The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff

The Ambassador's Daughter by Pam Jenoff is the story of Margot, a young German girl who lives and travels with her father, a man who is forced into becoming a diplomat by his brother-in-law during the peace conference of World War I. He was to be a German voice at the table that was not part of the German official group. They are the enemy, constantly suspect, even though Margot’s father was academic and not part of the war. Margot runs into many adventures when she and her father move to France.

The Ambassador's Daughter is epic! Margot is a highly likeable character trying to make her way in a new world, all while trying to figure out who she can trust, and what she is going to do with her life. Torn between her duty to her father, her fiancé Stefan, her new love Georg and the multitudes of new friends she makes…plus her own feelings of right and wrong, Margot will stick in your head. Even though the setting is not one most of us know, her feelings and decisions are things anyone can relate to on some level.

I give The Ambassador's Daughter five out of five stars. This book really takes you on an adventure and won’t let go, leaving you guessing until the very end.

 

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey) by Julie Kagawa is the story of young Ethan Chase, who can see fairy folk. The fey are referred to as Them throughout the story. If you can see Them, there is no end to the trouble they can cause you. Ethan lost his older half-sister to Them, as she was destined to be the Iron Queen. The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey) is part of the Iron Fey Series and continues the adventures of the Nevernever. Ethan wouldn’t have re-entered the Nevernever for anything, until he and several other people are attacked by a before unseen fairy folk.

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey) was an interesting enough book; I would most definitely read the rest of the series. There were points where things dragged here and there, especially in the beginning. Once Ethan gets really caught up in the trouble though, the book really picks up. Part of the drag I think was the necessary backstory, which can be difficult to do well in first person POV. The ending was rather abrupt as well, which makes me think there may be a follow up novel in the works.

I give The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey) three and a half stars out of five. A very enjoyable book, though Ethan can be a bit whiny and long-winded.

 


*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Just One Night Part 1 by Kyra Davis

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger by Kyra Davis is part one. It’s the steamy book about Kasie Fitzgerald who has a one night stand in Vegas. But that’s not where the story ends, it’s just the beginning. Kasie is a good girl who gets dragged away by her best friend Simone to Vegas as a sort of prenuptial bash. She is semi-engaged to her long term, comfortable boyfriend Dave, who appreciates just how much of a good girl she is. Then she meets Mr. Dade, and all hell breaks loose.

Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger starts off strong and keeps the pace going throughout the entire story. This is one story that will keep you guessing as to what happens next. It’s captivating watching Kasie go from who she used to be to a more multi-dimensional person. Though I was not expecting such a cliffhanger ending! I almost threw my Kindle across the room, but that would have been very bad.

I give Just One Night, Part 1: The Stranger four and a half stars out of five. There were some minor formatting issues, but since this was an ARC I’m not knocking any points off for that, plus it was easily read even with the minor issues.

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Scent Of Magic by Maria V. Snyder

Scent of Magic (The Healers) by Maria V. Snyder is the story of people in a war ravaged world, following the two main characters, Avry and Kerrick. They live in a world full of magic; Avry is a healer who came back from the dead after the plague that decimated the fifteen realms, while Kerrick is a forest mage who can sense ‘intruders’ in the forest among other things.  They are fighting against Tohon, a life mage who wants to rule the world under the guise of reuniting the realms. This is the second book of the Healers series.

Scent of Magic (The Healers) is a wonderful story, though I did have a bit of trouble keeping up with when it was Avry’s turn or when it was Kerrick’s part of the story, as there were no definitive breaks between character POV changes. At times it was so seamless it confused me as to where each character was. There were a number of flashbacks to explain some of the events and various relationships, all were very well done and as a part of the story. The ending came way too fast!

I give Scent of Magic (The Healers)  four out of five stars. The characters were well developed, as was the story line. A great read.

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks

Highlander Most Wanted: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs by Maya Banks is a historical romance, the second book in the Montgomerys and Armstrong series. The first is Never Seduce a Scot: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs . This is the story of Genevieve McInnis, a gently bred young lady who was captured on the way to her betrothed by Ian McHugh, who abused her greatly in his obsession with her. Ian makes a critical mistake when he kidnaps Eveline Montgomery. Enter Bowan Montgomery, who claims the McHugh holdings for his brother to avenge the mistreatment of Eveline. Genevieve finds love and hope in his arms.

Highlander Most Wanted: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs made me laugh, tear up, and want to strangle people. The characters really come to life, and I was annoyed when the book ended as I wanted to know more about what happened. The story unfolds naturally, and reaches the usual ending for the genre. This book will suck you in to the story, so clear plenty of time to read it as you really won’t want to put it down!

I give Highlander Most Wanted: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs four and a half out of five stars.

Highlander Most Wanted: The Montgomerys and Armstrongs will be available on March 19^th, 2013 and is available for pre-order in the Kindle Store.

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

THE FOREVER GIRL (an Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Novel of the Occult) (Forever Girl Series #1) by Rebecca Hamilton is the first book in the Forever Girl series. The book follows Sophia, a young Wiccan with a secret – she hears voices. Thrust into a supernatural world she didn’t even know existed, Sophia battles against love, her new knowledge, her gifts and herself. One thing she discovers that has a big impact on her life is the true story of her ancestors.

Rebecca kept me guessing throughout the book, one minute I’d think one thing, and then it would turn out to be another. THE FOREVER GIRL (an Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Novel of the Occult) (Forever Girl Series #1) is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance book, and it’s a wild ride from moment one. The characters jump out at you and refuse to let you go until their story is told.

I give THE FOREVER GIRL (an Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Novel of the Occult) (Forever Girl Series #1) four and a half out of five stars. I absolutely loved it, and am really looking forward to reading more of the story!

*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher for review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Anti-Aging Herbs To Help You Feel Better, Live Longer And Look Younger by Lee Anne Dobbins

Anti-Aging Herbs : Herbs To Help You Feel Better, Live Longer and Look Younger - Includes Recipes! (Healing Foods Series) by Lee Anne Dobbins includes many different herbs, fruits and spices, and also gives several recipes for you to try. As with anything, talk to your doctor if you are on any sort of medication (and the warning shows up many times in the book), and use with caution. Many studies are quoted in the book as well.

Some of these herbs, fruits and spices you can find in your spice cabinet or outside in your yard or garden. Most are also able to be bought either in natural form or supplement form at many stores. The main benefits are usually of an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant nature, but there are many more benefits of each listed.

There are a wide range of recipes making up the second half of the book. There are breakfast recipes, smoothie recipes, jam recipes, tea recipes, lunch recipes, dinner recipes and many others. Anti-Aging Herbs : Herbs To Help You Feel Better, Live Longer and Look Younger - Includes Recipes! (Healing Foods Series) is a great resource for many healthier eating choices.

I give Anti-Aging Herbs : Herbs To Help You Feel Better, Live Longer and Look Younger - Includes Recipes! (Healing Foods Series) four out of five stars.