Tinker (Elfhome series) by Wen Spencer

Tinker (Elfhome series) - Amazon Buy Link

From the Back Cover:

Move Over, Buffy! Tinker Not Only Kicks
Supernatural Butt
Shes a Techie Genius, Too!

Inventor, girl genius Tinker lives in a near-future Pittsburgh which now exists mostly in the land of the elves. She runs her salvage business, pays her taxes, and tries to keep the local ambient level of magic down with gadgets of her own design. When a pack of wargs chase an Elven noble into her scrap yard, life as she knows it takes a serious detour. Tinker finds herself taking on the Elven court, the NSA, the Elven Interdimensional Agency, technology smugglers and a college-minded Xenobiologist as she tries to stay focused on whats really important her first date. Armed with an intelligence the size of a planet, steel toed boots, and a junk yard dog attitude, Tinker is ready to kick butt to get her first kiss.

My Thoughts:

I sat down and read the first three books in the series. While I understand there's a fourth, it doesn't follow the story line of the main characters from the first three so I didn't bother reading it.

That said, I have a lot of mixed feelings about this series. First of all, the world building and originality was fantastic. It was well developed and a lot of fun to learn about the world of Elfhome. The author obviously spent a great deal of time developing the world and this is where the books really shine. I loved the mixture of science fixture combined with magic. The main character, Tinker, was a lot of fun with her quirky and spunky personality. I especially liked her in the first book where we could see her in her natural habitat -- a junkyard.

There are a few things that I had trouble wrapping my head around though. I found some inconsistencies in the story/world building that kind of pulled me out of the story. These weren't major, and I can sort of understand -- it looks like there was a big time gap between the release of the first and third books. It's hard to keep it all straight when the world and events are that intricate and detailed. It wasn't a huge deal. If I hadn't read them back to back, I probably wouldn't have even noticed.

The biggest drawback though... there was some emotional disconnect between the reader (me) and the characters. These books were pretty action-packed, but the romance and relationships were so... flat. There was no real development. There was no true emotion. All of a sudden the main characters were in love... and I was like, "What the heck just happened?"

Tingles, people. We need tingles. Love involves tingles! There were no tingles. It made me sad.

The bad guys in the story (Oni) were truly evil. I mean, these guys were.... really freaking bad. Like, I'm gonna have nightmares bad. Eating babies? Check. Rape? Check. Forced bestiality? Check. While these acts were horrendous, they were so casually thrown into the story in such a matter-of-fact way that the characters didn't really react to the emotional horror of the situation. I had some trouble wrapping my head around it. I mean, come on -- EATING BABIES? Seriously? What the hell kind of book is this? You'd expect a bit more of an emotional reaction than the attitude of:  "Gee. We should probably stop them."

So yeah.

It was an interesting and different story. The writer is obviously very talented and I'll probably pick up another one of her books in a different series. I liked a lot of things about this series, but I think many people may be sensitive to a lot of the topics in the book.

My Rating:

Release Day Blitz - The Whizbang Machine by Danielle A. Vann

The Whizbang Machine - Amazon Buy Link

Title: The Whizbang Machine
Author: Danielle A. Vann
Genre: Young Adult

From the Back Cover:

After years of running from his tragic past, Jack Yale books a flight home. With him is a typewriter that is intended to be a gift for his granddaughter, Elizabeth. The minute Elizabeth’s fingers cradle the large black and cream keys the machine responses: popping, sizzling, and roaring to life with a Whiz-Whiz-BANG!

Elizabeth quickly discovers the typewriter has powers beyond anything she has ever seen. The more she types, the more the machine spells out guarded secrets. Each secret leads them deeper into a haunted past. Each secret must be revealed in order to set history straight and remove a curse that has been on their family for centuries.

To solve the mystery, Elizabeth Yale, alongside Jack, will have to crack the code of the Whizbang Machine. What they find challenges their most basic assumptions of their family, the history of the typewriter, and even Elizabeth’s father’s death. The ultimate goal is to remove the curse.

The question is: will Jack and Elizabeth be able to carry out their mission?

Author Bio:

Danielle A. Vann lives to write. When she was small, she spent endless days writing and crafting wild characters out of thin air. As Danielle grew, that love for writing sparked a career in journalism. She began her career as a scriptwriter and then moved into a flourishing career as a news reporter, food reporter, and morning/evening news anchor. That career earned her an Associate Press Award.

After becoming a mother, she was inspired to write children’s books for her three adorable children. While she holds children fiction especially close to her heart, she also loves to write books for all ages. These genres include Young-Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction, Young Reader Fiction, and Non-Fiction.

When she isn’t writing you can find her doing “mom” things, digging in her organic vegetable gardens, running, finding her Zen in yoga, or playing chef in the kitchen. She currently lives in Mansfield, Texas.


Danielle is also the author of Gracie Lou and The Bad Dream Eater, November 2016 release The Whizbang Machine, and September 2016 release The Very Tall Tale of Ranger, the Great Pyrenees, and his Adorable Friend, Miss Keys, and October 2016 release Building Faith Through A Carpenter’s Hands.

To learn more, visit www.authordanielleavann.com.

Links:

Website: http://authordanielleavann.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorDanielleA.Vann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDanielleV

Big Mike and Minnie - Cooked Goose by Susan Amanda Kellly

Cooked Goose - Amazon Buy Link

About the Book:

Mistletoe mayhem! Cooked Goose is a hilarious holiday love story filled with sizzle, sugar, and sass...
“Your father called me. He invited me for Christmas. I have a ticket for the same flight as you. Tonight.” 
With those words, Big Mike sucked the oxygen out of the room. Minnie intended her father would meet her new man, Big Mike… eventually. Minnie wanted to give Daddy time to get used to the idea that his 'little girl' is embroiled in a serious relationship. A few decades, perhaps. Because Daddy’s not your run-of-the-mill protective father - he's a criminal. But now Minnie is heading home for the holidays with Big Mike in tow. 
Big Mike is no delicate violet. He’s quiet and lethal, an ex-Special Forces soldier whose day job involves ‘keeping the Free World safe’. But Big Mike doesn’t want to spoil Minnie’s Christmas and promises not to hurt anyone… His resolve will be tested by Minnie’s father, her psycho brother and three outlaw lieutenants who want his woman. 

*This is a 12,000 word story packed with everything needed for a very merry Christmas: love, family, laughter and psychos.

My Thoughts:

This was an extremely short story and I'm not even sure I would describe it as a novella it was so short.  It seemed a bit silly and I had a difficult time relating to any of the characters, but it did give me a few quick chuckles.  The author seems to have a good sense of humor, but I'd like to see a bit more depth.  At the time I read this, I didn't realize it was not the first in the series.  Perhaps if I had read Book 1 it would have been more enjoyable for me.  For that reason I am giving this four wine glasses instead of three.

A copy of a digital version of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:

Cover Reveal - Celtic Fire (Highland Celts series, #1) by Liz Gavin

Celtic Fire
Liz Gavin
(Highland Celts Series, #1)
Publication date: January 31st 2017
Genres: Adult, Historical, Paranormal, Romance

REDUCED PRICE UNTIL RELEASE DAY ONLY
This is a standalone, historical/paranormal romance. Its mature themes – violence, religious war, and pagan rituals – might not be appropriate for audiences under 18.
When ancient gods ruled and Druids kept Faith alive, the Celts thrived as a democratic, matriarchal society. Then savage Roman soldiers swept across Europe, killing and enslaving. The Celts did not succumb without a fight. Their Old Ways survived centuries of ruthless domain until another menace loomed: a tortured god worshiped in cold stone buildings. The sacred shores of Avalon began to drift away, the mists threatened to hide the island from mortal eyes forever.
Against the bleak backdrop of war, the gorgeous Scottish Highlands stood tall, sheltering its inhabitants from greedy invaders. Yet the reach of the eagle banners was long and the highlanders turned to the Goddess for protection. However, the sacred groves felt silent and grim as Avalon faded away. Once sad, pealing bells began to sound strangely comforting while the high walls of monasteries offered an alluring barrier from violence. Caught in the middle of this centuries-old war, a young High Priestess might be Avalon’s last chance.
Wise beyond her years and powerful like no other Priestess in her lifetime, Rowen had served the Goddess faithfully, forsaking her family and the company of her soulmate. When the Lady of the Lake asks for another sacrifice, it might be one too many for her scarred heart. How could she obey the Goddess without betraying Caddaric? Could she trust Eochaid, who embodied everything she despised and hated? Would she be able to fulfill her duties without losing her soul?
Caddaric had been Rowen’s companion in countless lives; but, now, they existed in different realms. Beautiful Rowen lived in the mortal world while sweet Caddaric remained in the sacred isle of Avalon, watching over her. Could he step aside to allow another man – a flesh and blood man – to become her protector?
Eochaid had sworn to protect the Old Ways. The rude warrior never quite understood his faith yet his loyal heart belonged to the Goddess. A gorgeous, fiery High Priestess was not in his plans. He would risk his life to protect Rowen; but, would the Goddess safeguard his heart? Could he defend the bewitching maiden from himself?
When stakes were so high that a simple mistake could cost their very world, a priestess, a Druid, and a warrior must learn to trust each other and the mysterious ways of the Goddess. Their success would save Avalon. Their failure would tear the island from the human realm forever, condemning it to oblivion.
Failure was not an option.

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Author Bio:
When Liz Gavin was in Second Grade - just a couple of years ago, really - her teacher told her mother the little girl should start a diary because she needed an outlet for her active and vivid imagination. She was a talkative child who would disrupt the class by engaging her colleagues in endless conversations. She loved telling them the stories her grandfather used to tell her.
Apparently, the teacher wasn’t a big fan of those stories, and Liz’s mother bought her a diary. She happily wrote on it for a couple of months. Unable to see the appeal of writing for her own enjoyment only, she gave up on it. She missed the audience her friends provided her in class. She went back to disturbing her dear teacher’s class.
Since then, she has become a hungry reader. She will read anything and everything she can get her hands on – from the classics to erotica. That’s how she has become a writer of erotica and romance, as well.
As a young adult, she participated in a student exchange program and lived in New Orleans for six months. She fell in love with the city and its wonderful inhabitants. NOLA will always hold a special spot in Liz Gavin’s heart. Nowadays, living in Brazil, Liz’s creativity has improved many times because it’s such a vibrant, gorgeous and sexy country.
Welcome to her world of hot Alpha males and naughty, independent women. Add a touch of the paranormal in the presence of some wicked souls and you’ll get the picture.
Sit back, fire up your Kindle and enjoy the ride!

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Cover Reveal - The Lost Girl by Candy Atkins

The Lost Girl
Candy Atkins
(The Lost Knight, #2)
Publication date: November 20th 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

If Stratagor Ziras doesn’t kill me, my training program will!

Every day I wake up and go through the motions, but they’ve figured out that I’m not a Knight. I can’t ride, I can’t fight, I can’t do magic, and worst of all, I can’t see whatever it is I’m supposed to see in this stupid Orb.

Nothing is what it seems here. Everyone says they want what’s best for me, but who can I trust? The lying snake? The feathery crocodile trying to lock me away? The Queen who wants me dead? Or the devil himself?

I don’t know what I’m more afraid of—the enemies that have made several attempts on my life, or my allies now that they know they’ve made a huge a mistake.

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Sequel to:

—

Get exclusive sneak preview sample excerpts of The Lost Girl by subscribing to Candy’s newsletter!
After the blitz, the author will giving away one signed copy of The Lost Knight and one signed copy of The Lost girl to one random newsletter subscriber.

Author Bio:

Candy Atkins is a full‐time writer who lives with her husband and two kids in Orlando, Florida. She’s an avid reader and lover of all things fantasy and sci‐fi. Her debut novel, The Lost Knight, is volume one of the six‐part Lost Knight Series.

Her life’s journey has taken her from dining with the President to being on food stamps to running her own company. And since all author bios end by naming and quantifying pets...she also enjoys spending time with her boxer, Butler, and Wynona the cat.

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All the Breaking Waves by Kerry Lonsdale

All the Breaking Waves - Amazon Buy Link

Release Date is December 6, 2016 - Available for Pre-Order

From the Back Cover:

From the bestselling author of Everything We Keep comes a gripping tale of long-buried secrets, the strength of forgiveness, and the healing power of returning home for good.

After a harrowing accident tore her family apart, Molly Brennan fled from the man she loved and the tragic mistake she made.

Twelve years later, Molly has created a new life for herself and her eight-year-old daughter, Cassie. The art history professor crafts jewelry as unique and weathered as the surf-tumbled sea glass she collects, while raising her daughter in a safe and loving environment—something Molly never had. But when Cassie is plagued by horrific visions and debilitating nightmares, Molly is forced to return to the one place she swore she’d never move back to—home to Pacific Grove.

A riveting exploration of love, secrets, and motherhood, All the Breaking Waves is the poignant story of a woman who discovers she must confront her past, let go of her guilt, and summon everything in her power to save her daughter.

My Thoughts:

ALL THE BREAKING WAVES begins with Molly comforting her daughter in the middle of the night after the young girl suffers another devastating nightmare that acts as a premonition of a serious accident and possible death of a school friend.  This isn't the first time Cassie has had one of these premonitions.  And the next one involves her own mother.  As Molly prepares for her own death while trying to find a way to alter the inevitable, old memories of her own psychic abilities come into play.  Will she be able to forgive herself for what happened in the past?  Can she reclaim the love of her life, her soul mate, Owen, or will her fears force her away from him once again?

Kerry Lonsdale masterfully created a story deep in emotional conflict while emphasizing a mother's love and a sense of the need to return home to fight the main character's inner demons.  This had a well-written story line with lots of twists and turns.  When you think you have it all figured out, something totally unexpected happens.  

Once I started reading this book, I didn't put it down until I read the very last page.  I heartily recommend it!

An advanced copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating:

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax

Ten Beach Road - Amazon Buy Link

From the Back Cover:

Another perfect beach read from the USA Today bestselling author of While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.

Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager- leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.

Throwing their lots in together, they take on the challenge of restoring the historic property. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, secrets threaten to tear down their trust-and destroy their lives a second time.

My Thoughts:

This was the my first experience reading anything by this author, but it will definitely not be my last.  I loved this novel and I loved the writing style of Wendy Wax.  

TEN BEACH ROAD is about three women from different backgrounds who were thrown together through a shared hardship.   The friendships that developed and the strength each woman was able to discover within themselves was beautifully portrayed in a story that takes you through all emotions.  I laughed out loud and toward the end I was wiping tears from my eyes.

Wendy Wax did a beautiful job of allowing me to visualize the community and Bella Flora, making me feel like I was right there, sipping my wine along with the other ladies and watching the sun as it slowly dips down into the ocean.  This story line contained many of the things I enjoy in a book including strong, empowered women (I hate reading about wimpy ladies), deep commitment (Maddie's marriage), hunky men (Chase and Joe), emotional conflict (Nikki and her brother) and romance (yes there was definite sexual magnetism)!

There was a small amount of repetition and a few things that were not quite believable, but all-in-all, this was a very entertaining novel.  I highly recommend it and I will be reaching for the other books in this series!

My Rating: