Blind Date Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology #18) by Various Authors | A Book Review

Have you been on a blind date? How was it? 

I don't think I have ever been in one. I remember back in college, it was Valentine's Day and just for fun and for a change, we decided that each one should bring a single friend to introduce to one of the girls. There were about six of us girls, and each one was assigned to bring someone for one girl. I brought a god-brother of mine and he brought his friend along so he won't feel too shy. I was so embarrassed because the friend thought his green jokes would make him a hit with the girls. The jokes weren't even funny. I had to apologize to the girls the day after, I was as scandalized as they were. That was the closest experience I had to a blind date. We didn't do the same thing the next year because it was a sham. One girl brought someone we already knew and one brought a guy whom one of the girls turned down several times.

Anyway, this book is a collection of blind date stories. In each story, the boy and the girl were set up to meet but due to some unfortunate events, they either happen to meet before the date or had a fortuitous disastrous encounter. There are  six sweet and charming stories that were set in different eras, from historical to modern times.

All six stories were entertaining and were cleverly written. The first three are historical novellas. 

The Promise That Katy Did by Annette Lyon

This is about fulfilling a promise made to a dying friend. Only, the real meaning of the promise that was made was not clearly revealed until Katy had to go to a dance with a stranger.

A Lady of Sense by Sarah M. Eden

This is about Eleanor Sherwood trying to convince her parents that she doesn't want to marry the man they wanted for her. She appealed to her father to give her an option. 

A Second Chance by Heather B. Moore

This is about Virginia, a divorced woman trying to get past her broken marriage and the gossip. When her best friend asked her to move to Chicago, she readily agreed. Millie, her best friend, convinced her to join a double date. She is to accompany Millie's husband's cousin to the said date. Is Virginia ready to date?

The next three are contemporary romances. These are cute and amusing stories. 

Braelynn's Blind Date by Victorine E. Lieske

Braelynn was set up for a blind date with Tyler. As it turned out, Tyler is very handsome and a perfect gentleman. Braelynn felt like she won the jackpot in the lottery. Only to find out, the guy she met wasn't the real Tyler. 

Bianca's Hope by Rachel Branton

This is like a sequel to a story of the same author that I read before. It was part of the Stormy Kisses Anthology collection. This is about Bianca who was set up to meet a guy whom he hates. A guy who told her that he can't help her save her business.

Blind Spot by Sariah Wilson

Ria loves fairy tales and is hoping to meet her own prince. When she realized that in Europe there is a country that truly exists with real princes, she decided to go to Monterra to pursue her master's degree and try to find her real prince charming. Unfortunately, all her blind dates were disasters. The closest she got to a prince was a date with a grandson of a duke. 

I heartily enjoyed all the stories but I find the last three very amusing. They were all blind dates that have gone terribly wrong which are more likely to happen in real life. They are like blind date anecdotes. These three are sort of fairy tale stories because they all started not quite right but ended happily. 

I give the book 4/5 blindfolds. These are all relaxing stories that would help you cool down after a back-breaking chore. Or lighten up a very boring or uneventful day. These stories give you a feel-good vibe that guarantees a good day or a good night's sleep.

I mentioned earlier that I have read a Timeless Anthology collection before, right? It just occurred to me that I really enjoyed the unique novellas included in the collections. I look forward to the next set of stories. I am sure they are sweet and never-heard-before stories that will tickle my mind and melt my heart.

Thank you again, ebooksforreview.com for the copy.

Death Thieves by Julie Wright | A Book Review

What if a few years from now a time-machine can be invented that would allow us to time-hop and probably change the future? Such as going back to the time when the first signs of global warning manifested or when we first find out that the Great Barrier Reef is slowly dying? 

Death Thieves is a story of twin orphaned sisters Summer and Winter. Twins as they say have a very strong connection with each other and know when the other is in danger. The same is true for the Rae sisters. Winter begged Summer to not go out to lunch with her boyfriend but she didn't listen. She assured Winter that nothing bad will happen to her. But something did happen to Summer. A truck hit the the car they were in. Nathan died on impact. Summer however died but did not actually die. What? Yes, she died in our time but she was snatched away by a soldier from the future named Tag-from year 2113. Summer will help save the future.

I think the events in the story could possibly happen. Knock on wood! It's dreadful to think and the only hope would be to go back to the past to fix it. I think it is wiser if we start doing something about them now, than just waiting for that doomed future to befall us to make us realize that our planet is bound for extinction. Or not the planet but humanity itself. By then, it would be too late to intervene and no amount of genius or highly-advanced technology could undo the damage. 

I give this book 4/5 stars. I liked that the story is as near to the truth or what's real as it could get. It's not some absurd idea of how possibly the future would be like. It's an honest assessment of how events could spiral out of control. At the rate the strain of diseases are evolving and how we are still a lot of steps behind in finding the cure, it might just be what is waiting for us, or the next generation about fifty or a hundred years from now. Or maybe earlier. Worst-case scenario. And a lot could still happen in the years in-between. I am as terrified as everyone for doomsday but like all the threats we have faced before, we hope that we will always prevail. Humans are always known for being resilient. I may not be around by then but I will still be rooting for humanity to succeed and still roam the earth. 

Maybe in the not so far future, or maybe right now, someone in his garage is tinkering with his gadgets and gizmos to invent a machine that would finally pierce the space and time continuum and allow us to jump from one era to the next. Of course, this is with the express intention of saving the future. I think this fantastic dream doesn't sound so incredible or ludicrous at all. In the world of the internet, nano technology and space travel, I'm pretty sure, some bordering-on-crazy-genius out there is at the brink of cracking the code for time travel. I wouldn't be surprised if the news would one day just announce this greatest discovery of our time. 

I know, I am thinking like a madwoman here. But who knows what the future holds? All we can do is do the best we can, like as mundane as surviving the day. All the while, trying not to add to the damage that's been done to our home planet. As simple as not throwing our trash anywhere. This is a no-brainer but a lot of people are still beyond stupid to even do just that. Don't hate me, just thinking out loud. Just like a Filipino saying goes-bato-bato sa langit, tamaan ka sana. Meaning, I hope you understand what the highlighted words mean and I pray that they hit you (right in the head or in the groin).

But seriously, this is just me saying I had enjoyed the time travel and the story fascinated me. And, ah...how could I forget? Sliver of midnight! Bravo Julie Wright!

A Sliver of Midnight. It's about a man who stands at the point between two days. What's behind him is a mess of misery and despair; what's in front is something unknown and feared. What happens in the day to follow all hinges on that one moment at midnight where he decides how he will handle what he learned from the day prior. It's about our choices and what we learn from our choices. The metaphors of life, betrayal, honor, trust, rebellion-it's all in there-even love.

- Julie Wright, Death Thieves -

Thank you ebooksforreview.com for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by Jessica Therrien | A Book Review

I thought Oppression was about slavery just looking at the title. Yes, I did a classic don't judge the book by its cover. And I was wondering why the series is called Children of the Gods. I think I did not read the whole summary. I was very surprised to learn that this book was a little like Percy Jackson and the Olympians. That was my first impression. It got me more curious and I told myself to finish Oppression right away so I can read the rest of the books in the series. Fortunately, the three books were sent to me, although I was only required to review one book. The author was so generous. Thank you Jessica Therrien.

So, here is book one. 

The story centers on Elyse, who looks like she's eighteen but she's actually older than that. Way, way older. All her life she had been too protected by her parents to keep their secret. She never had friends. All that suddenly changed when her parents died in a car accident. She meet two people she found she can trust with her secret. Also, she found that there were others like her. People who are special and who know more of who she is and what the future awaits her.

Yes, this feels like Percy Jackson with a twist. Instead of demi-gods, here, they are just people with special abilities. I was wondering if this story was a fan-fic of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Olympians. Is it? I am absolutely curious.

Jessica, please let me know if my hunch is right? There are similarities to the story. In here, the clueless hero is a girl - Elyse. And like Percy, she too have friends who help her discover her abilities and face her true identity. Also, there is the influence of a prophecy which determines the fate of our heroine or the world. This is akin to Percy's adventures where he has to consult the Oracle and go on a quest. Except here, there was no need for a quest. Elyse doesn't know what she has to do. Only, that whatever she decides, the prophecy will definitely lead her to her destiny.

I enjoyed the story and it's a different take on the ever-popular Greek mythology which a lot of books have been inspired from. And I think this is where the biggest chunk of the similarity to Percy Jackson lies. It being based on Greek Mythology. It is a fresh and simpler look into it but the best thing is, it has not been done before. I love mythology. I have always been fascinated by these larger-than-life characters and amazing stories. In fact, the very first book I bought with my first salary was a Edith Hamilton's version of Mythology. 

I rate it 3 and a half stars. The story is able to keep me in suspense to the point of being impatient. I was compelled to stay on so I can get to the part where who Elyse really is, is revealed. Just like Elyse, I can't wait to find out what the whole hiding and keeping anonymous is about. And I was not disappointed. The story just kept on getting interesting. I totally understand now why they are called Children of the Gods and I can't contain my excitement of what is waiting for Elyse and her friends on book 2 - Uprising. I really appreciate Jessica Therrien throwing in the rest of the books in the series. This way I am spared of being frustrated. Tada, I have the rest of the stories right in my hands. 

Those of you who are Percy Jackson fans, try these books of Therrien also. They may not be as great as that of Percy/Riordan but they are captivating enough to make you curious how the characters will transform and how the story will evolve. I am a big Riordan fan - from Percy, to the Kanes, to Jason and to Magnus. But the fact that this story has interested me has a lot to do with it being a simpler variation of the popular demi-god stories that we are all so familiar with. This simple perspective makes it very unique because no one has attempted it. Sometimes, you just have to look at things simply, without complication. But I do not mean to suggest that the story is uncomplicated, the basis for the plot is. And the story will keep you guessing. It was for me.

The Olympians, the Titans and now we have the Descendants. Good work Jessica Therrien.

Life.A labyrinth of crossroads and blind turns that you've never really intended to find your way through. Full of defining moments and significant landmarks that could at any time take you by surprise, turning your whole world inside down.

-Jessica Therrien, Oppression (Children of the Gods Book 1) - 

I got this from ebooksforreview.com in exchange for an honest review.

Rimrider by L.A. Kelly | A Book Review

So, I got this book from ebooksforreview.com. I am not sure what's going on but I seem to have a few science fiction books on my TBR which I didn't actually realize once I started reading them. Rimrider is the fourth of the sci-fi works I read in a span of about two weeks. The first one had a good plot and it was fun to read but I was not sure if I wanted to read the next books in the series. The next two were very engaging and I somewhat don't want to expect more from this so as not to disappoint myself. Well, great thing, this is a really really fun and enjoyable trip to outer space. I love this and can't wait to read the next one in the series.

This is a futuristic story. One wherein people on Earth can get into a shuttle and find work in the rim colony. The rim colony is where prisoners on Earth are sent to serve their sentence and do hard labor. When they have served their punishment or escape, as what most do, they can also settle and find jobs in the rim. The rim is a planet mined by UEC (United Earth Corporation) for bentite as fuel for spaceships. Our heroine, Jane Benedict is a teenager who lost her parents while working for UEC. Their deaths were very suspicious and Jane suspects that there was foul play. Before her dad left for work, on the last day that she will see him, he gave her a set of alphanumeric characters to memorize and never tell anyone. His dad never came home and Jane and his brother Will, were left under the care of Mr. Gunter, their dad's superior. Fortunately, Jame received a message that a passage on a ship leaving at midnight had been prepared for them. Jane and Will decided the best thing for them is to leave earth and go to the rim colony and find their long-lost aunt.

I have mentioned on my previous post that I am not really a fan of sci-fi. I have read some. There were some I enjoyed and some that had left my head spinning. This book doesn't seem like sci-fi to me. This seemed more like an action-adventure, only it was set in outer space. The characters are really interesting and I even surprise myself because I really gobbled up this book. I love Jane, Will and Gem. This is kind of a tiny bit like the latest Star Wars movie - The Force Awakens. Rey is Jane in this book. Like Rey, Jane is destined to be very useful for the cause against the UEC. They are both females and are both independent and smart. Rey was abandoned and Jane is an orphan. As Rey's fate is to be the next Jedi, who has the Force, Jane is also fated to be the new Rimrider who could save a lot of people and hopefully make the settlement and Freetraders independent of UEC. I think that is how the similarities are but they are totally different stories. If you enjoyed The Force Awakens, I believe you will enjoy this too and be awed by the adventures and struggles of Jane and the Freetraders. As in Star Wars, there is also a collection of vibrant characters here that no doubt will make you endear them.

What I really dig about the story is the common use of spaceships. In here, riding a spaceship is as common as your daily commute to the office. A good thing to look forward to in the future, especially for travel bugs like me. What a treat it would be to spend a vacation or a weekend in Mars or in some other star because space travel would be just like hopping on a plane to Singapore or Hong Kong.

I am not sure if 3 out of 4 makes me a sci-fi fan already. But I really had riots of fun while accompanying Jane on this adventure. I give this book four spaceships. My only very slight grumble is that the ebook copy furnished to me had the letter "L" missing throughout the entire story. I don't know if it was in the printing. But it did not at all made the story less fascinating. It had no effect whatsoever to my enjoyment but it was just a very common occurrence that I had to mention it.

A Freetrader's past is unimportant. The true measure of a person's worth is how he or she lives today.

- L. A. Kelly, Rimrider - 

Slave Queen by H.B. Moore | ARC | A Book Review

Slave Queen by H.B. Moore. My first thought was why the title? It did not give me a clue in the first few chapters so I got so curious and antsy. I can't wait to find out.

The story is set in the modern times in Turkey. Our hero is Omar Zagouri. An Israeli operative. Born from a Jewish mother and a Muslim father. One night, he got a call from his father that his mother is sick. Based on the tone of his father, he suspected it was not just an ordinary sickness. There is something more and his father implies that he is needed. He then flew to Morocco with his girlfriend, Mia. When he reached his parents' house, his suspicions were confirmed. His mother was brutally assaulted in her office. And to add to his worries, the person who did it was trying to get information about Omar.

Omar has to find out why someone was trying to find him? Aside from his job, which he makes sure does not involve his parents, what could the reason be? He suspected, it was something else. Something more sinister and ancient. As old as 450 years ago, involving the Ottoman Empire and the wives and heirs of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. 

This is the type of genre I really love to read. Stories that delve into intrigues and scandals of ancient families and history. Age-old stories and legends that are still influencing current situations and politics. So, obviously I enjoyed this book. I liked the plot and since I am not familiar with Turkish history, this is another tidbit of learning. I liked how the chapters were written. Very organized. And even if it involved three different settings, I did not have a hard time following the story. I had this urge to finish the story in one setting and I can't wait to find out why the title was Slave Queen. This was written in a very straightforward way with just enough suspense that will keep you engrossed. I can imagine myself being transported to Old Poland, to the Ottoman-era Istanbul, to modern Izmir, Casablanca and Istanbul of today. I can vividly see the minarets, the lavish Muslim edifices and the bloody battle scenes.

Aside from the exotic settings of the story, I also praised the mention of mixed marriages among different religions. A Muslim becoming Jewish then marrying a Muslim. A Christian converting to Muslim because of loyalty to a Muslim friend or falling in love with a Muslim. This is a peek into a world where religion could no longer be a barrier for cooperation and understanding. Hopefully, this concept would also become as commonly accepted as saying a prayer. 

I felt like the new girl in the harem as I was also introduced into the harem world. It was like a grand tour of the ins and outs of the Ottoman Empire's harem. The do's and don'ts. How to rise up to the top and become a wife of the Sultan. It was like an in-depth history lesson of the politics and the intricacies of the Ottoman era, when royal families are still the law and trend.

I enjoyed the book and would love to read more of H.B. Moore as this is just one of the Omar Zagouri books she had written. I just wish that there were more in some scenes, particularly the escape from the island and how the older Mr. Bata was caught. I think they were too easy. The escape from the island was not so elaborate and it was like they were just let loose. The plan to capture Mr. Bata was so simple also. It was like he just delivered himself into the hands of the authorities. There was not a lot of suspense and resistance. I wish there could have been more. 

I give the book three and a half stars because I thought it could have been better. It is captivating as it is but if the two scenes mentioned were amplified, there could be more power to the punch. I think H.B. Moore is almost in the league of my favorite authors of this genre, such as Clive Cussler, Steve Berry and Dan Brown. I would need to read her other works to be sure.

Why does anyone fight? Does the earth not have enough room for us all?

- H.B. Moore, Slave Queen -

I was browsing through my Goodreads account when I came upon ebooks for review. It's a site for new books that need an honest review. I was thrilled having stumbled upon this and immediately signed up to review three books which are what I would like to read based on the synopsis. About a week later, to my surprise, I got two emails with the ebook copies and asking me to give my review in 60 days. I was so elated because I got two ebooks for free and I would meet new authors. And most of all, this would me my first official review. I have done book reviews before but not because I was asked to do it. So, tada! I am now officially a book reviewer. This feels like a milestone for me. After about 6 months when I first started blogging and now I get to do an official review in exchange for a free book copy. Thank you Kathy of ebooksforreview for the opportunity. For those who want to do reviews in exchange for free ebooks, you can visit ebooksforreview.com.