BOOK REVIEW: Birthright (Odyssey Series, Book 1) by Caitlin D Burnside

Birthright

Series: Odyssey, Book 1

Author: Caitlin D Burnside

Genre: NA Historical Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Paranormal Romance

Publication Date: November 2021

Book Description:

SKYLER’S MOTHER IS a Witch and her Father is a Vampire. A ‘Divine Decree’ looms in Skyler’s future. The position of seventh child and only daughter within this blended race is what had been foretold aeons ago…

Her family’s arrival, on Earth in the 15th Century, activated said ‘Decree’. It was guarded on Blood Island which is anchored to Planet Sangre within the Meridian Galaxy. The scrolls were found inside Quartz Castle but Autumn MazeBright (Skyler’s Mother) retrieved and hid them away…

1990… Horsebridge, Scotland… Skyler’s adventures begin. Upon her 20th birthday, Skyler MazeBright will discover her Mother’s Journals and how to claim her Birthright!

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MY REVIEW

The MazeBright of Horsebridge, Scotland, are indeed an interesting family with a long history seeped in magic and mystery. Everything about this family is certainly not what it seems. Told through various POVs, Birthright takes readers on a journey through time from when the MazeBright first arrived on earth from the Meridian Galaxy in the 15th Century up to the present timeline in the 21st Century where we meet our main protagonist, Skyler MazeBright. The arrival of Skyler's family activated the Divine Decree that foretells the prophesy of a young girl of two galaxies destined to destroy the Tree of Death and bring peace back to the Meridian Galaxy. That young girl is none other than Skyler MazeBright.

Although she grew up a human, Skyler has always known that she was a witch. She thought she knew everything about herself when in fact she actually knew nothing about who she is, who her family really is and what the destiny that awaits her. Raised by three guardians, one of whom is the mysterious Callen, known to Skyler as Uncle Callen, Skyler grew up unaware of the true identity and history of her family. What she thought she knew of her parents completely dismantles after their disappearance and upon the discovery of a letter from her mother, she discovers a startling revelation, foretelling what would become of her on her 20th birthday. This sets Skyler on a journey of discovery. Has her parents lied to her her entire life? With dark forces set to destroy her, can she truly trust anyone? Will she be able to fulfil her destiny?

This book is seeped in heraldic history, which was a joy to explore. It featured an interesting cast of characters and had an intriguing storyline. I don't know if it's because I'm British why the story resonated with me, but something about it felt familiar and real. There were some things I had trouble with such as the blend of dialogue from two different characters in the same paragraph. It made things a little confusing at times. I liked the journal format. I haven't read many books in journal format, but I'm always a fan of it. The only issue I had with it is that it contributed to the story being told to me for a large portion of the book as opposed to being shown. Still, it didn't take away from the message of the story nor did it interfere with the transition and flow of the plot.

This was a fun read about a family of witches and vampires trying to overcome evil forces from a galaxy far away. For fans of paranormal historical romance.

VERDICT:

Rating: 5

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Wishcraft by Ali Lucia Sky

Wishcraft

(The Powers That Be, #2)

Author: Ali Lucia Sky

Publication Date: February 8th, 2022

Genre: NA Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

With Michaela in the debt of Shayteen, Whisper is finally free of the Hell World he suffered in for hundreds of demon years. But there seems to be a price for Whisper’s all-new freedom and it has made Whisper’s life just as, or even more complicated. Whisper is serving his true nature and dealing with Michaela’s service to Shayteen, all while trying to hang on to a stubborn soulmate, who won’t forgive him for the most ridiculously perceived transgressions in this life, and one or two from some previous ones. Stuck in the middle of everything, is a broken hearted Gabriel, whose odd obsessions with cooking shows, has turned him into Suzy Homemaker.

~ It’s best to know, you leave those you care about before they leave you. I’m Theadora Langdon … and EVERYTHING sucks.

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BOOK REVIEW - A Boy's Best Friend: 5 Happy Stories for Kids about Curious Little Boy Who Loves Animals by Janice Ford

A Boy's Best Friend: 5 Happy Stories for Kids about Curious Little Boy Who Loves Animals

Author: Janice Ford

Genre: Children's Picture Book / Chapter Book

Publication Date: 28th January 2022

Book Description:

Meet Steven, a young and adventurous kid who is sometimes too smart for his own good.

He lives with his parents, who both shower him with unconditional love, buying him gifts and going out to prove their love for him.

Among the many gifts,his parents have given to him is Stuart, a dog-turned-best friend. Steven loved Stuart from the very first moment he laid his eyes on him. He knew they were going to be best friends.

His relationship with Stuart is so tightly knitted that he cannot imagine his life with his dog.

Everyone knows a dog is a man’s friend ,and even though Steven is still a kid. He surely knows about it!

Steven has always been a lover of animals and wild quests ever since he was a baby, especially dogs!

His curious nature never stays hidden in the dark. Together with his best friend, Stuart, he goes on a lot of different adventures, daring to be bold. They also have a couple heroic moments together!

Stuart is the bravest friend Steven has ever made. Follow Steven and Stuart on their different adventures around their neighborhood in this amazing book!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

Steven is a smart kid who wants nothing more than his own dog. Knowing the level of responsibility caring for a dog takes, his parents give some good thought to it. In the end, they are won over by all the research Steven did on what it means to take care of a dog. Steven's new best-friend, Stuart, proves to be a lot more special than Steven was expecting, and the two become such great friends that one can't imagine life without the other.

These adventure stories about Steven and Stuart were very cute. While it portrayed the joys of having a pet dog more than it did the responsibility of taking care of a dog, I found it to be quite a fun adventure. I was a little surprised by Stuart's gift. I was not expecting that, but it just goes to show that the bond between Steven and Stuart was extraordinary and special.

There was a scene at school where it mentions Stuart was excited because he hadn't met any other animals before, but I recall Steven and Stuart happening upon a rabbit on their first outing, so that was a little confusing. Despite this little mishap, I found this quick read to be a joy.

A good read for the whole family.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Wilder Games by Ali Dean

Wilder Games

(Wilder, #1)

Author: Ali Dean

Publication Date: November 18th, 2021

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance / Sports

Book Description:

It’s match point in the most important tennis match in my life, and nothing can distract me. Nothing, that is, except the sight of Jude Wilder sitting in the stands with his little sister on his lap. He’s never watched me play. Never even noticed me before. And yet his eyes are on me now. I know what he must be thinking. I’m not just an outcast, I’m a social pariah thanks to my family being the town’s most notorious con artists. Jude is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Not only is he accepted, he’s worshipped. I’m nobody to him, and yet I’ve got this chance to impress him.

As it turns out, he isn’t at all impressed when I win the match, and I’m worse than a nobody to him. Jude thinks I’m a threat to his family. This should alarm me. It should scare me. Jude in protective mode is hot, all right, but I can’t afford to be on his radar. I’ve got one year to secure a college scholarship. It’s hard enough keeping a low profile with my tennis success, and the last thing I need is Jude Wilder of all people drawing more attention my way.

Especially if it’s hostile.

Even if I like it.

The complete series: 

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Amazon US | UK

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Cassandra Curse by Hope Bolinger

The Cassandra Curse

Author: Hope Bolinger

Published by: Chicken Scratch Books

Publication Date: February 1st, 2022

Genre: YA / Middle-Grade Contemporary, Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

STRANGER THINGS X CURSED PRINCESS CLUB

Charity’s acts of kindness always end in disaster, but when one clown costume too many lands her in the Vice Principal’s office, she receives a mysterious note from a group called “The Cassandra Coalition,” asking her if she wants to be rid of the curse that seems to follow her.

The teens of the coalition claim to be cursed by a mirror world connected with their hometown known as Delphos. To make things worse, Delphos appears to be invading their world and turning people into zombies—either that, or someone switched all the coffee to decaf.

When one of their members goes missing, they’ll try to track her down, close the portal to their world, and find a way to end their curse, before the curse ends them.

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Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Liars Beneath by Heather Van Fleet

The Liars Beneath

Author: Heather Van Fleet

Publication Date: January 27th, 2022

Genre: YA Thriller

Book Description:

A romantically dark YA thriller set in the backdrop of Iowa’s suspenseful farmlands.

After a tragic accident ends her best friend’s life, 17-year-old Becca Thompson succumbs to grief the only way she knows how: by wallowing in it. She’s a fragment of the person she once was—far too broken to enjoy the summer before her senior year. But when Ben McCain, her best friend’s older brother, returns home, Becca must face her new reality head on.

She isn’t interested in Ben’s games, especially since he abandoned his sister during the months leading up to her death. But when he begs for her help in uncovering the truth about what really happened the night of his sister’s death, Becca finds herself agreeing, hoping to clear up rumors swirling in the wake of her best friend’s accident.

An unhinged ex-boyfriend, secret bucket lists, and garage parties in the place Becca calls home soon lead her to the answers she’s so desperate to unveil. But nobody is being honest, not even Ben. And the closer Becca gets to the truth—and to Ben—the more danger seems to surround her.

Clearing her best friend’s name was all she wanted to do, but Becca is quickly realizing that the truth she craves might be uglier than the lies her best friend kept.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Pierce Her by Kelly Finley

Pierce Her

(Come for Me, #1)

Author: Kelly Finley

Publication Date: January 27th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

She’s the hero. He plays one. That’s why falling in love could be the biggest—and best—mistake of her life…

Former Marine Charlie Ravenel devotes her life to protecting women. A job that’s left its mark on her—body and soul. When she’s not working, she’s safe hiding in the shadows. Alone. But when a young celebrity finds herself tormented by a dangerous stalker, Charlie vows to keep her safe.

One problem. She’ll just have to avoid her client’s sexy co-star—the alluring one who seems so intent on breaking down Charlie’s defenses…

No one really knows Daniel Pierce. They think they do. Millions want him. But no one knows what’s beneath his heroic veneer. He doesn’t let them. Until her.

Charlie, with her arousing smile and razor blade tongue, attracts him like no other. He’d do anything to ease her pain, to make her his. How can he lure her into giving him a chance?

If Charlie has any hope of overcoming the demons of her past in time to save the girl, she’ll have to trust her gut…and Daniel. But what if trust is a luxury she just can’t afford?

PIERCE HER, Book One in the COME FOR ME series, is a steamy, romantic suspense novel featuring a kickass heroine who just happens to fall for Hollywood’s sexiest man alive.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Doolittle by Harley Wylde

Doolittle

(Devil’s Fury MC)

Author: Harley Wylde

Published by: Changeling Press

Publication Date: January 21st, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Minnie — The Reckless Kings told me it was pointless to pine after Satyr. I kept offering myself to him, hoping he’d see me as something more. I was a fool. All that man will ever see when he looks at me is a club girl. I’ll always be trash in his eyes. So when the President offers me a chance at a new life, I grab on with both hands. It might mean living with yet another club — the Devil’s Fury — but once I meet Doolittle, my entire world turns upside down. I’d thought myself in love with Satyr, but I was so very wrong. Doesn’t matter. Same situation, different man. I might be starting my life over, but Doolittle knows what I am, what I’ve been… and he’ll never want someone like me as his old lady.

Doolittle — Beast asked a favor and I gladly agreed. I have no problem with a woman who wants a fresh start. Before I even met Minnie, I’d offered to let her work at my clinic. I don’t know what I expected. But the stunning woman who shows up leaves me tripping over myself. I’ve never met anyone like her before, and the instant connection between us is startling. Just one problem. Well, three. The first is Meredith. The girl won’t take no for an answer and is determined I’ll be hers. The second is that Minnie feels unworthy of being mine. I’ll just have to prove her wrong. The third I never saw coming, and it just might change everything.

WARNING: Doolittle is part of the Devil’s Fury MC romance series and contains bad language, violence, and adult situations. You’ll also find entirely too many adorable animals, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Midlife Shifter Unexpected by Melle Amade

Midlife Shifter Unexpected

(Cougar Creek Coven, #2)

Author: Melle Amade

Publication Date: January 18th, 2022

Genre: Adult Paranormal / Women’s Fiction

Book Description:

My new BFF is a witch and apparently, I’m a member of a witch’s coven. Only, I’m not a witch. Word is, I’m a wolf shifter. When I said I wanted to start over again, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.

Being a shifter isn’t the worst thing I could imagine. It’s taken care of all the hot flashes. My body temperature now runs constantly high. I like it. Snow? Who cares? I don’t need no stinking coat anymore.

I can smell like ten times better than even when I was pregnant, and as for my vision? Glasses are SO last year. I won’t be needing those anytime soon.

But man, what about the actual shifting? That hurts like nobody’s business. They say I’ll get used to it, but they don’t know how much it hurts, because I’m the only shifter for miles around. “They” are the coven that has accepted me and given me a new family.

The threat from the cemetery is very real and the dead aren’t sleeping quietly. Our coven is the frontline on keeping the dead in their graves and for some reason, they think because I’m a wolf I should have some superpower against the dead. But I don’t.

What I have is an amazing BFF just as powerful and middle-aged as me and I know together we can face anything. At least I think we can. We survived the first half of our lives.

How hard can the second magic half be?

______________________________________________

A hot new series celebrating midlife, friendship, and older women who crave adventure by Melle Amade. Perfect for fans of K.F. Breene, Shannon Mayer, Jana DeLeon, Darynda Jones, Robin Peterman, Elizabeth Hunter and Denise Grover Swank.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Lightning Crashes by Marla Holt

Lightning Crashes

Author: Marla Holt

Publication Date: January 18th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

The Tower Card: Upheaval, Crumbling Foundations, Chaos, Awakening

The Sun Card: Enlightenment, Joy, Success, Vitality

Rachel Ferrer fled the church when she was eighteen, burying her trauma to chase her dreams, only to have them thwarted when her husband died shortly after their son was born. Now she and her tarot-reading roommate do their best to get by.

Nicolas Rivera should be happy. He answered his call to the ministry and has held a position in the church he grew up in for more than a decade. He’s married and he loves his kids, but something in him has shifted and the life he thought he wanted doesn’t feel like it fits anymore. When his childhood best friend’s widow reappears in his life, Nicolas tells himself that his desire to be near Rachel is altruistic.

Until it isn’t.

Rachel and Nicolas have been on the periphery of each other’s lives for years, but when their worlds collide, attraction sparks, lightning crashes and the walls they have been hiding behind begin to crumble.

Lightning Crashes is an exvangelical romance that examines what happens when we build our lives on faulty foundations and what can happen when we leave that behind and step into the sun. Follow Rachel and Nicolas down the path of temptation, through their yearning slow-burn, and into their happily ever after.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play

BOOK REVIEW - The Silents: An Everhaven Novella by Elizabeth J. Rekab

The Silents: An Everhaven Novella

Author: Elizabeth J. Rekab

Genre: NA Dystopian Romance / Coming of Age / Fantasy / Mystery
Publication Date: 1 February 2021

Book Description:

In a town beholden to a mysterious deity, only the Silent can hear the truth...

19-year-old Kat Jones is about to be forced into an arranged marriage with the awful Peter Ellis. Kat doesn't love Peter though; she loves her boyfriend, Adam Ashby, and dreams of running away with him. But that's not possible; the magic around Everhaven physically prevents any resident from crossing its border into the Outside world. However, there is one place in town where she and Adam can go to avoid arranged marriages: The Silence. They're a group of the most devout citizens who pledge their lives to the Provider, the deity responsible for Everhaven's good fortune and the magic surrounding the town. 

Out of options, Kat and Adam enlist. At first, they believe they've found a loophole to stay together. But as the day-to-day dealings of the Silence grow increasingly unsettling, Kat realizes she may have just walked into a situation even worse than marrying Peter. A situation with grave consequences that could very well spell death... or worse.

The Silents is a prequel novella set 35 years prior to the events in Everhaven.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I haven't read the other books in the series, but I found this to be a good prequel. It has certainly left me intrigued. We're introduced to Kat Jones who is being forced into an arranged marriage to Peter Ellis, a man she has no affections towards while being taken away from her boyfriend, Adam Ashby, who she actually loves. Feeling pressured by her parents and the community of Everhaven to live a life of misery, Kat and Adam are forced to flee Everhaven and join The Silence, a community of devout worshippers of the Provider who are outside the jurisdiction of Everhaven. Kat and Adam choose to serve the Provider as one his His chosen. However, very quickly, Kat and Adam discover that things are not as they appear in The Silence and Kat realises that she might have chosen a fate far worse than what Everhaven had offered her.

This was an enjoyable story with a lot of life lessons to be learned. Both Kat and Adam were relatable characters and likeable. They faced one dilemma after another, and it was, for the most part an enjoyable journey. I found their romance believable. The fact that they were willing to risk everything for each other showed their loyalty for each other. I also liked that their relationship wasn't without its flaws and difficulties. There were things about Adam that Kat didn't know about (specifically the incident with his father), which surprised her as she thought they knew everything about each other, but instead of reprimanding him for keeping things from her, she tried to understand his position and how difficult it was for him to reveal everything about himself, especially things that made him feel weak and ashamed. It's little things like these moments that highlighted their strong bond and make you able to anticipate their reactions in any given situation. There are a lot of things these characters had in common but the will to escape, to be free and safe, was at the top of that list. The fact that they weren't just running away for each other but for a stronger purpose gave a sense of authenticity to their bond and relationship. I can't say I favoured one character over the other as nothing particularly stood out that made me like one over the other.

I must admit, I wasn't as excited as I had anticipated to be. I really liked the characters, but I wasn't as excited about the plot. It didn't come across as fantasy, except for the debacle with the souls that Kat stumbled upon. I would have liked to get a better sense of the fantasy element as it didn't feel as though I was reading a fantasy book. I got a somewhat mystery vibe in the sense that there were things about The Silence I wanted to know about, but there weren't many puzzles to solve, which given the things said about The Silence I thought there would be something for me to solve. I was expecting it be scary. I don't know if it's the cover that gave me that impression or the blurb, but I anticipated some terrifying moments, but it was very PG-13, which made it feel more like YA fiction instead of NA fiction.

I didn't like the POV switch towards the ending of the book. I found it a little disorienting and somewhat anticlimactic, especially with Dean's introduction. I thought it could have been better executed as it didn't really add much progress in the way of the plot.

Overall, it was a good read that made me curious about the series.

VERDICT:

Rating: 3 Star

Source: StoryOrigin