Moxie's Problem (Princess Moxie #1) by Hank Quense | A Book Review

Princess Moxie is a two-book set. I didn't realize that there were two books until I started reading. I thought that the book was too long, even for a full novel. Then, when I reached the end of the story, I realized there was another one. You know what it's like when you are sent e-books to be reviewed without the covers, right? I don't think the first few pages told me that this was a two-volume set. I just found out that the table of contents was the only indication. Who reads the table of contents? Anyway, I will only be reviewing the first volume -Moxie's Problem.

The story happened in the time of King Arthur and Camelot. Princess Moxie is a fat, simple-looking, self-centered and a spoiled princess. She grew up being attended to and ordering people around. Until she was told by her father, King Smedley, to travel to meet his future husband -Count Gamel. She is to be accompanied by three of the Knights of the Round Table but what she got were three knight apprentices who just graduated from the Heroes Guild -Sir Gareth, Bors and Percivale.

This is a hilarious and refreshing take on the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. How Princess Moxie smoothly stole, muscled and bullied her way into the story is even more amusing. This is a story of knights were not a lot of swords were used but a lot of playing football. Where the fate of a town or kingdom is battled through a game of football. Where the secret to defeating the Saxons was by upping your football plays and game plans. I also adored how the other legends like the Lady of the Lake, the Lochness monster, etc. were shown in a different light. Absolutely creative!

I also love that the story's main character, Princess Moxie, is a truly unique character, irritating at most. Far from the usual and typical princesses we encounter. I absolutely hate her. Much to my delight, Moxie's character underwent metamorphosis and I agreed with the changes that she planned to undertake. I felt sorry for the three young knights who had the misfortune of meeting her. She made their lives miserable. Fortunately, Moxie saw the error of her ways and the lack of her upbringing. This is indeed a very amusing and gratifying tale.

I gave the book 4/5 chests. This is a story which broke all stereotypes -for princesses and knights. Very refreshing! Princess Moxie is a character you will hate, feel sorry for and hope to succeed. I think this should have been more appropriately entitled as Moxie is the Problem instead of Moxie's Problem. She's causing headaches and sleepless nights to the three young knights.

Now, I am curious as to what fate awaits Moxie after all the misfortunes that she has to go through, which in a way serves her right. But like Moxie, I had a change of heart. I found that I was actually rooting for her to make the drastic changes she wants in her life. And I want her to succeed too. From the bully to the underdog, the unforgiving tale of Princess Moxie, who has no friends and even his own father wanted to get rid of her and just marry her off to the first person who expressed his intent.

I am still finishing volume two of Princess Moxie's story - Moxie's Decision. I am curious as what will be the next misadventures that she will go through with our three very unfortunate knights. Every time I think of Moxie's character, I can't help but shake my head. She is a piece of work which has turned into a work-in-progress. We'll see if she can finally be able to make someone of herself.

Half the fun of adventure is not knowing where you're going.Then, it's a surprise when you get there.

- Hank Quense, Moxie's Problem -

Thank you again, Librarything.com and Hank Quense for the giveaway copy.

The Last Seeker by Fleur Camacho | A Book Review

This is a first of Fleur Camacho that I have read. I had this book two months before but did not have the time to read it until now. Now, I feel sorry why I did not read this sooner. 

The Last Seeker is a magical story about a regular sixteen-year-old kid, Tristen, who discovers he has powers and is deeply connected to Ailey. He finds that he will save the world and to do that he has to embrace his powers.

What I really like about the story is how the character of Tristen is made out to be. He is just a regular kid. And as we all know, not too many stories have regular kids as the main characters in them. Mostly, the hero is oozing with confidence, handsome and can charm any girl. But this story, Tristen is far from any of that. He is clumsy, he does not know how to be around girls and a nerd. It is refreshing to find a story with this kind of hero. (Well, after Percy Jackson, when he did not know yet that he was a demi-god). He is bound to blunder his way and paved the way for an amazing self-discovery.

I think, if I have superpowers, I would like to travel through books. Exactly what Tristen has. To just open a book and get transported to a place. It would save me all the expenses of air and railway travel. Not to mention, avoid jet lag and stress related to long travel. This power perfectly fits my personality -I love to travel and read books. Two of the best things in life. I think this is a very amazing power to possess.

I gave the book 5/5 books. I love Tristen's character. I also like the historical aspect of the story. I love historical fiction. I love how the author introduced snippets of Tristen's ability into the story. It got me wondering the whole time what was really going on with Tristen. I never figured out what was his power until it was revealed. I also liked how the connection between Tristen and Ailey was played. I never really figured it out also. Never! 

I have to admit, I felt sorry that it took me a while to read this book. This was very interesting. Not that I didn't know that I have the power to travel through books. That is exactly the reason why I love to read. Nevertheless, I think I owe Fleur Camacho an apology for not reading the book as soon as I got it. I am sorry and I will read your other book The Edge before the month ends. Thank you. 

In a moment of clarity. I realized that something as simple as the grass played such an important role for different things. It showed the direction of the wind, provided a path for the insects, and provided food for the animals. The grass did not complain about its never-ending labor. It continued to grow, to sway, and to otherwise just be what it was meant to be.

- Fleur Camacho, The Last Seeker - 

Thank you again, Fleur Camacho for the e-book copy. I got them when I signed up for her newsletter.

Life is Like a Parade by L. Henry Smith | A Book Review

This is the first book I signed up to review on NetGalley. I knew of NetGalley from one of the book blogs. I can't remember which particular blog. Thank you, whoever you are. I got introduced to a new source of free books to review. So, if you are not yet a member of NetGalley, sign up now. You can choose from a lot of books to review. NetGalley allows each book to be reviewed within three months and then it will be archived. Make sure that you take note of the dates when you get the books.

Life is Like a Parade is a story of Tommy Taylor and Jaime Jones. 

Blurb from Goodreads:

After twenty-seven months in the Peace Corps, the droll hero of this amusing tale returns home with one simple thing on his mind – he's determined to kiss a girl. And not just any girl or any kiss, but an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime first kiss with Mandi, his beautiful next door neighbor. The fun mix of tension, humor, and life lessons in this heartfelt romance will appeal to readers of all ages.

____________________________

This book is a sweet, witty and entertaining read. I enjoyed very much the smart banter between Tommy and Jaime. I liked that these two think alike in a lot of ways. Their exchanges often ended up as a yardstick  as to who is more brilliant in giving a funny and mightier comeback. And if the other's retort is smart enough to make the other silent or lost for a wittier answer. I was looking forward to this kind of conversations between the pair. It was the best part of the book. It was not the usual type of conversations I get to hear. These conversations gave character to the book and made it stand out from the other comedy romances I have read. Not to mention the quirky  and lovable characters. It made me want to live in Westfield.

Of course, the book was not all about roses. There were serious conversations also. And those serious dialogues squeezed my heart tight. I was on the verge of crying and feeling sorry for our lovebirds. They have waited and endured long enough. They deserved to be together. The book also talked about family dynamics and relationships, of random kindness, and repaying back that kindness when the opportunity comes.

Another character of the book was playing with suspense. Though it had become obvious to me what was going on, but I couldn't help but feel the frustration and worry of Tommy. The author played with his characters' weaknesses which solicited more empathy from me. I wanted to hug Tommy right there and tell him that everything is going to be alright. He has nothing to worry about. 

I gave the book 5/5 mine cars. The author adeptly played me like a guitar string. He was a skillful player who played with my emotions. He made me laugh with the easy and comfortable banter between Tommy and Jaime. And after I was feeling comfortable and content with all the merriment, he played a soulful note and wrung my heart. It was a dizzying roller-coaster of emotions, yet very fulfilling. Like being on the Space Mountain in Disneyland, the ride makes you breathless, weightless and disoriented. At the same time, it makes you want to experience it more. The book made me hopeful. Some wishes do come true after years of patiently waiting. Good people are often rewarded for good deeds, sometimes instantaneously. And that you have to take advantage of the golden opportunities as they come. At the same time, you march to the tune of your heart. Yeah, big dope!

Life is like a parade, sometimes it's clowns and floats and marching bands, but sometimes it's sunburns and muscle cramps and broken blisters -nobody knows that better than you.

- L. Henry Smith, Life is Like a Parade - 

Thank you again, Netgalley for the review copy.

The Breakup Support Group by Cheyanne Young | Release Day Celebration and Giveaway

Hello Readers! Welcome to the Release Day Celebration for

The Breakup Support Group by Cheyanne Young

presented by Swoon Romance!

Don’t miss out on this new release, and be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Happy Book Birthday, Cheyanne!

After four years of first love bliss, Isla Rush just got dumped.

Any hope she has of winning her ex-boyfriend back is shattered when the town rezones her neighborhood, forcing her to spend senior year at a wealthy high school in the next town over.

With a broken heart consuming her soul, Isla can’t focus on anything, except maybe Emory Underwood—a ridiculously hot guy who dates a new girl almost every day. She can’t help but crush on him, even though it’s wrong.

When memories of her ex make her cry in second period, the school counselor sends Isla to a club that meets during lunch. The Break-Up Support Group is a collection of broken-hearted misfits who are all helping each other heal.

Just when Isla’s heart is finally on the mend, Emory shows up, forced to atone for all the broken hearts he’s caused over the years. While hiding her massive crush, she helps him understand the seriousness of breaking a heart.

In turn, Emory offers to help Isla get back on the dating scene by agreeing to be her fake date for the homecoming dance. Isla gladly accepts the ruse, because if anyone can make her into a desirable girlfriend, Emory can! There's just one small problem.

Isla's little crush on Emory might be exactly full blown. And a homecoming fake date with him could push her over the edge to possibly uttering the "L Word!" 

Isla can't afford another heartbreak so soon after the last one. She will have to resist his charms, refuse to look into those dreamy eyes, and above all else, not make the mistake of letting him kiss her.

If only she hadn't let her guard down at the end of the night, under the light of her porch in a toe-curling kiss moment of weakness. And now, after months of Break-Up Support Group therapy, and with a heart fully on the mend, Isla has just handed it over to a guy who knows full well just how to break it.

The Breakup Support Group by Cheyanne Young 

Publication Date: November 22, 2016 

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Available for Purchase: AMAZON

Cheyanne Young is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, and collecting nail polish. After nearly a decade of working in engineering, Cheyanne now writes books for young adults and is the author of the City of Legends Series with Alloy Entertainment and the forthcoming Breakup Support Group with Swoon Romance. She doesn’t miss a cubicle one bit.

Cheyanne lives near the beach with her daughter and husband, one spoiled rotten puppy, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

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Shadows of Suspicion by Ashley Dawn | Cover Reveal

Title: Shadows of Suspicion

Author: Ashley Dawn

Genre: Christian Fiction--Inspirational romantic suspense

Cover Designer: Kris Wagner

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: 

Revenge is the agenda…

“Find my sister.”

Rick Reiley’s words were what drove Luke to search mercilessly for Kerry. He is in a race against time to find her and will have to face more than a criminal mastermind to get close to her. He is prepared to give his life for her, but what about his heart?

“…I would like you to meet….My wife.”

Those words from her enigmatic rescuer threw Kerry more than anything else that had happened to her in the last few days…and that was saying a lot! Kerry’s simple life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped and dragged to the middle of nowhere by a madman. She trusts Luke with her life, but can she trust him with her heart?

As Luke fights to keep Kerry safe, the chemistry ignites and the danger gets closer.

Will God protect them while Luke tries to sort out his heart….and capture Kerry’s?

Author Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office. She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as a legal assistant.

Ashley has been writing professionally for the past ten years and has three published books.  Her Shadows Series include Shadows from the Past, Shadows of Suspicion and Shadows of Pain.  She is currently working on multiple projects including the fourth in her ‘Shadows’ series entitled “Shadows of Deception” and also a standalone suspense titled ‘One of Their Own’.  She and her family make their home in Texas.

Goodreads | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Web 

Buy Links: 

Shadows from the Past 

Shadows of Suspicion 

Shadows of Pain 

Untapped by Logan Chase | Cover Reveal

Untapped
Logan Chase

Publication date: December 20th 2016
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller

Some desires are better left uncovered…

Erik Bertinelli is the son of the vilest mob boss in all of New York’s underbelly. He’s the enforcer, the hitman for the syndicate, and the type of guy who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. His hideaway is as unconventional as they come… the New York Public Library.

With a thirst for knowledge and a grand getaway at his fingertips, he loses himself daily in the dusty tales of old. Life is too f*cked up most days of the week. Peace would be beyond welcomed.

Grace Adams desires more than anything to live fully alive, and yet, she’s doing just the opposite of that. She’s a librarian at the New York Public Library and spends her days wishing like hell that she could disappear into one of the romance novels she reads.

With an imagination that would shock her family and friends, she keeps to herself and lives in the colorful parts of her mind – alone. Untapped.

When the same deliciously dangerous alpha male keeps showing up between the bookshelves, her daydreams quickly dive into passion that feels too good to be true. The kind that could burn anyone involved. The kind she would do anything for.

Maybe even kill…

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:

Romance is a genre that is oftentimes written by women, but my novels give you the chance to see through the eyes of some of the men that perhaps you fantasize about, and the opportunity to read about passion from the other side for a change. Stories told about real relationships, legit problems and past experiences… unless you’re an ex, in which case any resemblance to women living or dead is merely a coincidence. ;)

My name is Logan. I’m a full time firefighter during the day, but I’m not here to put out any fires. I’m here to start them. Hope you enjoy my stories and feel free to reach out at any time. I love to flirt.

The Animal Under the Fur by E. J. Mellow | Cover Reveal

The Animal Under The Fur
E.J. Mellow

Publication date: 2017
Genres: Action, Adult, Romance

From award-winning author E. J. Mellow comes an action romance dripping with vengeful delight.

Orphaned on the streets as a baby, Nashville Brown, a.k.a Kill Operative 3, knows better than to rely on anyone. With heightened senses and superhuman strength to survive, she’s been raised as the perfect assassin.

The trick to her success? Keeping everyone, even her best friend, at arm’s length.

Losing his entire family in the span of a year, Carter Smith left his ability to love buried deep in their graves. His only concerns now are completing his missions and effortlessly charming the next temptress to warm his bed.

The key to his accomplishments? Working alone mixed with a Casanova smile.

But when a deadly weapon needs to be stopped from falling into the wrong hands, the lone wolves find themselves thrown into an explosive partnership. Can Carter and 3 lower their guns aimed at one another long enough to succeed, or will their unwillingness to compromise end up destroying more than their perfect records? Whatever their differences, both agree on one thing—in the game of lies and deceit, the line between friend and foe is often blurred by blood splatter.

The Animal Under The Fur is a hate-to-loath-to-love stand-alone novel filled with savagery, secrets, and enough angst to wrinkle the pages you’ll find gripped in your hands.

Coming 2017

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:

E.J. Mellow is the Award Winning author behind the NA Contemporary Fantasy trilogy The Dreamland Series. With a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, E.J. Mellow splits her time between her two loves – visual design and writing. Residing in NYC, E.J. is a member of Romance Writers of America and their Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter. She has no animals but loves those who do.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Taken by Love (The Bradens at Trusty, Colorado #1) by Melissa Foster | A Book Review

Yes, this book is as hot as the cover. Parental guidance is advised. This is  for 18 years old and above. Taken by Love is a story of Luke Braden and Daisy Honey. It is set in Trusty, Colorado. A laid back farm and ranch town where gossip is the major past time but the people are also forgiving and have a strong sense of community.

This book described a typical small town setting. Almost everybody knows anyone and gossip spread around like wildfire. Where the story of your life can be the normal topic of dinner conversations. 

So far, of all the books of Melissa Foster that I have read, this one seemed to be the closest to real life. It mirrored a typical life in a small town.  It also mentioned about bullying and mean girls in high school. This book explained how a very smart and successful person can still be haunted by her insecure past. It made her doubt what she has accomplished and what she can do. This just exposed how scars from getting bullied can become a big part of a person. The experience was buried deep within but would only take a very light reminder to make it float back to the surface. This story is also an example that high school is not the end of the world. There is a totally whole new universe out there and those popular people in high school who thought they own the world, will be proven wrong.

I gave this book 4/5 stars. I wish this book was for young adults. There is a very good lesson to be learned here. Bullying is a menace. We have to keep educating people until it gets through their thick skull. I was bullied too in grade school that is why I can relate to books about this subject. I praise authors who make it an effort to talk about this giant white elephant that is not only an issue in the US but all over the world. Bullying has nothing to do with culture, it has to do with each individual person and what is happening at home. Most bullies are often ignored or spoiled at home. They lashed out at people they can boss around in school to assert some sort of control in their life.

We have silly parades and gossip that runs thick as rivers. But to those who really know Trusty, they realize that this small town is also known for forgiveness, and community.

- Melissa Foster, Taken by Love -

Other books by Melissa Foster:

Game of Love (The Remingtons #1)

Seized by Love: Luke Ryder (The Ryders #1)

Seized by Love: Blue Ryder (The Ryders # 1) by Melissa Foster | A Book Review

I read this one about two months ago and was not able to post a review right away. More pressing reviews had to be done first. Better late than never.

Seized by Love is the first of The Ryder Family stories by Melissa Foster. This is still part of the Love in Bloom series. Though this is part of a series, this can be read alone. This is the story of Luke Ryder and Lizzie Barber.

This is not my first Melissa Foster book, I have read her other books before. I have reviewed one about two months ago. Anyone familiar with Melissa Foster's writing, can expect a steamy romance with family issues involved. Strong, passionate, successful and ripped men. Sexy and smart women who can hold their own. This book holds all of these characteristics. The story is unique on its own. 

This was a really interesting story. I was impressed as to how the author shaped Lizzie's character. Her background and what she does during the day and at night for a living. It was very uncommon. Those things give more flavor to the love story. My only concern was I can't understand why her other business can't sustain her financial needs. I do get that she has to help her sister. I just thought that Lizzie's character was so overly selfless. I was suspicious. I mean, if you don't enjoy what you're doing, then stop it. I guess, aside from the fact that it was lucrative, in some way, she was getting something out of it. I think she got some kind of high from it. She can be another version of herself which she can't be in real life. 

Blue was being a typical guy. How a guy usually reacts when he found out that his girlfriend was hiding something. He was torn between accepting Lizzie and being repulsed at the same time. In the end, he realized his love for her is far greater.

When I looked at it, it was very clever of Lizzie to come up with this scheme and she had made a good business out of it. I just wished the deal at the end went through but it didn't.

I gave this book 4/5 cup cakes. I think the secret identity of Lizzie made the story work. It was very well-crafted. 

I got this e-book copy as a freebie when I signed up for the author's newsletter.

Thank you again, Melissa Foster.

Other books by Melissa Foster:

Game of Love (The Remingtons #1)
Taken by Love (The Bradens at Trusty, Colorado #1)

Hatshepsut's Collar (Artifact Hunters #2) by A. W. Exley | A Book Review

This is the sequel to Nefertiti's Heart. If you are into historical fiction just like I am, you will love the Artifact Hunters series by A. W. Exley.

Hatshepsut's Collar is another story about a mysterious Egyptian necklace which holds its wearer captive and hungry for power.

In this book, Cara and Nate are back and are into another adventure. This adventure took them to Russia. To the affluent palaces of St. Petersburg and the frozen tundra of Siberia.

Like the previous book, I was immersed in this story. The allure of the mystery of an ancient artifact and a hint of meeting a mythical creature can't be denied. This book took me to another adventure and it seemed like I too had frozen my bones because of the excitement and danger that the couple had faced and survived. Most of all, they saved the kingdom and it's crown from its downfall. A far more amazing feat than what they had done in the last book. 

As Cara and Nate got closer to each other. Cara finds more secrets that Nate had withheld from her. Their love and bond were again tested. I don't know if I want to find out what other secrets Nate is hiding since the secrets are getting more complicated. Nate appears to be a very cunning and deceptive man but his actions only make sense to Cara.

I give the book 5/5 intricately designed necklaces. This has been a blood raising ride. I can't wait to read the next book. I can't wait to find what other dangerous and breath-stopping adventures are in store for Cara and Nate. I can't afford to miss a backseat ride.

What makes one marriage any better than the other?

a noose was a noose whether made of rope or silk.

- A. W. Exley, Hatshepsut's Collar -

Nefertiti's Heart (Artifacts Hunters #1)

Silks by Dick Francis | A Book Review

This is another book I read last month. I got this from a second-hand bookstore. I have always loved Dick Francis. Every time I see a book of his, it is automatic that I buy it. I have a list of authors that I look for first, every time I go inside a bookstore. If I can't find any of their works, then the digging and reading the back covers start.  

Silks mean two things. One is to mean a QC - Queen's Counsel. An English (British) term for senior lawyers. Informally or commonly referred to as a silk. Silks also refer to the clothes worn by jockeys. The lead character in this book, Geoffrey Mason, is both of those things. He's a lawyer and an amateur jockey who rides his own Thoroughbred in races.

If you are familiar with Dick Francis, you already know that his novels always have jockeys, steeplechase racing, horses and feature a different profession each time. As mentioned earlier, this book talked of lawyers. And if there are lawyers, a crime or a case is surely in the midst. In this story, an alleged murder of the number one jockey by another top jockey. The accused begged for Mason to represent him in court.

Every time I read a Dick Francis novel, I always ask myself if I can spot the antagonist or if I can see the way the story is going. It is a game. I try to pay attention to the writing to get clues that might help me. Sometimes I was successful and sometimes, I was not. It's not an absolute science. It always ends up that the author is more clever than I am. In this story, I had no clue. I have no idea how to connect the people to the suspect. And again, Francis has done it in a very unsuspecting way. It is always a delight every time he stumps me with his unusual ways of thinking.

I gave this book 5/5 stars. Of course, there is no question. I don't think I have read one from him that disappointed me. That is why he is one of my favorite authors. His novels are always a treat. They are like guilty pleasures for me. My only expectation each time is to be surprised with the twists. I have read a number of his books and it is still a wonder to me how he comes up with these unique stories. I thought, by now, he should have run out of ideas but it seems as if there is always a book that I have not read.

Just like all his other novels, I have enjoyed my presence in the courtroom as Mason tries his damnedest to put doubt on the accused. And I cheered when he and his horse finally won in the last run of their racing careers.

I could remember feeling like I was living in  a time warp. There had been so much rushing around going on by others while I had sat still and alone in my grief and the hours and days had dragged by.

- Dick and Felix Francis, Silks - 

I have featured Dick Francis in my three-of-a-kind posts. Three of a kind showcases three books from my favorite authors. I have not done one lately but will make one again as soon as I have caught up with all my reviews. I came up with this in the earlier stages of my blog to tell everyone about the books and stories I love. Here are three of his books and they are my favorites. I hope you too will love them.

Straight

To the Hilt

Hot Money

To Catch A Killer: Ghost Romance by Amelia Wilson | A Book Review

I signed up for an ARC for one of Amelia Wilson's books. She sent me this book while waiting for the ARC to come out. Thank you again, Amelia Wilson.

The e-book copy I was sent was only for seven chapters. I thought this must have been a condensed version, but when I checked Goodreads, the whole book was only for 54 pages. This was a short story. The following review is just as short also. 

This book was about a lady detective who lost her partner while they were on duty. Her partner's ghost appeared to her to help find his killer. 

I liked the plot. A detective's ghost helping out his partner to catch his killer is very promising. I think this would make a good full novel. The writer could probably explore more on the ghost part. I don't think I have read of similar stories. 

I gave this book three stars. I wished it were longer. I thought there was a lot of potential for the story. I felt there were things that got left hanging. Maybe, there is a next book. Hopefully, it would be a full-length novel this time. 

I have read a few short stories lately, and I thought the stories were interesting enough. I wished they were longer. I think you understand how it felt like when you wanted a story to tell you more.

I will be reading another book by Amelia Wilson -Rune Sword: Vampire Romance. I got an ARC. It was released last week. I will post my review as soon as I finished it.

Raene and the Three Bears (Alder Tales #2) by RS McCoy | ARC | A Book Review

For those who don't know, I started my blog January of this year. I am still overwhelmed by the number of free books I am getting and need to review. And they just keep on coming. Thank you so much. I realized, there's a totally separate world where only books hold power. I thought, I was familiar with this world already, but I was mistaken. It's so vast that I just reached a few steps from the threshold. There is still a long way to be able to grasp it entirely. It came to a point, where I started to question if I could keep this up. Could I keep reading and reviewing? It seemed like life was easier when I was just reading books and never cared about posting reviews. Although I used to write my reactions on the last page of each finished book, this still started to feel like not a hobby anymore. I began to wonder, will I go ever go back to reading books for no reason other than pure enjoyment? To never worry about getting a review out? Then, I sort-of get a bash on my head because I get introduced to new astonishing stories and very gifted authors. And, my dilemma is momentarily forgotten. This month has been the best month I ever had. Amazing after amazing books just dropped into my lap. Thank you for all the talented authors that I have met. I am so honored. I keep writing reviews because you deserve all the warm hugs for all the myriad of emotions you stirred inside me. And I hope that you will keep squeezing me back. 

Raene and the Three Bears is another example of those astonishing books I just mentioned. This is the second installment of The Alder Tales series of RS McCoy.  It is a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

The book picked up right where Blossom and the Beast ended. I thought that this book would just be about Raene. I started to worry about the fate that had befallen on Blossom. This will tell you whatever happened to Blossom after the last time we left her in book one. This also spoke of the fulfillment of the agreement and the binding promise between Da and Vice Syndicate Kaide Landel. If book one seemed complicated enough, then this spun a whole new web of events and episodes that you would need to be in your right frame of mind to be able to catch up. I did not have time to analyze each incident as the next one came bounding out of nowhere, surprising me out of my wits. Very clever! I am already looking forward to the next book - Hale and Gemini. The characters were just so memorable I couldn't help but feel for each of the heroes and heroines. Might as well, because, in my review on Blossom and the Beast, I already claimed to be a member of the Bear clan. And rightly so, because my last name actually stands for bear in Spanish. 

This book will make you start picking your favorites and get you annoyed. You will be asked to choose. You will be asked to take a side. It will ask you as to who are you rooting for? You will start to question if it was ever fair. And be careful, because you might get your heart broken.

I give this book all the rings in Raene's fingers. Gratefully, my heart is still intact. I was far from being heartbroken. I was satisfied and concurred with the turn of the events and how the story developed. I wouldn't have it any other way. I was so high from all the excitement that I could not think of any other course it should have gone. This book oozed with a shocking intensity that was hard to recover from. It took me about three days to write this review. I had to read light stories after this to manage the excitement. I didn't think I could take any more taxing adventures right after Raene and the Three Bears. I didn't want my heart and my brain to explode from too much involvement and invested feelings. I had to calm myself down before I take on any other complicated stories to process. So, you have been warned - this is intense.

How dark did a person become when they relished the misery of others?

- RS McCoy, Raene and the Three Bears -

Release Date: November 29, 2016

Thank you again, RS McCoy, for the ARC.

Other books in the series:

Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1)

Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3)

Snow Owl(The Alder Tales #4)