Melpomene

Review: Midnight Lily by Mia Sheridan

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01 mid A devastatingly haunting story about two young people who were so lost inside themselves until they discovered the key to being found, each other. This book made these feelings reach deep into your soul and scare you. That is why it’s so haunting.

SYNOPSIS
Holden Scott is the prince of professional football. At least he was before he lost it all . . . or more to the point, before he threw it all away. Now he’s out of a job, out of the public’s good graces, and perhaps just a little out of his mind. So when a friend offers up his remote lodge in the wilds of Colorado, giving Holden some time away to get his life back on track, he can hardly say no. The last thing he expects is to see a beautiful girl in the woods—one wearing a white, lace dress who appears in the moonlight, and leaves no footprints behind. Is she a dream? A ghost? A product of his muddled imagination? Or something entirely different?

Midnight Lily is the haunting love story of two lost souls reaching for each other in the dark. A tale of healing, acceptance, and the worlds we create to protect our own hearts. It is a story of being lost, of being found, and of being in the place between.

These two people are such beautiful characters, even in the midst of their trials. So hard to read it and not FEEL. My stomach was in knots and my heart broke over and over. Such pain. They’ve suffered so much and they cope the only way they know how. I wish I could say more, but it would totally ruin the beauty that is this book.

“We will never be perfect or without flaws, the lives we’ve been given are not like that. But, Lily, in my heart, you are perfect for me. Perfectly mine. And I’m yours.”

Without saying too much, I’ll end with this. I’m a big fan of Mia’s writing. I’ve come to expect a certain “type” of romance story, but this was nothing like that. Twisted and yet not. Wrong and yet right. Messed up and yet perfect.

~Melpomene

Buy Midnight Lily

Review: A Thousand Nights by E.K.Johnston

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01 thou A fantastical retelling, with a twist.

SYNOPSIS
Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.

And so she is taken in her sister’s place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin’s court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time. But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.

Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.

Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.

A Thousand Nights was a total shock to me. And by shock, I mean that I wasn’t even going to read it. Not that I didn’t want to, but that I was grabbing it for my daughter first. But since she was reading something already, I decided to read it before her. And let me tell you, this book was amazing. I was totally engrossed in this story. The scenery was so well developed, I felt like I could actually see everything. The stars, the colors, the clothes…It was so beautiful, even if it’s only in my imagination. E.K.Johnston has a way of telling this story and making you believe that you’re in the story.

Since I only have vague knowledge of the Thousand and One Nights tale, I was going into this sorta blind. But I think that made this story even more special to me. A clean slate, if you will. No preconceived ideas. And I think that actually helped me enjoy it more, honestly.

I think the best part of this story, for me, was that is wasn’t about love, in the sense of romantic love, but about familial love. My teens and their friends like stories about girls who can kick butt, but they’re not always fans of the romance aspect. They want adventure and intrigue. This book will make them SUPER happy. This girl loved her sister and wanted to save her from a certain death. And in volunteering, that way she did, she ended up changing the world around her and bringing an end to this horrible tradition, if you will.

I was lucky enough to take my daughter to meet the author last week. My girlie sat next to me and listened to her talk and make jokes the whole time. When we got into the car, she turned and told me that she needs to read this book ASAP. I call that success. Now, do I let her use my copy with all the post its, or buy her another one….

~Melpomene

Buy A Thousand Nights

At the signing we were told that, in December, she has another releasing another retelling called Spindle. Sleeping Beauty!! I can’t wait!!

Review: Legend by Katy Evans

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01 leg The most REAL ending to this series I could ever hope for.

Reese Dumas is staying with her cousin, in order to get a break from her life and to find the real her. She’s been hidden away for so long, now the chance to find her. I liked Reese. She seems very sheltered on some ways, and yet very worldly in others. She has a very low self esteem and is trying to make herself into a person that she thinks is perfect. But there is no such thing as a perfect person.

Maverick Cage is fighting to prove himself worthy. He just needs a chance to do it. But really all he wants is for someone to be in his corner. Deep down that’s what we all want. When we first meet him, he has this passion and drive and it hurt to see him being rejected for reasons outside of his control. But he never gave up. By some miracle, he stumbles upon Reese and his world is about to change.

Love is a funny thing. I don’t even know if you could it a “thing,” precisely. It’s a force. An energy. A feeling. A moment. A look, a kiss, a smile. All of those things in one.

It sneaks up on you; you never see it coming. And when it does finally hit you, it isn’t a small little poke. It’s like a rhinoceros rammed itself against your chest. Or you just got run over by a car. It knocks the wind out of you. Slams you against the wall. Kick-starts your heart.

Of all the fighters she could’ve fallen for, he was the worst. But for her, he was the best.

The crazy thing about this book is that it seemed like there was WAY more action and less talking. Normally I don’t like that, but I felt this book needed that. We needed to be inside Reese and Maverick’s head to fully understand their trials and pain. Of all the fighters she could’ve fallen for, he was the worst. But for her, he was the best.

While I am sad to see the series end, I think it went out with a bang. With the roll that Remy played, I don’t think this book could’ve ended any better. Bittersweet.

~Melpomene

Be sure and grab Legend (The REAL series Book 6), since Katy will be donating a percentage of sales to the NationalMsSociety.Org.

Review: He Will Be My Ruin by K.A.Tucker

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01 a1Have you ever been afraid to read a book? I gotta admit, I’ve had this book, sitting on my kindle, for almost three months, but I was too scared to read it. Like legit scared. Why? Well, it’s because I love love stories. Suspense gives me the willies and makes me need to grab a couple of Xanax. But, since I love KA Tucker and all of her books, I had to dive in and get over my fear. And, boy, am I glad I did.

SYNOPSIS
Twenty-eight-year-old Maggie Sparkes arrives in New York City to pack up what’s left of her best friend’s belongings after a suicide that has left everyone stunned. The police have deemed the evidence conclusive: Celine got into bed, downed a bottle of Xanax and a handle of vodka, and never woke up. But when Maggie discovers secrets in the childhood lock box hidden in Celine’s apartment, she begins asking questions. Questions about the man Celine fell in love with. The man she never told anyone about, not even Maggie. The man who Celine herself claimed would be her ruin.

On the hunt for answers that will force the police to reopen the case, Maggie uncovers more than she bargained for about Celine’s private life—and inadvertently puts herself on the radar of a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his crimes undiscovered.

From the very beginning my heart was racing. I honestly don’t think it calmed down until an hour after I finished. This book was filled with twists and turns and head on collisions. My word. Just when you thought you knew who did it, the board was cleared and you started back up again.

I felt like a cop taking notes. I have all these little bits and pieces and was drawing my own conclusions and now I look back and laugh. I was clueless. I would make a horrible cop!! I suspected everyone. And you will too.

~Melpomene

Buy He Will Be My Ruin: A Novel

Quick review: The Hunter by Kerrigan Byrne

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After that prologue I was pulled right into this book. WHOA. That prologue……

A story about survival, healing, forgiveness and love, in all forms.

The killer was never meant to be a lover. But tell that to Christopher Argent’s heart. It doesn’t seem to be listening. He was sent on a job to kill the beautiful actress, but one look at her and he knew this was going to be a order he wasn’t going to be able to fulfill.

While I liked The Highwayman more than this book, I still enjoyed this one very much. It was so nice to see Dorian and see him help Argent some to the realization that all men can change, be forgiven of their pasts and find love. Anti heroes are quickly becoming my favorites.

I look forward to reading the next one.

~Melpomene
Buy The Hunter https://amzn.to/2KrjIAD

Review: The Shadow by Sylvain Reynard

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01 a122 I have missed William and Raven. So I was super thankful to receive an ARC and find out what happens.

Between the Curia and a traitor in the midst of the Consilium, it’s up to William to do what needs to be done to protect his city and the woman he loves. But in doing so, he may lose the Raven, no matter what he does. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place.

I’ll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with all the character names, since some had two, and kept having to go back into my notes to recall who was who. All the while trying to figure out who was the traitor. But let me tell you, I was wrong in my guess.

For some reason, I wasn’t pulled into this one as much as The Raven. Perhaps it was more suspenseful and less sensual. Now, don’t get me wrong, there was romance, but not like Gabriel’s romance. Heck, I doubt anything is like Gabriel’s romance. But this was more about solving the city’s problems and less about the romance. And that’s fine, but not what I was hoping for. But it was still very good and I look forward to the next one.

Speaking of Gabriel, there was a few scenes with him that made me happy. However, seeing Gabriel scared wasn’t my favorite part. To me, he should always be strong and a mighty protector. Seeing him nervous and scared irked me. Not sure why. It was totally warranted. But I just didn’t like it.

Silly me, I thought this was the last book. I was mistaken. So I can’t wait until the next book! William and Raven need a HEA. Well, I need them to, at least.

~Melpomene

Buy The Shadow (Florentine series).
Get caught up with The Raven (Florentine series Book 1).

Review: My Fair Gentleman by Nancy Campbell Allen

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01 my “Friendships are often to be found in unexpected places and should be cherished and nurtured.”

Every now and then, I need a sweet romance. I need a book that will send my heart all a fluttering, like it’s filled with a million butterflies. My Fair Gentleman was just that book. I was swooning and smiling the whole time. There may have even been a tear or two.

From the first moment I laid eyes on Jack, my heart was smitten. I could tell that he has lived so many years with the hurt of being disowned by his grandfather, it’s taken it’s toll on him. He puts up this strong front, but if you look close, you could see the cracks inside. He did everything he could, for his mom and sister. And just when he was about to set sail on his very own ship, his life was flipped and he was forced to change everything to protect them.

Ivy is doing a favor for her grandmother. She needs to help Jack and is family get reacquainted with a life they should’ve always been leading. Teaching women to be gentile? No problem. But turning a sailor into a gentleman, well that may prove a bit troublesome.

Jack and Ivy were so much fun to watch. She is used to a certain level of decorum. But being around Jack, she realizes that decorum is sometimes overrated. They make each other laugh, which is not normal. He teaches her to relax a bit, and in doing so, her heart starts to fall. But she knows she can’t do anything, for he is an earl who needs to find a bride. A bride that isn’t her.

Not everything went as smooth as they’d hoped, but they were there for each other. Watching these two care for each other, in their times of need, was beautiful. To see their feelings grow was perfect. She knew she couldn’t have him, but it’s hard to tell your heart to stop. I wanted to whisper in her ear and tell her that it’s going to be ok, if she just stopped and really listened.

“Jack,” she whispered brokenly, “you are unfair.”

“No, my lady, you are the one who denies not only yourself, but me as well.”

I am a HUGE fan of these Proper Romance books. They are not specifically Christian themed books, but they are very clean. I have read a few in the PR family and have greatly enjoyed them. In fact, my 14 yr old is a huge fan also, and she isn’t one for romance. The difference about these romance books is that the romance itself isn’t overpowering. It’s slow and innocent and not uncomfortable. Whether you’re a reader of romance or just looking for a clean story to recommend to teens, this book, among the rest of the Proper Romance stories, are right up your alley.

~Melpomene

Buy My Fair Gentleman (Proper Romance)

Review: Sin & Suffer by Pepper Winters

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01 aa1 WOW!! Raw and gritty. No other words can describe this. This was the exciting conclusion to Ruin & Rule, filled with very intense and emotional situations.

After the ending of R&R, I was in a state. I had no idea what was going to happen. I’ve never read an MC series like this. Usually each book is separate couple, interconnected standalones, but not this one, this was a two book combo for the same couple. So basically, if you read Ruin & Rule, you’re left hanging. And I do mean hanging. If you haven’t read R&R, please don’t read any further.

SYNOPSIS
She came from a past Arthur “Kill” Killian never forgot. She made him sin and made him suffer. She tugged him from the shadows and showed him he wasn’t as dead as he thought. And with her resurrection came betrayal, deceit, and war.

But then they took her. Stole her. Imprisoned her.

Now Kill’s carefully laid plans for vengeance are complete. He craves action, retribution-the blood of his enemies. War has begun. War is all they’ll know until they’ve paid their penance. He will get her back-and rewrite their destiny . . .

To say this book was exciting, would be an understatement. From the very beginning, I thought I was going to die. So many horrible things went through my head. I was practically covering my eyes and reading through the gaps in between my fingers. The torment that Cleo went through and then watching Kill suffer through his pain…man, oh, man. My nerves were wrecked. And let’s not count the couple times I may have yelled at my kindle. It’s very hard to remember that these aren’t real people. Their suffering isn’t real. The heartache isn’t real But, my God, that’s easier said than done.

This was my first introduction into the mind of Pepper Winters and I’m pretty sure I venture in again. But next time, I may start drinking first.

~Melpomene

Read Ruin & Rule (Pure Corruption Book 1)

Read Sin & Suffer (Pure Corruption Book 2)

Review: Xavier Cold by Michelle A. Valentine

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01 aa1 YES!!! It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for this, but we really haven’t. The ending of Phenomenal X left us hanging and freaking out. So many conclusions were happening in my head. I needed to know. So when I got Xavier Cold, I opened this bad boy up so quickly and closed myself off from my family. A book nerd’s gotta do what a book nerd’s gotta do.

SYNOPSIS
“What’ll it be, Anna Cortez? Are you in, or are you out?”
One momentary loss of control has now ruined everything Xavier Cold had going for himself. With his world unraveling fast, he’s willing to do anything to save not only his job but his relationship with the only woman he’s ever loved.

Anna Cortez, still reeling from shock, tries desperately to save the man that’s consumed her heart, body and soul. She’ll have to dig deep and find courage she never knew she possessed to help Xavier fight demons from his past—a past that’s even more haunted than she ever imagined.

Looking back on my updates, I remember exactly what I was feeling. Heart racing. Nail biting. Stomach churning. Anna and X loved each other so much, but I swear they couldn’t seem to catch a break. Just when they thought they were going to be able to move on, something or someone threw a wrench in their plans.

Anna loved X so much and would do anything for him, but X after living the horrible life he did, has a fear of losing her. No matter what she said, he wouldn’t get it through his thick skull. I was getting so frustrated with him. You could see that he was trying to save her from himself, but she wanted nothing more than to be with him. He had good intentions, but goodness, he needed a whack across the head a few times.

I loved Anna and her never ending love for X. She was going through some very hard times but no matter what she was going to remain strong.

Very good conclusion to this duo. I am happy that they found their peace and I hope they move on and live a happy life together.

~Melpomene

Buy Xavier Cold (Hard Knocks Book Two) (Hard Knocks Book Series 2)

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Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

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01 ill This book is the epitome of roller coaster. I have no words. When I first heard about this book, I was doubting all these people who said it was the best book they’ve read in a long time. I mean, c’mon, how can a book, with not a single “real” page, be the best book?? Well, I stand corrected.

Illuminae is not like anything I’ve ever read before. The pages are amazing. At first I wasn’t sure if I could understand it, but it took just a few minutes to get the hang of it and to realize what was going on. Then I was instantly sucked into the story. The interactions between all the characters completely sucks you in. Kady and Ezra especially, had my heart tugging. Here’s a pair of teenagers thrown into a war with nothing but their brains to keep them alive. They desperately want to find each other and are doing everything they can to stay alive until that happens. With the plague all around them, they must make decisions that will affect not only them, but the 1000s of others who’s lives are at stake as well.

To be honest, I almost didn’t finish it. I was so angry. Like legit furious and book burning angry. But again, roller coaster. My friends talked me down and back into my seat. I buckled down and held on tight. So many ups and downs. One minute my heart was racing with nerves and the next I was tearing up. Lots of love and loss.

I tried listening to the audible but, one, there are no chapters to tell where you are, so it’s hard to find where you left off, and two, so many pages get lost in translation. To fully enjoy this unique story, you must read the DTB. (DTB=dead tree book=”real” book) That being said. the audible is FANTASTIC. I mean, the talent of the three narrators is amazing. You felt like you were right in the action. You could feel all the emotions and that made this book even better. I was reading along with them, because I wanted to experience it fully. I can’t wait until it’s on the big screen. To see the full action will be almost as good as what I just experienced.

I am quite looking forward to the next book. If it has half of the emotion and excitement as this one did, I think I may need to take a chill pill beforehand. WHOA.

~Melpomene

Buy Illuminae (The Illuminae Files)