My Inner Muse

Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:47:00 +0000

Rating: 3.5 stars

Book 1 of a trilogy

Keeping secrets can be hazardous to your health. That is one of many harsh realities that main character Ettian must learn during his journey of self-discovery and love. Set against the backdrop of space and two clashing empires, this book is a great start to the trilogy. The characters both main and secondary are fully fleshed out and capture the reader's attention and heart strings.

The very real struggle of duty versus love pulls you in and keeps you there as you're torn between routing for Ettian and wanting to shake some sense into him.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:02:00 +0000

3.5stars
Library Book

I love a nerdy character, especially when it's one who has to figure out the real world and what it means to live life outside of books/science, etc. Miranda understands science but when it comes to love, social life, and understanding people, she is very lost.

There were two love interests Leo & TJ. TJ comes from a rich family and is shallow. Leo comes from "Fisherman's Village" and has no money but is sweet and sincere.

secondary characters were minimal and were fleshed out enough not to be totally 2D but didn't really (except for her mother) add much to the overall story as Miranda goes on her personal journey of growing up.

This book was also made into a movie.

Vengeful Prince (Territorial Mates, #1) by Mary E. Twomey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:43:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Lilya must choose between redeeming her broken world…or saving her life.

When the three princes of the battling territories set out to redeem the land their parents have ruined, Destino rules that the only way to unite the people is for him to marry a woman from one of the enemy territories—the land of the fae.

Lilya is thrust into the limelight, stepping into a world where she knows no one and stands out as a target, like any fae would in a land of vampires. Having all eyes on her brings her worst fear to light: that the secret of her deadly magic will be found out, and she’ll be hunted down for her many crimes.

The princes and Lilya soon realize that their push for peace is turning into an act of war between the vampires, shifters, and fae. Defending their choices is one thing, but defending their lives sets them on a perilous path from which they cannot turn back.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4 stars

Here's why:

Couldn’t put it down! I received the book as an ARC copy and enjoyed it so much that I bought it! The characters are fully developed and distinct in their own way. The pacing of the story, with the romance building as it went along. I truly look forward to the other books in the series.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise (Mountain Men of Liberty #8) by K.C. Crowne

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

"I'm ready for my private striptease."

My bestie's bachelorette had to be amazing. Luckily the stripper I hired blew everyone's socks off. Later that night he gave me a private show I'll never forget. Now, no one can know our secret - because the life of our baby depends on it.

After returning home my father gave me life shattering news. How the h*ll could he sell me off to the mob?? With no other choice but to run... The mountains would be my new home. Safe. And zero souls who could recognize me. Except, that last part is a lie. Because the stripper who knocked me up...

Turns out to be anything but a stripper. And now that he knows my whereabouts he's ready to show everyone just what the h*ll he's really made of.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4 stars

Here's why:

Graham and Emmy are not your conventional hero and damsel. I really liked Graham, secrets and all. Emmy, I liked in the beginning but then she got on my nerves at certain parts. I know family is important but come on, get a clue already. Other than that, the pacing of this story was on point. I want to read more books in this series.

Would I recommend this book: Yes, it's a nice read

Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 18:24:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

A brutal murder, a suspect in jail, and an execution planned—but what if the wrong person is about to be killed?

When a fellow U.S. Marshal asks Anita Blake to fly to a tiny community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on an emergency consult, she knows time is running short. When she arrives, there is plenty of proof that a young wereleopard killed his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible. As the mounting evidence points to him, a warrant of execution is already under way.

But something seems off about the murder, and Anita has been asked for her expert opinion on the crime scene. Despite escalating pressure from local cops and the family’s cries for justice for their dead patriarch, Anita quickly realizes that the evidence doesn’t quite add up.

Time is against Anita, as the tight-knit community is up in arms and its fear of supernaturals is growing. She races to uncover the truth and determine whether the Marshals have caught the killer or are about to execute an innocent man—all in the name of justice.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4.5 stars

Here's why:

She's back! The Anita that has been missing for several books has returned and is doing what she does best--kicking butt and taking names. The sex finally took a backseat (no puns intended!) to the story and it's awesome to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with romance and sex but this is the first time in a long while that a balance was struck between the two. Kudos to Ms. Hamilton for that.

The ethics that are posed in this story have a parallel to things going on in today's events which made it an even more gripping read.

Would I recommend this book: YES, YES, YES!

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Secret Baby Scandal (2 for 1) by Jennie Lucas & Kate Hewitt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

The Count's Secret Child

Theo St. Raphael summoning Carrie to his castle means only one thing to her. He's finally ready to accept their baby son. So as she walks up the grand steps, the last thing she expects is to discover that all Theo wants is her back in his bed and a paternity test!

The Sandoval Baby by Kate Hewitt

For Rafe Sandoval, discovering he has a three-year-old son by his late ex-wife is a shock. Max's nanny, quiet, beguiling Freya Clark, is a godsend. One night, the growing tension between them turns to passion, and soon Rafe discovers he's to be a father again! This child will have two parents from the start and Rafe wants marriage!

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

The Count's Secret Child Rating: 3.5 stars
The Sandoval Baby Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

The Count's Secret Child - Theo was smug, overbearing and annoying and I wondered what had possessed sweet Carrie to fall for him. I guess riches can turn a person's head. It was interesting to learn what had brought them together and torn them apart. It made me want to smack Theo even more. I did appreciate that Carrie stood her ground and thought about her child's needs before her own.

The Sandoval Baby - This story was a little more intense and a little rushed I felt but otherwise it flowed rather well. I felt bad for Rafe who learned 3 years later that he had a son due to the machinations of his ex-wife. I also felt bad for Freya who had raised the boy as her own only to have the natural father come back demanding his child back. The chemistry between Rafe and Freya was quick to burn and things progressed a little too fast before settling down with a predictable twist.

Would I recommend this? Both were solidly written and can be enjoyed.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Brunelli Baby Bargain by Kim Lawrence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Dark, imposing billionaire Cesare Brunelli lost his sight saving a little girl from a burning car. The only person who treated him without pity was the soft-skinned virgin with whom he spent a passionate night. Now she's expecting his baby!

Samantha gets the one reaction she didn't expect—a marriage demand! But when Cesare suddenly regains his sight, Sam's sure he's going to trade her—his diminutive, fiery-haired bride—for one of the tall, slim blondes he used to date….

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

My first impression of Cesare was that he is a jerk. Some of the attitude is understandable since he lost his sight. During that time he was loved by a woman he couldn't see but who left a big impression on him.

Enter Samantha. She was a virgin when she gave into her desires and shared a hot passionate night with Cesare. The consequences are unexpected and it forces the two to take very drastic steps.

Samantha is shy and has a had time standing up for herself. But she has to if she wants the life she wishes to have.she is very shy and has a hard time around people.

Cesare is deeper than he appears and sparks fly when he offers marriage.

Would I recommend this? It was a decent read, so yes.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Enchanted No More by Robin D Owens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

As one of the last surviving Mistweavers, half-blood Jenni knows what it's like to be caught between two worlds: the faery and the human. But the time has come to choose. The Lightfolk require her unique talent for balancing the elements to fend off a dangerous enemy—and rescue her missing brother.

Only for Rothly will Jenni deal with those who destroyed her life. Only for him will she agree to work with her ex-lover, Tage, and revisit the darkest corners of her soul. For a reckoning is at hand, and she alone has the power to hold back the forces of dark….

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Several years ago I was introduced to Ms. Owens Heart Mates series. While I didn't keep up with it, I've always been willing to try something new from her.

I was happily surprised by the first book in Mystic Circle series.

This story packed a punch with real emotional moments that ran me through a range of things. Also, such topics as forgiving yourself after making some life-changing mistakes, family struggles and political intrigue.

The elements of magic working within a contemporary setting were well done, too and enhanced the story.

Would I recommend this? Yes. This is a promising start to a new series.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

I saw the movie first and, while it takes some things from the books, it didn't get it all. I enjoyed reading the story about Lena and Ethan.

I'm not much on history, but i loved the way they weaved the civil war setting with the present day. The supernatural and paranormal elements blended seamlessly and made this love story a believable one.

The secondary cast of characters (Macon, Amma, Ridley, etc.) were well-fleshed out and added flavor to the story.

Ethan, smart and full of tenacity. Lena, vulnerable, intelligent and very conflicted. All the things I like in characters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Would I recommend this? Yes and I plan on reading the rest of the series.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Prince's Ultimate Deception by Emilie Rose

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

American Madeline Spencer arrived in glitzy Monaco with dreams of a vacation fling. Dangerously attractive and maddeningly mysterious Damon Rossi filled the bill. Their nights of soaring passion left Madeline breathless--and craving more. Then she discovered her seductive paramour was actually a prince. Being considered a royal mistress had not been part of her plan. But she could almost get used to a lifetime of pampering.

Until she found out her disguised prince was set to marry another woman.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Where to start....

Madeline is awesome. She knows how to protect herself physically and can handle weapons thanks to her father who is a cop. Her past romantic relationships have left her burned and she really detests liars.

Damon Rossi is a prince in disguise. He falls for Madeline. There's one problem: he hasn't revealed the truth about who he really is. He wants her in the forever kind of way but he might not get what he's hoping for.

The relationship between the two of them was full of sparks and chemistry.

Would I recommend this? Yes, I would also recommend this one. All in all, a good romantic read.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Sheik and the Bought Bride by Susan Mallery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

It was bad enough being hauled out of bed by palace guards. Now Victoria McCallan has just offered to pay off her father's gambling debts--with herself as the prize! So the palace secretary was shocked when sexy Prince Kateb made her a counteroffer....

When Kateb whisked Victoria off to the desert to be his mistress for six months, the widowed ruler had no intention of falling in love. But the outspoken Texas transplant was soon tempting him to change his royal ways. Duty decreed the El Deharia sheik should wed a proper mate, but Kateb's heart was telling him something else: to claim Victoria as his woman--now and forever.

Buy the Book

Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Let's hear it for strong women. Victoria had a really messed up background but it didn't stop her from blazing a trail so bright it hurt to see it.

Kateb was an interesting mix of honor and stubbornness as well as a man afraid to open his heart, especially because of the tragedies of his past.

The back and forth banter, sexual tension, and clash of traditions vs present political changes made for a nice read.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. I'd love to read a continuation story about these two.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Sheikh's Seduction by Emma Darcy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Who was seducing whom?

With her family's future happiness in Tareq al-Khaima's all-controlling hands, Sarah Hillyard was persuaded to become the sheikh's traveling companion for a year. She remembered his gentleness toward her as a young girl, but now she suspected Tareq's scheme was a calculated means of getting closer to the beautiful woman she had become—with no promise of commitment on his part.

Tareq claimed to have lost the capacity to love and he was so totally self-contained, so frustratingly untouchable that Sarah surprised herself by wanting to find out how he would react if she turned the tables—and set about seducing him!

Buy the Book

Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

This story is about a man with divided loyalties and a vivacious young, dedicated young woman who values family above all else.

The ruthlessness and calculating behavior of Tareq was a bit off-putting at first until you get more info from his backstory. Sarah drove me nuts because she was a "doormat" and naive to the point of being scary.

I almost put the book down until she had an "omg" moment and the story changed. After that it was all good.

Despite their flaws, the pairing worked well and the ending was satisfactory.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Bridesmaid's Secret by Sophie Weston

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Bella Carew is dreading going home to England for her sister's wedding! In New York she has a glamorous job, a whole new circle of friends. Best of all, nobody knows anything about her love life.…

Gil de la Court interrupts a major business deal to go to his friend's English wedding. Still, a dance with the beautiful bridesmaid feels like more than adequate compensation! But why does Bella seem to be working so hard to pretend she's having fun? Gil suspects this bridesmaid has a secret.…

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

After a little bit of a hiatus, I'm back! And what better way to start it off than by reviewing some romance.

There are four major reasons why I liked this book. Here they are in no particular order:

1) I'm a speed reader so any book that I can finish in under 2 hours is a good thing. (Mainly because I rarely get 2 hours straight, uninterrupted time to myself anymore.)

2) Both romantic leads, Bella and Gil, had flaws that were believable and had me going back and forth on the emotional rollercoaster with them. She acted like a party girl but wasn't as shallow as people thought her to be. He was my favorite kind of guy, a nerd who seemed sophisticated, but was a true clueless geek at heart.

3) Both had past love issues that shaped their behaviors and attitudes toward each other, relationships and love.

4) The biggest, but most pleasant shock, was the lack of overly descriptive sex scenes. Foreplay was shown but when it came to the down and dirty, the author tastefully faded to black.

Would I recommend this? Yes, I would recommend this one. It is a nice change of pace from the way most romances are written today.

Turning this blog into a review blog

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 May 2017 16:04:00 +0000

When I first stated blogging, (back in the day *grins*) I wrote everything down. From my personal thoughts to my writing journey, it was all on display.

As time has gone on, I've changed and the way I blog has too. Because of that, I'm converting this blog into a review blog.

Any writing updates will be done through my Official Author Website.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Dragonmark by Sherrilyn Kenyon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Centuries ago, Illarion was betrayed– a dragon made human against his will, then forced to serve humanity as a dragonmount in their army, and to fight for them in barbaric wars, even while he hated everything about them. Enslaved and separated from everyone he knew and from his own dragon brothers, he was forced into exile in a fey realm where he lost the only thing he ever really loved.
Now he has a chance to regain what’s been lost— to have the one thing he covets most. But only if he gives up his brothers and forsakes the oaths he holds most dear. Yet what terrifies him most isn’t the cost his happiness might incur, it’s the fact that there is just enough human in his dragon’s heart that he might actually be willing to pay it and betray everything and everyone– to see the entire world burn

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

Sooo...I liked this book except for two things. 1) Some of the sections in the story were confusing because of the jumping around in the timeline of events. I don't mind "time travel" plots but this one created confusion and that I don't like. 2) I thought this was a stand-alone set in the Dark Hunter universe, which is fine. I expected a couple of appearances from others in her series. What I wasn't anticipating was how many jumped in and I got lost in the cramming of some characters' back story into Illarion's story.

What I did like, was the fact Illarion and his leading lady were both strong characters in their own right. The parts that focused on them were well-written.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you are a reader of the Dark Hunter series.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Crimson Death by Laurell K. Hamilton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review. I got this book from the public library.

About the Book

In her twenty-fifth adventure, vampire hunter and necromancer Anita Blake learns that evil is in the eye of the beholder...

Anita has never seen Damian, her vampire servant, in such a state. The rising sun doesn’t usher in the peaceful death that he desperately needs. Instead, he’s being bombarded with violent nightmares and blood sweats.

And now, with Damian at his most vulnerable, Anita needs him the most. The vampire who created him, who subjected him to centuries of torture, might be losing control, allowing rogue vampires to run wild and break one of their kind’s few strict taboos.

Some say love is a great motivator, but hatred gets the job done, too. And when Anita joins forces with her friend Edward to stop the carnage, Damian will be at their side, even if it means traveling back to the land where all his nightmares spring from...a place that couldn’t be less welcoming to a vampire, an assassin, and a necromancer: Ireland.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Now that Anita has gone back to being the character I enjoyed in the first ten books of the series, the story flows better. This book is the largest of the series (I read the hardcover and it was 708 pages long)

The action was nicely paced and I didn't feel that characters were "shallow." I'm a speed reader so I glossed over the "sex/erotica scenes" because I felt like I've seen/read it all before.

I will warn you that it takes a little bit for the story to truly get going.

Though the Harlequin follow Anita, I still find them creepy and suspect in many of their behaviors. Anita's complicated love life is still going on but it isn't drowning out the other areas of her life any more (at least story wise they aren't.)

I am truly looking forward to the next Anita Blake book.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, because Ms. Hamilton is finally getting back to writing Anita the way she did in the beginning that made me fall in love with the character & series.

2017 is Strewn with Rocks #WereloveSeries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 17:00:00 +0000

I'm only 3 months into 2017 and all I can say is that Chaos is my best friend. I really wish she would leave. I have things to do and I can't do them when she is joined to me at the hip.

I started off strong, getting 75% of the way through the writing of Werelove #4. Then everything started grinding to a halt thanks to, you guessed it, LIFE and CHAOS. I don't often put out there everything going on in my life but I figured it was time to let everyone know some of the setbacks that I've experienced this year.

Let's get started, shall we?

Two jobs. That's right I'm doing double duty working at a tax preparation business and cashiering at a retail store. I like both jobs but I'd forgotten how draining working more than one job can be.
Illness. This one has been taking a toll on myself and my family. First, my husband landed in the hospital for about four days with pneumonia. Then my youngest got the flu. I had some kind of head/sinus cold. Then my oldest caught something. I thought we were all clear but then this past weekend (March 5) I started to feel very under the weather. Sore throat, coughing, and headaches decided to play with me and throw me around like a rag doll.
Which leads me to this week. On Sunday, March 5, amid the other warning signs, I had, what I thought was a bruise on my left leg. I ignored it, thinking I had gotten it while attending my kids' dance competition. It turned out that it wasn't a bruise but an abscess. That along with my worsening cough and sore throat sent me to the ER on Tuesday (March 7).

Once the doctor took a look and gave me the verdict, I had to endure getting the abscess lanced so they could drain some of the infection out. I didn't really care what they did, because by that point, I had been in pain for two days and could barely walk. I wanted my body back and anything that needed to be done to fix it was welcome.

It turned out that my throat and cough are part of an upper respiratory illness and I'm stuck taking antibiotics for the next 14 days to clear it and the abscess up.
In addition to illness and jobs, I also work at a dance studio and we are in the middle of competition season. I mention that here because this takes us to...
I'm going to be starting my own dance studio in Lakeland later this year. I've been getting myself ready and I'm pretty excited about it. That has taken up some of my time because of the running around getting all my ducks in a row.
Kids. I don't think this one needs an explanation, but when you have two special needs kids (my youngest is Asperger-Autistic), life can be a bit of a challenge. Especially, when the oldest is driving age and thinks that a driver's license is mandatory. My favorite word right now is "No".
Four-legged drama. Yesterday (March 8) and today (March 9) have been some of the hardest days to endure. Yesterday my dog (a female pit mix) attacked my husband's elderly dog, Bravo (chow/shepard mix). I'm not sure what prompted the attack because I was asleep due to my medicines for above mentioned illnesses.

My dog got poor Bravo by the face and bit all the way down to the bone in his muzzle right below his eye. Bravo's eye is okay but it required sutures and an hour & half to stitch him back together again.

I had to make the painful choice of return my dog to the shelter where I got her a year ago. I explained what had happened and why I couldn't keep her. She's a good, obedient dog. I hope that at her next forever home, it's just her. I don't think she's meant to have other dogs around her.

So, after all the above has happened, I'm hoping to finally finish Werelove book 4 during my kids' spring break. I will be going back to my home state to visit and there is literally nothing to do and not a lot of distractions either. I think a dose of that as well as the soothing mountain calm will be the nudge I need to finish my novel.

So everyone, hang on and keep your fingers crossed. Let's see if I can cross that finish line.

My 2016 #NaNoWriMo Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:00:00 +0000

The Starting Line

I've been participating in NaNoWriMo for a little over ten seasons and I've learned many things in that time.

Always expect the unexpected. Sometimes the things you try to control are the ones that slip away from you the fastest.
A little organization never hurt anyone. I used to relish chaos in my creativity but as I've gotten older and my writing style has changed, so has the way I have to get ready to write.
I am not alone. It's always nice to be able to interact with those who have the same idea/goal as you. Unity and strength in numbers help keep the creativity flowing.
50,000 is just an ideal number to reach. Yes, it is the ultimate goal for those of us who participate in the "writing madness" but it is actually, in my mind, secondary to what I feel is the true goal of NaNoWriMo. You know what that is? To Write. At the end of the day, that is why we do it. We hope to get our projects going and set our minds free to accomplish that.
Just because you don't hit the 50,000 goal, doesn't mean NaNoWriMo was a waste of time. I'm always telling potential and returning NaNo writers that they should keep in mind the true goal of getting into the groove of writing as the ultimate goal. And, that if they feel 50,000 is a bit much, that they should set their own goal and work toward it.

NaNoWriMo & My NaNo Process

I started off rather rocky this NaNo season and was WAAAAYYYYYY behind. But, once I got in gear, I stayed in gear. Even though I had an idea, sitting down and focusing was my biggest problem.

Once I let my characters take over, it was an easier journey. There were several things that helped me and I want to share them with you.

I love Yankee Candles and the one to the left I've had for several years. I was saving it for a special occasion and found that its gentle scent was rather relaxing. I burned it every single day until I had finished that day's word sprints (via my Facebook friends). I used the whole candle. Guess what I'm buying for next year's NaNo?

Also, I have to thank my cover artist JD Hollyfield who kept after me every single day to write. In the beginning, it drove me batty because I was being such a sloth. But, once I got out of sloth mode, it was a great motivator.

Thanks also go to my friends Angela, Courtney, Jenn and my daughter, Alea (who participated and won in the Young Writers NaNo), because they all in their own way gave me encouragement.

My NaNo Finish Results

Drumroll please....

Final word count: 50,887

I feel truly accomplish and now I plan to continue building on the momentum that NaNo gave me. To all my fellow NaNo writers, I wish you success in your after-NaNo work.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Against her will, Kitala Bell foresees the future. Now her own future is in peril. From the ocean’s depths rises an impossible blend of fantasy and danger, a creature whose voice is seduction incarnate, whose song can manipulate lives the way that Kitala herself manipulates the strings of her violin -- even to the point of breaking. He is a prince of the sea, an enigma -- a captive stretched to the limit of his endurance by a woman intent on using him for the purest evil. And when survival requires he and Kitala form a closer partnership than either has ever known, the price of their bond will threaten not just their lives, but the essence of their very souls.

Buy the Book

AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Secretive heroine meets even more secretive mystery man. Sounds like a recipe for intrigue and sizzling byplay while watching the two dance around each other.

It was nice to see some of the characters from other Dirk & Steele novels being used in this one. The blend of paranormal with reality is always a plus and adds spice to the Dirk & Steele universe.

I like that both MCs were flawed but that didn't keep them from growing as characters throughout the story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, this is another good read from the Dirk & Steele series.

Kishaz Reading Corner: King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem. The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 5 stars

Here's why:

I hadn't realized that this novel is in the Power of the Matchmaker series. I'm going to be checking out the other books in the series.

With that being said, on to this amazing read by Ms. Pratt. I had previously reviewed another book by Ms. Pratt (which you can read here.) I was looking forward to reading more from this author and when I had the chance to read this one I took it.

I was not disappointed. Esme and Hunter remind me of some friends I've known who had the same type of relationships/issues. How they get solved varies from person to person.

I was invested in the characters and spent times cheering, screaming denials, getting angry at certain individuals' foolishness (yes, I said foolishness!) and laughing at the humor that comes from such complex relationships.

I love Ms. Pratt's style and her characters who have depth and believable personalities.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Yes! Yes! Ms. Pratt, you are amazing and I will gladly keep coming back for more.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Beneath the Thirteen Moons by Kathryne Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

He's a ruler in a divided world...

In the magical, watery world of the Sea Forest, the divide between the rulers and the people is an uncrossable chasm. Handsome, arrogant prince Korl Com'nder has lived a life of luxury that is nothing more than a fantasy to the people he rules. Until the day he is accidentally kidnapped by a beautiful outlaw smuggler and is forced to open his eyes to the world outside his palace walls.

She's an outcast, but at least she has her independence...

Mahri Zin would stop at nothing to save her village, and when they needed a healer she didn't think twice about kidnapping one. But when she realizes that the healer she so impulsively stole is none other than the crown prince of the Sea Forest, Mahri knows that this is her only chance to change the fate of her people...

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 2 stars/DNF

Here's why:

I couldn't finish this one. I first started reading this book on June 28 and got almost halfway through before calling it quits on September 18.

I tried to like this one, I really did but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure it isn't any one thing over another but this book just doesn't do it for me. The main characters drove me nuts and not in a good way. Mahri I found to be kinda whiny and annoying.

Don't get me wrong, I like women who are strong but when they have to spend most of the time whining over how they have to be independent, it takes away from the strength of their behavior.

The male lead wasn't much better but I tolerated his behavior a little bit better than hers since he was raised in privilege and didn't have any real life experience.

Yeah, wanted to like but just couldn't.

Would I recommend this book? Not really.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Not Fit for A King? by Jane Porter/Hiromi Kobayashi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

No matter how much we look alike, the prince will never love me.

Hannah, an American secretary, agrees to switch places with Princess Emmeline, just for two hours. There must be a reason that made her ask me for such a favor. Besides, it’s only for a few hours. But Emmeline doesn’t return for days, and Hannah ends up having to meet King Zale of Raguva, pretending to be the princess!

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Being helpful can sometimes lead to unexpected destinations, a fact that our leading lady, Hannah soon discovers after agreeing to help out Princess Emmeline.

Hannah and Zale were an awesome couple and I couldn't put this one down, finishing it in one sitting. I would love to read another book about the pair of them.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Prince(ss) and the Pauper type storylines always make for a fun read.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Wedding Surprise by Trish Wylie/Mizuho Ayabe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Caitlin decides to be cast in the new TV show Fake Fiancé when she discovers her father's enormous debt. The distasteful plot of the show is for two strangers to pretend they are lovers and expose their lies at their wedding three months later. When the participants successfully complete three months without being discovered, they are paid a large sum of money. Caitlin's fake fiancé, Aiden, appears to be a wild and intimidating man, and enjoys giving Caitlin the cold stare for some reason. Caitlin soon regrets her decision, but she is resolved to complete this job to save her family. But when she finds out Aiden's true identity, her heart succumbs to him...!

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Everyone at some point in their lives has been desperate to save or protect something precious to them. That is the case with Caitlin, a nice young woman who is trying to save her father from his huge debt. Despite her misgivings, she agrees to do a reality TV show and ends up with more than she bargained.

Aiden, who is her partner in crime was an intriguing mix of inner demons and moral seesawing that kept me invested in the two of them and their relationship.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! This one definitely was an emotional one.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Sheik's Mistress by Brittany Young

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Powerful Michael Hassan was not born to the throne, but circumstances had made him king. And as ruler of his desert kingdom, he must marry a wife hand-picked for him. Then he met a blond American beauty, and he had to choose between duty and desire….

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Who says younger siblings can't kick butt and take names? Jen O'hara was an interesting and fun character to read and follow in this very engaging romance story. She was practical and very determined and not afraid to speak up for the things she wants and needs. She would have to be after having such an impulsive big brother.

Michael is a man who has taken on a mantle of responsibility that he didn't ask for. He also can't turn a blind eye to his friend's sister.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! This one is above the norm when it comes to romance.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Playboy's Ruthless Payback by Laura Wright/Hitomi Tsukise

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

A successful businessman called Mac has sworn revenge against me? But I don’t even know him! Olivia is confused as her father warns her over the phone. Threatened by Mac, it seems Olivia’s father has spread bad rumors about the young man in order to take his clients. It all sounds silly until Mac shows up at Olivia’s wife-for-hire company requesting her services. Mac, with his sexy smile, turns out to be the very embodiment of seduction. With all my experience in reading romance novels, I’m not that easy to manipulate. Not to worry, I despise ambitious financiers.

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

This story was different from some of the other romance novels I've had the pleasure of reading lately.

Olivia's father's business choices have come back to haunt her in the form of financier, Mac. He's suave, cunning and has a grudge against her father.

Mac might want revenge, but Olivia is out to prove to him that there are better things in life than holding a grudge.

Would I recommend this book? Yes because I like sweetness every once in a while.