book review – Page 17 – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

#RRBC #Review The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles by Ronald E. Yates

id224788 From The Author:

The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles is the second book of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy.

The trilogy tells the amazing story of a man who is born in 1860 and who dies in 1960. In between Billy lives an improbable and staggering life of adventure, peril, transgression and redemption. Then Billy mysteriously disappears. For several decades his family has no idea where he is or what he is doing.

Finally, with his life coming to an end, Billy resurfaces in an old soldiers’ home in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is there, when he is 98 that he meets his 12-year-old great-grandson and bequeaths his journals and his other property to him — though he is not to receive them until he is much older.

Years later, the great-grandson finally reads the journals and fashions a three volume trilogy that tells of his great-grandfather’s audacious life in the old west, as well as his journeys to the Far East of the 1890s–including French Indochina and The Philippines–and finally, in the early 20th century, to Europe and Latin America where his adventures and predicaments continue. One thing readers can be sure of, wherever Billy Battles goes trouble is not far behind.

As with Book 1 in the series, Book 2 is what I call “faction” because it is both fact and fiction. Some of the events in the book–especially those dealing with real people, did happen. Was my character directly involved in them? No. However, members of my family were native Kansans and some of the experiences I write about did happen. Of course, I have woven some of my own experiences into the story line also.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore. As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots-and his improbable journeys are just beginning. He is aboard an ocean liner sailing to the Mysterious East (Hong Kong, French Indochina, and the Philippines), among other places. The year is 1894 and aboard the S S China Billy meets a mysterious, dazzling, and possibly dangerous German Baroness, locked horns with malevolent agents of the German government, and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea. Later, he is inadvertently embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochina-which quite possibly makes him the first American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam. Later, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billy’s troubles are just beginning. As the 19th century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries and an assortment of malevolent and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present?

My review:

I am a member of the community – Rave Reviews Book Club – and this is one of my #RRBC reviews… All of my reviews are my personal opinion based on my consideration of the books I have read.

This novel is part historical fiction, part based on fact and celebrates the fascinating life of Billy Battles. Who has a life like this? My goodness! What a guy… I have not read the first in the series but I didn’t find that this hampered my enjoyment in any way. Billy’s journeys take him to Saigon, the Philippines, and even to Germany. This story is packed full of exciting events. What a Smorgasbord of reading delight!

It is an well-researched and well-written novel with the benefit of pain-staking detail which makes the reader feel as if he or she is immediately immersed in the narrative. I enjoyed this so much. I was initially attracted to reading this book by the mention of the mysterious East. My father, (who is also a Ronald,) has often spoken of his travels to the Far East and I hope one day to write his memoirs so this piqued my interest. The author Ronald E Yates did a great job in creating wonderful characters and a fascinating plot that kept you intrigued throughout.

I particularly enjoyed the section in the Far East and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommend this author.

My rating: 5 stars.

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M J Mallon _ YA Author

My #Book #Review of Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Hi. Welcome to Book Review Time.

Today I’m going to be giving you my opinion on Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe. Quite a mouthful! Was it worth reading? Of course, with a title like that it had to be worth it!

Goodreads Synopsis:

A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

My Review:

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe is a heart-warming coming of age story and much more. It’s a novel that tackles friendship, love, family relationships, and the pain, uncertainty and difficulty in “coming” out about your sexuality to your family in such a sweet, accessible way. More than this Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe exposes difficult relationships that sometimes exist within ordinary families, and the generation gap that continues to divide teenagers and adults. So would I recommend this author Benjamin Alire Saenz to you? Most definitely.

Secrets abound in this novel, and I love, love, love books about secrets!

Secrets about Ari’s prisoner brother, his father’s experience in the Vietnam War and even Ari’s friend Dante isn’t without his secrets, Dante likes to keep a private sketch book.

Ari likes this secretive aspect of Dante:

That was interesting – that he had secrets.

The characters just feel so real, particularly Ari, he’s just so choc a bloc full of angst that the reader can’t help but be drawn into his story. Not only does Ari have trouble relating to his family he also finds that he doesn’t relate to other guys either, he finds making friends very difficult, and in particular he can’t see the appeal of obsessively talking about girls, like the lifeguards at the pool.

”A girl is like a tree covered with leaves. You just want to climb up and tear all those leaves off.”

Ari feels that he is a mystery even to himself! He just can’t fathom himself out!

Ari’s older brother is eleven years older than him, yet it is not just the age gap that distances them, his older brother is in prison. He might as well be dead as no one in the family talks about him. There are no photographs of him anywhere. Even dead people get more attention that his brother does:

There were so many ghosts in our house – the ghost of my brother, the ghost of my father’s war, the ghosts of my sister’s voices. And I thought maybe there were ghosts inside of me that I hadn’t even met yet. They were there. Lying in wait.

Yet the shadow of Ari’s brother follows Ari wherever he goes and whatever he does. It’s almost as if his parents are waiting for the moment that he too will let them down. Ari tries hard to be a good person, but this responsibility weighs him down.

Ari’s twin elder sisters are so much older than him too, which just adds to his sense of isolation. Ari feels that he might as well be an only child, he feels like a family mascot, rather than a valued and loved member of the family.

For Ari the teenage years from eleven to fifteen are the worst. He’s a deep, thoughtful person who is finding it hard to live up to his philosopher’s name, growing up is so very hard. Ari even feels that love is a weight,

But love was always something heavy for me. Something I had to carry.

When he meets Dante there is a subtle change in Ari. Dante introduces him to poetry, and Ari finds that he appreciates poetry and he enjoys Dante’s company too.

Until Dante, being with other people was the hardest thing in the world for me.

As Dante was watching me search the sky through the lens of a telescope, he whispered, “Someday, I’m going to discover all the secrets of the universe.”

That made me smile. “What are you going to do with all those secrets, Dante?”

“I’ll know what to do with them,” he said, “Maybe change the world.”

Dante is freer, more sure of his place in the universe than Ari. Dante doesn’t like the encumbrance of wearing shoes. He prefers to walk barefoot. Dante understands his emotions, and is better at voicing them. He tells Ari he loves him. “I love swimming – and you.”

There is so much heart-warming humour in this novel too.

Here are a couple of lovely quotes about Ari’s dog Legs:

Maybe dogs were one of the secrets of the universe.

Dogs didn’t censor themselves.

Here’s another example of humour, this time it’s about Dante teaching Ari how to swim:

If a guy was offering to teach me how to swim, then for sure he didn’t have a life. Two guys without a life? How much fun could that be?

Ari is touched by the warmth and tenderness in Dante’s family. He wants to tell them so much about Dante but all he can say is, “Dante’s my friend.”

He holds back what he really wants to say, and this frustrates him so much. The reader can’t help but feel for him. This is one of my favourite quotes in the book, it eloquently demonstrates Ari’s difficulty at expressing his true emotions:

I wanted to tell them that I never knew that people like Dante existed in the world, people who looked at the stars, and knew the mysteries of water, and knew enough to know that birds belonged to the heavens and weren’t meant to be shot down from their graceful flights by mean and stupid boys.

Towards the end of the novel Ari has a really touching family conference with his mother and father. This part of the book is so moving, such a wonderful ending, and this quote just sums it up so well:

I (Ari) came to understand that my father was a careful man. To be careful with people and with words was a rare and beautiful thing.

Highly recommended for readers of Realistic Fiction, GLBT, Young Adult.

My rating: 5 brilliant stars!

***Spoiler alert *** – Look Away

His father finally talks to him, in a really meaningful way. Ari learns that the Secrets of The Universe are simple, that he has been searching far beyond where the answers lay, because they have been within him all this time, in his heart. Ari doesn’t have to run from or hide from his emotions anymore, but embrace love and accept who he is to be truly happy.

Have you read Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe? I’d love to hear your opinion.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4841310.Benjamin_Alire_S_enz

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Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

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Neverlands Blog Tour plus #Giveaway and my #Review of Claire Ayres: Entrapped (Musicians Hope Book 1)

Thank you to Jenny at Neverlands Blog Tour for this wonderful opportunity to host Claire Ayres and to the author for a copy in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

Blurb:

Cellist, Luka, has moved to Bristol to start a new job and recover from the betrayal of finding his best friend and his girlfriend in bed together. He doesn’t plan on the emotional thunderstorm that meeting his next-door neighbour Jess causes.
Jess had everything, a man she loved, friends she adored and then the world crashed around her. Depression came from nowhere and slowly started ripping her life away. Now she lives a lonely, sad life but the music which she keeps hearing next door is waking her up and she doesn’t know why.
Join Luka and Jess as they discover life after heartache, how to forgive and how to live and love again.
*Entrapped is an 18+ Contemporary Romance with several graphic sex scenes*

Goodreads:Goodreads: Entrapped

Amazon: Amazon UK

My review:

Well this was a surprise. I agreed to join Netherlands Blog Tour for Entrapped and thought it was a contemporary romance, which it is, but I didn’t realise that it was an 18+ novel with several graphic sex scenes.

What I was looking for in this novel was plot, storyline, interesting characters as well as sizzling sexual chemistry and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed.

So if you like your contemporary romance on the sexy, graphic side THIS IS FOR YOU.

This novel wasn’t smutty, or lewd. It was utterly, deliciously sensuous and the message conveyed was very much about our human desire for physical, as well as companionable love.

My other observation is I absolutely LOVED the musical aspect to it. It was so enticing – the cello – and the man! No wonder she was enthralled. Who could resist such a sexy combination?

I couldn’t help but ogle the cover art. Isn’t that cover wonderful?

The story follows Jess’s initial reluctance to get involved with another guy – Luka – after her previous boyfriend finishes with her because of her depression. Luka and Jess are insanely attracted to each other and readers will be glad to know that they can’t resist each other for long!

I liked how Claire Ayres touched on depression and how debilitating this can be. Entrapped didn’t dwell on this topic too much – I reckon that would have dragged the narrative down and would have made the tone of the novel too serious. So, Claire Ayres handled this well.

This is not a novel to read at bedtime if you want to fall sleep!

Overall, it was a sizzling debut read that I devoured very quickly. It certainly wasn’t boring!

Recommended for those who like their contemporary romance on the 18+ with graphic sex scenes, side.

My rating: 4 stars.

Goodreads: Entrapped

Musical Hope – The Inspiration

Ask most authors what made them want to write and they will say they always wanted to write. For me that’s not true, I’ve always enjoyed writing and have always been good at it, but my creative passion originally lay elsewhere. I took inspiration from that dream when planning my musical hope series.

As a teenager I was determined to become a professional musician, I was being classically trained in several instruments starting with the cello which features in book one and two of this series, moving onto the clarinet which will feature in book three and finally I played the saxophone. In addition I wrote music and I sang. My dream was to attend the Royal College of Music and train as a musician, ultimately, I wanted to be a composer. Still writing just a different type of writing.

My love affair with music came to an unfortunate end the combination of diagnosed bipolar and a pushy teacher colliding with my GCSE’s left me feeling the most anxious I have ever felt at the prospect of picking up an instrument or a pen to write music. To this day I have not played another piece of music or ever written anything else.

But I’ve never stopped loving music, I absorb music like a sponge and have spent the majority of my life around music, albeit heavy metal. Working as a freelance music journalist for many years and writing about the music I love. I also attend classical concerts regularly, unable to let go of the music which had my heart from the beginning and that is where we pick up my story about this book series because it was at such a concert one evening that it all came together.

I had gone to see the London Philharmonic play The Planets in full (very good I recommend it) and while I was sat there absorbed in the music and watching the musicians I became caught up wondering what their personal lives are like and what my life would have been like if I had succeeded in achieving my dream. Just like that Musicians Hope was born and Luka my first character in Entrapped started to take shape, a cellist who moves from London to Bristol to escape a bad break up we see him juggle his life in the orchestra and as a passionate musician, with his personal life which is far from simple.

In each book we will spend time with a different musician from the Bristol Symphony Orchestra, and while each story is standalone, they will interweave so that you can see the world growing, characters you know and love coming and going from later books and development of characters you’ve met in earlier books into main characters in the later books.

I may not have become the musician I planned but I am passionate about writing and to put my love of music into fiction in this way has been one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever done. I have so much more planned for the musicians in this orchestra and I can’t wait to continue sharing their story with you.

About Claire Ayres:

Claire lives in Bristol, UK and has taken her inspiration from the people and the places she has seen over the years. She always has a book close at hand and devours Fantasy and Romance like some devour chocolate! Claire loves a happily ever after followed by lots of bloody sword-fighting and dangerous dragons! But when writing her debut novel Entrapped drew on her childhood ambition to be a musician and one of the instruments she played and still loves as a centre-point.

Claire is also a passionate mental health advocate who lives with bipolar disorder and has done regular radio interviews and even some TV. She is also a huge heavy metal fan and can regularly be found banging her head at a concert or festival.

Website: https://brizzlelassbooks.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/BrizzleLass

Giveaway

International

1st Prize: Signed copy of Entrapped and a copy of 7th Symphony by Apocalyptica
2nd Prize: eCopy of Entrapped

WordPress users: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bf633057182/?

Blogger Users: a Rafflecopter giveaway“>a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Buying Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Entrapped-Musicians-Hope-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07DD6ZJHR/

Have you read Entrapped or intend to grab a copy? I’d recommend that you do!

Feel free to comment below.

Bye for now,

The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone:

Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

My Social Media:
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Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
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#Bookreview Godsgrave (The Nevernight Chronicle #2) – Jay Kristoff

Goodreads Synopsis
A ruthless young assassin continues her journey for revenge in this new epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff.

Assassin Mia Corvere has found her place among the Blades of Our Lady of Blessed Murder, but many in the Red Church ministry think she’s far from earned it. Plying her bloody trade in a backwater of the Republic, she’s no closer to ending Consul Scaeva and Cardinal Duomo, or avenging her familia. And after a deadly confrontation with an old enemy, Mia begins to suspect the motives of the Red Church itself.

When it’s announced that Scaeva and Duomo will be making a rare public appearance at the conclusion of the grand games in Godsgrave, Mia defies the Church and sells herself to a gladiatorial collegium for a chance to finally end them. Upon the sands of the arena, Mia finds new allies, bitter rivals, and more questions about her strange affinity for the shadows. But as conspiracies unfold within the collegium walls, and the body count rises, Mia will be forced to choose between loyalty and revenge, and uncover a secret that could change the very face of her world.

Set in the world of Nevernight, which Publishers Weekly called “absorbing in its complexity and bold in its bloodiness,” Godsgrave will continue to thrill and satisfy fantasy fans everywhere.

My review

Wow. What an amazing read. How did Jay Kristoff manage to write such an incredible sequel to the first book in the series: Nevernight? He must be a demon. I spent most of it swearing about how amazing Jay Kristoff’s writing is and wishing I could crawl into his writer’s brain and feast on his mind for a day. Oh, one can dream. Fantastic characters, amazing plot, pulse racing excitement, entrancing sexy bits – murder plus sex, and did a certain someone give into the raging urges of her bisexual side?

Godsgrave has it all.

Passion, bravery, dark quips of humour, fantastic usage of unique phrases like: ‘byss and blood,’ and merciless death – what a combination. The twists at the end were crazy and I’m still reeling from them. Jay Kristoff had so many unexpected tricks up his sleeve. My poor wee brain couldn’t keep up.

It’s strange how much I love this blood-thirsty assassin story so much. It surprises me – perhaps it’s the Scorpio in me. The passionate sting in my tail is hidden but it’s there!

This series has captured my heart and soul because:

I adore character driven stories. Mia is such a well-crafted heroine. The reader can’t help but adore her even though she is a merciless killer. The violence is vindicated because she has been through hell. This isn’t just about a raging psychopath killing for the sake of it. She has a purpose – to avenge her family – and the reader longs for her to find love, and happiness and to succeed.

The subsidiary characters are beyond awesome and the shadow cat and dog are hysterical. I love their back and forth banter.

In the second book I particularly enjoyed Mia’s character arc – how she became more thoughtful, questioning her actions and the friendships she made whilst holding on to, and keeping sight of her ultimate goal.

My recommendation – read this series. It’s a must if you are a YA author. It’s a must for wannabe authors too. But it should carry a health warning for writers. You will swear. Loudly. And be very jealous.

Beware – if you’re squeamish about blood and gore this might not be for you – think arenas of death and Gladiator. And I’d suggest this is not for the tender eyes of younger readers due to the graphic sexual content and violence.

Conclusion: Welcome to my writer’s bible!

Jay Kristoff is undoubtedly my favourite author, no question. If I could give him six stars I would.

Love ya Jay!

Have you read The Nevernight Chronicle? And if not, why not?

Author’s website: https://jaykristoff.com/

My review link to Nevernight: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/03/03/review-of-nevernight-by-jay-kristoff/

Till the next time droogs … Don’t let my quiet persona fool you…

Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

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Book Review: The Curse Of Time (Bloodstone,#1) by M.J. Mallon —

Thank you to Galit for her amazing 5 star review of my book. 🙂 Very happy author!

Author: M.J. Mallon Pages: 242 Genre: YA, Fantasy Publication Date: August 26, 2017 Publisher: Kyrosmagica Publishing Blurb Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she […]

via Book Review: The Curse Of Time (Bloodstone,#1) by M.J. Mallon —

The Curse of Time (Bloodstone, #1) by M. J. Mallon #BookReview @Marjorie_Mallon

Wonderful 5 star review from Karen at My Train of Thoughts about my book! So thrilled – there is nothing quite like it when readers really enjoy your book. 🙂

My train of thoughts on...

Cover: The Curse of Time
(Bloodstone, #1)
by M. J. Mallon

The author sent me an ARC of this book (epub format) in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5 stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house. When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

Genre(s):

Kindle eBooks > Children’s eBooks
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary Stories > Fantasy & Magic > Coming of Age
> Science Fiction, Fantasy & Scary…

View original post 745 more words

#ABRSC Review of Wisp by Adele Marie Park #YA #Fantasy #LGBT

Goodreads Synopsis:
Edra; a world where magic flourishes and where dark secrets are concealed by those who rule. Secrets which can get the innocent killed without a thought. When the body of an elf is discovered in a treacherous area of the city, Wisp a young Law Enforcer is assigned the case. He soon realises the case is far from simple. As soon as he finds one thread another one leads him to unravel a tapestry woven from lies, secrets, corruption and evil. When friendship turns to love, Wisps life, as he knew it will completely change. What started out as a murder case ends in a grisly battle which Wisp and his companions seem to have no chance of winning.

Review:

This was one of the most unusual and imaginative YA fantasy stories I have read for a long time. I really loved it. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful range of characters in the novel, which Ms. Park brought to life via her engaging writing style. I especially loved Wisp, a marsh fairy law enforcer.

The dialogue flowed effortlessly and the narrative kept me engaged throughout with some really exciting passages and witty repartee. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

Adele Marie Park shows great promise. This is her debut novel and I will definitely be following this author’s progress with great interest and much excitement.

YAY!!!

Ms. Park has also written stories for several anthologies including The Box Under The Bed, edited by Dan Alatorre, Plaisted Publishing Ghostly Writes Anthology, The Darkest Midnight in December: Ghost Stories for the Winter Season Anthology, and Betrayals of Another Kind: 2016 Fantasy Writers Anthology.

My rating of Wisp: 4.5 stars.

A definite recommendation for readers of fantasy readers, LGBT YA Fiction, (male love affair.)

Author Details:

Adele Marie Park – Bio:

I love writing, it`s my passion. My genres include fantasy, horror, urban fantasy, and a mixture of all those. I love telling stories; period. I am married to my wonderful wife, who is my rock. Our daughter and our dog, German shepherd collie cross, are also my passions. To experience a moment of pure love is to experience the world.
Creativity is something I couldn`t live without.
I am also a Supernatural geek, and love my music. Punk, Goth, Rockabilly and visual Kei music from Japan.

The paranormal is my normal.
oh, and I also totally believe in faeries.

Adele Marie Park’s Author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adele-Park/e/B01G9VHA9W/

Blog: https://firefly465.wordpress.com/

Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com/

I’ve written oodles of reviews for traditionally published and self-published authors. Reading is my passion. To see my reviews please follow the links below:

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

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Blog Tour and Review: If You Love Me I’m Yours – Lizzie Chantree #RRBC #ABRSC

I’m thrilled to be part of Lizzie Chantree’s blog tour for her latest novel: If You Love Me I’m Yours.

Thank you to Lizzie Chantree for an ARC copy of If you Love Me, I’m Yours.

Please note: Receiving a copy via the author in no way influences my review.

Goodreads Synopsis

‘If you love me, I’m yours…’

Maud didn’t mind being boring, not really. She had a sensible job, clothes, and love life… if you counted an overbearing ex who had thanked her, rolled over and was snoring before she even realised he’d begun! She could tolerate not fulfilling her dreams, if her parents would pay her one compliment about the only thing she was passionate about in life: her art.

Dot should have fit in with her flamboyant and slightly eccentric family of talented artists, but somehow, she was an anomaly who couldn’t paint. She tried hard to be part of their world by becoming an art agent extraordinaire, but she dreamed of finding her own voice.

Dot’s brother Nate, a smoulderingly sexy and famous artist, was adored by everyone. His creative talent left them in awe of his ability to capture such passion on canvas. Women worshipped him, and even Dot’s friend Maud flushed and bumped into things when he walked into a room, but a tragic event in his past had left him emotionally and physically scarred, and reluctant to face the world again.

Someone was leaving exquisite little paintings on park benches, with a tag saying, ‘If you love me, I’m yours’. The art was so fresh and cutting-edge, that it generated a media frenzy and a scramble to discover where the mystery artist could be hiding. The revelation of who the prodigious artist was interlinked Maud, Dot and Nate’s lives forever, but their worlds came crashing down.

Were bonds of friendship, love and loyalty strong enough to withstand fame, success and scandal?

My review:

I was delighted with the prospect of reading another novel from Lizzie Chantree as I really enjoyed Ninja School Mum.

Here is a link to my review for Ninja School Mum: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/abrsc-review-of-ninja-school-mum/

What I didn’t expect was that this latest book If You Love Me I’m Yours is now my favourite!

What did I like about it?

Lovely engaging characters, I especially loved the main protagonist Maud and her relationship with Daisy and new friend Dot. And Nate is too cute and his brother Elliot is too! Oh, I could go on and on… Basically I loved all the characters and the characterisation was one of the strongest aspects of this novel.

It was nice to read a light-hearted chick lit romance for a change. And I really enjoyed the fantastic conclusion. Loved the ending!

I engaged with the art aspect to it – how Maud didn’t have much confidence about her creative talents – but then left her art everywhere for people to enjoy. This was charming and touching too. I’m not an artist myself but do enjoy funky, eccentric characters and If you Love Me I’m Yours really delivered on this.

It’s an uplifting, sweet romance – a great option for a holiday read and with summer upon us…

What I wanted more of!

I loved the sexy scenes between Maud and Nate but I wanted more! I’m greedy that way. This was quite a slow burn with Maud and Nate’s uncertainties and fears, holding back the ‘love action’ which had me desperate for more! I could understand why they were both reluctant but even so. Lol.

Overall a charming, engaging novel which will bring you lots of smiles! Definitely a recommendation.

Author Bio:

Award-winning inventor and author, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now runs networking hours on social media, where creative businesses, writers, photographers and designers can offer advice and support to each other. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.

Social media links:

Website: https://lizziechantree.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.chantree.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree

Universal book buy link: viewbook.at/IfYouLoveMe-ImYours

My rating 4.5 stars.

To read all of my reviews (I review lots!!!):

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-)my-book-reviews/

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

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Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

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#ABRSC #Review Fairies, Myths, & Magic: A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro

Thank you to Colleen Chesebro for an ARC of her latest book: Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration. Receiving a free copy in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own.

Amazon Synopsis:

Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.

Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by hSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfeis own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’llSELRES_9d361293-d8cd-4ac7-b3cd-945e6c8febfe meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.

Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.

My review:

A charming collection of short stories and poetry which I read through in delight, enthralled by it all. It would particularly appeal to those who love the allure of fairies, myths, fairy-tales and magic.

It begins with a short introduction to Lithia – the Midsummer Solstice – the longest day of the year which begins on June 21st.

There is a section on the different kinds of fairies: brownies, elves, pixies, sprites, dryads, leprechauns, and the author’s own amazing experience seeing her first fairy!

All the stories and poems are fantastic.

Below are my personal favourite stories and poems in the collection:

‘Just What the Doctor Ordered.’ – a couple of pixies get up to some cheeky mischief!

‘The Fairies Spider’s Lair.’ – evocative poem.

‘The Sisters of The Fey: The Beginning, A Short Story.’

‘A Fairy Love Spell’ – this is what happens if you play with magic – so funny!

‘Believe’ – A short story with the bees!

‘Waiting For A Summer Love’ – a poem.

‘The Healer – A Short story’ – with a dragon, and a blood witch. Fantastic.

‘A Litha Celebration – a poem.’

‘A Fish Tale – Short Story’ – so charming.

‘Halloween Magic’ – anyone who has had their fill of laundry will love this story. It is so funny!

‘The Leaving. A Story of Supernatural Magic.’ Definite favourite.

Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.

My rating: 5 stars

Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic”>http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic”>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic

You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.

colleenchesebro.com Author Blog

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Sisters of the Fey Group Blog

Pinterest

Google+

Instagram

LinkedIn

I’ve written loads of reviews. Please follow to links to read more of my reviews:

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

I’d love you to leave a comment.

Please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/

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#RRBC #RWISA Review: Conflict by Eric Halpenny

I chose “CONFLICT” by Eric Halpenny (RWISA Member) as my #RRBC June Book of The Month.

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/06/07/rrbc-june-books-of-the-month/

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Canadian army was widely viewed to be one of the finest fighting forces in WWI, acclaimed by friend and foe alike. However, historical figures and newspaper articles do little to illuminate the true nature of war. For that, one must see through the eyes of those that fought the war. One must stand in their shoes, sleep with their dreams, and shudder at their fears. This venture into the fictional lives of John and Greg attempts to offer that experience. Bound by friendship, these young warriors embark on a journey of trial and tragedy in Conflict, a 20th Century historical fiction. They face death, loss, and grief as compatriots fall in battle and hopes of glory die with them.

Review:

I don’t normally read war novels/short stories but I made an exception after I sneaked a peek in the look inside feature of Conflict on Amazon.

I loved how Eric Halpenny used quotes and/or poetry from Wilfred Owen, General Horace Smith-Dorrien, Major John McCrae, Sir Robert Borden, Kaiser Wilhelm II, memoirs of David Lloyd George, excerpts, war diary entries, military songs and letters from real and fictional soldiers in the novel, giving the narrative a very human feel.

This is a powerful WW1 short story about two fictional characters, Greg and John as they ‘leave boyhood and childishness, naivety and innocence, behind,’ to join with the brotherhood of men in war. Chronicling their heroic journey through the living hell of WW1. There are many aspects of the novel that moved me, thoughts expressed about: the young soldier’s naivety, the building of trust, endless suffering, (even the weather became an enemy,) patriotism, and the futility of war.

Greg’s experience of being haunted by a German that he killed at close quarters provides a stark, disturbing reminder that the enemy is human, has a face, a life, friends and family .

Conflict is an exceptionally riveting read, evoking strong emotions. I read it in one setting, in one morning.

The ending is so sad and so true to life. You will have to read Conflict to see what I mean!

Highly recommended for everyone! Even if you don’t normally read war novels/short stories.

My rating 4.5 stars.

Have you read Conflict? I’d love to hear your views on it if you have…

Link to Eric Halpenny’s blog: https://www.erichalpenny.com/books/

Link to: Eric Halpenny’s Amazon Page

I have written in excess of 100 book reviews on my blog of independent and traditionally published authors:

A – M List https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

N – Z List https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

I’d love you to leave a comment please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
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