Book Review ~ Sir Ralph: Knights Bore Arms Series, Book 1 by Ellen Margret #HistoricalRomance #Romance #EllenMargret

 

Her guardian treated Katherine as a skivvy, although she was a lady of noble birth. In an attempt to be rid of her, he offered Katherine as the prize in a jousting tournament. Ralph intended to win that prize. No other man would have the woman he had always loved.

Sir Ralph, Knights Bore Arms Series, Book 1 by Ellen Margret
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sir Ralph is the first book in the Knights Bore Arms series by Ellen Margret. A novella in length, Sir Ralph is a historical romance full of surprises. Katherine is the orphaned daughter of a Baron. Taken in by Sir Hugh, Katherine has been treated more like a servant and less like a woman of noble birth. In order to rid himself and the household of her presence, Sir Hugh holds a jousting tournament. The winner gets Katherine and the dowry left to her upon her parents’ death. A boy from Katherine’s childhood has taken his spot on the jousting team. The man Ralph has become needs the woman Katherine has become. Their path is paved with horrors, however when someone else decides Katherine and her dowry belongs to them.

I really enjoyed Sir Ralph. Katherine has had a rough life. Losing her parents was bad enough but she was thrust into a household who treated her horribly. She’s verbally abused, assaulted, and lied to and lied about. Her attempt at running away lands her in the lap of knight who intends to rescue her from the impending tournament. Katherine is soon abducted and whisked back to the castle before she can even relax. Katherine and Ralph find themselves in several binds throughout this well-written novella. The book is a quick read, full of action, suspense, and emotional passages. Trigger warning: sexual assault (not rape but other abuses).

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Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16190038-sir-ralph-knights-bore-arms-series-book-1

#Paranormal Book Review ~ Sharpest Sting (Elemental Assassin, Book #18) by Jennifer Estep

The truth won’t set me free—but it will probably get me killed...

As Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, I’m used to having a target on my back. But ever since I started investigating the secret society known as the Circle, that target seems bigger than ever.

Still, I’m trying to relax and enjoy the events leading up to my friends’ wedding when I learn that an old enemy has returned to Ashland. And that’s the just beginning of my latest nightmare. Soon, I have Circle goons watching my every move, but I have no choice but to continue searching for a key piece of evidence against the evil group.

The deeper I dig, the more horrifying secrets I uncover, and the more dangerous things become for me and my friends. Just when I think I finally have a handle on things, a shocking revelation shatters my heart and leaves me with an ugly realization—that betrayal is the sharpest sting of all...

Amazon https://amzn.to/3wVfEkJ
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50920130-sharpest-sting

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B07VZ8L7F7
Publisher: ‎ Jennifer Estep (October 8, 2019)
Publication Date: ‎ October 8, 2019
Print Length: ‎ 366 pages

My Review:

Mallory and Stuart are tying the knot soon but an old enemy ends up on scene. Now, not only does Gin have to be aware of this new threat, she also had to try and to keep track of the Circle. Every step Gin takes, she finds she has a shadow. As she continues to dig into her past, the associations with the Circle, and current events, her life and the lives of those she loves are increasingly in danger. 

The 18th book in the Elemental Assassin series is action packed, suspenseful, and a wonderful addition to Gin's story. As will all books in this series, I found this installment fresh and exciting as Gin faces an old enemy and members of the Circle. I was pulled into this story and the author did a wonderful job keeping me engaged. In fact, the entire series has pulled me in and kept me engaged from the very beginning. These are the types of books that have me longing for the next one. They are written with vivid descriptions and genuine feelings, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in this world.

The twists and turns come out of nowhere and there are many surprise moments. My heart was pounding and I was on the edge of my seat through a good portion of the book. The world building continues and we continue to learn more about Gin's past and the Circle.

Even after 18 novels Jennifer Estep knows how to keep the stories interesting. I am a huge fan of the entire series.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

New Adult #Romance Review ~ Maneuver (Men of Inked: Southside, Book #1) by Chelle Bliss @ChelleBliss1

 

He’s always been the player… but he’s about to get played.

LUCIO GALLO

Growing up on the rough Southside of Chicago, I learned how to play the field. Between my rugged good-looks, rock-hard body, and panty-melting smile, I was used to getting my way.

…But then she walked into my club.

DELILAH MILES

I may have grown up with the finer things in life, but that doesn’t mean I take crap from anyone. I’m tough as nails, fiercely independent, and am never afraid to speak my mind.

…But then then he stormed into my life.

Amazon https://amzn.to/35AGh28

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40047870-maneuver

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B07CVKQWZ3
Publisher: ‎ Bliss Ink (July 31, 2018)
Publication Date: ‎ July 31, 2018
Print Length: ‎ 270 pages

My Review:

I found this book really intriguing. I loved both Delilah and Lucio. They are two unlikely characters who are brought together in an unconventional way. Delilah is used to the finer things but she's also abused. When she and her daughter Lulu are unceremoniously dumped by her father on the side of the road in an unfamiliar area, Delilah seeks refuge in the only place open in the middle of the night. 

Lucio can't believe who walks into his bar - a woman and her young child. When he learns how they landed there, he offers them a home and Delilah a job. The passion and romance that develops between them is quick, and probably a bit unrealistic but I found the story enjoyable anyway. I was engrossed in the story from the beginning and couldn't put the book down. 

My Rating:

Paranormal Women's Fiction Novella #Review ~ All Hallow's Eve: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novella: (Remarkable Remedies) (Haven Hollow Book 10) by J.R. Rain & H.P. Mallory

It’s two days until Halloween in Haven Hollow and Astrid is feeling the holiday blues.

After being kicked out of her coven, the young witch is missing the holiday festivities she’s grown up with, and she’s also upset about a boy. Not to mention she’s perplexed over the subject of what she should gift to Wanda for the most important night of the witching calendar (known as ‘Samhain’).

When Astrid’s ne’er-do-well brother, Maverick, reaches out, Astrid is over the moon to hear from him. Because Maverick is disallowed entrance into Haven Hollow (Wanda banished him after a witchly duel), Astrid agrees to meet him in the neighboring town of Riverport, where they plan to celebrate the season by harvesting apples for the Autumn Fae.

Reunited with her prickly brother, Astrid admits she has no idea what to gift Wanda for Samhain and Maverick suggests his newest concoction, Regression Oil—a potion which brings to light someone’s past lives.

Astrid, excited by the promise of the potion, eagerly agrees to assist Maverick in the creation of the Regression Oil, all the while wondering what lifetimes will reveal themselves before Wanda’s eyes.

During a meeting of the Black Cat Cocktail Club, Astrid spikes Wanda’s drink with the Regression Oil, waits until the clock strikes midnight and activates the potion with a spell.

And that’s when everything goes to hell in a Prada handbag…

 

All Hallow's Eve: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novella: (Remarkable Remedies) by J.R. Rain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

All Hallow’s Eve is book 10 in the Haven Hallow series by HP Mallory. This quick novella is told from the POV of Astrid. We get to see Astrid close-up and learn more about her. Halloween is coming up soon and Astrid is lonely. She was kicked out of the same coven as Wanda, so Samhain festivities aren’t the same. When her banished brother Maverick calls her up, she’s happy to hear from him. They meet outside of Haven Hollow and Astrid discusses possible Samhain gifts for Wanda with Maverick. He suggests his newest potion to allow Wanda to view her past lives. Astrid prepares the concoction and spikes Wanda’s drink, then all hell breaks loose.

All Hallow’s Eve is a wonderful book in the Haven Hollow series by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. I love visiting Haven Hallow and really enjoyed this adventure. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.  

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EZJ0BK

Historical Romance Novella Review ~ His Forbidden Lady (Tudor, Book #1) by Nicola Davidson @NicolaMDavidson @EntangledPub

 

Tudor England, 1542

When beautiful widow Lady Annabelle Benton-Hayes is ordered to court, she is terrified. Henry VIII desires a sixth queen for his bloodstained throne, and her scheming family cares not for her wishes. Annabelle yearns for love, but there is no escaping her fate: escorting her is Rafe de Vere, the man who abandoned her to become England's most loyal and brutally successful soldier.

Rafe is utterly weary of war and its impossible demands. Thankfully, his final task is the easiest: accompany a wellborn lady to London for Henry's perusal. Until he discovers she is Annabelle, the woman who swore to wait for him but married another. Rafe isn't permitted to care, yet time hasn't dulled their sizzling attraction and his orders are increasingly difficult to obey. To love her, he would have to risk all and cross his king to secure the ultimate prize - Annabelle's heart.

Amazon https://amzn.to/3iVRsdM
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22751265-his-forbidden-lady

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B00LZFU6GW
Publisher: ‎ Entangled: Scandalous
Publication Date: ‎ August 11, 2014
Print Length: ‎ 63 pages

My Review:

Lady Annabelle Benton-Hayes, a widow, has been ordered to court as a potential wife for Henry VIII. She will be queen number six in a tumultuous time in England. Lady Annabelle wants to marry for love but her underhanded family does not take her wants and needs into consideration; they only care about themselves. To make matters worse, her escort to the King in London is Rafe de Vere. Rafe, the man who left Annabelle to become a soldier. 

Rafe is glad his final assignment as a soldier will be escort an affluent woman to King Henry VIII in London. Then, Rafe discovers his charge is none other than Annabelle. She was supposed to wait for him after the war but married in his absence. Thrust back together, Rafe and Annabelle's attraction hasn't cooled. Instead, it's scorching hot, and passing her off to be yet another wire in Henry's bed doesn't appeal to either party. 

His Forbidden Lady is a quick regency romance. I enjoyed both Annabelle and Rafe. Their characters were likable, well developed, and realistic. Their lots in life were believable, and the author did a wonderful job bringing Annabelle and Rafe to life. The book is filled with unbelievable chemistry and passion, along with trepidation, anxiety, and longing. The author created a magical romance between two people with a past who manage to reconnect, albeit in a less-than-stellar situation. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Book #Review ~ Best of How to Haunt Your House, Volume II: Dozens of Spirited DIY Projects for Parties and Halloween Displays by Lynne Mitchell and Shawn Mitchell

Publisher: ‎ Schiffer Craft (October 26, 2021)
Language: ‎ English
Hardcover: ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0764361996
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0764361999
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57155502-best-of-how-to-haunt-your-house-volume-ii
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZRegUq

About the Book:

Create a spooky memory for visitors coming to party or trick-or-treat with more than 20 DIY projects
for haunting your house. With a bit of theatrics and light, you can create your own flying phantasms, giant jointed-leg spider, coffin, and other spooky displays. Now you can create an extreme cinematic experience with touch, sound, smells, and spooktacular sights that bring on the chills and screams at every turn. This second volume includes new projects that provide both inspiration and instruction on how to lift the coffin lid a little higher and transform your house and yard into the best haunted house in the neighborhood this Halloween!

 

My Review:

It's never too early to start planning next year's Halloween decorations. Best of How to Haunt Your House, Volume II is another amazing collection of craft ideas to completely transform your home at Halloween. Each project includes a list of necessary items, complete details, pictures for review, and step-by-step instructions. The projects range from easy to a bit more complex but even the complex ideas look like a piece of cake with the intricate explanations and photos provided throughout the project. You get a complete snapshot of the process from start to finish so anyone from novice to pro will be able to create the best Halloween displays. 

I was provided a hardcover copy of this book to read. Thank you Schiffer Books.

My Rating:

 

Book #Review ~ Best of How to Haunt Your House: More Than 25 Scary DIY Projects for Parties and Halloween Displays by Lynne Mitchell and Shawn Mitchell

Publisher: ‎ Schiffer Craft 

Publish Date: July 13, 2021
Hardcover: ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0764361694
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0764361692

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55178159-best-of-how-to-haunt-your-house

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31cOgU3

About the Book:

Ready for a haunting good time? Want to learn to make your own tombstones and cemetery, turn your child into a mummy, create Monster Mud, and more? You've come to the right place! When the living set out to haunt houses, they scream for a unique look and feel. They want to create a spooky memory for visitors coming to party or trick or treat. With a bit of theatrics and light--and layers and layers of homemade cobwebs--today's home haunters hunger to go beyond just setting out a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween. Now you can create an extreme cinematic experience with touch, sound, smells, and spooktacular sights that bring on the chills and screams at every turn. This frightening decorating guide provides inspiration and instruction on how to lift your coffin lid a little higher and transform your house and yard into the best haunted attraction in the neighborhood this Halloween season!

My Review:

Best of How to Haunt Your House is an amazing collection of craft ideas to completely transform your home at Halloween. Each project includes a list of necessary items, complete details, pictures for review, and step-by-step instructions. The projects range from easy to a bit more complex but even the complex ideas look like a piece of cake with the intricate explanations and photos provided throughout the project. You get a complete snapshot of the process from start to finish so anyone from novice to pro will be able to create the best Halloween displays. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

 

Paranormal Women's Fiction Book #Review ~ French Country Frights (Hallowed Homes #1) (Haven Hollow #9) by J.R. Rain and H.P. Mallory #PWF

ASIN: ‎ B09BRCJ971
Publisher: ‎ Rain Press
Publication date: ‎ October 15, 2021
Print length: ‎ 230 pages
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mtvVdv

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58723484-french-country-frights-hallowed-homes-1

About the Book:

Hi there! My name is Fifi and I’m a succubus... but I’m hopeless with men and relationships.

Yes, a succubus is a type of sex demon, but the first thing you should know about me is that even though I was created to suck the life force from men, I’m actually a nice person.

In fact, I can’t stand being a succubus because it goes against every moral fiber of my being. Truth be told, I’m a romantic at heart—all I really want is a loving husband, children and the house with the white picket fence.

As to my dreams of wedded bliss, I’ve got my hopes set on one man in town—a human named Marty Zach, but I’m pretty sure he only thinks of me as a friend.

Figuring my romantic dreams aren’t going to get me very far, I’ve turned all my focus and energy into opening my very first business, Hallowed Homes Realty.

Not only do I plan to sell properties to humans and supernaturals alike, but I’m going after a different class of paranormal creature—the exotics. Exotics are species like giants, ice dragons and gnomes (just to name a few)… they require a little more help in finding their forever homes, or crypts, as the case may be.

My first big exotic client is Darragh, a grim. Grims are spectral dog-like creatures that haunt churchyards and protect the dead. They’re notoriously selective and grumpy, but this could prove to be my biggest sale of the year, so I’m beyond excited!

Imagine my surprise when I arrive at Hollow Cemetery to show Darragh the tomb he’s interested in, only to find him and his elf attendant murdered…

Soon it becomes a mad dash to solve the case, especially because I’m worried Hallowed Homes might be the murderer’s target.

Between sniffing out potential clues, keeping my awful brother in line, trying to restrain my inner succubus (because she really has a thing for the local Sasquatch in town) and attempting to start something special with Marty, I’m wondering how much more a girl can take.

My Review:

French Country Frights is a new book in the Haven Hollow series but also book 1 in Hallowed Homes. Fifi is the star of this story and I enjoyed getting to know her a bit more. The cast of usual players are scattered about throughout the story but they don't get very much screen time. 

Fifi is now the owner of Hallowed Homes (formerly Hallowed Realty) after the previous owner, night hag Ophelia, was taken out of commission a few books ago. She's trying to reach out to more exotic clientele to solidify her business. That all spirals out of control when she shows up to a showing at the graveyard for Darragh, a grim, and his assistant, Cranough and finds them both dead.

French Country Frights is a wonderful book in the Haven Hollow series by H.P. Mallory and J.R. Rain. This writing duo brings interesting stories, intriguing characters, and thought-provoking mysteries to life. The character development provides history and growth, and the world-building creates a fantastic world to watch the characters do their thing.

I was provided a copy of this book to review.

My Rating: