Royal Secrets by Traci Hunter Abramson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Jun 042012
 

Royal Secrets

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Published Date: February 2012

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Softcover; 288 pages

Genre: Romantic Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60681-868-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Alora DeSanto and her sons, Giancarlo and Dante, survived the fire that killed her husband and extended family, but life would never be the same. When her friend, Janessa, needs a personal assistent with Alora’s security skills to help her plan her wedding to Prince Garrett, Alora and her sons move to the royal chateau in Meridia. Also at the chateau is Prince Stefano, on orders to relax as he recovers from a car accident and suspected attempt on his life.

Alora is awed by her surroundings and the warm welcome she receives from everyone at the chateau. A friendship soon develops between Alora and Prince Stefano, one that the prince wants to further into a relationship but Alora isn’t sure her heart can handle it. With someone out to destroy the royal family, can she and her boys risk losing someone they love again?

Review

Royal Secrets is the long-awaited sequel to Royal Target and picks up shortly after Royal Target ends. Those of you who follow the blog know that I am a big fan of Traci’s Saint Squad series and how Traci weaves romance into her suspense. Royal Target and Royal Secrets are my guilty pleasures, though, based more in romance yet with enough of Traci’s classic suspense to keep things moving at a good pace.

Royal Secrets (and Royal Target) appeal to me because for a little while, I get to suspend reality and experience something very different from my normal life. For example:

  • Meeting and falling in love with a handsome prince. (What woman hasn’t wondered what THAT would be like?)
  • A faithful LDS woman as a main character who speaks several languages, travels the world and knows how to handle a weapon.
  • A strong, well-trained security operative who can protect herself AND her man.
  • Life in a Mediterranean beach-side chateau with a closet full of ball gowns and plenty of opportunities to wear them.

Something I appreciated in Royal Secrets was that though the focus is on Alora and Prince Stefano, the reader gets enough of a continuation of Janessa and Prince Garrett’s story to tie them all seamlessly together without detracting from Alora and Stefano’s budding romance. We get to see how things go when Prince Garrett meets Janessa’s parents (though I think Janessa should have clarified with Prince Garrett much earlier the importance of keeping her CIA employment status a secret from her family), as well as how the royal family handles things when the truth of Prince Garrett’s conversion is revealed.

Because I read 100+ books a year and it’s been a while since I read Royal Target, I took the opportunity to re-read it before reading Royal Secrets and I’m glad I did. It was nice to have the characters fresh in my mind as I read through Royal Secrets. If you have not read Royal Target yet, I suggest doing so first as the characters and plot in Royal Secrets rely heavily on the continuation of events from the first book.

Royal Secrets is an enjoyable read that I would recommend to any fan of romantic suspense.

Royal Secrets is available for purchase at AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

 

Fall by Jennifer Hurst

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Apr 162012
 

Fall

Author: Jennifer Hurst

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published Date: July 2011

Kindle Edition; 298 pages

Genre: Paranormal Romance (not YA)

ISBN# 978-1463632779

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Women and construction shouldn’t mix. At least, that is what the client, Mr. Blackwell, thinks when twenty-one year old Julia D. Halstead is promoted to project manager to convert a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast. However, the schoolhouse contains a dark secret that has been hidden for nearly a hundred years. A secret that will unleash the Furies of Hell and cause the Angels in Heaven to weep as ethereal brothers, Matthew and Nathan, battle over Julia’s very soul.

Review

JD is capable, talented, and feminine construction manager. She likes hot pink animal print accents and heels. She appreciates good-looking men, even if she’s not necessarily looking for a relationship. So when demolitionist Matthew Rigo shows up in a tight black t-shirt pointing out a mistake on her blueprints, she’s both attracted to him and annoyed.

When JD starts investigating the cause of the incorrect measurements of the building she’s renovating, strange noises come from the floor above send her scrambling out to her car. From there the story progresses to a mysterious, dark romance with motorcycle-riding bad boy Matt and feelings that JD just can’t seem to resist. A few steamy kisses and chemistry-filled encounters lead to JD finding herself a pawn involved in forces of good and evil that she never would have imagined.

Set in picturesque Torrey, Utah, Fall is about angels and demons, good vs. evil, and choice and consequence. While certain parts of the story could have used just a bit more polish, I was easily pulled into the story. The characters had depth, and I’m curious to see what will happen next.

If you are a reader who likes paranormal romance with adult characters or are tired of the high school/teenage aspect, then you will most likely enjoy Fall.

Content

I don’t remember any language or graphic violence (it’s been a little while since I read it), though there are some scary incidents of strange noises, etc. Some steamy kisses, but nothing too graphic. At one point, Matt carries JD into the bedroom and while we can guess what happens, no details are given. (This incident proves integral to the story and is not gratuitous.)

Twitterpated by Melanie Jacobson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Mar 192012
 

Twitterpated

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: March 2012

Softcover; 247 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60861-065-5

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary:

Jessie Taylor is furious when her roommate secretly posts her picture on the dating website LDS Lookup — furious, that is, until she spends all night instant messaging Ben Bratton, a man whose wit and warmth just might make Jessie forget the train wreck of her last romantic relationship. Their first date is a smashing success (literally), but Ben’s overall awesomeness can’t save Jessie from having to deal with Craig, her competitive coworker whose baiting behavior sets new standards for obnoxiousness. Determined to beat Craig at his own game, Jessie spends long office hours finishing projects and putting out fires, but while her performance wows her boss, it only makes Ben skittish — after a failed engagement to an up-and-coming lawyer, he’s not about to pair up with someone who’s married to her job. Will Jessie figure out how to be true to herself and take her big chance at love before it’s gone with a click of the mouse?

My Review

How many ways can I say “I LOVED Twitterpated?”

I have enjoyed every one of Melanie’s books, and Twitterpated was just as much fun as her other novels.

I liked Jessie. She’s spunky, hard-working and a good friend. I loved Ben. He’s a good, down-to-earth kind of guy with a hint of geek that I can’t resist. I don’t know how Melanie does it, but she captures the occasional awkwardness of dating without making it uncomfortable or cheesy. Sometimes I felt a little embarrassed for the character, but it only succeeded to endear them to me.

I enjoyed watching Jessie take the high road (for the most part) with her infuriating co-worker, Craig. She sticks to her guns and her morals when she has opportunity to choose otherwise. There was one scene with Craig where I almost screamed out loud in frustration for Jessie, but she manages to keep her cool. Barely. I appreciated watching Jessie’s struggle to find balance between success at work and success in life.

If you enjoy fun romance that is clean but still toe-curling, I highly recommend Melanie Jacobson’s books: The List, Not My Type and Twitterpated. She has easily earned her spot on my favorite romances bookshelf. Whatever you do, Melanie, DON’T STOP WRITING.

Read Melanie’s Guest Author Thursday post HERE.

 

Emerald City by Alicia K. Leppert – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Special Features
Mar 052012
 

Emerald City

Author: Alicia K. Leppert

Publisher: Sweetwater Books/Cedar Fort

Published Date: April 2012

Pages: 320

Genre: Romance

ISBN# 978-1-59955-864-6

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC: ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Book Description:

One city of 600,000 people.
One broken girl.
One mysterious boy.
One fateful night,
Two worlds collide.

Seattle, Washington. The sprawling, industrious city set in a blanket of pine. I have never known a day that wasn’t spent inside this concrete jungle. It’s my home, and for that I love it. But it’s also the setting for the tragedy called my life, and so I loathe it.

I live alone in a cold, empty studio apartment. The tiny square room closely resembles a cell. That’s my life: solitary confinement.

Here, in this desolate place that perfectly reflects my soul, my story begins.

Summary

Olivia Tate has had a tough life. She is barely making it through each day, simply going through the motions, when she overhears unkind words about her. She is in the depths of despair and can see no way out except through a bottle of pills.

When she wakes up in the hospital, the nurse tells her she was saved by her neighbor, a young man with green eyes named Jude. Jude is genuinely kind, yet quiet and incredibly private about his life. Olivia finds herself drawn to Jude, and as they build a friendship she finds that hope and light are returning to her life again.

My Review

I was drawn into Emerald City from page one. While it starts out a little dark I was pulled right into the story of Olivia and the mysterious young man from the next building. If I hadn’t been so tired I would have read straight through the night.

I really liked Jude and was very intrigued by him and his story. While I had a suspicion about the truth behind Jude, it was wanting to know more about him (and see if I was right) that kept me turning pages. Yes, I am purposefully not telling you what it was or if I was right or not. No spoilers here! I appreciated seeing Olivia seek help and recognize her strength and value. She opens up a little to others around her, sees their kindness and even makes a new friend at work.

While Emerald City has a hint of YA feel to it, Olivia is 20 years old, so it fits more in the “new adult” category and will appeal to both mature teens and adults. As far as content goes, I don’t remember any language and there is no sex, though Jude does spend the night often.

I don’t know if Emerald City is part of a series but if it is, I would definitely read the next book.

* * *

Thank you to both Alicia and Cedar Fort for the opportunity to participate in the Emerald City blog tour.

 

 

 

 

 

Read more Emerald City reviews: BLOG TOUR CALENDAR

Pre-order on AMAZON

Connect with Alicia: WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Connect with Cedar Fort: BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

 

 

 

Friends and Foes by Sarah M. Eden

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Feb 272012
 

Friends and Foes

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2012

Softcover;  269 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60681-376-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for honest review

Summary

Phillip Jonquil, Earl of Lampton, a dandy in brightly-colored frock coats with a quick-witted humor and Sorrel Kendrick, a woman with a shrewish attitude whose body and dreams were forever shattered in a painful accident, are enemies immediately upon meeting. Both are protecting something: Sorrel, her heart damaged by lifelong abuse, and Phillip, his secret career hunting spies for the Foreign Office.

They declare themselves at war and oppose each other throughout the month-long Christmas holiday they must spend together while visiting common friends. With plenty of time to get to know the enemy, they find themselves forming an unexpected trust and friendship.

When Sorrel unknowingly overhears the very information Phillip needs to catch a notorious spy he refuses to put her at risk, but Sorrel knows he needs her to identify the men she saw. When the situation turns more dangerous than they expected, Phillip fears he will lose the woman he loves forever.

My Review

Friends and Foes was just as good as I expected, having enjoyed all of Sarah’s other books. I got a kick out of Phillip. He’s an easy hero to love, with his wit, good looks, and dangerous job. It was nice to get inside his head and see the man behind the dandy.

I also enjoyed watching the relationship between Phillip and Sorrel develop. Sorrel is strong because she feels vulnerable inside. Spending time in the same house with Phillip allows her glimpses behind his make-light-of-everything mask. He challenges her when she needs it, and soon there is a trust between them that is budding into friendship.

I read Friends and Foes in one sitting and loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to read more from Sarah. I hope we get the chance to know Phillip’s many brothers better in future books. (Please say we do, Sarah!)

 

Buy Friends and Foes: AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK **

**These links are provided for the reader’s convenience and are not affiliate links.

 

Of Grace and Chocolate by Krista Lynne Jensen

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Feb 202012
 

Of Grace and Chocolate

Author: Krista Lynne Jensen

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2012

Softcover; 194 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 978-1-60681-865-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for honest review

I realized that I haven’t posted my official review of Of Grace and Chocolate yet, so let me do it now.

Of Grace and Chocolate is Krista Lynne Jensen’s debut novel. She currently has two more books under contract with Covenant, so we have more to look forward to from her.

Summary

After a childhood of neglect and abuse, Jill has created a new life for herself. The order and routine make Jill feel safe and secure–until the day Scott, a man from Jill’s past who doesn’t remember her, steals her phone and keys to get her attention. All he wants is a date, but Jill isn’t interested, knowing that he doesn’t remember her and how he hurt her.

But Jill’s day isn’t over yet. Her runaway sister shows up on her front porch, setting Jill’s highly ordered life onto a path that will change her forever.

My Review

Of Grace and Chocolate is a story full of emotion, choice and consequence, suspense, forgiveness and love. I’ve read it twice, and cried both times. Jill and Evie’s story touched me, and my heart broke for their past suffering.

I appreciated how the relationship between Jill and Scott developed with an emotional maturity not often seen in a romance novel. Great story, clean writing, engaging characters, and some really nice kisses all add up to an unforgettable read that comes highly recommended from me.

5 stars out of 5. I can’t wait to read more from Krista.

Visit Krista’s BLOG.

Buy Of Grace and Chocolate: SEAGULL BOOK | DESERET BOOK

 

 

 

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