Cinders by Michelle Davidson Argyle
*

I do not give one stars lightly, but this was just impossible to get through. Maybe it gets better but I just couldn't stand it any longer. The story in all fairness may have been good, but the execution was sorely lacking. There was no depth to characters, no real world building, I can't say if there was a well done plot or not, because I quit. It felt like reading random nothingness. I was so irritated with a scene on page one about a red powder that she puts on. Then two paragraphs later she is made up again this time by servants and they put on her rouge again (the mysterious red powder). I don't get it, is it the same ball she is getting ready for or a different one? This is not my type of fairy tale. So disappointed!

Shackles of Honor by Marcia Lynn McClure
*****

Shackles of Honor is one of my favorite Marcia books, it has everything: romance,mystery,intrigue,great story and amazing characters. Cassidy is a bright and strong willed young women who's life is opened to many possibilities. She has a loving family who deeply care for one another. However Cassidy feels that there is something amiss, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Then one day this brooding stranger shows up and completely rocks her world.
I loved this story and all its twist and turns. I had an idea as to what would happen, but only Marcia can write it so beautifully and put her little flare to make it great. The romance, is sweet, and intense! The lead male is, okay I will just say it, soooo swoon worthy. He is awesome, awesome. I know I am not giving much away but I don't want to spoil one blissful word/moment for you. As always the kissing scenes are amazing, and I loved the bracelet concept, oh what a guy!


no language
clean romance

The Reluctant Outlaw by Karen Kirst
****

This is one of those stories you want to get comfy and curl up on the couch and enjoy every minute of it. This story is about Evan Harrison, who is quite handsome, chivalrous, revengeful and has quit the heavy heart. Juliana happens upon a situation that puts her in the care of Evan. Evan is part of a deadly gang who, rob and kill to get what they want, if need be. Juliana is taken in by Evan and notices that there is something different about him. He doesn't seem as crude as the rest of the gang he even seems educated. He goes out of his way to help her and keep her safe. So who is Evan, and can he break down the walls he has around his heart to love another? Such a fun story I loved the the banter between Evan and Juliana. She is quite a spitfire, stubborn, sweet, and in love. Juliana is very concerned as to who this man is and why God has directed her path in such away as to fall in love with a criminal. Evan and Juliana have quite the adventures as they grow to trust each other and their hearts.


no language
clean romance

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
*****

LOVED this book, it was soooo goood! Everything I had hoped for and more, wrapped up in a beautiful, well done package. Tiger's Quest picks up were we left off. Kelsey is back in the states and off to college, and completely heartbroken over leaving Ren. Which she should be what was she thinking. I see her reasoning, but still... I am not going to be able to tell much of the plot in this story for fear of ruining it for you. Sufficed to say that once again Mrs. Houck takes us on an amazing journey full of adventure, intrigue, romance, and HEARTACH. The language of the book flowed with ease. I was so caught up in it and didn't wish to put it down. I had to find out what happend to my favorite characters. I have to say Mrs. Houck has made me so invested in these characters. I was laughing, crying, and shaking my head.(especially at the ending). I love Kelsey's desire to do what she think is best for herself and others, whether that is the case or not, she is courageous, kind, a little lost at times, flawed, sweet,endearing and in love. Ren is well perfect, right? He makes the most perfect boyfriend out there, I think, he is sooooo in love with Kelsey, sacrifices(and in a huge way in this story, oh my), full of chilvary, brilliant, sweet, and knows how to treat the women he loves. Kishan *swoon* he is all that his brother is only with a dose of edginess to him, which makes him all the more desirable. I feel for him because he is in love with Kelsey too, and he knows her heart is with Ren. Mr Kadam is the best he is there for his family, and wants to see all of them happy. He is one of the best examples of a best friend, he has sacrificed, and given much to/for Ren and Kishan. I love his character in this story.
I have to talk about the ending, without talking about it because it was just so so so, how do I put it, took my breath away, broke my heart poor Ren, Kishan and Kelsey. What are they going to do now/next?All I can say is that I wish November was yesterday so I could be reading Tiger's Voyage right NOW!! Great series if you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.


Clean language
Clean romance

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