Beth Trissel

Brenda C reviewed a book.

“The Heartstone by Sherry Kyle pulled me in from the first sentences. It had been six years since Jessica MacAllister had given birth to her son Jacob, whom she had raised by herself. The birth father Andrew Lawson, had relinquished his rights, and she had hoped and prayed never to hear from him...”

“The Heartstone by Sherry Kyle pulled me in from the first sentences. It had been six years since Jessica MacAllister had given birth to her son Jacob, whom she had raised by herself. The birth father Andrew Lawson, had relinquished his rights, and she had hoped and prayed never to hear from him again. So when she gets a call out of the blue from him wanting to see Jacob she decides it's time to leave Fresno for a bit and go visit her uncle George in Santa Cruz for the week.
Evelyn Sweeney never imagined she would be alone in her sixties, and could hardly believe her husband of forty years was gone. After a year though she is ready to move forward and close that chapter of her life, and start a new one. She can't help but wonder though what ever happened to her first love,someone she hadn't seen in 43 years.

Nick Fuller is a firefighter who enjoys hanging out with his friend Aaron and his family, but it leaves him longing for his own family, if only he could find someone special. When he learns that a childhood friend is accused of murder and on the loose, Nick is certain his friend AJ isn't guilty, and says a prayer for him.

The author does a wonderful job of transitioning between the three stories until they are woven together. Each character comes to life, and are so easy to relate to. I especially enjoyed the story that revolved around Evelyn, who was searching for an old love, but also found the story that develops between Nick and Jessica was great as well.As the story progresses we see the plan that God has in store for each character! The Heart Stone is by new to me author Sherry Kyle, and honestly I am not sure how I missed her previous work, but as a fan of Christian Fiction will certainly be checking out the rest of her work. If you enjoy a contemporary story, filled with hope and second chances, with an ending that will put a smile on your face then this is the book for you!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.”

Brandi K reviewed a book.

“I couldn't decide between 3.5 and 4, so I went with four because of Sam and the ending.
Got started with an emotional beginning, mourning those lost in Templedark. They had monuments made and did memorials. Asunder also showed different people grieving their losses in different ways,...”

“ I couldn't decide between 3.5 and 4, so I went with four because of Sam and the ending.
Got started with an emotional beginning, mourning those lost in Templedark. They had monuments made and did memorials. Asunder also showed different people grieving their losses in different ways, which I think is important because in real life people also mourn differently.
Then there was the twist with the sylph, and I was so interested in this plot line. I wanted to know what it was about why they were behaving differently to Ana, and what this meant for her.
We also get to see Ana and Sam together. I just love their romance and seeing them interact with each other and bond through music. I respect him so much when he said. Ana said "Like always, he let me do what I needed to do," and he supported her quietly and faithfully. That he spoke his advice, but stood by her side. And the way he talks to her and treats her is awesome.
"I love you because you're good and honest. I love you because you're brave... because you're strong. I love you because you don't let anything get in the way of doing what's right."
This is totally why I love Ana as a character, and why I adore Sam.
There were new characters and old ones where I started questioning loyalties and what exactly was going on. It was hard when Steph was questioning Sam's love for Ana because I had grown to like her a lot in the last one. I mean, I guess I can understand where she is coming from, but I don't like that she is deviating from her stance and what made me like about her in the last one. It was also hard to see Sam struggling in this one. As many hot and sweet moments, there are also ones where he is withdrawn and putting distance between him and Ana.
The ending gave me lots of answers but I still want to know so much more about this world, and see what Ana does next. There was also a great sacrifice that made me very sad. I totally understand the reasoning and it was honorable as all, but it was heartbreaking.

Bottom Line: Good second book with some hot scenes.”

Barbara Edwards is now reading a book.

Brenda C reviewed a book.

“"The Lake House" is a story that had me thinking about friendships and second chances. Victoria Rose and a group of her friends grew up in Nagog, a tiny little lakeside town where people lived in their own little bubble. Her friends never dreamed of anything more, content to stay in Nagog they...”

“"The Lake House" is a story that had me thinking about friendships and second chances. Victoria Rose and a group of her friends grew up in Nagog, a tiny little lakeside town where people lived in their own little bubble. Her friends never dreamed of anything more, content to stay in Nagog they make a pact to never leave.While her friends earned their living in Boston, they normally returned to Nagog on weekends, but not Victoria, she moved to California, but now she is returning home hoping to make peace with her past. Meanwhile Heather Bergman is a twenty-eight year old woman purchases an old victorian house in Nagog, but the community isn't happy about it because she is an outsider. An unlikely friendship grows between Heather and Victoria. Will they ever be accepted in Nagog, and what life lessons can they learn from each other?

I always enjoy a good saga/drama and that's what I found in the pages of this story. I liked the sense of friendship that developed between the two main characters, and also enjoyed the fact that there was an age difference between the two that really added another layer. Ms. Nault does a wonderful job of not only transitioning the story between past and present, but does it in such a way that I truly felt as if I not only knew the characters but the area as well. "The Lake House" is a touching story that expertly blends together friendships, a splash of mystery, a dash of romance, and humor to make this a very satisfying read. A perfect summer read!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.”

Caroline C reviewed a book.

“Okay. Two reasons why I requested this book for review. 1. The hombre loves Joy Division. and 2. I wanted to know more about the band. Now I’m not a fan. Yes, I listen to a few of the songs when the hombre plays them (I must say, he still has the CD set of Heart and Soul that I bought him as a...”

“Okay. Two reasons why I requested this book for review. 1. The hombre loves Joy Division. and 2. I wanted to know more about the band. Now I’m not a fan. Yes, I listen to a few of the songs when the hombre plays them (I must say, he still has the CD set of Heart and Soul that I bought him as a gift years ago - which makes me all warm and fuzzy because I got him something that he loves and still listens to..anyway! I’m going off topic here....)

I thought the book was pretty good - now I completely understand a fan would greatly appreciate this book as it gives you an insight on how the band was. I liked the way it was written, it was to the point, and at some times really blunt. I found myself laughing at bits of it. Gradually as the book progresses though, it does get more serious and more sad - since you know what’s going to happen to Ian Curtis and although he was undergoing serious health issues they just kept going. It’s admirable because they went through a lot of struggle in the beginning, but they persisted (it’s also extremely difficult to be successful as a rock band as I learnt while reading through this book)

The book also includes a more detailed description on each track the band has made which I believe fans will greatly appreciate and lots of references to other bands they have met, toured with, and sometimes fought with (hah, those were funny parts). It was also interesting to see how Hook describes Ian Curtis during their tour stops. (He can be just one of the guys too - which was hard for me to see) You also had to sympathize for him and his struggle with epilepsy. Hook’s narrative is very good and easy to follow and above all very entertaining.

Fans will greatly appreciate this book, non fans wanting to read how a real (yes I say REAL) band works should pick this up to get a glimpse at how hard it really is (no seriously, it’s really hard and not as easy as you think!) also, nice small appearances from The Cure and Bono!!!! ”

Marlie Bridges rated a book.

• Rated 4 stars

Brandi K reviewed a book.

“The beginning was a little slow for me, because honestly it has been so long and only certain details stuck with me. I skimmed some of the book but was totally immersed in others.
I think that once I got into the action and figured out what was going on again, the reason I would be taken...”

“ The beginning was a little slow for me, because honestly it has been so long and only certain details stuck with me. I skimmed some of the book but was totally immersed in others.
I think that once I got into the action and figured out what was going on again, the reason I would be taken out of the story is that it felt choppy to me when it was switching between the characters. They should have been some sort of marker showing when it switched the focus.
The part that kept my attention the most was the Tessa/Jem/Will scenes. There is so much tension and I am smack in the middle of it with my heart. I don't know the right answer, because someone gets hurt, or Jem has to finally die. Which would suck. And may or may not be a part of this story. I don't know because when I wrote this part of the review I was only 200 pages in. Just a hunch of what will happen.
There were so many twists, hot scenes, amazing heart fluttering declarations that I didn't know what to do with myself for the last part though.
I think the ending was as perfect as I could possibly think of or imagine considering and it made me happy with the story.

Bottom Line: Slow in places but amazing ending. ”

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Brandi K reviewed a book.

“I like the premise, I mean a girl who can make herself look like anyone else, working with other variants, all with unique powers. It is X-men meets a shapeshifter, but like one of my buddies said-- shapeshifter type named Tessa, dejavu anyone? But she is different enough that it def doesn't feel...”

“ I like the premise, I mean a girl who can make herself look like anyone else, working with other variants, all with unique powers. It is X-men meets a shapeshifter, but like one of my buddies said-- shapeshifter type named Tessa, dejavu anyone? But she is different enough that it def doesn't feel like I am reading Cassie Clare.
I was also a little confused about Alec. It was obvious that Tessa liked him, but he has a girlfriend so I don't know what he was thinking. I know they are really close friends and have been for a while, but I think that Kate, his girlfriend and another variant, was rightly jealous when they were together. These things get themselves worked out sort of after lots of heartache. But the cheating is just hard for me to deal with, no matter how much I am cheering for a couple. They had this undeniable chemistry, build up, and the friendship to back things.
Speaking of taboo relationships, I didn't like the mystery guy in the plot line. I think it sends a message that kind of relationship is okay, when some things, no matter how romantic forbidden love is, some lines shouldn't be crossed.
But on to the characters. I felt for Tessa, and while it was weird, it was also very normal how she got used to, and transitioned right into Madison's life and adopted it as her own. She had a built in family, friends, and people who loved her. She didn't seem to have a lot of that before coming to FEA.
It is sad but universal how Tessa wanted to forget certain parts of her past, and embrace the new identity. I think many of us, I know I do, sometimes dream of being able to start over or live someone else's life, and Tessa gets this chance. Seeing her deal with not losing herself was heartbreaking but I got to see her grow so much through it.
I liked the theme of friendship, especially the value of female or same sex friendships in this one. Holly is her best friend from FEA, another Variant, and I appreciate how their friendship continued even when they aren't physically near each other. They still supported each other, and I loved that. I also liked to read about what Tessa learns from picking up the friendship between Ana and Madison.
The pacing was really good for most of the book but there was a part about 3/4 of the way through that it dragged a bit for me, but as the ending and tying up the loose ends of this plot line started it picked right back up. Speaking of the ending, there is def room for a sequel with pieces of information that came out at the end, but it is thankfully not a huge cliffie. It is just a nice and tied up ending with big sequel potential.
Impostor did a great job at the suspense. I didn't know who the killer was and I had different moments where I was suspecting quite a few of the people in the book. It did a great job with that.

Bottom Line: Great premise and very suspenseful. ”

Brandi K added a book.

Brandi K reviewed a book.

“Loved this premise, and The Rules for Disappearing definitely delivered. It packed a lot of emotion that I wouldn't have necessarily expected. I connected with Meg, she was smart, and loyal to her family in a big way. I also loved her snark. She is by no means perfect because she has low self...”

“ Loved this premise, and The Rules for Disappearing definitely delivered. It packed a lot of emotion that I wouldn't have necessarily expected. I connected with Meg, she was smart, and loyal to her family in a big way. I also loved her snark. She is by no means perfect because she has low self esteem at times (another reason I connected for her and cheered for her.)
The moving around from being in the witness protection program has taken a huge stress on her family, and Meg had to step up in ways that no teenager ever should. Taking responsibility for her little sister like she did told me so much about her character. I loved them both and hurt for everything they saw with their mom, the fear that they lived in, and I melted a bit at how deep their love for each other is.
The way that the first couple pages set it up is that there would be a love triangle, and honestly, I hope that it wouldn't turn out that way. And luckily it ended up being a one man show, and I was so thankful for that.
I really liked Ethan, but was frustrated for Meg's benefit at how perceptive and intuitive he was. He is quirky, witty, and has such a kind heart. I loved the romance, that they bantered, flirted, and that although they were attracted to one another, things built more slowly.
The mystery was great. It kept me on my toes, and the things that I thought would happen had a twist to it and then went in a new direction.
Oh, and the chapter headings are cute and funny.
The story itself wraps up pretty well, but the epilogue definitely leaves room for many more questions and has me eager for the next book.

Bottom Line: Beautifully executed premise with an emotional punch. ”

Brandi K reviewed a book.

“It started right with action and by connecting me to the main character. I liked Ana because she is different, that she questions instead of blindly accepting things, and also because I felt for her because of the way that her mom treated her.
I like that Ana doesn't just blindly accept...”

“ It started right with action and by connecting me to the main character. I liked Ana because she is different, that she questions instead of blindly accepting things, and also because I felt for her because of the way that her mom treated her.
I like that Ana doesn't just blindly accept anything. She digs and finds the answers for herself. She is also relatable though because she is a good person but she's not perfect. She has her insecurities and lashes out at Sam some. It is understandable because of how she grew up that she wouldn't easily trust. It was quite an adventure to watch her discover her passions, and how that connected her with Sam and brought out his emotions and realized what was beneath the layers.
Sam is a mystery right off the bat, because I wanted to know why he was in the middle of nowhere, how he rescued her in the freezing cold water, and just because he is elusive. He is kind of course helping Ana, and encouraging her. He was just another hook that got me within the first three chapters.
There is also the great premise, and it got going right away. I was so curious why a soul would disappear instead of coming back again, and what made Ana special that a new soul or a no soul would show up.
I loved the twists and how the people have such personalities, how their pasts factor into who they are now. Especially about Sam, the things that Ana didn't realize right away, I just thought it was amazing going full circle like that.
The Heart, the town where they live is well thought out. It adds to the awesomeness of the world building and the setting. I enjoyed the mythical creatures involved and their powers even if they were usually on the "bad" side. It shows so much creativity and added action and adventure.
Another thing I absolutely loved was the slow build of the romance. It is so satisfying to read about. The friendship and the back and forth, the flirting and the uncertainty. It is beautiful to watch play out and just what I love.
There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters. Steph and her take charge, no-nonsense attitude really made me like her a lot. I like that she told Sam how it was and stood up for Ana even when she didn't know her. She is very perceptive and I like that.
And holy twist of doom. You feel the storm building, and then the unthinkable happens. Or does it? But we realize so much all at once and some of it is good and some bad.
It ended at a pretty good place, but I am still super anxious to get the next one. So if anyone has a kindle or epub I can borrow, I will be your friend forever :).

Bottom Line: Great start to a series I can't wait to keep reading. Action, romance and a courageous main character.”

Melissa added a book as a favorite. (see 8 more books added to shelf)

Melissa reviewed a book.

“Carson had staked his career on the two men behind the mafia and now one's dead and the other's hidden. Left with no clue in Mason's private lab he's stuck...and someone's to pay for a death they were to help prevent. Unwantingly, Carson goes to a gala to raise money for a children's charity...”

“Carson had staked his career on the two men behind the mafia and now one's dead and the other's hidden. Left with no clue in Mason's private lab he's stuck...and someone's to pay for a death they were to help prevent. Unwantingly, Carson goes to a gala to raise money for a children's charity program, showing how needed the Marshals are, with hopes of finding some information among the attendees to find the man leading the mafia of nearly unkillable men to lock him away forever. But not what, but who he finds this night and not knowing is attracted to her, as she is to him, and takes them both on an adventure they never expected.

Henrietta Mason is working hard to maintain the status her family had, after being sent away for so long, attending the gala. To reclaim her families social standing, with her father dead and the tarnished history of her own, Henri will need a respectable husband. Will one allow her to be who she is? Maybe Henrietta will find the one thing that will trump the need...Love. There are other things than the gold in the Badlands that are desired, what Henri doesn't know of her father's work could get her killed.

First I have to say, I didn't know if I'd like Henrietta. I left Badlands and Ever's thoughts not much liking Henri. That was Ever's feelings. As soon as I started Clockwork Mafia, I loved Henri. She is completely different than I viewed her through Ever's eyes. WOW! Seleste is talented in turning me a 180 to love Henrietta, and want more with her. And we get to see Ever through Henri's eyes.

I love this world!! We start in the Union, but don't fret we go back to the Badlands in no time. Henrietta is different from Ever, but she has a steel backbone of her own and morals she will stick too. Loved reading Henri and the clockwork world revolving around her. Oh...the things Henri's father created and the monster of a man at the lead - one way or another he will get the clockwork plans and payment.

We get the story through Carson's and Henrietta's eyes. This gives us a whole new view of the mafia we are after being they are from the social life of Philadelphia and not the Badlands. There is also something growing between the two, even though Henri might want it, she needs someone else. Not only does Henrietta make Carson feel for the first time in years, she might have information she isn't aware of and be in danger from a kind Carson has faced once before - and doesn't look forward to facing again.

Quickly the story brings Carson and Henrietta together. And there's CHEMISTRY! I'm drawn to the attraction here. We learn what each of the two's goal is, until they meet.

I feel like we start with a masked Cinderella feel at the gala with a twist of mafia of clockwork enhanced men, danger, and deception. The more I read the more I'm feeling a Firefly feel. (yes, I finally saw the show and movies and this fits that feel.)

You could read this one without reading Badlands, but meeting Ever up front and personal is awesome! There are mentions of the last story that lead to the way things are now, so you will not be completely lost.

I did NOT want to stop reading this one. For several reasons. The story, the action, what each person in the chase wanted, strong woman of different types of strong, and maybe a relationship? And the world! Wow. I want more!”

Melissa reviewed a book.

“Chloe's still working her job as a housekeeper as the tourist season comes to a close. Cleaning one room of a single man, Chloe is shocked to see a woman with almond shaped eyes enter from the balcony, who eyes the golden pyramid covered in strange shaped symbols. Chloe's boss tries to talk...”

“Chloe's still working her job as a housekeeper as the tourist season comes to a close. Cleaning one room of a single man, Chloe is shocked to see a woman with almond shaped eyes enter from the balcony, who eyes the golden pyramid covered in strange shaped symbols. Chloe's boss tries to talk Chloe into a match making with the man, but she thinks he has a wife. The handsome single man, Andrew, claims to have no wife or know who the woman was. Chloe finds herself saving the strange pyramid from the woman, once again, intent to steal it, and that he had left behind when checked out. Only to find the handsome man is interested in Chloe as an...employee? Could there be other signals there too? In a dimensional world, where many run parallel and slightly different from the next, Chloe is learning how to tend to the needs of many strange being and making friends. Things start to get mysterious at her new job, thefts of the Dimensional Hotels access cards and more are happening. Who's to blame? And is Drew sending mixed signals to Chloe?

Fun read with a scifi dimensional twist to the world. Loved the dimensional twist to the world and never knew what I'd encounter next. And Andrew....*sigh* Lovely. Gentle start to a lovely couple. Chloe made me smile through out.

I could go on with scenes that made me smile, but I don't want to ruin the read for you, so keeping it short.

First page, I was smiling at Chloe with 'hitting the deck' to hide from her long winded (and alien obsessed) neighbor. IN HER OWN HOME!! LOL! I did enjoy Chloe's easy going personality. And grew with her in feelings. Chloe has an ability to attract good humor from others. Andrew, Drew as he goes by with Chloe and the nice looking single man, seems to know more than he's able to share. And maybe even more comfortable with Chloe than a business owner (manager) should be. But they could make such a cute couple.

Actually, I really enjoyed all characters and the creation of the Dimensional Shift idea. I enjoyed that I didn't know what would walk around the corner next, or what species Chloe would have to clean the room of next. Or what would happen in this unpredictable place. A hotel that caters to inter-dimensional travels in between dimensions. Great fun quick read.

I will be getting the rest of the books in this series!”

Melissa reviewed a book.

“Life is hard and death is harder here in the highlands, but what death they find next is the worst. Myra was enjoying her early spring day with her flock of sheep, son, and two dogs. Following out a harsh winter the predators were on the prey, when suddenly wolves of strange behavior show,...”

“Life is hard and death is harder here in the highlands, but what death they find next is the worst. Myra was enjoying her early spring day with her flock of sheep, son, and two dogs. Following out a harsh winter the predators were on the prey, when suddenly wolves of strange behavior show, threatening her family. When Myra goes to get the healer what she finds... is death and loss and a question of why.

A view of the Break through an innocents eyes. Philippa brings the feel of worry and strange new in a world to the front for the people. New fears surface, and a far worse death than any could expect.

This is a quick jump into Myra and her son's short story. It keeps you here, wanting to learn. The things of campfire stories to scare children come to life... Geists now appear along with Geistlords. What happens this night breaks Myra's thoughts on the religion she was raised on. The world has changed and she has experienced it first hand.

Can you read this without reading A Book of the Order series? Yeaaa, you could. But I think you'd be lost on what's happening. After reading at least the first book of the series? Yes, you will understand the break and geists. You'll get the geists here but there's more to the background you get from the books to fill in for reading this. It in now way spoils what's to come in the books, this is the far history of what happened to bring the world to the point we read in the series.

Myra doesn't have answers but she hopes to find them. I would like to read more of Myra's journeys to learn what's coming of the world and why. And how they tend to it to come to the system we find in A Book of the Order series. This one leaves me wanting more.”

Melissa reviewed a book.

“***NOTE: There are spoilers for Previous Books***

Last semester was the exchanged St. Judas School of boy's coming to Hawthorn School. Now, it's the girls turn for Spring Break. The girls are heading to an eastern European school for boys. Downfall...the boys are Vampires! Charity...”

“***NOTE: There are spoilers for Previous Books***

Last semester was the exchanged St. Judas School of boy's coming to Hawthorn School. Now, it's the girls turn for Spring Break. The girls are heading to an eastern European school for boys. Downfall...the boys are Vampires! Charity is excited. Resulting from the events of the boys visit last semester, her ghost teacher Ms. Van Tessel and now vampire best friend Louise, are nervous. The first day there Louise gets invited to a party. A party Charity is excited about until she learns she can not go. A vampire party. Louise is uncomfortable at the party with the boys working to break her vow regarding human blood. Yet meeting a well read cute boy, agrees to a party the next night. Charity talks Louise into going and taking her... to see and talk to Nicholae. But, human blood drinking vampire party with a human walking in...could not end well? But learns of a scheme to turn the girls of Hawthorn School that are visiting.

Now the girls get the feel of what the boys had while visiting their all girls school last semester. All eyes, of the opposite sex, are on the girls as they are introduced and move about the school. The same feel the boys felt in The Graveyard Gymnasium. We are hoping the boys have...matured some since then. Or at least the ones left in Romania are.

Charity and her eccentric thinking. She's a tenth grader with boys hot on her mind, one boy in particular - Nicholae. She cracks me up with her creations and stories of "what's going to happen." She definitely has an overactive imagination. A brilliant imagination and in the same smarter than she knows. Charity might not have the grades, but she is a smart girl. The things she thinks up, and the angles she thinks. The girl knows things when she applies herself to something. The small quick jokes she makes to herself, made me smile.

Ivan, who's trying to *help* the girls with information, but Charity doesn't fall for it. She feels he's the evil mastermind behind an evil plan - based solely on his hair style. Louis is taken with the boy and doesn't believe Charity. When Charity goes undercover to weasel out the plan details and thwart the scheme, things get complicated with the strong vampires. Maybe Charity can find the slayer center she felt before, to save her co-students.

Oh! There was a little surprise here, or two. One was the feelings one has for Charity. And the other, well, I can't tell you that as it's a little twist you will enjoy in the investigation to stop the vampires.

The beginning builds the places and brings you to know the characters, then you go right in with the troubles of vampires. This is a cute book and one I would suggest to young teenage/preteen girls. It's a touch of Urban Fantasy and young crushes but with a strong girl that will come though. ”

Melissa reviewed a book.

“Aleyku is an old wolf, now packless and defenseless, journeys his last travels across the land he once ran with his brothers and sisters to come to lay in the cooling snow of the mountain top. The local animals have all run, panicked from their land leaving it empty and silent, however he can't...”

“Aleyku is an old wolf, now packless and defenseless, journeys his last travels across the land he once ran with his brothers and sisters to come to lay in the cooling snow of the mountain top. The local animals have all run, panicked from their land leaving it empty and silent, however he can't scent the predator that drives them away. As he rises through the passes to the top and the moon calling to him, his path is intercepted and a challenge is extended to an old cunning wolf, by a dragon.

To me this little novella has the feel of a legend tale. Even a moral slipped in here as well....the cunning knowledge of age verses the power of youth and strength.

This is one of the rare few stories I've read from a wolf's pov. We get glimpses of Aleyku's life and story as we go. We see his pain, physical and more, as he encounters the dragon. Since we are in Aleyku's head, we hear the dragon as he speaks in Aleyku's mind. Aleyku finds there might be more for him here, or maybe not.

However, being a short tale and from the mind of a wolf and dragon, there were a sentence here and there I found difficult. I had to read these a few times as there was more than one detail or connection in it and I was a tad confused by it. In the end, I enjoyed this little tale as it felt like a legend in the making of a wolf and dragon.

I have to say I was curious which way this story would go, wolf or dragon. Who would win out, if anyone. I can't tell you which way the story goes.”

Melissa reviewed a book.

“Partners on the job, and in life, Bettina Rothchild and Arjuna Rana race through their home town, Eisenstadt, on a wicked chase. The Ministry of Justice's Minister, Minister Kaiser, has an urgent and sensitive case for them... her brother, Ranulf Kaiser, has stealthy escaped prison. He only had...”

“Partners on the job, and in life, Bettina Rothchild and Arjuna Rana race through their home town, Eisenstadt, on a wicked chase. The Ministry of Justice's Minister, Minister Kaiser, has an urgent and sensitive case for them... her brother, Ranulf Kaiser, has stealthy escaped prison. He only had twenty-three days until his release. Why? They don't know. Also Gisel Kaiser's appointment as Minister will be under review in two weeks. To keep her in position things need to stay quiet, or she'll be replaced with a politician with no criminal investigation background. The duo work the case through their home town, in all areas with dangerous thugs of that aren't Ranulf's usual partners, to the drifting Isle above the city and back again, with the help from a talking raven looking for a crow who attacked him. And the secret dark magical society, the Shadow's on their tail pushing the stop of visitors to the Isle.

Action, fights, guns, carriage chases, and mystical floating islands. All part of an amazing world with unexpected turns as to what we will see next in this world. Even a touch of what feels like magic as well. So many great elements blended together in one little package. There is a feel of steampowered as well!

Bettina and Arjuna are exactly what I've been looking for in a couple. Refreshing. They have a "proper" banter between them, teasing and flirting...and married! There are always things that couples need to discuss, and that comes to light here - every marriage is work. But they are not the couple that falls apart and teases us on whether they will be together or not. I love their relationship. They work together, tease each other, and compliment the other both on the job and in comments.

Arry, as Bettina calls Arjuna, seems to be the "muscle" of the pair. But not only that, hes an amazing shot and quite the speed reader - Bettina calls him her little library. He's nothing the prejudice of the town have of his race, a Dumastran. Bettina is tough and has her fair share of fights, however, her ankle slows her down. She's a strong woman and brilliant as well.

I'm taken with this world. A mysterious drifting isle floating in the sky, which no one (until now) can get to. One inventor has created an autogyro that flies and claims to have visited, show this is a time of the steel age and other crafty devices. This seems to be the focus of another...to get whatever is up there. We have the Shadow, secret society, that seems to have dark magical abilities. Birds of most kinds talk! Yes TALK! And when we do finally set foot on the mystical drifting isle...well, the way of the world there is different, and magical feeling.

Definitely my kind of world. Sometimes I felt the descriptions were drawn out, but at the same time they drew me to the world as well.

I felt for the duo as they came so close a few times to getting their man, but it happens especially with all the help he has.

I'm definitely curious to read the additional books set in this world. The series is written by different authors in their own parts of the world, but I'm curious to continue with them to see what else I can learn and get lost in with this diverse world.”