Book review – Page 5 – Over A Cuppa Tea

Book review

Cast in Ruin

January 30, 2012 No Comments

Title: Cast In Ruin

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: LUNA

Pub Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 9780373803309

Author: Michelle Sagara

Highly imaginative,darkly amusing and entertaining. I was breathless by the time I finished this book. Anyone who appreciate a good fantasy would be able to love this book, and it’s a gem to have in your personal library collection.

I love the mystery and I love the plot development. The characters are highly dynamic and I definitely wouldn’t mind reading this book again some time soon. Highly recommended for fantasy/paranormal junkies.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

The dark is coming…

Seven corpses are discovered in the streets of a Dragonâ€™s fief. All identical, down to their clothing.

Kaylin Neya is assigned to discover who they were, who killed themâ€”and why. Is the evil lurking at the borders of Elantra preparing to cross over?

At least the investigation delays her meeting with the Dragon Emperor. And as the shadows grow longer
over the fiefs, Kaylin must use every skill sheâ€™s ever learned to save the people sheâ€™s sworn to protect.
Sword in hand, dragons in the sky, this time thereâ€™s no retreat and no surrender.â€¦

Book review

An Angel For Christmas

January 30, 2012 No Comments

Title: An Angel for Christmas

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: MIRAbooks

Pub Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 9780778312796

Author: Heather Graham

I have nothing against a holiday romance, but I have to say that while I love the plot structure, I feel that the story’s progress is rather slow. I wish the author speed up things a little bit between the characters. It would have keep me glued to the pages.

Not the kind of book that you want to go on reading one page after another, but I suppose it’s an acceptable read for a lazy holiday season where you can linger on and on to read a book in front of the fireplace.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

A snowy mountainside…

A starry night…

The makings of a miracle…

Christmas has never brought out the best in the MacDougal family. Still, year after year, they gather together in the Blue Ridge Mountains to try to make the season merry and bright. But this year is an especially strained one, with Shayneâ€™s impending divorce, Morwennaâ€™s slavish devotion to work and Bobbyâ€™s reluctance to face what life has to offer. Theyâ€™ve never felt less like a family.

Then, in the midst of a snowy sibling shouting match, a mysterious stranger appears. He could be a criminal, a
madmanâ€”or something far more unexpected. Despite their fears and the growing danger in the dark woods around them, the MacDougals take a leap of faith. But when another stranger arrives on the mountainside, they donâ€™t know which of them to believe. One of these men canâ€™t be trusted. And one is about to bring Christmas into their hearts.

â€™Tis the season of miraclesâ€¦

Book review

Lord of The Wolfyn

January 30, 2012 No Comments

Title: Lord of the Wolfyn

SubTitle: Royal House of Shadows: Book 3

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne

Pub Date: October 18, 2011

ISBN: 9780373618705

Author:Jessica Andersen

If you’re thirsty for something sizzling hot and different, then this book is definitely for you. A bit of a fairy tale, but not quite something for children. Definitely not something for children, though the plot reminds me a little bit of Red Riding Hood and the scheming Big Bad Wolf. I’m not the least put off by the beastiality written in this book.

Reading this book makes me feel that fairy tales and magic lives on after all, even though we’re all grown up and doesn’t not believe in the Tooth Fairy or Santa Clause anymore.

A wonderful, entertaining read, and I highly recommends this book to all paranormal romance lovers. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Once upon a timeâ€¦the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queenÂ scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four
royal heirsâ€¦and time is running outâ€¦

For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of â€œLittle Red Riding Hoodâ€Â catapulted her into another realmâ€”face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile manâ€¦

Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength. Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Redaâ€™s heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdomâ€¦or fight it to save his woman.

Once upon a timeâ€¦the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queenÂ scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four
royal heirsâ€¦and time is running outâ€¦For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of â€œLittle Red Riding Hoodâ€Â catapulted her into another realmâ€”face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile manâ€¦

Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength. Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Redaâ€™s heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdomâ€¦or fight it to save his woman.

Book review

Lord of Rage

January 30, 2012 No Comments

Title: Lord of Rage

SubTitle: Royal House of Shadows: Book 2

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne

Pub Date: September 20, 2011

ISBN: 9780373618682

The heroine of this book reminds me of Goldilocks. Lost, hungry and desperate, but in a good way, I suppose. I love how the story flow and the sexual tension between the characters. The story was written in a highly imaginative way that I find all of these highly amusing.

I enjoyed reading this book though I wish there’s more character development going on in the story.

This book is a good read if you’re into paranormal, fantasy and romance. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin Publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.

Book description:

Once upon a timeâ€¦the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queenÂ scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four
royal heirsâ€¦and time is running outâ€¦

Princess Breena had been dreaming of her warrior lover when she was ripped from her Elden castle and thrown into a strange, dangerous realm. Lost and alone, she prayed for survival and vengeance for her stolen kingdom. She found both in a woodland cottageâ€¦in a dark bear of a man.

The golden-haired beauty had eaten his food and slept in his bed when Osborn found her. Though he wanted to awaken his virgin princess to carnal pleasures, Breena wanted moreâ€”including his warrior skills. Skills the once-legendary mercenary had long buried. Now Osborn had a choiceâ€”risk his life or deny his princess her fairy-tale ending.

Book review

Unclaimed

January 28, 2012 No Comments

Title:Unclaimed

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HQNBooks

Pub Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 9780373776030

Author:Courtney Milan

I have a lot of things to say about this book, but I’ll just keep it short and sweet. This book sizzles. Read at your own risk. I was completely absorbed into this book and I feel for the heroine’s troubles. Life is not always fair and you have to do what you have to do to survive the judgmental society. Sometimes, one ought to be heartless in order to be good to oneself. I could relate to that. It’s what I have to to through every day.

This book is a wonderful and sassy read. There’s plenty of romance and plenty of drama. I enjoyed it very much and wouldn’t mind picking it up again some time soon.

I rate this book 4 out of 5. I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book and I wasn’t compensation in any ways for writing this.

Book description:

Her only hope for survivalâ€¦

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of Londonâ€”and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check…until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she lovesâ€¦

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to be free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needsâ€¦and the love she knows is impossible.

Book review

Unscripted

January 28, 2012 No Comments

Title: Unscripted

Publisher: Carina Press

Pub Date: November 28, 2011

ISBN: 9781426892691

Author: Aaron, Natalie; Schwartz, Marla

This book gave me a good laugh. A wonderful read when you are feeling down or when you’re feeling that the world is against you. Very lighthearted read and would definitely tickles you funny bones. I do take pity on the heroine, though. She was placed in akward predicament many times, but thank God everything worked out well for her…most of the times. I suppose this book teaches me to take everything with a pinch of salt, and everything will be okay…most of the times.

Everyone who loves a good comedy romance should read this book. It’s positively funny and heartwarming.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press.

Book description:

As a producer on a reality dating show, Abby Edwards knows that true love is a myth. Her career and her friends are all she needs. Right?

When her screenwriter ex makes a hit movie based on their relationship, Abby’s faults are projected on screens across the country. Suddenly the fact that her job depends on orchestrating hot tub hook-ups doesn’t seem so impressive.

Her friends rally to help. ZoÃ« thinks she needs to meet a guy. Stephanie suggests an attitude adjustment. Nancy wants her to get in touch with her inner Goddess. Abby knows they mean well, but she prefers to focus on her work. Unfortunately, she’s already embarrassed herself in front of her new boss, Will Harper, who she would find totally crush-worthy if he weren’t so irritating.

Abby’s about to be reminded that life doesn’t follow a script-and good things happen when you least expect it…

Book review

Allegiance

January 28, 2012 No Comments

Title: Allegiance

SubTitle: The Legacy Trilogy: Book II

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: HarlequinTEEN

Pub Date: February 28, 2012

ISBN: 9780373210435

Author: Cayla Kluver

I cannot ask more from this book. It was really a wonderful read, and I enjoyed every sentence of it. I’m amazed with the author’s skill in bringing the readers into the world full of magic, love, frustration and betrayal. Reading this book is like riding a roller coaster. A highly intense and emotional read at times, but not overdone. It gives hope to those who have none, and it taught one to perserve at all times, no matter how tough things get. I love the heroine. She’s something to be admired. And I like her guts for doing what she taught is right despite of people’s opinion on her.

Absolutely thrilling and I highly reccommend this book to everyone who enjoys a tasteful YA read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this.

Book description:

Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn’t help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive.

An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return…

Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn’t truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge.

Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn

Book review

The Future Door

January 18, 2012 No Comments

This is the second time I read Jason Lethcoe’s book. The first one was ‘No Place Like Holmes’ and I must say that this book does not disappoint. I absolutely love this book and I enjoyed it as much as the precedessor.

There’s so much to be discovered in this book and I couldn’t get the mystery out of my head when I read this book. Absolutely page-turning and I wouldn’t mind reading this book again and again in the near future.

I highly recommends this book to those who loves a good juvenile mystery with plenty of moral story. Suitable for young children and teens. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book description:

A mystery is afoot at 221 Baker Street, but will Griffin Sharpe be able to figure out the clues before the future catches up with the past?

When Sherlock Holmes moves out of Baker Street, a new tenant moves inâ€”a mysterious woman named Elizabeth who has long been a fan of Holmes. When she discovers that Griffin and his uncle are also detectives, she becomes very friendly. So when Elizabeth goes missing along with a special invention, Griffin sets out to rescue her. But finding Elizabeth will take them on a race against the clock that bends time itself!

Book review

First Date

December 23, 2011 2 Comments

First Date by Krista McGee is definitely an interesting, tongue-in-cheek and a refreshing read. I love this book and I can’t help but laugh when the characters were put in strange predicament in this story.

This is a Christian fiction, and therefore, there’s bits of Christian element in it, and one could see that clearly at some point of the story. But that’s all right, I suppose cuz it was not overdone.

Wonderful and a light read, and something that could be easily finished within 2 hours. I highly recommends this book who loves a light reading or those who loves a good Christian romance.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher. I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Addy Davidson is the last girl in the country who wants to be on the new reality TV show to win a date to prom with the Presidentâ€™s son. Sheâ€™s focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didnâ€™t even audition for it.

But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first showâ€¦ right before she realizes that the Presidentâ€™s son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addyâ€™s totally out of her comfort zoneâ€”but that may be right where God can show her the most about who she is . . . and who she was meant to be.

Book review

The Bones House

December 23, 2011 No Comments

‘The Bone House’ is the sequel to ‘The Skin Map’ and while I loved the intriguing book cover, I can’t very much say the same about the story in this sequel. I very much preferred the first book, ‘The Skin Map’. I believe I’ve reviewed it quite some time ago and I was really hooked on the story.

While this book have the same thrilling factor in it, I can’t seems to pay attention to the story because there’s too much scenes shift. I struggled to read this sci-fi book and I find it difficult to finish.

Perhaps this book is just not for me. If you’re into sci-fi, however, don’t let my opinion stop you from reading it. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publisher and I was not required to write a positive review for it.

Book description:

One piece of the Skin Map has been found. Now the race to unravel the future of the future turns deadly.

An avenue of Egyptian sphinxes, an Etruscan tufa tomb, a Bohemian coffee shop, and a Stone Age landscape where universes collide â€¦

Kit Livingstone met his great grandfather Cosimo in a rainy alley in London where he discovered the reality of alternate realities.

Now heâ€™s on the run â€“ and on a quest, trying to understand the impossible mission he inherited from Cosimo: to restore a map that charts the hidden dimensions of the multiverse while staying one step ahead of the savage Burley Men.

The key is the Skin Map â€“ but where it leads and what it means, Kit has no idea. The pieces have been scattered throughout this universe and beyond.

Mina, from her outpost in seventeenth-century Prague, is quickly gaining both the experience and the means to succeed in the quest. Yet so are those with evil intent, who from the shadows are manipulating great minds of history for their own malign purposes.

Across time and space, through manifest and hidden worlds, those who know how to use ley lines to travel through astral planes have left their own world behind in this, the second quest: to unlock the mystery of The Bone House.