March/April E-Book Review!
Hello fellow readers! Welcome to the March edition of e-book review where I compile 2-3 mini-reviews of a couple of books that I’ve read on my e-reader for the past month and this month as well. I meant to post this last month, but I just never got around to it. Plus I just realized the last time I did this post was August! Yikes! I’m going to try to get on top of my E-book reviews a bit better.
I initially started this segment in an effort to read more of my e-books since my Kindle is overflowing with so many great titles. So I want to do better about posting this segment regularly, if not monthly, but at least bi-monthly.
Review #1: Werewolf Rage (Taming The Wolf #2) by Katie Lee O’ Guinn
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction
Page Length: 195 pages (electronic edition)
Synopsis: Ava Paskell has finally embraced her new life as a werewolf. Especially since that life includes Cyrus Carlston, her mate. Being in love is the best feeling in the world and she wants her dad, Harry to be as happy as she is. So when Perry and Cole Jansen, a brother and sister on the run turn up in town, she’ll do anything to see her father and Perry together. Even if that means going up against Perry’s mate, Braxton Mayhew and all of his hybrids. In a town like Paskell, nothing is ever easy though and what seems perfect at first can turn into the worst nightmare imaginable. (synopsis from Goodreads)
Review: This was thrilling sequel to the first novel. I’ve read a lot of werewolf based paranormal books that seem very repetitive in plot, but O’Guinn’s Taming the Wolf series really stands out. While the first book is solely based on world building, the second book focuses on developing their characters and delving into the werewolf lore as well as the mystery that surrounds the hybrids.
Like the first book, the plot is action packed, full of drama, and has some sweet romance. I ended up reading this book in one setting and was shocked the story made a twist in the middle. It threw me completely off guard to where Ava’s (main protagonist) story was headed. The ending is open-ended and leaves a bit of cliff-hanger. If you’re a fan of paranormal fantasy books, I recommend this series.
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Review #2: Wild Irish Heart (The Mystic Cove Series #1) by Tricia O’ Malley
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Page Length: 179 pages (electronic edition)
Synopsis: An ancient book, a power untouched, and a heart unloved lead Keelin O’Brien from her graduate studies in Boston to a small village on the coast of Southern Ireland. Determined to unearth the secrets lying hidden in the enchanted waters of the cove, Keelin has little time for a surly Irishman who infuriates her during the day and haunts her fantasies at night.
Inexplicably drawn to the woman who has stepped from his dreams and into his world, Flynn fights a stubborn battle against his increasing attraction for Keelin. Forces unknown have better plans for the two.
Only the secrets of the cove can show Keelin who she really is, the beauty of her mysterious power, and a love that will break the bounds of what she knows. (description from Goodreads)
Review:
This novel was a interesting blend of fantasy, romance, with a little bit of suspense. Even though Keelin, the narrator, is in her late twenties the novel feels like a coming-of-age story. It reminds readers that no matter what age you may be that we are always trying to find ourselves and figure out who we are and what makes us happy.
The scenery of Ireland in this book was so magnificently detailed and I felt if I was standing among the hills looking over the water and cove. I thought the fantasy aspect if this novel is interesting. Keelin, her mom, and grandma all have these amazing, mystical healing powers in order to help other in need. While these powers were supernatural, they felt a bit more subtle than other fantasy novels. I also appreciated that though Keelin and her love interest, Flynn have an instant attraction right off the bat, and fall for each other fast. It felt genuine and the romance was steamy in some parts too.
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Review #3: Dragon Rose (Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #2) by Christine Pope
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Retelling, Fiction
Page Length: 276 pages (electronic pages)
Synopsis: The shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black’s Keep as the Dragon’s latest Bride. As she attempts to adjust to her new life — and to know something of the monster who is now her husband — she begins to see that the curse is far crueler than she first believed. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to the Dragon’s Brides is only the beginning… (description from Goodreads)
Review:
A fun fantasy novel that’s set some where in the Renaissance era( I think?). I binge read this book as well because it was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down. Rhianne, the main protagonist, is a smart young romance with much bravado. She enjoys the art of painting which is forbidden, since are men in her society accustomed to trades such as that while women tend to the home. When she goes away to the Dragon Lord’s castle she has no idea to expect and while she is at first enamored with unlimited time to paint, she soon becomes depressed by her new solitary life.
I really liked this novel and I enjoyed the relationship between her and the Dragon Lord. The whole novel is basically a retelling of the beloved tale, Beauty and the Beast. Overall it was moderately paced and the romance is sweet and fairytale-like. I’ve never read any book in this series before, but it reads like a standalone. I’d be interested in reading other novels in the series.
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