Everealm: Book One of the Everealm Series by J. D. Wright

Everealm: Book One of the Everealm Series by J.D. Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am unsure of how I feel about this book. The beginning was great; we are given the background of Bree and Rowan, which is necessary. But then, I don't know, something gets lost. At times I felt that I was reading a young teen novel - the situations are never dire, the characters are practically insta-loving all over the place and problems almost solve themselves. However, the intimate scenes were definitely X-rated and not for young teen eyes.

The characters were very interesting and likable. The villain(s) were extremely evil and scary. I wish she had done a little more world-building, though. The realm sounds amazing but we really only get glimpses as to what it's like.

The ending is too conveniently wrapped up, although it leaves an opening for a sequel. Overall, a decent attempt and will probably read book 2.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.)

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A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Sarah M. Eden British Isles Collection by Sarah M. Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This timeless anthology has six wonderfully sweet stories by Sarah M. Eden. The stories are set in different places around the British Isles and Eden captures the charm of each culture beautifully. All the tales were written with that culture in mind so speech style and phrases are pleasantly done.

Three take place in England, two in Ireland and one in Scotland. Eden's short narratives range from cute to brilliant, realistic to slightly fanciful, sad to funny and each was a joy to read.

Eden's character building and world building were marvelous. I look forward to reading more of Sarah M. Eden in the future.

(I received this book in exchange for a review.)

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Palpitations by S.K. Mundt

Palpitations by S.K. Munt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first zombie apocalypse book I've read. It was fantastic! The characters are great and very real. The situations are extremely realistic. The characters are not treated with kid gloves; people die and they die gruesomely. There's no time for remorse or grief - it's all about survival here. The infection/spreading theory is reasonable and well-thought out.

I immensely enjoyed the story and hope there's a book 2 to follow the characters into their new reality.

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Infinity Chronicles - Part One

Infinity Chronicles - Part One by Sedona Venez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, what to say about this book. It started off very well – interesting characters, realistic plot. But then somewhere in the middle, it starts to get muddled. So much begins to happen and the details are confusing. Once talk starts about councils and the hierarchy, I was lost. I kinda skipped over those parts and just tried to enjoy the actual events.

Then something even crazier begins to emerge. I totally get the idea of 'mates' – that one person/soul that are MEANT to be with forever. I get it. I can even understand maybe having two potential mates but when the idea is planted that Infinity has 3+, well, I sort of was a little annoyed by that whole thing. Makes me think the rest of the series will be one guy after another throwing themselves at her because, 'Hey! We're mates!'

(view spoiler)[Also the idea that her friends “died” but she can save them. It's almost like we have to make it dark, but we don't want anyone to get upset so let's have them come back somehow. (hide spoiler)]

Even with all this, I did love Infinity and actually want to know what happens next so yes, I will read Infinity Chronicles – Part Two.

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Wonderful young teen novel - The Seventh Crow

The Seventh Crow by Sherry D. Ramsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

(Free copy from NetGalley in exchange for review)

This book was fabulous! A great book for tweens to young teens.

If you have/are a YA reader looking for heavy romance or dark events, this is not the book for them/you. It was very light. There are dangers, but you never feel that the characters are threatened beyond hope. It's perfect for readers that are looking for fun and adventure without all the seriousness of adult issues. I have a feeling, though, that the next book could contain much more complicated scenarios.

It gets started right away and you're just as confounded as Rosinda. Everything she discovers, you discover right with her. The cast of characters is varied and interesting. Rosinda sets off on a monumental adventure to save her kidnapped aunt on the advice of a pair of talking animals - a crow and a cat. She's joined by her neighbor, whom she barely knows, and meets up with a wolf who can speak to her mentally. It's outlandish and wonderful! To top it off, she has gods conspiring against her!

The world-building of Ysterad is fantastic. The descriptions of the scenery and folk who live there are phenomenal. At one point I was wishing it was a real place to visit and meet all the fascinating people who live there.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from Sherry D. Ramsey.

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A Timeless Anthology: Under the Mistletoe Collection

Under the Mistletoe Collection by Cindy Roland Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a delightful, quick read. Each of the 6 stories was sweet and loving. There were stories of new love and stories of renewal. The authors all have a similar style of writing so it was an easy transition from tale to tale.

Forgotten Kisses by Cindy Roland Anderson – A sweet story of love being reacquainted.

The Last Christmas by Annette Lyons – A very real, close-to-home hitting story of finding what was lost.

Truth or Dare by Julie Coulter Bellon – Another charming story that makes you wish to read more of their adventures together.

Holiday Bucket List by Sarah M. Eden – A hilarious story about finding love right in front of you.

Christmas Every Day by Heather B Moore – Although, I didn't care for the abrupt ending, it's a nice story about finding love when you least expect it.

First (and Last) Christmas Date by Jennifer Griffith – Cute and funny story about a 10-year-old misunderstanding.

Overall, it was a well spent day reading this compilation before Christmas.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.)


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The Deadly Trilogy by Ashley Stoyanoff

Deadly Trilogy by Ashley Stoyanoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

(I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

I just finished this series and let me tell you, I COULD NOT put it down. Stoyanoff's Deadly Trilogy is a well-written, YA trilogy. It follows high schooler Jade Shaw, as she comes to terms with the truth surrounding herself and her family.

The Deadly Crush, The Deadly Mates and The Deadly Pack are the 3 novels of the The Deadly Trilogy. All the main characters are introduced in the first book and feature throughout the series. Jade, Marcy, Dominic and oh...oh, Aidan. You find yourself rooting for Aidan even though there's so much mystery surrounding him. Jade is a strong, capable heroine. She's stubborn but has a way about her that makes you root for her while you want to punch her at the same time.

It is fast-paced and full of questions that keep you engaged. There are quite a few surprises that you aren't expecting. Every time I thought I could put the book (actually, my phone) down, something would happen to keep me glued.

The one thing I didn't like was the way books 1 and 2 ended awfully abruptly. They concluded at a very strange part of the story which made me believe that Stoyanoff wrote the story in whole and then broke it up into 3 separate novels. Luckily, since I was reading the trilogy, I was able to just start right into the next books.

Overall, a very fast and enjoyable read. I highly recommend these books and will look into Stoyanoff's other novels for more delicious reading.

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