Twisted Magic: Out Now!

 

You want this book! It's so good!

Twisted Magic (Renegades of Magic #3)

by Jeffe Kennedy

Their love makes them stronger together… Unless the world rips them apart

Jadren El-Adrel knows he’s a mess. He’s a cobbled-together monster pretending to be a wizard, still unable to master the magic that makes him pretty much immortal and is useless for anything else. Though he’s tried to learn to work with his familiar, Seliah, he’s still terrified to discover what might happen if he gives himself full access to the depths of her powerful magic. Some questions should never be answered.

Seliah Phel got her happy ever after. Jadren loves her; they’re together in a safe and beautiful place; and they’re finally learning to work together as wizard and familiar. But even she must recognize that Jadren continues to stew in his black moods, brooding that only worsens when he receives a missive from home, his horrible family demanding the that they both return to House El-Adrel.As the denizens of House Phel fight an increasingly pitched battle against the enemies determined to destroy them forever, Jadren and Selly fight their own war—against the past and to overcome their own failings. To become truly stronger together.

Untethered Sky - Book Review

Untethered Sky

by Fonda Lee

What is it about:

Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family.

Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.

What did I think of it:

This is a beautiful and bittersweet read.

Ester dedicates her life to hunting manticores after her mother and brother are killed by one. Although I could mostly understand her feelings, her obsession was  painful to see at times. 

As the story follows her progress it shows all the sacrifices she and her fellow ruhkers have to make as well as the consequences for those who let their focus slip. I wasn't sure if I should root for Ester to succeed or for her to find a different path in life.

All in all beautiful read that stayed with me long after I finished  it. I will have to investigate what else Leee has written.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful Fantsy read.

 

Infinity Bell - Book Review

 

Infinity Bell (House Immortal #2)

by Devon Monk)

What is it about:

Return to national bestselling author Devon Monk's heartpounding House Immortal series, where eleven powerful Houses control the world and all its resources. But now, the treaty between them has been broken, and no one—not even the immortal galvanized—is safe....

Matilda Case isn’t normal. Normal people aren’t stitched together, inhumanly strong, and ageless, as she and the other galvanized are. Normal people’s bodies don’t hold the secret to immortality—something the powerful Houses will kill to possess. And normal people don’t know that they’re going to die in a few days.

Matilda’s fight to protect the people she loves triggered a chaotic war between the Houses and shattered the world’s peace. On the run, she must find a way to stop the repeat of the ancient time experiment that gifted her and the other galvanized with immortality. Because this time, it will destroy her and everything she holds dear.

Caught in a cat-and-mouse game of lies, betrayal, and unseen foes, Matilda must fight to save the world from utter destruction. But time itself is her enemy, and every second brings her one step closer to disaster....

What did I think of it:

This book starts right where the first ended, and we're immediately back int action and intrigue.

I enjoyed the book, but slightly less than the first. It was hard to put a finger on it though. I mean: there was action, danger, suspense, there was Neds (totally my favorite character).

Then it hit me: I really do not like Matilda's brother or her love interest. Both really rub me the wrong way. And especially her brother has a huge role in his book. Luckily there's enough to love about this book that I still had a great time with it.

The ending of his book is... something! I'm eager to find out what happens in the last book so I'll be picking it up soon. 

Why should you read it:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy Read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Poison Fruit

 

"More's the pity," he observed. "I hope you appreciate the irony. You, possessed of world-shattering power, can never use it."

(page 83, Poison Fruit by Jacqueline Carey)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Thorn Queen - Book Review

 

Thorn Queen (Dark Swan #2)

by Richelle Mead

What is it about:

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire. She's paid

to bind and banish creatures from the

Otherworld.

But something happened after her last battle. She became queen of the Thorn Land. With her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind, the job's really not all it's cracked up to be.

Now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one seems willing to find out why. Or to put an end to it. Not that Eugenie's fazed by spilling fey blood, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and dangerous -- and nursing a very personal grudge.

Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in a power she can barely control. She may be a reluctant queen, but she's vowed to do her duty, even if it means facing the darkest and deadliest side of her nature.

What did I think of it:

I had fun with the first book, so picked up book two to see if this series would keep entertaining me.

Once again I had a good time. I really like one of the love interests, even while I despise the other. There's still a couple of books to go, but I have high hopes Eugenie will be smart. I liked seeing Eugenie trying to balance her old life with this new life she fell into.

The story is suspenseful and should probably come with some trigger warnings, so if you do pick this up: handle with caution. I myself don't get triggered easily, but others might.

 Overall another cool read. I'll be picking up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a suspenseful Urban Fantasy Read.

Teaser Tuesdays - This Time it's Real

 

By the time we're dropped off at school, I have 472 unread messages and god knows how many Twitter mentions.

And then things get significantly weirder.

(page 31, This Time it's Real by Ann Liang)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Autumn Bones - Book Review

 

Autumn Bones (Agent of Hel #2)

by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey returns to the curious Midwest tourist community where normal and paranormal worlds co-exist—however tenuously—under the watchful eye of a female hellspawn…...

Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel.

Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one.

He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything…

What did I think of it:

After rereading the first book in this series I immediately grabbed this book, because I wanted more.

And I wasn't disappointed. This book is just as much fun!

Both Lurine and the ghouls are still my favorites of the mythical creatures. Luckily they all got their chance to shine.

I wasn't a fan of Sinclair when he was introduced in Dark Currents, and I didn't warm up to him in this book, but as he is the one at the center of all the events in this book I could live with him for the sake of an awesome suspenseful story. I kept reading to see what was happening next. 

Overall the storyline in this book felt a bit more meandering than in the first book, but as it was all cool and fun I didn't mind.

You bet I'll be picking up book 3 soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool Urban Fantasy Read

Dark Currents - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1)
by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:
The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

What did I think of it:
This is a fun read.

I loved the word building in this book. It's very diverse and even though it lends from all kinds of mythologies it felt unique.

Daisy was a cool character with an interesting back-story. She of course does attract the attention of multiple men, because she's so special, but it wasn't annoying. The annoyance will probably come in upcoming books when she will pick the wrong guy(s) in my opinion.

That aside: The story was both funny and suspenseful. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and how Daisy would solve things. I loved how a lot of different supernatural creatures get involved and introduced. I especially liked the ghouls, and Daisy's friend Lurine.

Although the murder mystery is resolved in this book, there are some things happening in this book that lend themselves for more intrigue and suspense for the next book, so you bet I will be getting my trotters on it to find out what's next for Daisy.

Thought on rereading:

Another book where I almost didn't remember anything. But I had book 2 in my TBR since 2015, so I decided to do a reread to refresh my memory. And this is such a cool read! Why did I forget about it? I immediately picked up book 2 after finishing my reread. 

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Urban Fantasy read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Thorn Queen

 

"We don't know for sure that they're aliens," he said hastily. "But there is something here."

(page 59, Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Storm Born - Book Review

 

Storm Born (Dark Swan #1)

by Richelle Mead

What is it about:

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

What did I think of it:

Back when this book released I was reading another series by Mead and when people I knew were saying how bad this book apparently was, I never got to picking it up. But when buying some second hand books last year I decided to add it to my purchase to get to the amount for free shipping. 

It turned into an orphan and was gathering dust until I spotted book 3 & 4 at a free library not long ago. 

It turns out this is a really nice read.

I liked Eugenie, and loved discovering her powers and background. She has a shitty taste in men: falling for the least interesting love interest, but what else is new...

The story is entertaining and even with the dramatics that come with her falling for a guy with more red flags than I could count, it never got too annoying. 

The world building was cool as well, and with the events in this book I'm eager to find out what this will mean for Eugenie and the Otherworld.

After finishing this book I hunted down a copy of book 2 right away.

Why should you read it:

It's a very entertaining Urban Fantasy Read.

Wicked Embers - Book Review

 

Wicked Embers (Souls of Fire #2)

by Keri Arthur

What is it about:

Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death....

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way....

What did I think of it:

After rereading book one to refresh my memory on this series I finally picked up book 2 which had been lingering in TBR Mountain since 2015.

And this is another cool read.

I really like Emberly and her two male sidekicks: Rory and Jackson. Rory is a phoenix like Embery, and even though his role is small compared to other characters, he's awesome in my opinion (that he was the only thing I remembered from my first read of book 1 is telling). Jackson is cool as well though, I like how he and Emberly work together.

Next to the ongoing storyline started in book one, there's another storyline involving Emberly's  prophetic dreams that was really intriguing as well. There's lots of suspense, danger, and thrills in this book.

My one big problem with this book/series is Sam, who seems to be the main love interest. I can't stand the guy! And in my opinion Emberly should hate him as well. But there's two more books to go, so I'm keeping hope and rooting for one (or both) of the other guys to win Emberly's heart.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I bought the remaining two books and am waiting for their arrival to continue this series.

Why should you read this:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Second Hand Rose

She put the screwdriver into the lock, and pop!  The screwdriver snapped into two pieces. How could that happen?

(page 7, Second Hand Rose by D.E. Fox)

What is it about:

Short Story

Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.

This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.

Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.

Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Better Part of Darkness - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

The Better Part of Darkness (Charlie Madigan #1)
by Kelly Gay

What is it about:
Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil....

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim -- but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

What did I think of it:
This is a very nice read.

I will confess that although I did like the world building and the overall story, I was a bit apprehensive of the relationship story line. Charlie might be divorced, but her ex keeps showing up and trying to get back with her. Maybe it's because when I burn bridges, I burn them beyond recovery, that this part of the story annoyed me. Especially when I found out why they divorced.

But the relationship drama was only a small part of the story, so it didn't annoy me too much. And luckily there were some interesting men who might be able to get Charlie's thoughts off her ex.

The events in this book were suspenseful, and even though it seemed the stakes were set a bit too high (it's so often DOOM! in these kinds of stories, while smaller threats can be just as suspenseful in my opinion) I very much enjoyed the ride.

The ending gives some closure, but leaves a lot open, making me curious about what will happen next. Luckily i already have the next book in my TBR pile, so I'll be picking it up soon.

Notes on rereading:

Another reread where I forgot most of the story. I must have been in a better mood the first time I read this, because this time it was a slog to get through. So much so I decided to not continue this series after this reread.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable UF read (when you're in the right mood).

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass - Book Review

 

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass

by Lana Del Rey

What is it about:

“'Violet Bent Backwards over the Grass' is the title poem of the book and the first poem I wrote of many. Some of which came to me in their entirety, which I dictated and then typed out, and some that I worked laboriously picking apart each word to make the perfect poem. They are eclectic and honest and not trying to be anything other than what they are and for that reason I’m proud of them, especially because the spirit in which they were written was very authentic.” (Lana Del Rey)

What did I think of it:

I love Lana Del Rey's music, so I decided to give her poetry a try as well.

The book is beautiful just how it looks alone. The poems are printed in a typewriter-style font and the book is filled with photographs Lana made herself. 

As for the poetry: I loved most of them. Some are long and winding, others just short observations. I liked how with some of the poems earlier versions were included, so you could see Lana's thought process in creating them. There were a few poems that clearly were inspirations for later songs as well.

All in all this is a beautiful book that I can advice to fans of Lana Del Rey.

Why should you read it:

It's a wonderful collection of poetry and photographs.

Teaser Tuesdays - Infinity Bell

 

"Do not make me knock you both out and drag you through this tunnel. Are we gold" i shoved back my sleeves so I'd have better reach to wrestle them.

(page 124, Infinity Bell by Devon Monk)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Grave War - Book Review

 

Grave War (Alex Craft #7)

by Kalayna Price

What is it about:

Grave witch Alex Craft has forged an uneasy truce with the world of Faerie, but she’s still been trying to maintain at least some semblance of a normal life in the human world. So it’s safe to say that stepping up as the lead investigator for the Fae Investigation Bureau was not a career path she ever anticipated taking.

When an explosion at the Eternal Bloom threatens to upend the fae who make their home in our world, Alex finds herself in charge of the most far reaching investigation she’s ever tackled. And it’s only her first week on the job. With the threats mounting and cut off from half her allies, Alex can’t wait on the sidelines and hope the fae’s conflicts stay contained within their borders.

What did I think of it:

Yup! I finished my challenge! I bet regular readers doubted me after seeing how long it took me to finish the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.

And this last book is awesome!

Some storylines seemed to have be dropped in favor of the epic conclusion of this series, but I can't say I minded as those weren't my favorites anyway.

The events in this book had me captivated. I worried and cheered Alex on. And the ending was not what I had expected, but it was most satisfying in my opinion. 

You bet this series ended up on my keeper shelves!

Why should you read it:

It's awesome!!!

Serpentina - Book Review

 

Serpentina (a Societies Novella)

by Sydney Reames

What is it about:

When Sarah, the meekly obedient daughter of a domineering billionaire, is sent into space and forced to join the wild, harsh life of the desert-dwellers on the planet Rover, she’s confronted with a choice. Keep her head down, as her father expects, and gather useful information about the strange planetary Societies that have recently made contact with Earth. Or, welcome the power that comes with her scaly-skinned Assimilation and reinvent her life, free at last from her oppressive family.

As she grows to care for those around her on this strange new planet, Sarah learns of a threat to them all, a shadowy group called the Spear. Her new abilities offer the chance to rescue not only herself, but many others. The question how far is she willing to go to protect this way of life?

What did I think of it:

After I got over the the strange world building in Assimilation, the first book in this series, I actually loved it. So I picked up the novella when it released (Yes, I'm seriously behind on my reviewing and reading).

And this novella is a lot of fun.

I really liked how this novella shows more about one of the other societies and their initiation. I didn't much care for Sarah in Assimilation, but she really grew on me in this novella. I liked seeing her grow and change,

Near the end of the novella her story catches up to the ending of Assimilation and it was cool to see those events from another angle as well.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I'll try to pick up book 2 in the series soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a cool and fun SF novella

Teaser Tuesday - Dark Currents

 

Okay, that's a terrible comparison, but the point is, he was gorgeous.

He was also a motherfucking ghoul. 

(page 58, Dark Currents by Jacqueline Carey)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

House Immortal - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

House Immortal (House Immortal #1)
by Devon Monk

What is it about:
Matilda Case isn’t like most folk. In fact, she’s unique in the world, the crowning achievement of her father’s experiments, a girl pieced together from bits. Or so she believes, until Abraham Seventh shows up at her door, stitched with life thread just like her and insisting that enemies are coming to kill them all.

Tilly is one of thirteen incredible creations known as the galvanized, stitched together beings immortal and unfathomably strong. For a century, each House has fought for control over the galvanized. Now the Houses are also tangled in a deadly struggle for dominion over death—and Tilly and her kind hold the key to unlocking eternity

The secrets that Tilly must fight to protect are hidden within the very seams of her being. And to get the secrets, her enemies are willing to tear her apart piece by piece...

What did I think of it:
This is a really cool read.

I very much liked the idea of the galvanized, immortal beings who are stitched together like Frankenstein's monster. The whole society in this book is very intriguing as well. It's complex and full of backstabbing intrigue and drama.

Matilda is a great heroine, she's resourceful, headstrong and loyal to those she cares about. At times I thought she was just being stubborn for stubbornness sake though. I mean: She knows she's in a dangerous situation, with all kinds of people gunning for her, and she leaves a safe place to go out for coffee?!

There were some really cool other characters as well. I especially loved Neds, Matilda's two-headed farmhand.

The story is just as complex as the world building. There are lots of different factions involved and interested in Tilly, and I had to keep paying attention to keep up with what was going on.

Some plot lines were resolved near the end of the book, but a new one was introduced, leaving me with a cliffhanger ending. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book once it releases.

Notes on rereading:

I read this back in 2015, so a reread before picking up book 2 was in order.

I'm surprised by what things I remembered and what I forgot. The start of the book made the most impression on me it seems, as did Neds and Tilly's grandmother. Everything that happens after she leaves her farm I couldn't remember. My previous review still stands though.

Why should you read it:
It's a cool Alternate History/Dystopian read

With Love, from Cold World - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

With Love, from Cold World

by Alicia Thompson

What is it about:

She has a to-do list a mile long and falling for her coworker isn't on it--yet somehow he's become her top priority in this romantic comedy from the national bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers.

Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that's always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it's ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it's a fun place to work, even if "fun" isn't exactly Lauren's middle name.

Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World--whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn't know how to enjoy herself, he's surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn't serious about anything, she's surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.

As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I will confess I had this one pre-ordered even before buying and reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers. And while I really enjoyed that one, it was a bit silly at times. So I had mixed feelings when picking this one up.

It was so good!!!

It's much more serious while still being romantic and sweet. I clicked with Lauren right away. I could understand why she keeps her distance from people, and rooted for her to see what a fun guy Asa is. Asa has his hangups as well, and I loved seeing them both work through things.  

All in all this is a great Romance with a nice Christmassy feel as a bonus. I'll be keeping an eye out for more by Thompson.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool and enjoyable Contemporary Romance.