so swoon worthy. They have the love that dreams are made of. Orlando was great in this story too, and some things are revealed to help round out his character and fill in the lope holes or questions I had about him. Great description throughout story as well felt like I was there for all these wonderful and anxious moments that happend. I am actually sad to leave these characters that I enjoyed so much! I loved how it all ended,it was wonderful! Thanks Lisa for such an amazing journey through the Hourglass Door!


language o
Romance clean

 

Die For Me by Amy Plum
*****
author gives us through Kate's eyes. I was there and now I really want to go their( even more than I did before I read this book, if that's possible.) I loved all the characters, we have obviously the main character Kate and Vincent, but all the supporting characters were wonderful and I felt vested in them. I wanted things to work out for them. Kate is fragile and week to start with, but has an inner strength that pulls her through with the help of gorgeous Vincent. Considering losing both her parents I could understand why she and her sister act the way they do. Vincent is gorgeous,( did I say that all ready LOL) tall dark handsome and mysterious, with a look of danger hmmm, sounds perfect! He is a great guy who is flawed but is wonderful to Kate and his friends, totally full of chivalry and swoon worthy. I like the paranormal aspect in this story it was different than others I have read. It was cool to see what mysterious non human he was, I liked it. Great story of good and evil, with a really sweet romance! Loved it can't wait for the 2nd one!!


language less than a handful
clean romance

Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
*****

Okay, this book is intense!!! This story takes you into the mind of a boy named Garrett who is put into a boot camp. Now mind you this is not the nicey, nice camps you see on TV this is hell and I don't say that lightly. His parents sent him their, they sign papers saying staff can use what ever force necessary to modify his behavior. Really are parents that stupid?! The son was wrong in what he did, I wouldn't like it if my child did those things, but I would not send them to a boot camp and let people do what ever to them. Garrett doesn't deserve to be their, he goes through so many trials, and abuse, success and abuse mental, physical and emotional. Unbelievable!! Once I started this story I couldn't put it down read it in one sitting! I was so taken by this story . The writing was engaging and flowed so well. Mr Strasser's end notes talks about these boot camps that are in existence around the world. I Am sure Mr Strasser is hoping this book will educate people into action, and have these places shut down. It is to bad they exist to bad we don't take more responsibility for ourselves weather old or young. Great story that needs to be told!



No language

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
*****

This story totally melted me and my heart! I loved everything about it. It was so engaging, and enjoyable I didn't want to put it down. When I did put it down I found Tempest, Mark, Kona, and her dad were in my head, I didn't want to leave them. Speaking of Tempest she was great, she was smart, fun loving, courageous, willing to sacrifice, and frustrated at life and some of the choices she would have to make. I liked the fact that she knew all along that she would be a mermaid it worked for this story. Her relationships touched my heart, they were beautiful at times and heart wrenching at other times. (keep tissues handy) Kona made me swoon! The author did an amazing job in making me feel part of the ocean, or part of dry land through her word imagery. The descriptions of the storms were so well done I could effortlessly picture the scenes. This was truly an amazing love story that will leave you wanting for more. I hope this is not the last that we hear of these characters. I hope there is more to their story! This is a story that I plan to revisit again soon. Soooo gooood! I would rank it as one of my all time favorite romances.


fair amount swearing, Clean romance