The Gifts I'm Given: And Those I Give by Guy Wheatley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5 in a sci fi series that was very interesting and carried a deeper meaning than we at first thought. In this book, Emily has now recovered from her mortal wounds. Her husbands sacrifice weighs heavily on her and it causes her to spiral into a depression. Her young daughter is dependent on her and Emily has to again make a hard choice when she realizes she would be able to give her daughter immortality as she herself once had. Should Emily go through with the procedure and let herself as well as dear friends fall into the hands of an evil corporation? Or should she instead teach her daughter how to live life to its fullest and treat each day as their last?
This book again forces the reader to contemplate mortality and the sacrifices we are all willing to give for our loved ones and even ourselves. Written in an easy and accessible manner, even though this is a Sci Fi novel, you do not feel as if you are lost in technical jargon. A worthy addition to the series.


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UNFU*K YOUR LIFE: Achieve Success and Peace in 30 Days on Your Own by Aslan Mirkalami
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book certainly has an eye-catching title which might give you incentive to buy it for that alone. As there are hundreds if not thousands of self-help books on the market, they certainly need to stand out from each other in order to catch a reader’s attention. This book promises that it can help you to transform your life and help you out of your struggles with relationships, your career, finances, health and so on. What we actually get in this book is a clever way of reminding us that negativity in our lives can so often become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The author poses questions for us that are meant to give us pause and think deeply about the before we answer. We are also treated to some of the authors own experiences that showcase how he wants us to be more mindful in our daily lives instead of running on autopilot as we do.
I am uncertain if this book is a standout best seller, however, there is solid advice herein and the questions are very well written and I think that many people can benefit from being more mindful in their life.


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The Kalis Experiments by R.A. Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complex, intriguing, extensive imaginative and most important: coherent. All adjectives that can be used to describe this book. I liken it to the mortal engines’ series, a bit steam punk, a bit daring, and then add in some mystery and espionage and you have a recipe for greatness. To be a Kalis means to be female a master of espionage, hand to hand combat and the deadly arts. Syrina is a Kalis and she serves at the pleasure of the High Merchant Syndicate. Her newest mission brings her in search of the fabled Time Works and its controller that keeps the planet livable. She starts to question things when events do not add up and her suspicions prove to be right one too many times which eventually puts her own life at risk.
This is one of the good ones, a book that will grip you and not let you go until you have burned the midnight oil devouring the pages to get to the truth behind people’s actions. Fantastic Book!


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Rage by Melody Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book follows Jessie after an encounter with an Alien breed of man in the science lad she is a cleaner at. She reports what she sees to the media and then we meet up with them again a while later. Several different time frames are given, so I cannot be sure if it’s a few months, a year or several years later. The Aliens have all been given compounds at live at on another planet and us humans “oversee” their lives. Jessie meets the alien who she saw in the Lab, but he absolutely hates her. He blames her for his torture and wants nothing to do with her regardless of the magnetic pull they both experience.
I liked the book, there were some issues with errors and plot inconsistencies (as mentioned), but overall, this was a good book to read and escape. It certainly was entertaining and had some humorous phrases..
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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House of Ash & Brimstone by Megan Starks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been awhile since I have been so caught up in a story. World building on par with Mercedes Lackey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, the intrigue and action reminiscent of Seanan McGuire, this Author is new to me, but she is certainly not lacking in the talent department.
The main trio of characters, Gisel, Shade and to an extent Beast, were well thought out and their relationships and interactions with each other were what made this story for me. The tension and the anguish over certain decisions, the intrigue that keeps haunting them and the visions that Gisel suffers from. All of this helps propel this story into a must-read phenomenon. The ending while somewhat of a closure, leaves plenty open ended that can be picked up in the next book. I hope the author can deliver again in the next book in the series as high hopes are pinned on her.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Pretending To Be Rich by Weston Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite in this series

This was by far my favorite book in the series! Eliana was relatable even in her insecurities, but she was not over-the-top and she wasn't giggling all over the place she was more of a real character. Cade was sweet and gentle except when he was not! On the whole I was waiting for a book from his point of view for a while, and I am so glad that I got it! It certainly makes me want to read more books by this author.

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The Underground by Roxanne Bland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, where do I begin. Thinking this was a tame book, maybe a bit of action, but not a big deal. Well I was so wrong. We start off with Parker, the Were Alpha of Seattle, who is dealing with crap from the Head Vampire Kurt and his Freya Garrett who is a powerful witch. Later thrown into the mix is a demon who is repeatedly summoned to kill humans, an Alien Queen who suffers from amnesia and so much more. There are so many twists in this story as Garrett, Parker and Kurt each try to avoid a full-scale war between the super naturals or “Exo’s” and Humans.
Is there a lot in here? Yes, the blend between all these different genres can leave you a little scratching your head, but it is worth it to stick with it, even if it is just for the bits with Melera the Alien Queen. I think Parker redeemed himself in the end, and Kurt was just an arrogant ass who did not amount to much in paper. Garrett was power-hungry for a witch and blinded by her obsession with accomplishing a tryst and the power it can give her.


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Gritty Tales by Tyler Mathis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We certainly get crime, mayhem and terror in this collection of 13 short stories. In the authors own words, gritty tales are: “Simply put, it is a story of harsh and uncompromising realism, the fiction of friction between characters driven by their very basest motives”. Bank robberies, Hustlers, psycho authors and so on are all contained in this book. There is something for everyone. I was not expecting humor, not to say these are comedies, but if you can understand some black humor, and dry wit, you will be snickering to yourself along the way.
Most of these are really stand out stories that could do well if fleshed out into their own books. I think the author should consider that. The story I picked this one up for was the one about the author who abducts his own fans. I really got a kick out of that story, and I really do feel that it was worth it.


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The Duke and the Imposter by Michael Stolle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pierre, now a Marquis after his poor upbringing in an orphanage, lives in France with his wife and young son. On a normal outing to have a picnic in the countryside, they are attacked, and his wife and son are abducted. When Pierre is found near death by his friends, he is patched up and they begin the long arduous journey to figure out who has abducted them and why. Their journey takes them all the way to England and Pierre will have to face an old and bitter enemy if he wants to retrieve his family.
The writing was good, it was at a very slow pace and much detail is given into the worldbuilding. As this is the 5th book in the series, I don’t think that the author had to go into such detail, much could have been abbreviated while not detracting form the story. It is still a good book if you wish for something at a slower pace.


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Coinage of Commitment by Robert Costelloe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wayne and Nancy come from two very different backgrounds and social classes along with two separate corners of the country. When fate brings them together in the turbulent 1960’s while they are attending college, they will soon realize that to be together, they will have to fight for it. The expectations that society, not to mention their families set upon them both is at odds with what they want and so begins the first in a series of strife’s that will test them throughout their relationship. Will they be able to stand the test of time? Or will the hardships ultimately drive them apart?
The romance in this book was sweet and steady, Wayne and Nancy were both easy to like and love as they grew together against the odds. I always love a story about people who strive against the norm, so I really enjoyed this book. I read it all in one sitting, so it certainly will keep you entertained for a bit.


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Caché Caché by Peggy A. Edelheit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery is paired with romance in this captivating novel. On his deathbed, David gives his wife Sarah a golden key and proclaims that they are now free with his death. Sarah is puzzled and becomes consumed with solving that sentence and what is locked by the golden key. She turns to the past, the only place where she might dig up some answers in her quest for closure.
This is my first book from Peggy Edelheit that is not part of the Samantha mysteries Series, and just like Samantha, Sarah is a novelist. But there are marked differences, Sarah does not write about crime and her husband is who sparked this quest. Sarah like Samantha is a strong and willful woman, so she was an easy character to like. This is a standalone as of yet, and the author was able to move past the other characters. This did not feel like a rehashing of any of Samantha’s storylines. I think if you are a fan of Mrs. Edelheit, you will certainly enjoy this new book in her stable.


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The Voice of Death by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5 in a mystery series, this book is about political fixer Danny Ryle, who is called up when his friends’ wife is murdered. Following the clues, he enters a race against an unknown player who is out to prevent his solving of the murder. Written in the style of the old detective novels, the world Danny Ryle lives in is gritty and full of mysteries and backdoor deals that are carried out by middlemen. Danny, meanwhile, strives to stay out of his father’s criminal legacy and is only willing to stay on the right side of the law.
Compelling writing style will draw in even the most reluctant fans of mysteries. The details of detective work give us the impression that the author has done his research on what it is truly like on the job. Even paced and very descriptive, it is easy to be transported into this world and feel as if you are right next to Danny, pursuing the criminals who murdered this lady.


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Perfect and Forgiven: Discovering Your Freedom From Shame, Guilt, and Sin by Zach Maldonado
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Life is filled with shame, regret, hurt and guilt. A Powerful statement in the blurb about this book. Within, the author seeks to help us find peace in life by discovering who we are when we are free form all the shame and hurt and regrets. This book at face value is a memoir, where we follow the Author in his journey of self-discovery. When you look a little deeper, you will find a book that is full of scripture and anecdotes that help you realize just who you are once you have accepted Jesus and God. Sin is within us, but it does not have to define our actions and our life. We can rise above it and life free from sin if we choose.
The author chose a good way of presenting his message, through the stories of his life and childhood, he made it easier to read and the list of Scripture that he has used is helpful for those wanting to read them at a later time.


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Prophecy and Providence: Avenging the Innocent by Mark Mills
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A tough book to read as a parent of small children. There were plenty of moments where I was crying for these young children as they suffered at the hands of those who should have protected them. Dan Forester is angry at the dirty secret America has about pedophilia. He wants it eradicated once and for all from American soil and he will go to any lengths to ensure those abusing kids will get what they deserve, even murder. On the run from the FBI who want to stop his murder spree, Dan has now turned full vigilante after his son is brutally raped. Will the FBI be able to catch him? How long will he continue his fight and how many kids can Dan save?
This was a tough book, especially because it forces us to face this moral quandary: Pedophilia is horrific and those perpetrating it should face punishment, but in a broken system, should we punish the person who is doing something about it and protecting the kids? Or is Dan just as bad as the abusers?


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Don't Drink the Pink by B.C.R. Fegan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grandfather Gilderberry loves to celebrate each of his granddaughter’s birthdays. On those days his granddaughter Madeline comes to visit his workshop, and they have a magical time exploring the world of potions and the powers they can bestow. Each year Madeline can choose a different potion and she discovers different powers, breathing fire, flying, turning smaller, and so on. However, with each birthday and Madeline getting older, she starts to notice that her grandfather is getting older as well. He doesn’t move quite as fat, and it takes him longer to accomplish things.
The thing in this book that really impressed me were the graphics. They were phenomenally drawn and greatly help the story. I loved the underlying message of this book, not just the colors, or number lessons, but the lesson about getting older. Not many children books can touch on this in a sensible manner, but this book did.


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A Galaxy In My Mind by Ionel Rusanu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ava is your typical teenager, just trying to survive another day. Well, if your planet has been subjugated and enslaved by Alien overlords, that is. When Ava learns some world-shattering news, she must reevaluate her entire belief systems and even her own identity. Ava learns that she can choose to become a part of something greater, something that might even bring freedom to her entire planet. Will she take up the mantle and fight? Meanwhile Klarion, a young son of an Alien General strives to show his worth and tracks down Ava with the intent of using her for his own purposes.
At heart, this SciFi read is an adventure story with a thread of romance, coming of age and dystopian worlds. I think the author did a good job in writing the story, the pace kept you leaping from scene to scene, but the dialogue was well thought out and executed and the plot was mostly wrapped up in the end. It was well worth the read and something I would recommend to my nieces.
I was given a free ARC from BookSirens for an honest and unbiased review.


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Tentacles and Teeth by Ariele Sieling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The hunger games meets Pacific Rim. Think Monsters that have invaded our world, big ones, small ones, tentacles, teeth, poison and more. In this world we meet Askari, a young woman in a tribe of roaming people who are simply trying to survive this dangerous world they live in. To this end they have rules in place, many rules meant to protect their way of life. Askari has always been too curious, too determined to protect her tribe. To this end she repeatedly breaks the rules. After a particular hairy event, she is temporarily banished and given a task: She has to find a special book and retrieve it.
The worldbuilding was very good for an apocalyptic novel. There are certain issues I had with it, where the action took up much of the book IMO. I would have preferred to see more character development from Askari and I just saw that this is the first in a series, so maybe that is coming. But it’s a really good book, especially if you life action and apocalypses..
I was given a free ARC from BookSirens for an honest and unbiased review.


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Muse by Jenna Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jane is your typical wallflower, or so she thinks. She tags along with her best friend Tyra to a routine photoshoot. Tyra is vain and wishes to get to the top, no matter what it takes. Shane, the photographer is blindsided by Janes natural beauty and cannot wait to get her back into his studio for a private photoshoot. He ends up being accused of sexual harassment by an unknown woman and his career is on the line. Jane, does not know if Shane is honest in his desires but she grows to trust him.
There were some twists in here even with it being a pretty quick story. Everything is resolved and we get an HEA. Shane is demanding and HAWT where it counts. Great story!
I received a free ARC for my honest review.


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Five Statues by Gregg Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boston is the backdrop for this fast-paced mystery novel. Henry Hale just turned eighteen and now he has to avoid the gang that wants to add him to their ranks. He can’t go home, as a foster kid, once he turns eighteen, he is kicked out of the house, which was a pit of abusive hell for him anyways. On the other side of town, Henry runs into the Boston Public Gardens only to stumble into a territorial war between rival gangs. The book follows Henry as he struggles to survive the coming days and weeks amidst the turmoil.
Henry was a typical teenager, full of hope and cynicism at the same time. He had grit and street sense that helps him avoid the worst of things. The pacing was fast, and the writing was good. This is the first book by the author, but his familiarity with the area he describes is noticeable and he pulls off giving us as the reader the sense that we are right next to Henry through it all.


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A Deadly Referral and Other Mystery Stories by Ashley Lynch-Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting collection of six mystery stories is combined in this book. “Murder, theft and coded messages, ….” Indeed, this is a very apt way to describe this book. Murder mysteries and crime novels can get very convoluted, but a short story is usually just long enough to whet your appetite before it is resolved and finished. The characters were very realistic, I could feel the stuffiness of the characters, the sharpness of wit and the gruesomeness of the murders.
I did not like all the stories, but that is to be expected in a collection, some will resonate more than others. Tamarind Lodge was a weird and spooky mix of hotel California and the shining for me, haha. But I really liked the story: Why die twice? Well written and hard to believe it is only the second book by the author. She shows real aptitude in bringing characters to life and I am certain we will be seeing new books from her soon.


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Insatiable Curiosity: A SciFi Alien Romance by Dane Griggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked the book. Ally is just like me, the quintessential nerd girl, who loves to take things apart and figure out how they work. In terms of personal relationships, she takes the safe road and doesn’t want to jeopardize her friendships, even if he is totally hot. L’Zaen, is the nice guy, he is nerdy and smart as well, but a bit oblivious to some women’s manipulations. It takes him a bit to realize that Ally is the one for him and that he is going to have to make the first move. But the chemistry is phenomenal, and they geek out together. We also get a glimpse into Princess Ameela’s life, she is an Ostium and uncovers a terrorist plot that puts Amy, L’Zaen and an entire species of Aliens at risk. With so much at stake, what will come next?

I reveiced a free ARC for an honest review


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Forgotten Valor: A Novel of the Korean War by Richard Thomas Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first in a series. Jonas Stuyvesant is a Lt. in the US Army serving in Korea in 1950. A harsh and violent time in a dangerous place. Jonas and his platoon come face to face with an unstoppable and overwhelming force of the Soviets. They were not supposed to be there, but now they are cutting down Americans in their attacks. Jonas leads his men on a retreat south, trying not to lose anyone along the way. When they reach the sea, they will have to make a choice between fight and flight.
Gritty and rough in its honesty, this book does not pull its punches of the visceral horrors and beauty that our men experienced in Korea. As a former USAF airman, I am always interested in these types of stories and this book was extremely well written. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes war stories as well as historical fiction.


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One Sheep, Two Sheep, Three Sheep Dance: Count these sheep & fall asleep book by Christina   Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One sheep, two sheep, is a fun children’s book about sheep that love to dance, prance, eat veggies and get ready for bedtime. Read along with your child in this fun short bedtime story. Twelve sheep are counted through various activities, dance, prance, hop, plop, up a hill and down again, eating dinner and then getting ready to go to bed. Counting, and rhymes are great learning tools and they are presented in a fun manner. My girls liked to read and listen to this book and we have incorporated it into our bedtime. Cuddles are encouraged by the text and the author, so this might very well help your little ones fall asleep. The illustrations were very cute and matched the tone of the book. I think the author and illustrator did a great job of collaborating and I am sure many families will enjoy this little bedtime book.


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All Bleeds Through: Ten Stories of Hemomancy and the World it Shaped by Bartholomew Lander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m on a roll with wirardry type books right now, and this one fit the bill. This was a different type of magic: Hemomancy. Hemomancy is the school of magic for manipulating the blood of oneself and others. A wizard who practices Hemomancy is known as a Hemomancer. A set of ten stories, they are not separate. If you read them one after another, you will gain an inkling of just how powerful the two dominant bloodlines are in this alternate universe. At odds with each other and in a seemingly unending blood feud, their war can spell the end of all beings. Nut there are no clear good and bad guys, I think the author did a great job in showing the shades of gray in this world. Even though someone might just want to be left in peace, they might be forced to make some questionable decisions. It was well written and very interesting take on magical worlds.


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The Fairer Hex by Lidiya Foxglove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'd say older teens at least, as there are some sexier moemnts in the book without full intercourse. The dialogue (since someone mentioned this in a different review) is on par with who this girl is. Thrown into a new world where she is a witch, she will be attending a prestigious college for Warlocks, her father knew all this was real and the cute fox from her backyard is actually a quite handsome man who is also her familiar.
The next book does get better in terms of writing and how Charlotte acts, since she is in the midst of a major world upheaval. She learns that her unorthodox upbringing as a human may actually be for the best.


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Simon's Mansion by William Poe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When you think of coming of age stories, typically a young teenager is what you see. But sometimes, us adults come of age as well. Events in our lives can shatter our self-image, or they can build us up into strong people. Simon, a man who is trying to overcome his troubled past of addiction and figure out who he truly is and what he believes in. third in a series, I do wish I had read that other two prior. I may go back and read them now.
This book spoke to me on a personal level, I may not have had an addiction to drugs, but I went through the upheaval of religions as he did. My journey, that took me from protestant to jehovahs witnesses, catholic, born again, wiccan and so on was tumultuous at best. This book will speak to some people more than others and that is okay.


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Behind Enemy Lines by R.J.    Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CIA agent Titus black did the impossible: he rescued an abandoned pilot who was stranded behind enemy lines. In the process he stumbled over a secret operation that is shattering his trust in the organization he has dedicated his life to. As he looks for answers, things start to heat up for him as he comes to the attention of high officials involved and who would rather see him dead. Titus is a gritty character, but he is loyal to his country and his oaths and wants to follow his moral compasses in life, even if it puts him at odds with what he loves.
One thing to remember, this is a fiction novel. There are liberties taken, that as a former USAF member are not realistic, but in the vein of fiction I can accept them. The action is fast, the intrigue is twisted and convoluted, the mystery and suspense are enough to really keep you glued to the book.


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The Beckoning of Beguiling Things by Calinda B.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marissa Engles only wants to have a good time in Vegas. She deserves it after all the stress from the last man she was with. When an exotic dancer catches her eye and things are starting to look up in regard to the evening’s plans, Marissa is less interested in fateful mutterings about her destiny, than she is in what that dancer can do for her. The problem with ignoring destiny, is that destiny rarely ignores you. Unbeknownst to her, she is chosen to be a bearer of light and the males she is attracted to will have a huge involvement to that end. The good vs evil doctrine is strong in this book, but Marissa is strong, sassy, emotionally stable and doesn’t take things lying down. Easy to read and the first in a new series, what is not to love? I’ll certainly be picking up the next book today.


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May Cause Drowsiness and Blurred Vision: The Side Effects of Bravery by Gloria Squitiro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve had my eye on this book for a while but had to get through my other books on the list first. I finally picked this one up and was not disappointed. This book is so outrageously funny and shocking throughout, it is one that kept me glued to the pages. The adventures of Gloria Squitiro and her husband Mark Funkhouser who happens to be a major in Kansas, all stem from the fact that Gloria just can’t seem to help herself. She can’t stop her sense of honesty in her memoir that causes uproar in their little town. The trip to Italy that started as a cruise (fear of flying), was in itself funny. You shake your head at the things this woman does and subjects her family to. It’s all well-meaning, but too many things go wrong in the end. The surprising thing about this book is that it is a biography.


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Lawless by Crystal Ash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great new series, gritty rough and not overdone

Mariposa is strong and resourceful in a dangerous new world. When she gets kidnapped /rescued by a dangerous MC club, she doesn't know how she will escape at first. But then unexpected feelings develop and some explosive developments put everybody in danger... cliffhanger ending


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The Changemaker: The Art Of Building Better Leaders by Deke Copenhaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You cannot just attend a leadership conference and then think you are done with learning how to be a leader. I think one of the most important notes in this book is that being a true leader is a journey and will take a dedication to continuation of your learning and an application of all you learn. Being a leader can be daunting as it often takes you on the road less traveled, against the pack so to speak. As such, we learn in this book how to be better leaders, how to take that difficult first step on that road and how to stay the course. Your personal morals do not have to be given up in order to have a successful career and the author shows us just how through his real-world examples and personal experiences.
I found this book to be easy to read and very common sense, although in todays age, what we take for common sense might not be what others see as well. I was encouraged by this book as I am continuing my education and my dedication to be a leader and there are plenty of areas I can use help in. The author gives good advice I am looking forward to implementing.


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King Of The Blind: A toast to music, mirth, storytelling and whiskey by Caiseal Mór
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Turlough O’Carolan is a famous harpist and composer. He is also blind, yet he did not start life this way. When he was young, he chafed against the expectations put upon him by his father, the blacksmith who wished for him to follow in his footsteps. Turlough instead wished to be a musician and travel the lands. He makes a heartfelt wish one night in a special place and his wish is granted to him, however, not in the way he imagined. For every gift there must be a price and for him it was his eyesight. He ended up becoming one of Irelands most famous musicians and poets despite his blindness.
What reads as a fairytale is purportedly based upon real events. A cursory search for Turlough O’Carolan shows that much in this book is what is written down in the biography pages online. However, the book is a much more pleasant read, I think. The writing flowed well, and the pacing was steady throughout. I enjoyed the story which is what is most important.


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Ice Crown by Kay L Moody
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The story begins when a 7-year-old Talise is brought to the Element Shaping testing by Marmie. When she impresses the judge enough to earn a spot in the Royal School, her future seems secured. But in her final year, she encounters a rival, Prince Aaden whose fire shaping is much more detailed and intricate than her own. Her spot as Master Shaper now threatened, Talise must start from scrap on her routine. In the middle of all this, she receives terrible news regarding Marmie and this almost overpowers her resolve to stay in the contest. We close with a cliffhanger ending and the next book is already out.
I am normally not a fan of cliffhangers, and it did seem like this book was more of a novella. Maybe the series could be consolidated? The writing was done well, and the world was built out moderately. Not much detail was given in the later half of the book when most of it focused on Talise, her friend Wendy and Aaden. This was a good start to a new young adult series and I think that it will be enjoyed by younger readers.
I was given a free ARC from BookSirens for an honest and unbiased review.


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Coldhearted Assassin: Sci-Fi Alien Romance by Alana Serra
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Romance and fighting slavers

Also, we get a renunion with her father... she has to figure out just what happened to her all those years ago and how her father came into play. He has to decide whether the life he has loved is enough for him after he has experienced this infuriating woman


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Half-Demon Huntress by Jen Pretty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great continuation

Second book and our heroine is tasked again to save the day. This time she is torn between her feelings for both Nick and Julian as she goes up against the boogeyman from the last book, Collin. She has to battle self doubt amidst her feelings of fear of the half demons. And her parentage is called into doubt as well. A great continuation of the series, and the development of the characters was really good.


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Sister Planet by Rena Marks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We can colonize Mars!

Earth, in its bigotry, kicked out all those who didn't fit into the "mainstream" way of life. 300 years later, mates is thriving while earth is I the brink of collapse again. Desperate to make contact and gain valuable tech, Earth invites the leaders of a prominent company to visit.
This is not a reverse harem. I'd say it's more of a polyarmory relationship between 5 people, 2women and 3men. There is no FF or MM going on though we do get some MFM. Relationships are explored and the difficulties of maintaining such a partnership. Very good book with the right mix of drama, bad guys, technology and steamy scenes.


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