About That Night (FBI / US Attorney #3) by Julie James

From Goodreads: HE’S PLAYING GAMES Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face to face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful Assistant U.S. Attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him. BUT SHE’S MAKING THE RULES Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case — but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants — and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten.

Ever since my friend recommended me to Julie James early last year, she becomes one of my favorite author. I love her The Sexiest Man Alive and Something About You. And her this latest book About That Night added to my favorite book.

About That Night is a story about Kyle Rhodes, the billionaire heir and ex-con to the Assistant US Attorney, Rylann Pierce. Kyle is one none of a spoil brat, if you think he will always flash his billionaire heir card to get things done his way. He's an honest man, man enough to admit his mistake and face the consequences; man enough to stood up to do the right thing despite how he has not been treated well earlier; man enough to be honest about his feeling despite getting serious into a relationship is nothing on his plan. It's just impossible not to like him. I like the way he carries himself. I like the way he handles Rylann. He's smart and know what he's doing. And know how to achieve what he wants. He's definitely one of my favorite male character amongst all Julie James's books!

As for Rylann, oh I just like her sarcastic remarks to Kyle! She's definitely as strong as Cameron Lynde in Something About You. And I just simply could not stop turning the pages reading how the no-string-attach relationship has become a serious one.

As with other Julie's book, About That Night is fun, humor, sweet and light-hearted. If you are feeling down this book will definitely brighten up your day. I love the strong hero and heroine in this book. I could not imagine the story of an ex-con with an Assistant US Attorney can be such delicious! Kyle and Rylann are simply perfect for each other. 

I enjoy reading this book very much. And I looking forward to her next book. I think Julie should consider releasing more than one book a year. :)

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

The Kingdom by Amanda Stevens

Title:         The Kingdom SubTitle:   The Graveyard Queen Series: Book II Publisher:  Harlequin Imprint:     Harlequin MIRA Pub Date:  March 27, 2012 ISBN:        9780778312772 Author:     Amanda Stevens Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town… My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I’ve been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I’m coming to think I have another purpose here. Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I’ve discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth. About the author: Amanda Stevens lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and a black cat named Lola. She is an avid reader, a fl edgling taphophile and a collector of Alfred Hitchcock memorabilia. When she’s not writing, she likes taking road trips to Austin. You can fi nd her online at www.AmandaStevens.com or www.TheGraveyardQueen.com.

The Kingdom is the second book of the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. I love The Restorer very much and has recommended to quite a few friends who also like it. So when I know the second book is out, I can't wait to get hold to continue reading the story of Amelia Gray.

Amanda Stevens did not disappoint me in The Kingdom. It is even more spooky, scary, mysterious and again made me can't put it down. Amelia has been commissioned to restore a cemetery in Ashen Falls. It is a small town with no access to outside except by ferry. Amelia was hoping by going away from Charleston away from Devlin, she could try to forget him. However Ashen Falls is place much more dangerous to Amelia than she has expected. Things happened after one another that she could not understand why. She knew she should go away from this town but for unknown reason she was drawn to it and believed that she should stay. 

Despite being the second book of the series, The Kingdom can be read by itself with the new story and new characters. But if you read from The Restorer, you get to understand Amelia Gray in great details. I love how Amanda Stevens presented the whole story, how the mystery tension are being build up. She's definitely has talent on words with the vivid description of the places and the people. It's a page turner. I enjoy reading it very much.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.



Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

Title:         The Accidental Bride Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Pub Date:  January 03, 2012 ISBN:       9781595548023 Author:     Denise Hunter When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride. Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but. Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.  Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.  Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

I like this book a lot. Besides the interesting storyline, the meaning behind the story captures my heart. My favorite quote from the book -

“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people?” 

This is so true. Shay made lots of decision based on other people's judgment. However she has forgotten that, most of those people do not know about the truth. Lots of time people make judgment based on limited information available to them at that time. And it'll be so tiring to please everyone. I'm glad that finally Shay realizes about this and make a change for it. Travis has been very good to Shay and her daughter. At times I feel a little frustrated that how come Shay fails to see his love for her. But despite his good heart, he has never being honest to Shay about his feelings. He thought his actions have shown that to Shay. I wish he could be more persistent when Shay rejected him. At the end both decided to trust God on handling this for them.

Overall it's an enjoyable read. A little about forgiveness and letting go. And trusting God.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer

Title:         By the Light of the Silvery Moon Publisher:  Barbour Publishing, Inc. Pub Date:  March 01, 2012 ISBN:       9781616265519 Author:     Tricia Goyer Destiny Brought Them Together. Will Tragedy Draw Them Apart? Amelia Gladstone’s mind is filled with promise as she gazes at the marvelous new ship, ready for its maiden voyage. The Titanic holds the promise of a reunited family. . .and of possible love waiting on American shores. Nothing could mar Amelia’s joy, until she sees a ragged stowaway being escorted down the gangplank. Down-and-out after squandering his fortune, Quentin Walpole thought his voyage to America ended on the Southampton pier. Then a sweet lady—his angel of mercy named Amelia—secured his passage with a spare ticket. Now he’s headed to America, eager for a second chance. But once the voyage begins, the past confronts Quentin when he discovers that his wealthy railroad tycoon father and older brother Damien are also on board. As Amelia tries to bring about reconciliation between father and son, she suddenly finds herself the center of both brothers’ attention with a choice to make: Who can she trust with her heart? Then the fateful night arrives, and one brother faces a greater choice. Will Amelia’s fate ultimately be one of love or loss?

It's a novel about Titanic 100 years after its doomed voyage. It's a story about Quentin and Amelia.  

Amelia was a very kind lady and liked to help those in need. Her kindness brought Quentin to the ship and a chance for her to get to know him better. Quentin knew he should run away, but he could not help being attracted to Amelia. At the same time, Quentin's brother Damien also had set his heart on Amelia.

I like Amelia this character a lot. I like the way she treated Quentin, how she managed to open his heart to face his past. I also like the way she saw in people - not by judging their look and appearance, but by their heart. Even though Quentin had nothing to offer her, but a kind heart was all she wants. It's a very touching story. I was hooked to it right from the beginning. The author just has her way of making me want to keep turning the pages to find out who Amelia would give her heart to. I love the ending. It's a perfect ending.

I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry #2) by Simone Elkeles

From Goodreads: When Carlos Fuentes returns to America after living in Mexico for the past year, he doesn't want any part of the life his older brother, Alex, has laid out for him in Colorado. When he meets Kiara Westford, a good girl totally unlike any of the girls he's usually drawn to, Carlos assumes Kiara thinks she's too good for him. But will he put his pride aside when he realizes that being with Kiara might finally allow him to be his true self?

Did I say I love Perfect Chemistry? And I do love this book 2 about Carlos too. It's written in similar writing style as Perfect Chemistry, a narration alternating between Carlos and Kiara. I started to like this kind of writing style - getting inside the head of both main characters. I was a little frustrating with Carlos actually. Why he kept the thing to himself without telling his brother Alex about it. I guess it's guys thing. Anyway, no matter how bad he is I just could not hate him. I like Kiara too. She's different from other girls. And she had an amazing parents! A parents that respect her, trust her, treat her as an adult. They were very open minded. I like the way her dad talked to her and Carlos. I wanted to learn from him on how to communicate with my kids. :) 

Carlos did not like Kiara at the beginning actually. And likewise for Kiara. It was fun to see how they interacted with each other, and how their relationship developed naturally. The pace was good. I simply cant' put down this book as I was eager to know what would happen to Carlos. 


I enjoy this book very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

From Goodreads: A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

I love this book, very very much. It was beautifully written. When I was reading this book, I feel that the pictures were running in front of me, as if I was watching a movie rather than reading a book. The story is written in first POV, alternating between Brittany and Alex. Alex supposed was a bad boy. However he's a likeable character. I find his character is very interesting. A bad boy, and yet he did nothing that make me dislike him. Even if he bet with his friend on luring Brittany, but then he regretted it. Brittany seems having a perfect life. But she was just doing it as a show. I like how she loves her sister, how she takes care her sister, to the extent that her sister is in her future plan. The relationship between Alex and Brittany was developed naturally. And it was fun to see how they interact with each other. The pace is good. The story also flows very smoothly despite the chapters are alternating between Alex and Brittany. I simply can't put down this book. And it's a book that I will read again.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Title:         There You'll Find Me Publisher:  Thomas Nelson Pub Date: 10/04/2011 ISBN:      9781595545404 Author:     Jenny B Jones From Goodreads: In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley discovers she can no longer outrun the past. When Finley travels to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from the God who took her brother away and seems to have left her high and dry. But from the moment she boards the plane and sits by Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to Finley's plan. When she gets too close to Beckett, a classmate goes on a mission to make sure Finley packs her bags, departs Ireland-and leaves Beckett alone. Finley feels the pressure all around. As things start to fall apart, she begins to rely on a not-so-healthy method of taking control of her life. Finley tries to balance it all-disasters on the set of Beckett's new movie, the demands of school, and her growing romance with one actor who is not what he seems. Yet Finley is also not who she portrays to Beckett and her friends. For the first time in her life, Finley must get honest with herself to get right with God.

I love the last book that I read from Jenny B. Jones. So when I saw her new book was available at netgalley, I couldn't resist not to request it. And I know I will regret if I did not get to read this book, as this is a good book.

The story line is very simple - Finley Sinclair's experiences in Ireland as a foreign exchange student. She had chosen Ireland because she wanted to retrace the footsteps of her brother, Will, who had been killed in a terrorist attack two years ago. She had gone through a hard time after her brother was killed, and she was still struggling with coping the loss of her brother. Will left a traveling journal when he was in Ireland. Finley wanted to follow the footsteps to see what her brother had seen, and also to find a way to change her life. 

In this trip, Finley had to learn to deal with Beckett Rush, a young and famous actor who was not her type; the girls at school who was giving her some tough time; the assignment on a local nursing home, where the woman she was assigned with, Mrs Sweeney, was dying. Finley feared that she could not cope with another death after losing her brother. However on the process on helping Mrs Sweeney, and Finley's constant interaction with Beckett, Finley learnt that not everything that she saw must be the truth. I like the parts between Finley and her music teacher Sister Maria, who tells her to listen to the God.

The story was beautifully written. It is very inspiring, and very realistic story. I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Turnabout's Fair Play by Kaye Dacus

Title:         Turnabout's Fair Play Publisher:     Barbour Publishing, Inc. Pub Date:     11/01/2011 ISBN:         9781602609914 Author:     Kaye Dacus The Matchmaker Has Met Her Match. . . Jamie O’Connor knows his grandmother Maureen has matchmaking on the mind when she starts inviting him to events where single women are present. Realizing she’s somewhat smitten with an older gentleman, Jamie decides to turn the tables on Maureen by agreeing to meet Kirby McNeill’s granddaughter Flannery at dinner—with both grandparents there. Flan is thrilled that her widowed grandfather is now attending church. So when he invites her to meet a grandson of a woman from his single seniors’ group, she agrees to go along—only to encourage her grandfather. Then Flan winds up conspiring with Jamie to play matchmaker, too, and soon wonders how she’ll be able to tolerate spending so much time with Jamie and his over-inflated ego. As the juniors scheme to bring the seniors together, a hilarious tumult of mayhem and misconceptions ensues. . .but will it end in romance?

It is a light-hearted and easy read. The story is heart warming and sweet. And I like the sense of humour that author has blended into the story, which make the story more alive. I was laughing, smiling and giggling all the way. 

The story is quite realistic too. I get to see the not-so-perfect hero and heroine. I also like the religious element in the story. The plot is simple. The author has done a brilliant job on the way how Jamie and Flannery were brought together; how they interacted with each other; and how Jamie respected Flan. Their relationship was developed naturally. Majority of the story is about Jamie and Flan. Although there was not much about the sub characters, they play an important role to Jamie and Flan, especially Flan. Friendship is the main component in the story.

I enjoy reading this book very much. If you are looking for something light and funny, this is the book for you. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title:         The Iron Knight
SubTitle:    Book 4 in the Iron Fey Series
Publisher:   Harlequin
Imprint:      HarlequinTEEN
Pub Date:  10/25/2011
ISBN:        9780373210367
Author:      Julie Kagawa

Book Description:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can  survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.


My Review:

Finally the long awaited The Iron Knight, book 4 also the last book of the Iron Fey series is available in Net Galley. And being a big fan of The Iron Fey series, I request it straight away. :)

Unlike the previous 3 books (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen) written from Meghan's POV, The Iron Knight is written in Ash's POV which I think it's perfect! I always like Ash since The Iron King. I still remember the first time Ash met with Meghan when Meghan first come to the faery realm. Ash, being the 3rd prince from the Winter Court, was a cold, emotionless and obedient child to the queen of Winter Court. However he started to change after meeting with Meghan Chase. We may not know much on what's inside his mind of this cool prince but one thing we know is, Meghan had melted the ice around his heart and he had vowed to protect this woman that he loved by her side. In order to keep his promise, he had to earn a soul for himself, a quest that no other fey had succeeded before.

In The Iron Knight, finally we get to know many thoughts and emotion of Ash throughout the whole journey to earn a soul for him self. We get to learn his doubt, struggling whether he had made the right decision; whether he was able to protect the woman that he loved after becoming human, as human is less strong than a fey. We also get to learn about his past, the dark side of his life before meeting Meghan; his resentment and his feelings towards the people around him. Yes he's not perfect. But I admire his courage to do something no one has got passed before, to keep his promise; a promise for the woman that he loved so much; a woman that he's willing to sacrifice everything just to keep his promise. How many people can really do that? Or willing to do that? 

Ash was a lucky one too, seeing there were bunch of people who were willing to risk themselves to join him in his quest, to help him to get his quest done. Despite they had their own reason or purpose on helping him; nonetheless they had the same goal - to help Ash to get the quest done. It's a dangerous journey. I really doubt that without them, can Ash made it through?

Despite without Meghan involved in the journey, The Iron Knight is not bored and does not disappoint me at all. In fact, the author has done an excellent job writing about Ash, as well as giving a wonderful ending to this Iron Fey series. I like the plot of the story. It is unpredictable and never stops giving me surprises. And I'm pleased with the good ending for everyone, although I feel sad that the whole series has come to an end. I never love the main characters that much in other books!

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a YA or fantasy lover, I highly recommend you to read this Iron Fey series. Watch the book trailer of the first 3 books in the series:




About Julie Kagawa:

Born in Sacramento, California, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things: how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks and that writing stories in math class is a fantastic way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate. Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a plethora of pets. She still laughs whenever she sees  centipede. Visit her at www.juliekagawa.com.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy

Title:            The Promises She Keeps
Publisher:     Thomas Nelson
Pub Date:    02/08/2011
ISBN:         9781595547514
Author:        Erin Healy


This book has been sitting on my to-read list for quite a few months, but I was in a mood to read it. Finally I picked it up last week, and I feel as if I have found a jewel. I think I will regret if I have missed it. It is different comparing to most other fiction books that I have read. Since most of the main characters in this book are artists, together with the storyline it makes me feel a little "abstract". Some part of the story is a bit eerie, and yet makes me feel calm.

Promise is a talented young singer with terminal illness. Despite her health condition, she never giving up hope in her life and she wants to leave her name behind after she dies. For she knows she would die at young age, she wants to be remembered.

Porta is an aging sorceress who seeks immortality. She just moved into the town where Promise is staying and opens an art gallery there. She believes the art has power to speak into a life and can heal a soul.

When Promise survives a series of freak accidents, all involving Zack, Porta believes that Promise may hold the key to eternal life. Zack is an art student in the university that Promise is studying in. He's also Porta's son. However he does not have good relationship with Porta.

Chase is an autistic artist in early thirties who loves to draw trees. He has great knowledge of trees, on their scientific name, their common name and their characteristic. Despite having autism, to me Chase has the most pure heart amongst all of them. He sees people through relating them to trees. He can tell Porta and Zack are not good people and they will harm Promise. And he loves Promise. He knew he was made for her. He risks himself trying to save Promise.

The whole story reminded me about things happen for a reason. There are things meant for you and there are things not meant for you. But it seems like only Chase understands about this. I like his heart, his clear mind, and his intelligent. As if he has a special gift to see things. I dislike Porta the most. She is a selfish mother and very self centered. She even goes as far as manipulating her son in order to get what she wants.

I like the way the author builds the characters and the plot. It requires us to read it with open mind and open heart. The ending is a little sad but I suppose it's the best for everyone. It is a beautiful story in its own way.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the review copy of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

 

 Title:         Hereafter

Publisher:   HarperCollins
Imprint:     HarperTeen
Pub Date:  06/07/2011
ISBN:       9780062026774
Author:     Tara Hudson

Book Description:

For Amelia, time has all but slowed to a stop as her spirit remains stranded alone in the dark waters of a mysterious river. She knows she’s died, but with no recollection of her past life--or her actual death--she’s trapped in one long continuous nightmare, in which she cannot feel anything or interact with anyone. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a teenage boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in a moment of connection, he looks in her eyes and becomes the first person in the world to see that she still exists.

When he touches her, Joshua sparks strange and wonderful sensory feelings in Amelia--at first just momentary flashes, then pulses that become ever stronger as he leads her out of the river and into his life. As Amelia and Joshua uncover who she was and the strange circumstances of her death, new problems arise: somehow, Joshua’s grandmother seems to know exactly what is going on between them, and Eli, a ghost enforcer, is hell-bent on destroying their happiness and dragging Amelia back into the spirit world.

With every touch and the growing feelings that come with them, Amelia and Joshua begin to wonder if there’s something special not only about Joshua but also the dark river that held her captive for so long. Can there truly be love after death?

This is a beautiful story, a beautiful love story between a ghost and a human. After seeing Amelia during his near death accident, Joshua couldn't help but attracted to her. And that's made everything change for Amelia. She was no more wondering around aimlessly. She started to get flash back memories on her past life. She gained back some of the senses that she had lost after her death. Together with Joshua, she found out who she was. Though she did not harm Joshua, but Joshua grandmother's Ruth who was a seer did not trust her and wanted to exorcize her. At the same time, the evil spirit Eli wanted to claim Amelia as his apprentice. Despite all these, Joshua and Amelia's feelings to each other did not change. And I believe it is their innocence love that brings out the power hidden inside Amelia. I admire her courage and strong will to defense herself from surrender to the evil spirit. How many of us can really deny to gain power and take control? Not all ghosts are evil. Just like not all human are good people. 

I enjoy reading this book very much. Both Amelia and Joshua's characters are well defined. Amelia's thoughts and emotion are well presented throughout the whole story. And the story is very attractive and intriguing.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Book Trailer:

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Summer's Crossing is a novella between The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight. The Iron Queen end with Meghan becomes the queen of the Iron Fey staying in the Iron realm, leaving Ash and Puck behind. Ash determines to find a way to go back to Meghan. And Push does not want to be left alone despite Ash does not invite him to come along.

In Summer's Crossing, just when Ash and Robin Goodfellow (Puck) want to continue their journey, the Exile Queen appears to collect the favor from Ash. Ash left with no choice but to go to Summer Court to collect the item for Exile Queen from Queen Titania, the Summer Court's queen. However Ash is the prince of Winter Court, the enemy of Summer Court, it is definitely not safe for him to travel to Summer Court all by himself. Thus Puck is taking Ash to Summer Court.

It may be a challenge for Puck to bring Ash to Summer Court without being noticed but he definitely capable of doing that. However he also falls into dilemma whether he should help Ash or get rid of him in Summer Court. Both of them have fallen in love with Meghan. But Meghan's heart is on Ash, and treating Puck as her very good friend. So if Ash is no longer around, he will have a much higher chance to win her over.

It is a joy to read Summer's Crossing. The adventure to Summer Court is light and fun. It is written from Puck's point of view, where he is the first person here. So we get to know his inner thoughts; his feelings towards Meghan, his princess; his mixed feelings on Ash. I can't stop myself from smiling over his brilliant and witty character. I'm not sure whether he treats Ash as his friend or still as an enemy, but his willingness to help Ash to get the job done, prove to me his noble spirit. It makes me light-hearted reading about Puck and his brilliant and devious plan to get the job done.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. 


P/s: You can download the eBook of Summer's Crossing for free for limited time period, from Harlequin Teen website.

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

 

Title:          The Restorer
SubTitle:     Book I in The Graveyard Queen series
Publisher:    Harlequin
Imprint:      MIRA Books
Pub Date:   04/26/2011
ISBN:        9780778329817
Author:      Amanda Stevens

When Amelia Gray was 9 years old, she saw ghost for the first time. Since then, her father who is a cemetery caretaker tells her the 4 rules that she must remember and follow:

Never acknowledge the dead.
Never stray from the hallowed ground.
Never get close to the haunted.
Never, ever tempt fate.

Now at the age of 27, Amelia Gray is a graveyard restorer. Her latest job is to restore an old Charleston graveyard. However before she can complete her job, a body has been found at the graveyard and she is requested to assist in the investigation together with John Devlin, the police detective who in charge of this case.

Amelia is attracted to John Devlin but Devlin is haunted by ghosts due to his guilt that he holds for his past. Amelia has vowed to keep away from this haunted man but she breaks the rules again and again, making herself more and more dangerous. At the same time, more bodies are found and the killer started to leave the hints at Amelia's blog. The clues to the killer and to his other victims; lie in the headstone symbolism that only she can interpret.

The Restorer is the Book 1 of The Graveyard Queen Series. The story is thrilling and chilling too. It is fast paced, full of mystery and suspense, very well plotted with lots of twist and surprises. At the same time the feelings between Amelia and Devlin, how she struggles to keep away from him, are presented very well. The characterizations are quite vivid; some parts can be quite creepy so if you are the nervous type maybe it'll be better if you don't read it at night. 

I enjoy reading it very much. And I'm looking forward for her next book in this series. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Here is the The Graveyard Queen series book trailer:



The Graveyard Queen Series:
Prequel: The Abandoned (April 2011)
Book I: The Restorer (May 2011)
Book II: The Kingdom (November 2011)
Book III: The Prophet (May 2012)

Click here for more info about this series.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Harlequin via Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Lucy Wiltshire is managing Saving Grace, a home for 13 homeless girls, who age 18 and above. They cannot go to shelter because they are considered as adult at age of 18, but they are not capable to live by themselves yet. They still need to attend school, and then they need to get a job before they can be on their own. Lucy has been putting a lot of effort on Saving Grace. She wants to help the girls. However running a non profit is not as easy. Lucy has to worry about the funding. The biggest contributor, Sinclair Hotel has just cut down the donation to Saving Grace due to poor performance of the group. And now Lucy has to make sure she get enough fund else Saving Grace won't last for more than 6 months.

Alex Sinclair was a famous football star. He quit due to his injury. Then he decided to run for the First Congressional District of South Carolina for some personal reason. However his playboy image while he was the football star does not make him any good. He has to change his image in order to secure his vote. He has decided to ask Lucy to be his fake fiancé, and she will get paid a lump sum of money after the election is over.

At the same time, Lucy's ex-boyfriend, Matthew Campbell who has left her two years ago, has come back for her. Lucy would very much go back to Matt, but her desperate need of the money to keep Saving Grace, made her left no choice but to agree with Alex to become his fake fiancé.

Save the Date is a heart warming and touching story. It is more than just a romance. Lucy could not accept after she found out who is her real father. She struggles to face and forgive her grandmother, a person she hates since she was very young. She feel guilty has to lie to the people around her, as she cannot tell them her relationship with Alex are not real. And it is a big sacrifice for her, to give up her happiness for the 13 girls in Saving Grace. She actually wanted to get married with Matt if not because of the money issue. 

On the other hand, Alex has his own problems too. He does not run for the congress for himself. And he is desperate to win to show others he's not just a playboy football star.

Again, the spiritual content in the book made me ponder a lot. This is a very good book.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson via Net Gallery.

Something about You by Julie James

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde is treating herself to a much needed one-day break in a local luxury hotel. However she does not enjoy the night there. She has been tortured by the couple staying next door, who decided to have sex marathon for the night. Feeling frustrated not able to get rest, finally she calls the hotel to lodge a complaint. When the hotel security comes to the hotel room to check against the couple, what they find is a dead women body.

FBI Agent Jack Pallas has been assigned to take up this case. Being the only witness, Cameron has to give corporation to the FBI. However Cameron and Jack are not in good terms due to some unhappy incident that takes place 3 years ago - Jack humiliated Cameron in front of the media. Due to this, Jack's career almost destroyed and he was transferred out from Chicago and just returns recently. He blames Cameron for the transfer. Despite dislike each other, Jack and Cameron has no choice but to work together solving the case.

The whole story is written in a very humor way. I am laughing right from the beginning till the end. There are few scenes where Cameron's life is in danger where my heart is beating fast for her. In overall, it is a very good read. Very good book if you are looking for something to relax and have some laugh.

I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James

Taylor Donovan is a lawyer from Chicago. She was sent to the office in Los Angeles to take care of an important case. She is very hard working and during her 6 years in her practice, she has never lost a case.

In LA, she is also being assigned to couch the People’s “Sexiest Man Alive”, James Andrews on his role in his next big legal thriller. Knowing her tight schedule in LA, she reluctantly accepted the assignment. However when Jason did not turn up for the first week as per the arrangement, Taylor get very pissed off.

Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet.  He is very surprised and shocked when Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder and angry with him for not showing up. Instead of walking away, he finds Taylor very interesting and challenging, and insists that she should be the one couching him. He does not believe Taylor is different from other women. It is a perfect good challenge for him to make her falls over him.

Taylor has no choice but to follow the firm's order. Despite resisting him from the beginning, however the more Taylor gets to know Jason; she started to get attracted to him. Similarly for Jason, the more he gets to know her; he realizes he has fallen in love with her.

Taylor's case ends earlier than expected and she has to go back to Chicago. Due to her past experience and Jason's past history on women, Taylor does not believe that she is the different one for Jason.

The whole story is funny and relaxing. There are lots of scenes that made me laugh out loud. And I find the ending kind of romantic. A very good book, definitely worth reading.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.