Recent Reviews...

Monday, December 18, 2023

Book Review: The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes





The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Mystery/Romance)
Date Published: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Intrigue, riches, and romance abound in this thrilling sequel to the New York Times bestselling The Inheritance Games perfect for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson.

The Inheritance Games ended with a bombshell, and now heiress Avery Grambs has to pick up the pieces and find the man who might hold the answers to all of her questions - including why Tobias Hawthorne left his entire fortune to Avery, a virtual stranger, rather than to his own daughters or grandsons.

Thanks to a DNA test, Avery knows that she's not a Hawthorne by blood, but clues pile up hinting at a deeper connection to the family than she had ever imagined. As the mystery grows and the plot thickens, Grayson and Jameson, the enigmatic and magnetic Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull Avery in different directions. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture - by any means necessary.

With nonstop action, aspirational jet-setting, family intrigue, swoonworthy romance, and billions of dollars hanging in the balance, The Hawthorne Legacy will thrill Jennifer Lynn Barnes fans and new readers alike.


The Hawthorne Legacy is the second book in the Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Okay so… the second book was just as good as the first. Crazy right?! There are so many twists, turns, reveals, games, puzzles….. And you feel like you're figuring things out right along with the characters. Aaah! I love it! You can guess some things along the way, but ultimately, it throws some curves. I really don’t know what to expect with this story, and that’s such a good thing!

author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) is the author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed young adult novels. She has advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science, including graduate degrees from Cambridge University, where she was a Fulbright Scholar, and Yale University, where she received her Ph.D. in 2012. Jen wrote her first published novel when she was nineteen-years-old and sold her first five books while still in college. In additional to writing YA novels, Jen has also written original pilot scripts for television networks like USA and MTV, and she is one of the world's leading experts on the psychology of fandom and the cognitive science of fiction and the imagination more broadly. Jen is an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma, where she holds a dual appointment in Psychology and Professional Writing.

To learn more about Jennifer Lynn Barnes and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on GoodreadsTumblr, and Twitter.



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Friday, November 17, 2023

Book Review: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes





The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why -- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.

To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch -- and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a conwoman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.


The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the first book in The Inheritance Games series. This kind of reminded me of the movie, Knives Out. Only it was more serious and not as goofy as the movie. Through an inheritance from someone she’s never heard of, Avery is thrown into one giant game with a bunch of people she doesn’t know, and they don’t know her either. I have no idea who to trust. Even after finishing this book, I still don’t trust a single person. Not even her sister or best friend. I’m looking at them all with squinty eyes as I read. And the more you find out, the shiftier these folks seem. It’s really a fun book. You get to solve some of the puzzles right along with the characters. This is a keeper, and I’m anxious to get started on the next book.

author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) is the author of more than a dozen critically acclaimed young adult novels. She has advanced degrees in psychology, psychiatry, and cognitive science, including graduate degrees from Cambridge University, where she was a Fulbright Scholar, and Yale University, where she received her Ph.D. in 2012. Jen wrote her first published novel when she was nineteen-years-old and sold her first five books while still in college. In additional to writing YA novels, Jen has also written original pilot scripts for television networks like USA and MTV, and she is one of the world's leading experts on the psychology of fandom and the cognitive science of fiction and the imagination more broadly. Jen is an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma, where she holds a dual appointment in Psychology and Professional Writing.

To learn more about Jennifer Lynn Barnes and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Tumblr, and Twitter.



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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Book Review: Grace by Beverley Watts






Grace (Shakelford Sisters #1)by Beverley Watts
Genre: Adult Fiction (Historical Romance)
Date Published: October 21, 2020
Publisher: BaR Publishing

In this funny romantic series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that don’t know what’s hit them…

....Reverend Augustus Shackleford’s mission in life (aside from ensuring the collection box was suitably full every Sunday) was to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight daughters. A tall order, given the fact that in the Reverend’s opinion they didn’t possess a single ladylike bone in the eight bodies they had between them. Quite where he would find a wealthy titled gentleman bottle headed enough to take any of them on remained a mystery and indeed was likely to test even his legendary resourcefulness.

....Grievously wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Nicholas Sinclair was only recently returned to Blackmore after receiving news of his estranged father’s unexpected death. After an absence of twenty years, the new Duke was well aware it was his duty to marry and produce an heir as quickly as possible. However, tormented by recurring nightmares after his horrific experiences during the battle, Nicholas had no taste to brave the ton’s marriage mart in search of a docile obedient wife.

…..Never in his wildest dreams did Reverend Shackleford envisage receiving an offer for his eldest daughter from the newly appointed Duke of Blackmore. Of course, the Reverend was well aware he was fudging it a bit in describing Grace as respectful, meek or dutiful, nevertheless, he could never have imagined that his eldest daughter’s unruliness might end up ruining them all….

Grace by Beverley Watts is the first book in the Shakelford Sisters series. This was a cute, short love story. We got to know Grace a little better than the Duke, but he’s secretive, so that may be by design. Bits of his history came out later in the story. I wasn’t a fan of Grace’s father. I think he was supposed to be comic relief, but he was a bad dad. He was a stereotype. I just didn’t like him. I liked how everything wrapped up, and I’ll probably check out the other books in this series too.

author
Beverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
 
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
 
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries..

To learn more about Beverley Watts and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, & Instagram.


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Monday, November 13, 2023

Book Review: Marked by K.A. Gandy





Marked (Populations Crumble: Resurgence #1) by K.A. Gandy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Dystopian Romance)
Date Published: February 25, 2023
Publisher: Thigpen-Gandy Publishing

Demy has been on the run since she was thirteen years old. Mysterious men in black cloaks have been chasing her, and so far she's evaded them. Something, though, has changed since she turned eighteen. Their attempts to capture her have gotten closer and closer, until she's only got one option left: turning herself over to the NLC, for the compulsory marriage program.

She doesn't want to get married, but with her would-be captors on her heels, she's got no choice but to hope the NLC's strict security protocols will be a safe haven. Marriage is a small price to pay for her life, after all. And maybe, just maybe, she'll finally have the space to discover why she's being hunted.

Marked is a new entry point in the Populations Crumble world, but many familiar characters will be present from the original trilogy.


Marked is the first book in the Populations Crumble: Resurgence Series by K.A. Gandy. I’m so glad there’s more for us in this world, because I really wanted to know how things progressed after the last trilogy. What's changed? We do get to see some of those characters too, which really adds to the fun of this book, but Demy is a fantastic character all on her own. This was an introduction to her life, and I’m really curious as to what’s going on that we don’t know yet! Who’s after her?! Why!? What?! I can’t wait for more!

Marked by K.A. Gandy was kindly provided to me by Book Sirens for review. The opinions are my own.

Have you read the original trilogy yet?? 

author
K. A. Gandy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She is married with two babies of her own. K. A. has worked as a restaurant hostess, library book shelver, ranch hand, tour guide, Realtor, tech whiz, landlord, and small business consultant, all in addition to pursuing her passion of writing. As a person of many interests, her life has never been boring.

She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.

To learn more about K. A. Gandy and her books, visit her on  Facebook & Goodreads.

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Trilogy Review: Populations Crumble by K.A. Gandy





Dwindle (Populations Crumble #1) by K.A. Gandy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Dystopian Romance)
Date Published: August 1, 2022
Publisher: Thigpen-Gandy Publishing

Humankind is in trouble. The Sterilization Vector has crippled reproduction across the globe. With the human population on the brink of utter collapse, the government has stepped in to try to save the human race.

Sadie is just one woman, but could her genes hold the key to unlocking what remains of the world's reproductive potential? Taken from her home and family, she must fight to find not just her best genetic match, but a man she can try to build a life with.

Will she be able to find someone to love, despite the odds stacked against her, or will she be one more woman swallowed up by the decline of humanity?

Dwindle is the first book in the Populations Crumble trilogy by K. A. Gandy. This one was pretty unique. Women are in a tough spot in this world. They’re basically brood mares. This would be hell for me. Sadie is pretty accepting of it all, but then things start changing for the worst. It kind of has a The Selection/Bachelorette feel to it, but it’s nothing like either of those really. Sure, the girls have to choose their husbands, but some don’t really even have a choice if they only have one match. Sadie gets to find out just how different she is. I enjoyed her character. Actually, I enjoyed all the characters. There were a lot to remember and some were forgettable, but I think that was by design. In a situation like this, Sadie wouldn’t have found them memorable either. I was pleasantly surprised by this story, and I’m anxious to get started on the next book in the series


Rise (Populations Crumble #2) by K.A. Gandy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Dystopian Romance)
Date Published: August 1, 2022
Publisher: Thigpen-Gandy Publishing

Humankind is in trouble. The Sterilization Vector has crippled reproduction across the globe. With the human population on the brink of utter collapse, the government has stepped in to try to save the human race.

Sadie is just one woman, but could her genes hold the key to unlocking what remains of the world's reproductive potential? Taken from her home and family, she must fight to find not just her best genetic match, but a man she can try to build a life with.

Will she be able to find someone to love, despite the odds stacked against her, or will she be one more woman swallowed up by the decline of humanity?

Rise is book two in the Populations Crumble trilogy by K. A. Gandy. It’s honeymoon time for Sadie and Patrick. The pressure is on to get Sadie knocked up. Plus, someone is still trying to kidnap her. So much is going on here. This world sounds like my personal hell, what with the being forced to have kids thing. I wouldn't want to trade with Sadie, that's for sure. It's a bit scary too. With its government that has more power and control than sense, I could see this as a potential real life future. No thank you to that! But, it makes for an interesting read, and it’s an idea that is very believable. 



Reign (Populations Crumble #3) by K.A. Gandy
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Dystopian Romance)
Date Published: August 1, 2022
Publisher: Thigpen-Gandy Publishing

With Patrick as the only solid ground in a sea of uncertainty, the two of them must work to come together, or they’ll fall apart. Pressure builds from all sides, and they must choose—to assume the royal mantle, or the path of freedom and anonymity. Old friends and temporary allies abound, but only one thing is someone’s lying. Who can they trust, and will Sadie find out who before she, too, becomes a captive? The spellbinding conclusion to the Populations Crumble trilogy. One-click now to start this clean dystopian romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the final word!

Reign is the third book in the Populations Crumble trilogy by K. A. Gandy. There was a lot of action and goings ons in this story. I don’t know where to being, and actually there’s not much I can say without letting a spoiler slip out. I can say we meet a lot of new characters. We can’t trust all of them. There are some big reveals too. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought this was the final book, but I’m happy to say that there will be more books that take place in this world.

author
K. A. Gandy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She is married with two babies of her own. K. A. has worked as a restaurant hostess, library book shelver, ranch hand, tour guide, Realtor, tech whiz, landlord, and small business consultant, all in addition to pursuing her passion of writing. As a person of many interests, her life has never been boring.

She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.

To learn more about K. A. Gandy and her books, visit her on  Facebook & Goodreads.

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Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Book Review: Mountains Made of Glass by Scarlett St. Clair






Mountains Made of Glass (Fairy Tale Retellings #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
Genre: Adult Fiction (Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: March 7, 2023
Publisher: Bloom Books

"Could you love me?" he whispered. The question stole my breath and burned my lungs in the silence that followed.

I wanted to answer, to whisper yes into the space between us, but I was afraid.

All Gesela's life, her home village of Elk has been cursed. And it isn't a single curse—it is one after another, each to be broken by a villager, each with devastating consequences. When Elk's well goes dry, it is Gesela's turn to save her town by killing the toad that lives at the bottom. Except… the toad is not a toad at all. He is an Elven prince under a curse of his own, and upon his death, his brothers come for Gesela, seeking retribution.

As punishment, the princes banish Gesela to live with their seventh brother, the one they call the beast. Gesela expects to be the prisoner of a hideous monster, but the beast turns out to be exquisitely beautiful, and rather than lock her in a cell, he offers Gesela a deal. If she can guess his true name in seven days, she can go free.

Gesela agrees, but there is a hidden catch—she must speak his name with love in order to free him, too.


Mountains Made of Glass off the first book in the Fairy Tale Retellings series by Scarlett St. Clair. I thought this was going to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but as it turns out, it was kind of a mix out tales. The story and the characters were pretty well built. I liked that Gasela wasn’t this damsel in distress. It was also a bit of a naughty little story. I felt like the pacing was pretty good for a shorter story like this, except for maybe the romance it self. To me, it felt pretty rushed in the end. All in all? Pretty good. I’d be curious to see what’s next in this series



author
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair was born and raised in Oklahoma and is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation. She is the author of several books, including A TOUCH OF DARKNESS, KING OF BATTLE AND BLOOD, and WHEN STARS COME OUT. Originally self-published, Scarlett’s books ignited readers into a frenzy, and A TOUCH OF DARKNESS quickly became a TikTok-trending title.  Scarlett rocketed to the top of bestseller lists across the industry 2021, leading the prolific and popular author to sign with the Bloom Books imprint of Sourcebooks. 

Scarlett is published in more than 13 countries. With millions of copies of her books sold around the world, she is a global bestseller.

The author is a fierce advocate of inclusivity in all her creative endeavors; her books celebrate agency, sex positivity and female empowerment.

To learn more about Scarlett St. Clair and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter.
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