Tag: book review

Rebel Mechanics, by Shanna Swendson

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Farrar, Straus and Giroux.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Farrar, Straus and Giroux.)

Shanna Swendson has been making up stories for years; first as a little girl playing with her Barbie dolls, now as the author of the Enchanted, Inc. series and The Fairy Tale series. Her newest book, Rebel Mechanics: All is Fair in Love and Revolution, hits stores today.

In Verity Newton’s world, the British upper class possessed magic, so the American Revolution never happened. These magisters have always ruled the colonies, and magic runs most things. But an underground society wants to change all that, inventing machines that run on steam and water instead of magic.

When Verity arrives in New York and lands a job as a governess with one of the most influential families in town, she has no idea what’s in store for her. The guardian uncle isn’t what she expected at all: he seems sympathetic to the rebels, he often comes home bloody and bruised, and he’s much younger than a guardian uncle should be, close to Verity’s own age. Soon Verity finds herself involved with the rebellion, with her job giving her a unique position to spy for a handsome young inventor who fights for the rebellion. Verity wants to help the cause, but to do so, she’ll have to reveal her own dangerous secret, and put the family she cares for at risk.

Rebel Mechanics is an intriguing look at a historical what-if: what if there had never been an American Revolution because Britain possessed magic the colonies couldn’t fight? Verity is smart but scared, wanting more from her new life than she’d ever dared dream of, but her secret could be enough to end her life. Rebel Mechanics is fast-paced and filled with adventure, along with romance, intrigue, and fun.

(Galley provided by Farrar, Straus and Giroux via NetGalley.)

San Antonio, by Sara Orwig

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Diversion Books.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Diversion Books.)

Sara Orwig is a best-selling and award-winning author who has written over 75 books during her career. Many of her best-sellers are western romances, appealing to readers who love both. Her new release, San Antonio, is part of the Southwestern Saga.

When Luke Dabney was a teenager, his world was shattered when outlaws attacked the wagon train he and his mother were part of. Injured and left for dead, Luke watched his mother taken away by the outlaw leader, Domingo Pietra. Rescued by an outcast, Luke vowed revenge, no matter what it takes.

Years later, Luke is heading to San Antonio on his search for Domingo, when he comes across a fiery young woman who berates him for spying on her and the boy she loves. Luke is intrigued by Catalina, but his feelings for her are frustrated when he realizes she is the daughter of the man he searches for. How can he care for the daughter of the man who ruined his life? Catalina knows nothing of her father’s criminal activities. She just knows how he treats her and controls her life. When her father has the boy she loves killed, Catalina starts to realize how evil her father really is. Can Luke reveal the truth about Domingo Pietra without hurting Catalina?

San Antonio is an entertaining read set amidst the history of San Antonio’s origins. The characters are both driven and troubled, and there are several unexpected twists that will keep the reader guessing.

(Galley provided by Diversion books via NetGalley.)

The Corridor, by A.N. Willis

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Alloy Entertainment and the author.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Alloy Entertainment and the author.)

A.N. Willis writes young adult fiction, preferably with a science fiction bent. This is probably a result of her obsession with sci-fi TV shows when she was growing up. Her first novel, The Corridor, just hit shelves.

The Corridor appeared out of nowhere 17 years ago, a link to a parallel world, Second Earth. The Mods—genetically modified human from Second Earth who built the Corridor—frighten First Earthers. Mods are more: more brains, more strength, and powers that can’t be predicted, so they are tagged and detained in research labs.

The Corridor has been a part of Stel Alaster’s life as long as she can remember. Everyone knows what it did. Everyone knows that the Mods, with their scary powers, caused its creation and the disasters that ensued. But Stel is the only one who knows that she has a power, too: she can open a portal to Second Earth, or any of the parallel worlds she soon discovers. If anyone finds out, she’ll be imprisoned just like the Mods.

Then the Corridor starts emitting terrifying bursts of energy, and Stel realizes she’ll have to act if she’s to save her family and the world she loves. With the help of an escaped Mod, and a boy she met in a third universe, she sets out to discover how to stabilize the Corridor before it’s too late.

The Corridor is a fast-paced, riveting read filled with adventure, mystery, and a little bit of romance. First Earth is a world like our own, yet changed by the Corridor. Twists and turns will keep the reader eager to find out what happens to characters that are realistic and relatable. The Corridor is a fantastic read for anyone desiring adventure mixed with mystery in an exciting new world.

(Galley provided by Alloy Entertainment via NetGalley.)

Between Now and Never, by Laura Johnston

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Kensington Books and Lyrical Press.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Kensington Books and Lyrical Press.)

Laura Johnston loves music, reading, and running. She also loves to write stories with heart. Her newest book, Between Now and Never, is a contemporary young adult novel with shades of mystery and romance.

Cody Rush is the “good” kid: basketball star, stays out of trouble, has a loving family. Julianna Schultz is his complete opposite: she loves art, her brother has a troubled past, her home life is falling apart. Cody’s dad is an FBI agent. Julianna’s mom is in prison. To make things worse, Cody’s dad is the man who put her there. Cody has only spoken to Julianna once, but he knows that their parents’ history will always make them enemies. And Cody agrees.

Until he wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of the night before, and finds pictures of himself and Julianna. Laughing. Having fun. Kissing. What happened that night? Why can’t he remember anything? And what is going on between him and Julianna? As Cody searches for answers to the mystery, he and Julianna grow closer. But the secret hidden in Cody’s memory may drive them apart forever.

Between Now and Never is a contemporary romance with hints of old-fashioned sweetness. Cody and Julianna are perfect foils for one another, and their relationship grows throughout the trials they face while the two learn to judge things—and people—for themselves, despite their past and what other people say. Between Now and Never is a great read that will have the reader intrigued by the mystery of Cody’s memories while rooting for him and Julianna to work out the issues that stand between them.

(Galley provided by Kensington Books and Lyrical Press via NetGalley.)

Wicked Charms, by Janet Evanovich

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Bantam.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Bantam.)

Janet Evanovich is the best-selling author of the Stephanie Plum series, as well as several other series, including the Lizzy and Diesel series. Her newest book is Wicked Charms, the third book in the Lizzy and Diesel series. It hits shelves today.

Lizzy Tucker just wants to enjoy her nice, normal life: make cupcakes at the bakery, hang out with Glo, and make sure Cat has everything he needs. What Lizzy gets is something else entirely. A behind-the-scenes tour of the pirate museum leads to the discovery that the fake dead pirate in a cage on display at the museum isn’t really a fake at all, but the remains of “Peg Leg” Dazzle, a notorious pirate, and one with a link to one of the missing SALIGIA stones that Lizzy has the ability to sense. Soon Lizzy and her mysterious partner, Diesel, are on the trail of the missing stone.

But Lizzy and Diesel aren’t the only ones looking for the stone. Billionaire Martin Ammon is also after the stone, and for reasons far creepier: he believes he is the god Mammon, and needs the stone to complete his transformation. With the help of Glo, Broom, Carl, and Glo’s Buccaneer American boyfriend, Lizzy sets out to find the stone before the billionaire can. And Wulf, Diesel’s enigmatic cousin is after it as well. Lizzy will have to come up with some magic of her own if she wants to win this race.

Wicked Charms delivers what Evanovich’s readers have come to expect: laughs, oddball situations, quirky supporting characters, and a dash or two of romance. The developing emotions between Lizzy and Diesel grow even hotter in this installment, with a bit of competition from Wulf thrown in for good measure. The supporting characters truly make this novel sing, and the Buccaneer American is one of Evanovich’s best creations.

(Galley provided by Bantam via NetGalley.)

Gates of Thread and Stone, by Lori M. Lee

(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Skyscape and Lori M. Lee.)
(I do not own this image. Image belongs to Skyscape and Lori M. Lee.)

Lori M. Lee is an author from Wisconsin, via Laos and Thailand. She writes young adult fiction, in the fantasy genre. Her first published novel is The Gates of Thread and Stone, the first book in the Gates of Thread and Stone series.

Seventeen-year-old Kai lives in the Labyrinth, a warren of poverty, secrets, and desperation on the edge of the city. Keeping your mouth shut is the only way to survive there. It’s just Kai and Reev, her older adopted brother, against the world, and Kai is fine with that. They’re poor, but they have each other.

Then one day, Reev disappears, and Kai has to choose between keeping her mouth shut and trying to save Reev. No contest. Soon Kai finds herself swept up in the revolution that has been brewing for centuries, as the secrets of her past—and her origins—threaten to overtake her. With the help of Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the forbidding reputation, Kai must fight: to save Reev, to find out who she is, for her very survival.

The Gates of Thread and Stone is a compelling tale of magic and adventure, set in a world both forbidding and harsh and filled with mysteries. The world is not as it seems, and neither is Kai. Her journey of discovery—initially a rescue mission—leads her to place she’s never dreamed of, and reveals things she never considered. The riveting tale will mesmerize readers from the first page.

(Galley provided by Skyscape via NetGalley.)

Part-Time Princess, by Pamela Dumond

part time princess cover

Pamela Dumond “discovered” Erin Brokovich’s story and brought it to the big screen. She has written several novels, including young adult, new adult, romance, and self-help. Her new book, Part-Time Princess, is the first book in the Ladies-in-Waiting series.

Lucy Trabbicio has a life. It’s not a fantastic one, but she gets by, as a cocktail waitress at a biker bar. Money is tight, so when a mysterious job opportunity comes her way, she’s intrigued. Turns out the job is to impersonate Lady Elizabeth Billingsley as she travels to the tiny country of Fredonia, to keep Prince Cristoph Timmel interested while Lady Elizabeth takes care of some personal business in the U.S.

Lucy is skeptical, but the paycheck is more than she can turn down, so she agrees, enduring the ensuing whirlwind of makeovers, beauty treatments, and lessons. A princess has to walk, talk, dress, and eat a certain way, after all. Before she knows it, Lucy is off to the Alps and her new identity.

On the flight, she meets bad-boy Nick, who seems to have a very personal history with Lady Elizabeth. Lucy is drawn to Nick, but she’s not who he thinks she is. And Nick isn’t Prince Cristoph, so he isn’t part of the job. Soon, Lucy is swept up in the romance and drama of the royal lifestyle. But parties aren’t enough to satisfy her, and she finds herself drawn to Nick, despite “her” engagement to Cristoph. Lucy is desperate to keep up the façade, even when someone tries to kill her, and Lady Elizabeth promises she’ll be back before the wedding.

But what if she isn’t? Will Lucy continue in her role as someone else, or will she admit who she really is, and risk losing her newfound friends and family?

Part-Time Princess is lighthearted and funny, with breathless romance and mystery, too. The breezy style makes the pages fly by, and Lucy’s antics will have the reader laughing and hoping through every chapter.

(Galley provided via NetGalley.)

Criminal Confections, by Colette London

Criminal Confections, by Colette London (I do not own this image. Image belongs to Kensington publishers.)
Criminal Confections, by Colette London (I do not own this image. Image belongs to Kensington publishers.)

Colette London is a best-selling novelist with dozens of books to her credit. Her newest book, Criminal Confections, is the first book in the decadent Chocolate Whisperer series.

Chocolate is more than a dessert to Hayden Mundy Moore and the elite of the chocolate world, it’s a necessity of life, like breathing. Hayden is The Chocolate Whisperer; she goes into troubled chocolate businesses, finds out what the problem is, and helps them right the wrongs. When her current employer invites her to an elite chocolate retreat, she expects a fun time, and plenty of chocolate, of course.

What she gets is murder.

The chef winds up dead the first night, and as Hayden discovers more, she starts to wonder if perhaps she was the real target. Determined to find out, she starts asking questions. As the body count climbs, so do Hayden’s suspicions. Is it her demanding new boss? Perhaps the senile former boss? The rival chocolatier who knows too much? Or maybe her attractive best friend, Danny, who has a hidden dark side from his secret past?

The only two things Hayden knows for sure are that she really wants to solve this mystery before she winds up dead, and she wants to meet Trevor, her financial advisor with the sexy voice, in person after listening to all his good advice over the phone for far too long.

That doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

This light-hearted cozy mystery will have the reader hungry for more: more romps set in Hayden’s whirlwind world, more adventures with Danny by her side, more flirty conversations with Trevor, and more chocolate. Scrumptious recipes are included in the book, so at least there won’t be a wait for those, even if the next book in the series isn’t out until September.

(Galley courtesy of Kensington via NetGalley.)

The Spinster Bride, by Jane Goodger

The Spinster Bride, by Jane Goodger (I do not own this image. Image by Lyrical Trade.)
The Spinster Bride, by Jane Goodger (I do not own this image. Image by Lyrical Trade.)

Jane Goodger is an author in love with all things Victorian: houses, clothes, carriages, so it’s no wonder she writes Victorian romances. Her latest book, The Spinster Bride, is the last book in the Lords and Ladies series.

Marjorie Penwhistle was once the belle of the Season, with men at her feet and the world on a plate. Now, at the ripe old age of 23 and still unmarried, she’s on the verge of becoming a spinster. Good thing Marjorie doesn’t care about that. She wants to live her life, travel, and care for her brother, who’s a bit different and the recipient of their mother’s ire. When Marjorie isn’t the recipient of it herself, that is, since her mother insists that she marry a man of title and wealth, and won’t take “no” for an answer.

Charles Norris doesn’t have a title. What he does have is a war wound that makes him bitter, and a desire for a wife and a family of his home. He also has a tendency to fall in love with completely the wrong women, so he blackmails Marjorie into helping him find a suitable bride.

Clandestine meetings, secret notes left in hidden spots, and covert plots draw the two together as they search for the perfect wife for Charles. Along the way, they become friends, and fully appreciative of the stellar qualities of the other. It’s a good thing they are entirely unsuitable for each other. Or are they?

The Spinster Bride is a humorous tale of romance and light intrigue, and characters that will make you laugh, sigh, and root for them to see the light. The relationship that develops between Marjorie and Charles shows real depth as the characters show their secret selves and realize perhaps the one they were looking for was right in front of them all along.

(Galley provided by Lyrical Trade via NetGalley.)

The Wicked City, by Megan Morgan

The Wicked City, by Megan Morgan (Courtesy of Lyrical Press).
The Wicked City, by Megan Morgan (Courtesy of Lyrical Press).

Megan Morgan writes fantasy and paranormal romance. She’s an airport lounge bartender as well as a writer, and knows a thing or two about people. Her latest novel, The Wicked City, is the first book in the Siren Song series.

June Coffin is tired of the jokes about her name. She’s tired of people judging her for her tattoos and her smoking habits. She’s tired of being judged for being a Siren, able to influence people with her voice. But when her twin brother, Justin, is kidnapped by Chicago’s Institute of Supernatural Research, her attitude has a whole new focus.

Desperate to rescue Justin, June takes a walk on the dark side. To oppose her powerful enemies, she’ll need some powerful friends, so she teams up with a non-paranormal man who’s always supported paranormals. Too bad his wife just died, and June accidentally erased his memory. Oops. Her other teammate is a troublemaking paranormal leader who wants a little publicity for his cause, and isn’t afraid to go to great lengths to get it. With friends like these, what could possibly go wrong?

The Wicked City is a gritty paranormal romance with an intriguingly different premise. June is feisty and foul-mouthed, full of attitude, covered in tattoos and piercings, but she has a good heart and will stop at nothing to save her brother. The setting is dark,and the novel is steamy and sassy, with a twist.

(Galley provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley.)