Book Review + Read Online: Hunter's Season by Thea Harrison

Hunter's Season by Thea Harrison

• File Size: 290 KB
• Print Length: 105 pages
• Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd. (September 18, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0098ZYB3U

A Novella of the Elder Races

Duty. Devotion. Desire. When fate brings two isolated people together, love is in the cards.

As a palace guard and assassin for the Dark Fae, Xanthe always wore a mask, hiding her emotions to do her duty. But when her identity is compromised, she trades undercover work for guarding Queen Niniane—a position that often brings her in contact with Chancellor Aubrey Riordan.

Aubrey’s trust is shattered. A year ago his wife tried to assassinate their new queen in his name, a betrayal of everything he believes in. And now an attack on his life is proof the dark conspiracy is not yet over. Although injured and weak, Aubrey can’t help but be drawn to this shy assassin and loyal protector. Xanthe is everything Naida wasn’t, and the passion she stirs in him is something he thought had long passed him by.

Warning: Take a man recovering from an assassination attempt, the assassin sworn to protect him, add in a magical Tarot card deck and an isolated cabin, and watch the sparks fly!

I can’t believe this is the last book in the arc of The Tarot’s Journey. I’m very disappointed in myself that this is my first and last chance with this story, however I’m glad I enjoyed HUNTER’S SEASON.

Like I said, I haven’t read the previous books in the novella and although other reviewers said Xanthe and Aubrey appeared in previous books, I think their past/history was given well in the story that I need not to ask. A standalone book really serves its purpose.

Xanthe is an assassin that’s sworn to protect a Chancellor who was injured from an attack. She could kick ass, she’s fierce, but when it comes to Aubrey (chancellor) she’s so emotionally vulnerable. Worse, she was asked to take him under her roof! Aubrey, still broken and hurt from the betrayal of his wife by trying to assassinate the queen, is in risk. Unable to trust quickly as he did before, he’s on guard from Xanthe but can’t deny the feelings she arouse in him whenever she’s around. Can he realize his errors in time, to give their growing attraction time to blossom? Brought together by a very wise plot of Queen Niniane who noticed Xanthe’s tenderness for Aubrey, they now have their sweet little time together to explore each other’s feelings.

This novella, is a nice break from fantasy/paranormal stories, in here, we have pure romance. The adventures were mentioned but it does not occur between the main characters. There’s the mystery, action but it happened off the page. All we have is two people who had their own little bubble outside the world. Not that I’m complaining!

Their love story is a slow dance that I enjoyed well, it’s not instantaneous although the attraction is already there. Every minute, every exchange of words, is romantic. It’s nice to see Xanthe belittles herself that Aubrey wouldn’t like her and Aubrey always proves her wrong, not only he recovers from his injury but also from a broken heart that only Xanthe could fix. The characters were engaging and complements one another.

One thing though, since this my first glimpse of the Tarot’s journey, I may not feel as connected to the other characters that were mentioned before. However, based on my romantic side, this is a very good book, that would leave you breathless and thankful. Highly Recommended if you’re looking for sweet/hot romance!

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DISCLAIMER: I received this pdf  from FreshFiction in exchange of my honest review. First appeared on FreshFiction.

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Book Review: By the Light of the Silvery Moon

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (March 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616265515
• ISBN-13: 978-1616265519
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches

Remember the Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage with Tricia Goyer’s fictional portrayal of one woman’s journey. To Amelia Gladstone, this ship means promise of seeing family again. To Quentin Walpole, the Titanic represents a new start in America…if he can get onboard. All seems lost until Amelia offers him a ticket, securing his passage—and bringing him face-to-face with his railroad tycoon father and older brother, Damian. As Amelia works to reconcile father and son, she finds herself the object of both brothers’ affection. Can she choose between two brothers? Or will she lose everything to the icy waters of the Atlantic?

For the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic, Tricia Goyer had written another great novel that would make any readers reminisce the love and tragedy of the Titanic accident. This Titanic-based story is not just for its 100th anniversary though, this book is for all seasons. So I do hope, I wasn’t too late of posting this review.

With refreshing new characters, a take on the prodigal son from the bible, a dramatic love story, this book deserves to be called outstanding.

As for me being a Christian, I was really moved by the religious moments in the book, but it isn’t over the line, so readers who are believers and non-believers alike could enjoy this classic tale of tragedy and love.

Each of the characters’ fate is interwoven beautifully. They have pasts that will tug at everyone’s heart, and they have to make decisions that are totally unselfish and hard. the author gave us glimpses to better incorporate in us why things happen and why the characters act the way they are. It made it easy for me to really get to the characters and feel with them.

The writing was phenomenal; there’s a lot of emotion in it, the plot was perfectly thought of and the mixture of fiction and facts made me think that the book was well-researched and is given emphasis up to the littlest detail. As a lover of historical fiction, I was satisfied and fed by some more..:D

Actually, it’s easy to think that the book wouldn’t be so interesting or suspenseful since we know what happened, right?—the Titanic sunk. But that knowledge only made it painful as we love and care for the characters. The question keeps popping at the back of my head, “When would the ship sunk?” Anyway, when it eventually happened, I was in tears, the brave orchestra players added to it when they still played even when the ship was sinking. I really felt like I was there with them, thinking of my love ones and the things I haven’t done yet. It was really tragic.

By The Light of The Silvery Moon is a heart-wrenching novel set in a dark time of human history—the Titanic. Packed with emotions, drama,love, action, forgiveness, faith and tough decisions for life, this book would surely keep you turning the pages. I couldn’t put it down, read it in one sitting! Actually, I was thinking of reading “Chasing Mona Lisa” another book from the author :D Highly Recommended!

I received the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." Thanks so much Ms. Goyer..:D



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Blog Tour (Book Review): Loving Summer by Kailin Gow

Loving Summer by Kailin Gow

• File Size: 250 KB
• Print Length: 250 pages
• Publisher: theEDGEbooks.com, in Imprint of Sparklesoup Inc. (May 27, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086T6BRS

Summer has always looked forward to spending her summers at her Aunt's beach house with the Donovans. To her, summers at Aunt Sookie's beach house was magical, especially getting to spend time with the Donovans - her best friend Rachel and Rachel's brothers Nathaniel, and Drew. Here at Aunt Sookie's beach house, they can be anyone and anything they dreamed. For Summer, she had always wished to become as pretty as Rachel and for her brothers to think of her as more than Rachel's friend. For Nat and Drew, summers at Aunt Sookie's beach house meant fun and escape, a place where they go to with their mom and sister for the summer, away from city life. They never thought this summer would be different. They never thought things would change as much as they did...and it all began with them falling for and loving Summer.




Shame, but I haven’t read any of Kailin’s book other than this. And like many other readers, I did enjoy reading “Loving Summer”.

I am a bit hesitant of reviewing the book actually. Not because I don’t like it, but because I have problems reading e-books. But when the tour comes out, it just happens, I sign-up for review and here I am. Note: My review is not influenced by my participating in the blog tour. This is my own honest opinion.

I really like the main character, she’s not the type that goes “I’m not worthy for your affection” and she’s not also someone who just jumps to a boy whenever he shows attraction towards her. Summer is different from any contemporary female lead.

Kailin’s writing style was a bit descriptive that it seemed I could feel the breeze on my face. (Oh, I love summer). She managed to give us enough details about Drew, Nat and Astor, that it would make the readers really think of who should Summer end up with. There was such depth in each of the character, that you would really sympathize with each, which makes it harder for Summer. Kailin made the idea of 3 guys falling for the same girl genuine, like I could see why they’d tend to like Summer. Naturally, the love story isn’t forced at all.

I also salute the author for merging family issues into young adult contemporary romance. The book talks about divorce and how it affects the children and even health and life issues. So you guys get the picture, it’s not just a book that focuses on boys and love, it has depth too.

It’s not until the very end of the book that I realize this is going to be a series. So there are a lots of things that are left open, even who Summer will end up with. But for me, I have already chosen someone for her ( I wouldn’t spoil the fun by telling you so..:))

One thing the bugs me though, is that why would Summer kissed all of them (not really jealous..:)).. and yet she didn’t even know what she really felt…and I do wish she spent more time with her best friend Rachel. It’s also a little bit the same with Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" but with different conflicts plus there’s not a love triangle but a love square.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. It was short (for me) and fun mixed with drama and love.. It’s my only summer read with summer as a theme so Highly recommended to your summer-read-shelf..:)
I’ll definitely read the next book and see what would happen next…





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Book Review: Kings & Queens

Kings & Queens by Courtney Vail

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Little Prince Publishing (January 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615469779
• ISBN-13: 978-0615469775

Seventeen-year-old Majesty Alistair wants police to look further into her father’s fatal car wreck, hopes the baseball team she manages can reclaim the state crown, aches for Derek…or, no…maybe Alec…maybe. And she mostly wishes to retract the hateful words she said to her dad right before slamming the door in his face, only to never see him again.

All her desires get sidelined, though, when she overhears two fellow students planning a church massacre. She doubts cops will follow up on her tip since they’re sick of her coming around with notions of possible crimes-in-the-works. And it’s not like she cries wolf. Not really. They’d be freaked too, but they’re not the ones suffering from bloody dreams that hint at disaster like some crazy, street guy forecasting the Apocalypse.

So, she does what any habitual winner with zero cred would do…try to I.D. the nutjobs before they act. But, when their agenda turns out to be far bigger than she ever assumed, and even friends start looking suspect, the truth and her actions threaten to haunt her forever, especially since she’s left with blood on her hands, the blood of someone she loves.

Cover: I loved the cover with its eerie way. I love the fusion of colors, the gothic text and brushes. But actually the lips did it for me. Cool!

Review: I admit, I was a bit confused reading the first pages. There was what we call information overload, like the author wanted to give us a heads-up on what was going on in the book. But after getting past it, I was confusedly hooked with the story.

The book was written with rich detail. The story itself has this complexity that makes me scratch my head. The idea/theme behind the book was also amazing and intriguing. And the characters? Well, mostly each of them has this back story that talks about their tragic and sad fates. The author wonderfully give each of them life and personality. Ms. Vail was a new, fresh, quirky voice in this genre.

Ms. Vail’s writing style was something I’ve never read before. I may not be a die-hard fan of the writing style but I truly appreciate when the characters speak the same language but they totally sounded different!

This is a fast, quick read with so many things going on at the same time.

But I felt like there was too much detail which was the drawback of this book. There would be times that if the readers hadn’t been paying too much attention, surely it would be hard to follow because somehow each detail is connected in solving the mystery.

I appreciate the author trying to incorporate a huge number of characters and giving their own stories and some (perspectives) so the reader might really think and analyze who the suspects are. But with this number, it could already be a series. Maybe that’s why some of the reviewers said, the story was a bit rushed because of the details and information given out in every turn.

What’s best about this book, is it’s truly a good mystery. The reader was confused in a good way that it seemed as if every character in the book could be the potential suspect except Maj of course. Even I, was fooled at the end!

I gave this 5 stars because even though the story takes some getting used to, but after really letting go of my imagination, I was totally into Maj’s world, guessing and analyzing the mystery with her!

King’s and Queens by Courtney Vail is a young adult mystery novel which was full of complexity, twists and turns, high school drama, conspiracies, mystery and depth. If you’re one of those who loves exciting rides with a story that would keep you guessing until the very end, then this one is for you!


Check out my interview with Courtney Vail..:)



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Tempest

Tempest by Julie Cross

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Book Club (BCE/BOMC) edition (January 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312568894
• ISBN-13: 978-0312568894

The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.

Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

I’ve always been a paranormal romance fan, but I think with Tempest, I might be changing gears into sci-fi..:D

Ms. Cross did a wonderful job of weaving a time-travel concept which is both engaging and thrilling, living in the present, while discovering the past to save the future, it’s an awesome experience, jumping from time to time, a well-written book…straight to the point, and I didn’t lost myself nor confused the dates..:D ..

A real-page turner, I finished this one, just in one sitting.:D I loved reading Jackson’s journals about his adventure, everytime it turns up, I read it hungrily, but it only appeared a few in the book… it is especially new for me since the point of view is written in a male’s perspective, but I enjoyed it thoroughly, what’s going on in Jackson’s head is real and

The characters too, have their own personality, which makes Tempest more endearing, each of them is unique, I love Jackson, the nerd Adam, Jackson’s dad, Emily (I have my theory who she really is lol), Holly ,everyone, even Courtney. It seems I too, don’t really know who is the good guys, and which one to avoid…

What I loved about this book is the ideas/plot isn’t that overwhelming to the readers, some sci-fi books would make my mind ache but with Tempest, I easily grasped the storyline and the characters, I even formulate my own theories with them. A lot of things are going on in the book, but I really loved each of it, I was not bored even in a second, as the book unwinds, new mysteries unfold, new questions arise, which makes the readers, wish for more…

if you’re not into sci-fi, don’t worry, it’s not the only thing that defines Tempest, this is a fast-paced, action-oriented, young adult (new adult) novel that would easily grip you from the very first page…pack with romance, time-travel, mystery, action and suspense..what more can I ask for? The second book!


A cliff-hanger, I can’t wait for the sequel, which sadly will be released on 2013… almost a year of waiting (sigh)





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February Giveaway!

In celebration with the month of love, I'm giving away 4 romance books by famous authors..:) and this is in thanks too to anyone who visit this blog, I'm counting off to 6000...:D Here is the list of books: 1. The Sinner by Margaret Mallory 2. If you give a girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer (Signed) 3. Desired by Nicola Cornick (Signed) 4. On the First Night of Christmas by Heidi Rice (Signed) Contest ends February 28, 2012- Winners will be announced February 29, 2012. Opens internationally...Go on...enter now..:) ****Contest is Over**** Proceed here to see the winners!

On the First Night of Christmas

On the First Night of Christmas by Heidi Rice

• Mass Market Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (November 29, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373528434
• ISBN-13: 978-0373528431

Cassie’s Tips for the Perfect Christmas Fling!

1. ’Tis the season to be daring: Find the perfect Mr Right Now (extra points for a bad-boy-turned-billionaire) and be brave about getting him – even if that means jumping straight into sexy Jace Ryan’s car! 

2. Enjoy the ride: Once you’ve chosen your flingee, get swept away by the moment! For once, Cassie’s determined to stop worrying about the future. But she must remember one thing . . . . 

3. This fling is just for Christmas: Jace Ryan’s a seasonal special. Do not start falling for him, Cassie. No matter how perfect the package or how much you’ve enjoyed unwrapping it . . . .

This book is quite funny knowing that the story’s plot is about a girl looking for a candy-man, someone who’ll made her feel like a queen, grants her wishes, and just pure sexual affair, no strings attached, no pain, just for the Christmas holiday…

“On the first night of Christmas”is a sweet, sexy, funny romance book, with a package of hope, dreams, love.

The characters are well-defined and developed, I find myself easily falling for both of them, I especially love Jace, with his bad-boy, reckless, billionaire-attitude, he is still a sweet gentleman--- any girl would surely fall for..:).

I love the entire plot, when Cassie keeps trying not to fall for Jace and Jace trying to convince he’s not falling for Cassie either.

Ms. Rice wrote a vivid description of Christmas in London, and reading this book feels like I’m there too..:) I also salute her for the wonderful and witty dialogues, and as expected hot romance scenes.

There are times, that I cried my heart out along with the characters, especially with the ending….:0

On the first night of Christmas is not just a seasonal fast-paced book, it’s perfect for anytime of the year…Highly recommended to those who enjoyed a little bit of love, romance, humor, and everything in between…:D




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Down and Out in Manhattan

Down and Out in Manhattan by Irene Magers

• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: Shady Tree Press, New York; First edition (November 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984121137
• ISBN-13: 978-0984121137
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Down And Out in Manhattan is the story of life-changing decisions and second chances. When Margaret Maghpye, single and living in Manhattan, is fired from her job she decides to take a bold leap. With the thought of facing another painful holiday season, she exhausts her savings on a Mexican cruise, hoping it will lift her spirits. Having spent her scarred, young adult life making all the wrong choices, at first blush, this seems to be just another mistake of a lonely dreamer. As she struggles to survive shipboard intrigue and entrapment, there's a bright spot when she befriends a fellow passenger, Michael Sanders - an enigmatic recluse with plenty of reasons to keep to himself. But, having felt the sting of heartbreak time and again, Maggie may not be ready to embark on another relationship. When Michael must leave the ship to assist in an emergency, she wonders if their friendship will endure the distance between them, particularly when she encounters a crisis of her own.

Another book into reality… which shockingly transports me into what reality is..:)

Ms. Magers wrote a wondrous tale that would left out readers feeling blessed and in love…

This book is all about second chances and what you do with it… often people , once they experienced pain and sorrow especially for love, they’ll be afraid to try again and believe…

I love and I’m inspired by the main character Maggie Magphye, she is the kind of person who welcomes problems with a smile..she easily forgives, does not bury hatreds, kind to everyone, although her little weakness is how unlucky she is… Imagine, from all of her marriages, not one was successful?... anyone would give up, if that happened to them… also her misfortunes make me believe that sometimes it need to happen in order for good things to come.

My next favorite is Michael Sanders, a pilot who resigned because of his family accident blaming himself all throughout those years, even though he has nothing to do with it, and he can’t do anything with it, he was also one of the passengers in the Cruise, and I love the fact that he didn’t really give up on Maggie…

Follow Maggie’s travel in the Cruise as she finds friendship, love and herself…

A wonderful book!:)





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A Girls Guide to Guys: Meeting Them, Managing Them and All That Love Stuff

A Girls Guide to Guys: Meeting Them, Managing Them and All That Love Stuff by Rachel Hill

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Reardon Publishing (March 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1874192049
• ISBN-13: 978-1874192046

True Stories from Shout Magazine:

 I wrote a Girl's Guide to Guys as a kind of self-help book for teenagers to help them with relationships. It's not too serious, and includes loads of advice on how to chat to boys, and how to handle dates and stuff. I wrote it because I just wished that there was a book like it to help me on what to do when it comes to boys, because I found it a nightmare when I was younger! It all started when I was 16. It was summer and I was bored, so i decided to write a lads guide for myself, just for fun. I read shout all the time and I loved how chatty and funny it was, so I decided to write with the same attitude - keeping it fun and positive! Chatting to boys can be so stressful and serious, but shout showed me it doesn't have to be. It's always packed with great advice, and I learned so much about boys from it, which was a great help for writing the book!

Dealing with boys will never be a problem again, with A Girl’s Guide to Guys, any girl could now have a handy manual on how to meet them, manage them and all that love stuff with them…

I especially like the author’s chatty tone, it was just like to talking to a close friend about relationships and love… I somehow become so connected to it, I think it might pass as my bestfriend..:)…

What I love most about this book is not just the contents but the manga art as well… OMG!...it’s really perfect, it somehow captures my attention, and I’m sure the other girls as well, the illustrations are perfect, it showed the kind of guys described...and they are all cute.. and also the girls wardrobe are a vivid description of how someone would look wearing that….

I could definitely say the book is everything, from what kind of boys to choose, what to wear on a date, what attracted them most to girls, what to do and don’t…it is basically a step-to-step- process in order for a girl to find the one…yup…from finding to rejecting,,it’s all there..:)

Pack with excellent advices and easy stages that would surely point you to your BOY…cute, funny and informational..I love this book plus with adorable illustrations.

Me?...I haven’t finish yet reading it,..cause I’m still experimenting with the tips but so far it all worked out for me…SO maybe, you should try it tooooo and forget that boys are problems…:)

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Mocked by Faith

I am first intrigued by the title and it keeps me wondering why is it titled Mocked by Faith? Is this a pro-faith or anti-faith book?

• Author: Michele Richard
• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 878 KB
• Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House (August 30, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005K2HDVC
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)

At first glance, I would never have read this book, but when I open it and started reading, I find myself engross in the story and I read every word in it.

This book is masterpiece of Michele Richard and is a story about alexia, who taught she’s a failure in her family when at the age of 18, she still doesn’t find a fiancé when other girls in town, even her best friends Madison and Ginger are betrothed at the age of 16.

Everything changes when a couple from England, Mr. and Mrs. MacNear came and ask her parents for her, they agreed but Alexia became flabbergasted when she knew that Justin (groom-to-be) disobeyed their rules and tried to find love outside their community and he’s currently in a revirgining retreat. And they’re married not having the chance to see each other first, and just then they realize that the very thing they’re searching for is the person they’re marrying.

This book is definitely a love story with emphasis on faith, husband and wife, family and friends.

The plot is unique, I just don’t know if there’s really a so called community like this that exist or just a product of the author’s wide imagination.

Mrs. Richard writes fluently making her work engaging and a fast-read. I hadn’t put this book down since reading it. I love how she presents the characters and develops them. I appreciate the proper timing when and adversaries come, and the right twist and turns.

I’m just a lil bit stunned at the end, when the story ends, or the right term, I guess, is another chapter or series should start. It’s a cliff-hanger..:O

I must admit though, that I enjoyed reading the marriage theme. For it opened up a lot of things for me, like what it would be like and the consequential responsibilities.

I recommend this book to everyone who have lost a child, having family problems, and enjoyed reading books of true love and base on faith. Enjoy!