Audio Book Review: Pathfinder's Way - A Novel of the Broken Lands by T.A. White

I devoured this fantasy novel full of action and intrigue.

Pathfinder's Way
A Novel of The Broken Lands
Written by T. A. White
Narrated by Christa Lewis

Broken Lands Series, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins
Release Date: January 18, 2017
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

The Trateri are about to learn a vital lesson of the Broken Lands. Deep in the remote expanse where anything can happen, it pays to be on a pathfinder's good side. Nobody ventures beyond their village. Nobody sane, that is. Monstrous creatures and deadly mysteries wait out here. Luckily for the people she serves, Shea's not exactly sane. As a pathfinder, it's her job to face what others fear and find the safest route through the wilderness. It's not an easy job, but she's the best at what she does. When the people she serves betray her into servitude to the Trateri, a barbarian horde sweeping through the Lowlands intent on conquest, Shea relies on her wits and skill to escape, disguising herself as a boy to hide from the Warlord, a man as dangerous as he is compelling. After being mistaken as a Trateri scout during her escape, Shea finds herself forced to choose between the life she led and the possibilities of a new one. Her decision might mean the difference between life and death. For danger looms on the horizon, and a partnership with the Warlord may be the only thing preventing the destruction of everything she holds dear.

Review:
Shea went through rigorous training and testing to become a Pathfinder. As such, she knows the monster creatures in the dangerous lands she explores and maps. Unfortunately, Shea has been assigned to a highland community that is led by men who disdain her guide skills and blame her for their own shortcomings. Only one or two men truly recognize and support Shea, and she is glad when they join her missions.

Shea and a handful of men are sent to rescue two young men, one the son of a village elder, who ventured off to a town in spite of warnings. During the rescue efforts they discover other men waiting to be executed. All of the men are released, and the strangers help Shea and her team escape pursuit. Shea wonders about these men especially when the apparent leader declares that she will go with him as ‘his possession’.

Shea escapes but the Trateri warlord, Fallon Hawkvale, declares that he will find her again. The Trateri, a people living in the badlands, are pushing in to conquer the lowlands. They would move into the highlands too if they could figure out how to safely get past the mists.

Shea’s village elders send her and their choice of men to negotiate trade routes with a lowland village. The negotiations are going strangely and as the team tries to leave, they discover they have been betrayed. Shea and her team are given as ‘tribute’ to appease the Trateri who conscript them into service. When Shea is recognized, she is held to be delivered to Fallon. Once again Shea is able to escape before Fallon arrives. As she tries to leave camp she is mistaken as a Trateri scout and pulled into a mission.

Shea finds herself fighting monsters alongside men who should be her enemies. Shea has to decide if she is going to make an escape to the highlands or if she is going to remain with the Trateri and maybe find a relationship with the fierce warlord.

I totally love Shea’s skills and her ability to defeat or escape from the monsters. It seems she isn’t the most patient communicator and that creates the friction that gets her into trouble. I also liked Fallon as soon as he appeared even if he is a bit of a chauvinist barbarian. He is intense and intriguing and there is more to him than initially apparent. It was good to see his character modify as a result of his respect for Shea.

I enjoyed the monsters, action and relationship issues in this well-written story. I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. I look forward to reading more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good fantasy and aren’t offended by a 'barbarian' hero.

Audio Notes: Christa Lewis does a very fine job with the narration. She provides clear voices and conveys the personalities of the characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment.

Source: 12/19/20199 Chirp purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.

Audible Book Review: Radiance, Wraith Kings, Volume 1, by Grace Draven

This is a lovely romance.
Radiance
Wraith Kings, Volume 1
By: Grace Draven
Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 06-10-15
Language: English
Publisher: Grace Draven
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The prince of no value
Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.
The noblewoman of no importance
Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn't just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she's known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.
Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.
©2014 Denise Shaw (P)2015 Denise Shaw

Review:
Brishen is a ‘spare’ prince, a second son of the Kai. The Kai is a race of people with dark skin, long talon fingers, fang teeth and light-sensitive eyes. They are active at night, sleeping during the day. Brishen’s elder brother is married with several sons so it isn’t likely that Brishen will take over the throne. Still, the kingdom is plagued with raiding enemies and needs to make a treaty to secure favorable trade routes. That means marrying a Gauri noblewoman, no matter how ugly she may be.

Ildiko is a niece of the Gauri king, who has no value other than her royal blood. Ildiko is pale with bright red hair and bright eyes. Her own race finds her beautiful, but the Gauri are unattractive to the Kai. That won’t stop Ildiko from doing her best to serve as a dutiful wife when she marries a Kai prince as part of a treaty.

Ildiko and Brishen meet before the wedding without knowing who the other is. They are honest with their insults and find humor in their exchange. This allows them to become friends rather than complete strangers at the wedding. Brishen and his entourage suffer through the Gauri dinner. When they set out to travel back to the Kai kingdom they are soon attacked by one of the Kai rivals. Ildiko learns that the Kai people have a legacy of magical abilities as well as fierce battle skills.

Ildiko learns more about Brishen and his family when they arrive home and she meets his rather heartless and evil parents. Ildiko refuses to be cowed, standing up to the Queen. This generates anger from the Queen but respect from others. Ildiko has to suffer through some strange food dishes too. But now Ildiko has to worry about threats from the Queen as well as enemies of the Kai.

The friendship between Brishen and Ildiko grows as they spend more time together. They visit a human neighbor and Brishen begins to see Ildiko through another’s eyes. Then they are ambushed and almost lose each other. Will this serve as an opportunity to further their commitment?

I was quickly pulled in by the characters and how they overcame their differences. The lead characters are unique and I totally enjoyed the warmth of their friendship as it grew into love. The traumas and danger within Brishen’s family and the raiding neighbor tribes add to the interest of the story. I will look to read more books by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a warm, fantasy romance.

Audio Notes: Gabrielle Baker did a lovely job with the narration. She provided distinct voices with fitting emotions. I am glad that I got to enjoy the audio.

Source: 11/25/18 $4.95 on Sale at Audible. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

If you are looking for a quick, fun listen, this fits the bill.
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs
Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1
By: Molly Harper
Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Half-Moon Hollow, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 02-19-10
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Maybe it was the Shenanigans gift certificate that put her over the edge. When children's librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that's sure to become Half Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she's mistaken for a deer, shot, and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood.
Jane is now the latest recipient of a gift basket from the Newly Undead Welcoming Committee, and her life-after-lifestyle is taking some getting used to. Her recently deceased favorite aunt is now her ghostly roommate. She has to fake breathing and endure daytime hours to avoid coming out of the coffin to her family. She's forced to forgo her favorite down-home Southern cooking for bags of O negative. Her relationship with her sexy, mercurial vampire sire keeps running hot and cold. And if all that wasn't enough, it looks like someone in Half Moon Hollow is trying to frame her for a series of vampire murders. What's a nice undead girl to do?
Love in vein: bite into more of Jane Jameson's paranormal exploits.
©2009 Molly Harper White (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Nice girl, librarian Jane is having a drinking pity party over losing her job. When she leaves the bar, her car breaks down and she falls into a ditch. A good ole’ boy drives by and shoots her thinking she is a deer. She is left for dead in the ditch but wakes up in a nice bed. She is surprised to be alive but even more surprised to discover she is now part of the undead!

Jane met a tall dark and handsome man, Gabriel, at the bar. Now he has become her sire and he finds her sense of innocence fascinating. Jane’s fresh new looks are attracting other men and apparently raising some jealousy.

Jane is stumbling through the etiquette of the undead as she has a lot to learn very quickly. She is called in front of the Vampire Council within just a day or two for a murder of a man she fought with. It appears someone is setting her up to take a fall.

Attacks and accusations keep mounting as Jane tries to figure out what is going on. Meanwhile she is dodging her parents so she doesn’t have to disclose her new secret. Jane may not get to enjoy her extended life if she doesn’t find the person giving her trouble. But she may be more unhappy than expected when she finally learns the truth.

The story, told in Jane’s self-deprecating voice, is full of humor and sly fun. Jane is an amusing character and the dialog is full of dry wit. Although there is some romance, it is not openly sexual. Molly Harper has a wonderful ability to share this type of light entertainment in her stories. This was a quick listen with the usual fun Molly Harper snark. I recommend this author and this story to readers who like a fun, light read that will make them laugh.

Audio Notes: Amanda Ronconi does a wonderful job with the narration. You can just envision the eye rolls and hear the snark that fits the main character. The narration added to my enjoyment of a fun story.

This was on my Audible shelf since 2012. It qualified for my 2017 TBR and Audiobook challenges.

Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop

This is a lovely story of love growing between unlikely characters.

When Death Loved an Angel
Written by: Cheree L Alsop
Narrated by: Michele Carpenter

Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-09-14
Publisher: Cheree Alsop
Genre: Sci Fi, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Death loved his existence. He charmed women, completed his list, and was content until the day he tried to kill Gregan Parker and came face to face with Gregan's guardian angel. She fought for the man's life, challenging Death the way no angel ever had. In the face of her defiance, he felt his heart do something it hadn't for centuries; it beat. Death found himself falling for the angel, but she already loved Gregan, a man who had never seen her.
Watching Nyra love a man who didn't know of her existence could terminate Death's heart when it had just begun to beat, but taking away the one thing she cared about would destroy any chance he had with her. Could Death truly put himself last and risk letting his love slip through his fingers, or would he figure out a way to save both his heart and the angel who stole it?
©2013 Cheree Alsop (P)2014 Cheree Alsop

Review:
Death has never been concerned about or had compassion for the people whose souls he guides to their resting place. He has always liked doing his “job” and he certainly has never given any thought to the living who might grieve. He completes his list of names and eagerly awaits the time of night he gets to spend charming women he picks up for fun.

One day he appears in a hospital room to take the soul of Gregan, a young man injured in an accident. Across the room is Gregan’s guardian angel, Nyra. Although she appears tiny and delicate, she dares to say “No” to Death. He is surprised but even more startled when he feels a heartbeat in his own chest. Death agrees to wait, at least a day.

Death is intrigued by the lovely, caring Nyra, although he is disappointed that she is in love with Gregan. Death is drawn to visit Nyra every day and struggles as he realizes that he doesn’t want to hurt her by taking the man she loves. Death becomes confused with his new feelings showing him the effect his actions have on others. He begins to question the work that he does and undergoes an internal battle as others challenge him.

Meanwhile, Nyra finds that she is lost in the Guardian accounting books because she can no longer do her job to help the unconscious Gregan. She looks for comfort to Gregan’s unexpected ‘brother’ who appears one hour a night to sit beside Gregan and share stories with her. Slowly her affections begin to turn to this mysterious man.

I found this story very engaging. The chapters shift point of view from Death to Nyra, which adds interest. The writing has a delicate touch and I loved it’s otherworldly tone. The author deftly and gradually softens the usual dark image of Death and makes the romance plausible, anticipated and ultimately charming. I enjoyed the unique storyline and the smooth style. I would like to read more by this author and I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a gently building friendship growing to love between unlikely characters.

Audio Notes: I was impressed with the narration by Michele Carpenter. Her Nyra voice was gentle and soothing and her Death voice shared his indifference that turned to pained sadness. I hadn't heard her work before but her voice and presentation perfectly fit this story. My enjoyment of the reading was definitely enhanced by the audio format.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. This qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: My Lady Quicksilver by Bev McMaster

This has great, strong characters and wonderful relationship tension.
My Lady Quicksilver
by Bec McMaster

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 140227033X
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270338

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
"Deftly blends elements of Steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results...darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy."—Booklist Starred Review for Kiss of Steel
In the mist-shrouded streets of a steam-fueled London, a clockwork army is on the rise, vampire blue bloods rule the streets, and war is brewing...
I Will Come For You...
He will find her no matter what. As a blue-blooded captain of the Nighthawk Guard, his senses are keener than most. Some think he's indestructible. But once he finds the elusive Mercury, what will he do with her?

It's his duty to turn her in—she's a notorious spy and traitor. But after one stolen moment, he can't forget the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her, or the sharp sting of betrayal as she slipped off into the night. Little does Mercury know, no one hunts better than the Nighthawk. And his greatest revenge will be to leave her begging for his touch...

Review:
Mercury is a leader of the humanist rebellion against the powerful, blood sucking Echelon. She was raised to be a spy and an assassin. When her brutal, blue-blood, father slaughtered her beloved husband in front of her she managed to escape his clutches, along with her brothers. Her older brother, Jack, is frail due to the experiments and tortures of their father. Her younger brother, Jeremy, had gotten into the wrong crowd of machinists and has been missing since Mercury foiled the machinists plan to bomb the Echelon leadership.

Mercury has her own mechanical arm that was cut off trying to free her husband. The arm was then replaced by expert biotechs engaged by her father. Although Mercury sympathizes with the machinists, she did not agree they were ready for the all out war that would follow a vicious attack against the Echelon. Still she continues with her plans to face the brutal Coldrush guards of the Echelon. But her activities are being investigated by Lynch, “The Nighthawk” himself, who is the head of the Nighthawks, the rogue, outcast blue-bloods who serve as spies and enforcers for the Echelon along with the guard.

Mercury is distracted from her own revenge efforts while seeking news of the whereabouts of Jeremy. Mercury goes undercover as Rosalind, an able and determined secretarial assistant.  She convinces Lynch to engage her and they begin a careful, but oh-so dangerous, dance. The more Rosalind gets to know Lynch the more she respects him, even knowing he is the enemy. She knows she shouldn’t grow close but this is the first time her senses have been stirred–even her heart– since her husband’s death.
Lynch feels a growing attraction for Rosalind but he is confused by his lustful reaction to the seductive play of Mercury. He is having a hard time keeping his usual cold, controlled demeanor while challenged by two attractive, but both unattainable, women.

Lynch is given an ultimatum by the Prince Consort: he has two weeks to bring in Mercury for execution or submit himself in her place. But how can he turn over a woman who makes him feel alive?

There is plenty of action in addition to the deceptive intrigue as Lynch and his team, with Rosalind in tow to take notes, investigate the sudden rampaging and killing of loved ones and households among several Echelon leaders.  The reader knows that Rosalind is going toeventually get caught and exposed as Mercury. The fun is getting there and learning how Lynch reacts!

I enjoy the steampunk elements in this series and the strong characters. I really loved the intrigue and sensual play throughout this book. It kept my attention riveted waiting to see the next step or play in the game.

Although I recommend this whole series I think this could be read as a stand alone and it is my favorite so far. I read two of the prior books and missed one. I think the background was sufficiently recounted to identify the players and how they got where they are. There are still characters who have stories waiting, and I am especially interested to learn what happens to Barrons and to the ongoing battle between humanists and the Echelon.

I received the ARC from Sourcebooks for an honest reviewing.

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Book Review: Queen in Exile by Donna Hatch

This is a fine fantasy romance: a damsel in distress, an evil enemy, a knight to the rescue, a bit of magic and conflicted, sweet love.

Queen in Exile
by Donna Hatch

File Size: 472 KB
Print Length: 373 pages
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (January 1, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B004WF4Q3G
Genre:  Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2011

Rumors of War hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telepahtic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen af Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

Review:
Jeniah is the beautiful, almost ethereal, princess of Arden, a country that embraces peace. Although magic is shunned in her land, Jeniah has a hidden talent of ‘blending’ with her landscape. She is frightened by her own skills until one day she comes upon a chayim in the woods. This is a sacred creature and bonding with one is meant to be powerful and good magic. Just as Jeniah begins the bonding a dark knight swoops in and slays the mystical being.

After years without war the Arden army is limited and defenses are weak.  Now the kingdom must prepare for war. The King brings in a famous Sauraii warrior, Kai, from another realm to train his men. Kai is a fierce warrior and a man of honor. Kai may be fearless in battle but he has suffered the lose of love in the past so he fears loving and losing again.  He is sorry that he did not know the chayim was a good creature and he is sorry he frightened the young woman and brought sadness to her.

Treachery brings an early attack on the castle and many, including the royal family, are slaughtered. Kai feels he has failed to protect the kingdom but he battles his way to Jeniah and gets her out.  Jeniah holds up through the hardships of loss and harsh travel to Kai’s homeland where she can regroup before returning to free her people. Before her plans are put into effect she is kidnaped and dragged back to Arden to face the enemy.

Can Kai rescue Jeniah before she is sacrificed by the evil king?  Can Jeniah reach her power through the chayim to help herself and her people? Can they trust a new ally to help defeat the enemy army?  Enjoy the book to discover these answers.

The writing is fluid and the story has good action and pacing. The hero and heroine are strong characters who have duties and issues that create conflicts to overcome. The attraction and romance between them is conflicted and sweetly magical in its persistence. The Chayim is an interesting creature that enhances the magical aspect of the story.  Donna Hatch has written a creative tale of excitement with danger, repressed love and magical elements. It is engaging reading and I will look for more of her work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Chayim's description of Jeniah:

Though this female was small, she had great power, great potential. She possessed duty, courage, and valor uncommon to humans. Location 1888.

Kai's recognition of Jeniah's power:

Somehow, she had touched the broken pieces of his heart and made them feel again.
He could not slay these demons. Location 2342.

I received this book for review for the publisher, Walnut Springs Press.

The book will be added to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Review: Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson

This is modern-day 'Sleeping Beauty' fairy tale that makes an easy and delightful read.

Thoroughly Kissed
by Kristine Grayson

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Reprint edition (June 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402248547
• ISBN-13: 978-1402248542

Genre:  Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

Sleeping Beauty has sworn off kissing...

Emma awakens to an entirely different world than the one she lived in a thousand years ago, and although she's the real Sleeping Beauty, her life is no fairy tale. After parting ways with her supposed Prince Charming, she's determined to be a normal girl—she hides her magic and swears off kissing strange men.

But her gorgeous boss Michael knows there 's something unusual about Emma, and he thinks she's as infuriating as she is beautiful. Now Emma needs to teach Michael a lesson, which means mastering her magic. She knows she's flirting with danger, but after one look at Michael's perfect lips, all she can think is, "What's another thousand years ... ?"

Welcome to the fractious fairy tale world of Kristine Grayson, where the bumpy road to happily ever after is paved with surprises ..
.

Review:
We met Emma in Utterly Charming when she awoke in a world that was absolutely foreign to her.  Her first kiss had placed her in a thousand year sleep.  She has spent the past 10 years learning a new language, getting college and doctorate degrees, and  establishing her career as a historian and college professor. She has avoided any relationship tangles not only because she hasn’t had time but also because she isn’t about to risk another kiss that might spell her to sleep again.

Emma Lost (a name she adopted upon her awakening) has met her new division head, Michael Found, who happens to also be her next door neighbor and wulfstrang - a powerful and handsome man. Michael has spent the last year on sabbatical researching the history of magic and its myths. Emma may be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen but the pragmatic and proper Mr. Found believes Emma and her popular book on Medieval history to be a fraud. Then Emma’s magic goes awry in his office and he has to reconsider his beliefs about magic, history and Emma.

Emma is destined to be a mage when she reaches the age or 50 or so. By ‘life experience’ Emma is only 30 so she figured she had another 20 years or so before she would have to face magical training. Now suddenly her wishes are coming true in odd ways; her powers are upon her but clearly out of control.  She has to travel from Wisconsin to Portland, Oregon to get her magical training’

She doesn’t have any friends to travel with her and it is just too risky to try to rely on her cat familiar, Darnell, to speak the reversal spells for any misguided magic. The fates aren’t going to make any exceptions or help her out. Perhaps she could ask Michael to help her since he has already seen evidence of her misguided abilities. After being manipulated into making the trip, Michael begins to fall under a different spell where Emma is concerned.  As they travel along long barren roads they face dangers of other wizards seeking to capture Emma’s wild magic. Can they make it safely to Oregon? And if they do, even if Michael can convince Emma to risk a kiss, how will they manage a relationship between a mortal man and a practically immortal mage?

Kristine Grayson writes characters  who are charmingly independent, stubborn and yet vulnerable. Even the cat, Darnell, has a most cat-like combination of independence and dependence. The plot is a bit zany but all fun. The writing is easy and light. There is sweet, sensual attraction with no need for sexual intimacy.  This is just a fun, sweet romance that I found delightful.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emma’s insecurities:

“Darnell’s the only person–if you want to call him that–who ever wanted to be with me more than he wanted to be with anyone else.”  Location 2575

Michael’s dilemma:

–why would a beautiful magical creature want to be with a stodgy professor?–she would at least know that he cared.  Location 2582.

I selected the ebook through NetGalley to review for Sourcebooks

This is set in Madison, Wisconsin for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.

Book Review: Seeking a Scribe by Marsha A. Moore

This is an 'enchanted' world and a fun, action-packed adventure.
Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One (Enchanted Bookstore Legends)

by Marcia A. Moore

• File Size: 494 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007JVYSSI

Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 2012

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love?

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.

Review:

Lyra returns to her home town for the summer to help take care of her last living relative, Aunt Jean, who is going through cancer treatments. Lyra has been saddened and depressed in the past year by the death of her parents and her unhappy divorce. She hopes to find peace and quiet but soon finds adventure, danger and romance instead. Lyra plans to write a book during the summer... and has no idea how true that will be. I liked how Ms. Moore used Lyra’s efforts to write a book to merge into her adventure as a scribe for the magical world of Dragonspeir.

Lyra walks into a ‘new’ bookstore in town and meets Cullen Drake who seems familiar to her. Cullen claims to have a special book for her and it turns out to be her own childhood journal of magical, enchanted visits made 25 years before. Now Cullen asks her to open the book again and step through to Dragonspeir where she has a special quest to save the realm from the evil Black Dragon. She must journey to meet the Black Dragon, write her experiences and have one person read the story before the deadline of the Red Moon.

There are wonderful friends with magical abilities: owls, deer, squirrels, fairy sprites, talking tree guardians and many more. There are also some strange friends and associates who Lyra isn’t sure can be trusted. Of course there are fearsome enemies too including sea monsters, poisonous dragons and other creatures with glowing eyes in the dark.

I loved the band that helps Lyra on her quest and I especially like the pseudodragon, Noba, and the dragon hatchling, Yasqu. They are sweet and playful. I want my own pet dragon!!  I’d love to read more of Noba and Yasqu. And I liked Sheridan too, the cicada in Drake’s bookstore who put Lyra off by his rather brash and leering introduction.

The story moves along at a good pace for the most part. There is a slower section near the end where Lyra deals with a death, funeral and grief. I at first wondered what this added but then thought it has a two-fold purpose. It shows that life in the “real world” goes on and must be dealt with. Also, it gave reason for grief that could distract Lyra and cause her to struggle to get the story written within the deadline.

Throughout the adventure Lyra and Cullen grow together in caring and sensual attraction. I liked that both the wizard and Lyra were shown with frailties that they had to overcome. There is a bit of repetition of Lyra’s longings to have a life with Cullen and wondering if it is possible. I thought the kissing scenes to be a bit amateurish, or perhaps I just found them awkward in what would otherwise be a wonderful story for young folks. In my thinking the sexual intimacy could have been left to the imagination and the reading base for the story would have been expanded.

Ms. Moore has created a marvelous, lush, magical, visual feast. I have to admit that the story of evil threatening to overtake the good in the magical land reminded me a bit of The Neverending Story due to its rich descriptions and fantastical creatures. But this is a wonderful, imaginative story of its own merit. Although this story had closure, there are several mysteries remaining for more adventure including secrets of Lyra’s heritage and more threats by the Black Dragon.   I recommend this story to those who love magical worlds of adventure but caution that not all scenes are appropriate for younger readers.

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An example of the fine descriptions:

The light wind twirled the foliage around and caused it to whistle softly. The shade and breeze refreshed the exposed skin of Lyra’s face and shoulders, overly warm from the hike.
“That’s a lovely chorus with each leaf playing a different note,” she said.  Location 550.

Finding the dragon baby in her computer document:

Closer inspection revealed the beast to be a dragon, covered in small, translucent, glodenbrown scales with a row of now white spines along its neck, back and tail. It shimmered with a haze of gold. Location 988.

Thank you to the author and Bewitching Blog Tour for the book to read and review. Don't miss the author's guest post and the Giveaway link at the bottom of that post.

Read the author guest post with a link to Giveaway at the end. 
Find the full blog tour list here or at Bewitching Book Tours post HERE.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson

This is quite a fun and “charming” read.

Utterly Charming

by Kristine Grayson

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402248512
• ISBN-13: 978-1402248511

Genre: Fantasy Romance
My Rating:  4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2011

Bestselling author Kristine Grayson's fairy tale romances bring the classic stories into the present day, where fairy tale characters must grapple with the complexities of modern life as well as their own destinies.

This time when Sleeping Beauty wakes up, she wants nothing to do with the man who kissed her. Consoling Alex Blackstone, the rejected suitor who is a brilliant magician but inept when it comes to women, falls to modern career woman and lawyer, Nora Barr. Nora now has to deal with Beauty's evil stepmother, and the discovery that Alex just might be her own personal Prince Charming...

Review:  This is a light, fun read.

Nora is a young, struggling attorney when she accidently meets Alex Blackstone and his friend, a dwarf named Sancho. There is something decidedly strange about the two who seemed to appear out of nowhere in her office garage. Alex is stunning and charming even with a hissing snake peeking out of his sleeve. The next thing Nora knows she is called by Sancho to come and defend Blackstone who has been in some wild neighborhood fight. Blackstone, the would be soul mate, and Ealhswith, the not quite stepmother,  have been fighting over the glass case containing Sleeping Beauty for almost a 1000 years.

Nora gets dragged into the situation, being engaged by Sancho to shelter a minibus, keeping its location secret, even from Blackstone and Sancho. At the end of ten years, Nora’s nightmares bring her to open the bus and discover Sleeping Beauty, Emma, just as she wakes up.  Now Nora needs to help Emma cope with a strange new world while protecting her from the manipulations of the two who put Emma in this situation: her mentor witch, Ealhswith, and her "boyfriend", Blackstone.

Blackstone thinks that an early prophesy declared Emma would be his soul mate. Although he has fought over Emma for a thousand years, he is drawn to Nora’s vibrant strength and integrity. His admiration for her helps change his own arrogant behavior.

Nora is a strong character.  I could relate to some of her ethical dilemma’s and appreciated her efforts to always do the right thing for her clients. Blackstone is easy to like as the charmer he is. The supporting cast, Sancho, Ealhswith, Nora's mother and mom's boyfriend, all have quirky traits that make them fun characters. There are a number of different, if not completely surprising, hops and twists in the story. The story is not deep although there are some nice comments on integrity and abuse of power, (even) magic. I liked the concept that 'there is a little bit of truth in all fairy tales.'  Take a fairy tale, update the magic, add the sweet HEA and what's not to like?

I have to say that I was surprised to visit the author’s website and discover that she writes The Retrieval Artist Series as Kristine Katherine Rusch. I have listened to two of those and like the humor and sci fi combination in those too. I'd say this is an author who provides a reliably entertaining read.

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Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 18, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 19. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and Giveaway -TWO COPIES: The Goblin King by Shona Husk

Yes - I like fairytale romances.:-)

The Goblin King

by Shona Husk

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402259859
• ISBN-13: 978-1402259852

Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description:
Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

Review: Here are Goblins you can really like.
Roan, the last King of his clan, was unfairly cursed a thousand years ago.  Roan might have given up over the years but the curse also included his brothers and members of his clan.  There were six originally but now only three remain.  The others were killed in goblin wars, lost the struggle to remain human and succumbed to the lore of gold and became fully Goblin or killed themselves rather than become goblin.  One of the same fates await Roan and his brothers unless they can find a way to end the curse.

Roan is summoned by Eliza when she is threatened by her power grabbing fiancé, Steve.  Eliza had called on the Goblin King to rescue her nine years earlier when she was only 15. She can’t remember the details but has had vague dreams and a warm sense that the Goblin King is real and can help her.  Note - If you read The Summons (available at Kindle, Barnes & Noble or ITunes) it tells the earlier encounter and I think helped the flow of this book.

When Roan recognizes Eliza he is even more convinced that she should stay in Shadowland and become his Queen.  Roan and his brother, Dai, think perhaps a woman who would come willingly to be Queen could break the curse.  Eliza sees good still in Roan and wants to help but she doesn’t really want to stay in the land of greed, rot and death. And why would she want to leave one loveless relationship for a guy who doesn't even have a heart to love with?

If Roan keeps Eliza he would be risking trapping her in Shadowland when he turns full Goblin and has no recollection of her. Can they find a way to compromise to be together or a way to break the curse before the lure of greed overcomes him or he dies trying to kill the druid who now threatens Eliza?

I was not familiar with the Goblin King legends so this was all new and fun to me.  I really liked these characters and was rooting for Roan and Dai. I felt the disappointments when the curse wasn’t broken by the actions they hoped would work.  The story moved quickly and was an entertaining read. I liked Dai’s character as well and hope he finds a HEA in his book although I can’t imagine how the next book could have the magic and deadline of doom suspense that helped drive this book.

On a personal note - My main disappointment with The Goblin King was that the cover didn’t show Roan’s beaded dreadlocks which were described so nicely in the book. Oddly dreads aren’t something I normally like but I liked the amber beads that made music for Roan and Eliza.

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Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to  review and for offering two books for giveaway.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for TWO COPIES:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For two extra entries comment on the Author Interview.

3.   Two more entries for answering Question #8 from Author Interview.

4.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

5. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Eight total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 4, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
TWO WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 5. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.