BOOK REVIEW- Mine To Take (Mine- Romantic Suspense # 1) by Cynthia Eden

   

Skye Sullivan knows that someone is watching her. Not just watching--stalking her. Months ago, Skye was involved in a dangerous car accident. The accident ended her dancing career and sent her fleeing back to Chicago. Skye is convinced that her stalker caused the crash, and she fears that he won't stop pursuing her, not until she's dead.

When someone breaks into her apartment in Chicago, Skye turns to the one man she believes can protect her--Trace Weston. Once, Trace was her lover. Two lost souls, they'd come together in a firestorm of need and desire. But then Trace had pushed her away. He'd joined the military, vanishing from her life. She'd put all of her emotion into dancing, and she'd tried to forget him.

Now Trace is one of the most successful men in the United States. Rich, driven, and carrying dark secrets, he agrees to help Skye. He'll protect her from the danger that lurks in the darkness, but Trace wants more than to just be a guard for Skye.

He wants her. And he'll take her. The years have changed him, hardened him. He's not just a poor kid from the streets any longer. Now, he can have anything--or anyone--that he wants. And the one woman he has always wanted has just come back into his life. He won't let her go again.

But with the threats mounting against Skye, she suspects that her stalker may be intimately close. He's a man who knows her too well. As his attacks grow ever more dangerous, she realizes that if she trusts the wrong man, she could be making a fatal mistake.

Lust. Love. Obsession.

Just how far would you go in order to possess the one person you want the most?

AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

Wow, the people you get to be suspicious of their motives grows.  Who can Skye trust?  Once upon a time Skye trusted Trace.  Is that still true?  

Even Trace realizes that there was just something about Skye that just draws men to her.  Even when she wasn't dancing. But she had been pure magic when she danced.   And dancing had been something that helped saved her from her disastrous teenage years.  I liked that we got to "see" both of their points of views.  And their history together even if it started out 10 years ago and then a gap to the current time.

The danger to Skye just keeps escalating with almost no one believing that she has a dangerous stalker.  A bit easier to understand with almost no proof of someone attacking her.  

I liked how the story ended with a H.E.A. for now.  Their story does continue in another book, "Mine to Keep."

 

BOOK REVIEW- Montana Storm (Resting Warrior Ranch# 5) by Josie Jade & Janie Crouch

   

Kill first, ask questions later.

It’s the instinct former-SEAL Jude Williams must fight every time someone touches him. His six months being tortured in an enemy prison camp may be long over, but he’s got scars—all over his body and mind—keeping that time at the forefront of his psyche.

So how could he even consider giving in to the desire he has for the town’s coffeehouse owner?

Lena Mitchell has big gray eyes and a bigger smile—she’s full of life, right down to her purple and teal streaked hair.

There are so many reasons Jude should stay away from her. So many ways he’s bad for her. But when danger shows up on Lena’s door, keeping his distance is no longer an option.

He’ll protect her from any threat.

But who will protect her from him?

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

The emotions of the main characters grab you right away by diving headlong into them.   It helps that both Lena and Jude have their "say" as they each share their point of views.  I liked that! 

Lena has been in love with Jude for three years.  Three years!   That's a long time to care for someone.  Especially when the few times Lena makes a brave move towards Jude, he rejects her.  Unbeknownst to her,  Jude has been desiring her just as long but made the decision to keep away from her because of his dangerous PTSD.  Especially his violent nightmares that he feels would endanger her if he pursued his desired relationship with her. They think that they are fooling everyone but most of the town is well aware that those two should just get it together.  

On another note-  Jude is a man who craves control,especially in the bedroom.  Their romantic relationship is a bit of Dom/sub, which I wasn't expecting. I mention this because there are readers who don't connect with this type of story so be aware. Although this wasn't something that I was looking for, I have to say that it was tasteful done. 

 Deja Brew is Lena's very successful business that has been a favorite spot for years and was featured in other books in the series too. But something isn't right there and it's going to take Jude and their Resting Warrior friends to sort it out.  The twist of what is going on is a good one! And I liked how the story ended.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Beating Eye Fatigue -with some really good ideas

 

The brain uses the most energy in our bodies, and within the brain, it is the eyes that drain our energy supply. In today’s world, screen time and Zoom calls have skyrocketed!  That intense unblinking focus for hours on end takes its toll on our brains, emotions, energy banks, and health.  Discovering your favorite ‘interrupt’ for your eyes could change the course of your day and the energy reserves you protect. Here are 4 Easy Interrupts to restore energy and support the eyes.  Play with them and find the one(s) you like the best. The BEST NEWS? They're EASY and they're FREE! Take eye breaks -  interrupt your day and reset your brain and eyes by doing them regularly. The results? Better focus and more energy! Blink Stare Switch Palm

First, we’re going to blink. You’ve been on the computer for a long time, one of the things that have been shown in research is that blink rates drop usually by over 50% when we’re watching a screen. In a natural environment, we’re probably blinking 14 to 16 times per minute.   If we’re looking at our iPad or watching TV, that usually drops to about four or six per minute, which means dry, burning, fatigued, tired eyes. How do you combat that?

Blink Interrupt About every 20-30 minutes take a Blink Break. Count to ten and blink as fast as you can. One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four, one thousand five, one thousand six, one thousand seven, one thousand eight, one thousand nine, one thousand ten.  Blinking helps create a little bit more moisture in the eye and starts reducing some of the fatigue.

Staring Interrupt When you are on screen time, you stare at one place.  To interrupt, we change our stare - super simple.  If you’re in a room, pick a target that is as far away as possible. Ideally, you go to a window and look into the distance as far as possible. Some vision experts recommend that if you’re really trying to work on your distance vision, whatever you’re looking at should be at least 30 or 40 yards away. Stare at something in the distance for about 20 seconds.

Switch Interrupt In the switch interrupt we are going to switch our eyes from a close target to a far-away target. If possible be in front of a window.  Place your thumb about arm’s length out in front of your eyes.  Now switch from looking at your thumb to as far as comfortable into the distance on a target. When that distance target is in focus, switch back to your thumb.  When it is clear, switch to distance.  Repeat for 20-30 seconds.

Palm Interrupt This is one of my favorites.  Close your eyes and cup your palms over your eyes so that everything goes dark if you had your eyes open.  Relax your breathing. Hold the palms in place for 20-30 seconds or until there are no distractions as everything gets dark.  If it is easier, place your elbows on pillows on your desk to support your head while palming.   You don’t have to spend a lot of time on these interrupts. If you’re at work set a timer about every 20 minutes to 30. When it goes off, get up and go through this very rapid kind of relaxation sequence. These simple interrupts can save you a tremendous amount of eye fatigue throughout the day.

Book Review- Presumed Dead (Defenders of Battle Mountain#4) by Nichole Severn

   

Their shared history could be their undoing.

Forced to partner up, reserve officer Kendric Hudson and missing persons agent Campbell Dwyer work a baffling abduction case that gets more dangerous with each new revelation. As they battle a mounting threat, they must trust one another with their deepest secrets. But the truth they uncover could leave them lucky to escape with their lives…

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

 A great story from the very beginning to the supercharged ending. It made for a very clever story. Secrets abound and not just with the main characters.  Kendric and Campbell still are in pain from the past that Kendric is mainly in denial about.  But he won't be able to stay that way forever even though he has carved out a life with new friends that have become more like family. 

Do you want a story that is filled with surprises?  Do you want a story that is totally unpredictable?  Well, this story has it as well as some humor and plenty of emotions mixed in as well.  

Did I like how the story ended? Yes. It also opened up another adventure in this series.  Am I interested in following up that next story? You betcha!

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

***Book Review- Partners in Crime A Novel by Alisha Rai

   

General Fiction (Adult) | OwnVoices | Romance  

Mira Patel’s got a solid accounting career, good friends, and a whole lot of distance between her and her dysfunctional family. All that’s missing is a stable romantic relationship. Armed with a spreadsheet and professional help, she sets out to find her partner in only legal activities, but much to her matchmaker’s dismay, no one is quite right.

Including Naveen Desai, the very first match she unceremoniously rejected. 

Lately Naveen’s been too focused on keeping his sick grandfather’s law firm afloat to think about love, and he’s stunned when Mira walks back into his life to settle her aunt’s affairs. He’s determined to keep things professional…though it’s impossible not to be intrigued by all of the secrets piling up around Mira.

If getting back together with an ex is a bad idea, getting kidnapped with one is even worse.

Suddenly, Naveen and Mira find themselves in a mad dash through Las Vegas to escape jewel thieves, evade crime bosses, and follow the clues to untangle the mess her family left behind. As her past comes back to haunt her, Mira despairs of ever finding someone who might understand her…but maybe, over the course of one wild night, she’ll find that he’s right by her side.

AMAZON LINK 

 5 STARS

Mira and Naveen both are looking for calmer times. They wanted more normal...a boring normal in their lives.  Too bad they are going to go on  wild adventures together.  Together ..something that didn't really work out in the past. 

Man, what a great story this turned out to be!  I fell in love with this one.  Not only because of the main characters but because of the depth of their personalities, and the other different "characters" that show up in the story.  They all kept me involved every step of the way. Dangers just pour out against Mira and Naveen but it was easy to not get overwhelmed.  And the "explosive" truths at the end, "Yikes", so good!

Even the Epilogue had it's own gems of surprises!

This is a first time read for me of this author but now I will be looking for more of her stuff.

 
 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 (NETGALLEY)

Best audience duet with Josh Groban (multi-angles) - To Where You Are (M...

Book Review- Out of Love (The Switch#2) by Ruth Cardello

   

General Fiction (Adult) | Romance 

 

Laughter and sparks set the stage for a fun romance from New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello about a farmer who switches places with his business-savvy twin brother and falls in love with the daughter of his brother’s biggest client.

I just found out I have an identical twin. I’d love the idea if he wasn’t an arrogant, overconfident businessman who is determined to save my farm even though I’m in no danger of losing it. When I agreed to switch lives with him, it was supposed to be for a couple of hours.

I was told to lie low, meet no one, and let him deal with the oil company that was sniffing around my property. I agreed to the switch only because it was the first time since we’d met that my twin had shown interest in my life, and I hoped it would give us a better understanding of each other.

Hours drag into days. I consider our initial agreement void and head to his office. I’m sitting at his desk, mostly minding my own business, when a beautiful woman blusters in, ready for a confrontation with my brother about an email. She’s the daughter of my brother’s largest client.

I only flirt with her to make her smile. What could it hurt to pretend to be my brother just a little longer?

I didn’t expect to uncover a plan to sabotage my brother’s company. I don’t want to believe that the woman I can’t get out of my thoughts and would love to get into my bed has anything to do with what I’ve discovered.

Save the company.

Save the girl.

I have no idea how I’ll do either, but when something is done out of love, it has to work out.

AMAZON LINK 

 4 STARS

Monica and Scott were so incredibly different.  At least on paper.  As time goes on, you can see that they do have some similarities. Being highly intelligent was just one of those similarities. Both are also hiding part of who they really are, even from people that they love.  Scott is also dealing with me family members who really underestimate him and he has let them.  He's not sure that they are really on his side. Normally a trusting man, he's going to have to look at some people with a new perspective.  

 I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about this book because it wasn't my favorite in this series.  BUT, it did have parts that I liked so much that I just had to give it a good rating. Monica's Aunt Bibi was just one of those things that made me smile..often.  And Bibi's best friend, Deja who is describes as her ride-or-die bestie also made me smile.  The two of them together were a hoot!  And their 1-10 Rhyme was hilarious.  And Bibi was Team Monica all the way! I really enjoyed their relationship with all the laughs, love, emotional support and even some times Bibi had to be a bit stern. 

Towards the end, its easy to see why the title really fit this story.  I like when that happens. Speaking of ending this book did have a pretty good one.  With a door left open for another adventure in the series. 

 

 " I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book . And these are my honest opinions about it.”

(through Netgalley)

Book Review- Bulletproof (a Military Romance Thriller) by Jo Chambliss

   

Mystery & Thrillers, Romance 

 

Description

Spending a lifetime in the SEALs can teach a man a lot about himself. Getting shot several times trying to protect a pregnant woman can change a lot of the things you think you know… if you survive.

Commander Timothy “Stone” O’Reilly did survive and now knows that he wants more from this life than a successful career and his ten-year marriage to the intelligent and beautiful Dr. Cassidy O’Reilly. He wants the family he’d never desired before. Finding out that nearly losing him has made Cass feel the same way, the two decide it's time to make a baby.

With Tim recovered enough to return to his men, life is as good as it can be and about to get better with the thought of becoming a father. That is until a close friend and former SEAL teammate ends up dead under suspicious conditions.

No one knows why Bishop was targeted until the killer decides to play a game with the two remaining members of the long-time trio, Commander O’Reilly and CEO Dillan “Warden” Knot.

Invoking the name of a SEAL that died seventeen years ago, Bishop’s killer uses his vast reach to cast all of Tim's world into chaos before making his final move.

Tim soon finds out that he’s the target on a chess board full of power players determined to destroy him. And if the enemy can’t get to Stone O’Reilly, they’ll gladly start picking off the most important people in the commander’s life. 

No one is safe.

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS

 The opening chapter of Tim and Cassidy's (Cass) meeting made me smile.  It was unusual and funny!  I would have liked to see more of their "courtship" before we get into ten years later. I did appreciate that a few things do come up from time to time about their earlier days. 

A really good and often emotional foundation is made in the story.  Tim has had quite the military career and a really solid "family" of people that he cares about there.  He's a well respected Commander and he's earned it.  That is clearly shown too.

Cass was such a good match for Tim and it didn't take long to really like her. Not only that but she was really smart and it comes in handy when she is able to use some of the warrior techniques that Tim had been training her in.  I enjoyed that. Just a reminder that Tim and Cass are married so there were be married sex shared here too.

 It was good to see how strong Cass was as well as loving.  And about her being strong?  She's going to need to be for what's coming.  Because when the action hits, it's tense and doesn't let up.  Not with enemies that just seemed to be one step ahead of them almost all of the time.  Tim and his team were the best of the best but something powerful was at work against them too.   The author did a really good job with all the twists, surprises and battle scenes that were done against our heroes.

It all comes to an explosive, spectacular ending with a good Epilogue which I always appreciate. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

(Netalley)

BOOK REVIEW- "The Devil Baron" (A Valor of Vinehill Novel#)by K.J. Jackson

   

 You might recall that this story is of Vicky, who was first introduced to us as a nine-year-old in The Wolf Duke, part of the Valor of Vinehill series. She's all grown up, but still has overly protective uncles and a father hoovering over her.

His vengeance against her family depends upon her seduction. She thinks he’s the key to saving her family. Can she uncover the truth before all is lost…including her heart?

 AMAZON LINK

4 STARS 

There was one heck of a see-saw  of emotion between Rafe and Victoria.   Well, like Victoria said she feels things "Big".  While Rafe has learned through harsh circumstances to feel nothing.  Those things were so well shown and cause plenty of trouble.  And speaking of trouble, as innocently as Victoria has been raised, she sure seems to be a trouble magnet. 

 Rafe has set himself up in something that you just have to wonder constantly how things could ever work out for the two of them.  By the way,  exactly who ends up seducing whom?  The physical steam between the two of them does up being off the charts hot. Leading to a lot of heated, detailed scenes.

I liked Victoria's family as overprotective as they are.  That she has two fathers does add to how angry she gets at their excessive control.  

There are plenty of dangerous twists leading up to a spectacular ending and a very satisfying Epilogue.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Book Review- Caught in the Crossfire (Blackhawk Security # 5) by Nichole Severn

     

Her husband doesn't remember her.

When Kate Monroe's deceased husband suddenly appears, the profiler can't believe her eyes. Declan Monroe has lost all of his memories, and Kate is struggling to figure out how to respond after finally overcoming her grief and moving forward. But with a killer targeting Kate, the pair will have to work together to outwit The Hunter in his murderous game...and find their way back to each other.

AMAZON LINK 

4 STARS

This was a good story with quite the interesting set up when it comes to the plot.  A husband coming back from the dead but in the most unusual way.   Not sure that I have read a story with a husband and wife challenge quite like this one.

The story was so well written with plenty of action, and interesting secondary people in the story.   One of those was Agent Dominic, who worked through the F.B.I.  He had been there for Kate when she was grieving the death of her husband.  I really liked the people on the team that Kate has been a part of, the Blackhawk Security.  

Great twists especially towards the end and an even better ending.

I read this through the Hoopla Library App

Book Review- Highlander's Claim:(Called by a Highlander #9) by Mariah Stone

   

Book 9 of Called by a Highlander 

She must return to the twenty-first century. He’s holding her captive. Could her love be the treasure he longs to claim?

Scotland, 2022. Celebrating with friends, pediatrician Jennifer Foster is more than a little tipsy when their boat breaks down near Achleith Island. Put ashore while they wait for the coastguard, Jenny discovers a rock with strange markings. Thinking it’s all a game, she high-fives the carved handprint and hurtles through time to the Middle Ages.

Scotland, 1313. Highland laird Aulay MacDonald is hunting an English treasure ship that could alter the course of the war. Passing near Achleith Island, he sees a woman waving her arms. Could she be a survivor of the shipwreck? Like one of his Viking ancestors, he throws her over his shoulder and returns to Dunyvaig Castle to question his hostage.

Jenny’s last chance at motherhood is a fertility appointment in two weeks. But the godlike Highland laird won’t let her leave. Worse, the more she sees of him the less she wants to go. Aulay hasn’t let a woman get close since his wife died. But the feisty physician could heal his heart—if he can trust her.

Can a woman desperate to return home and the man holding her prisoner claim a love strong enough to forge new dreams?

 

AMAZON LINK 

4   STARS

 

 This story has plenty of emotional pull, starting with the main characters. I t didn't take very long to care about both of them in this story.

The additional people in the clan were also good and easy to follow along with.  At the end of the book there is a glossary of meanings for words spoken by those Scottish people.  But I found I really didn't need it because it was pretty easy to understand. It is though, something that I appreciate when ever that is done. 

The world building is also something else that is really well done; plenty of details without overdoing it. 

I also really liked the unexpected ending for the book.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

(Booksprout)  

*** Book Review- Hard Target (Axel Blaze Thriller #3) by Bill Runner

 

 General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers 

Description

DON'T GO HUNTING A DEADLY PREY.

When Blaze stops at an isolated gas station in the forests of Kentucky's Appalachians, he stumbles on to something sinister. Dangerous men with deadly intentions are stalking a strange group – two cops, a fugitive, and a lawyer. An ambush is underway; an execution is about to go down. Blaze isn’t one to look the other way. But before he knows it, he has a pack of mercenaries after him. From the Appalachians to the heart of Washington, D.C., it becomes a relentless game of cat and mouse. But what the hunters don't realize is, they’ve taken on more than they can handle. When it comes to deadly sport, Blaze is a master of the game. He’s no easy prey.

AMAZON LINK 

5 STARS

What a story this was!! Kept me on the edge of my seat.  I never knew it what was going to happen next.  I just knew it was going to be really BAD for the bad guys!  They definitely suffer violent injuries as they try to intimidate and harm Blaze and those around him.  He isn't out to just randomly hurt people but he's definitely skilled if he has to. For some, the detailed violence might be a bit too much.  But he really is a protector of the innocent as is shown time and again. He even gives the people in his way, a choice which unfortunately few take him up on.  They constantly underestimate him to their hurt. 

When Blaze finds out what the deadly mercenary group is trying to protect, he is all out to put a stop to it.  I really enjoyed not only Blaze as person but also the people that come along side him to help.  A good crew, some with him all the way and some pop in to help for a shorter period of time. It really made things all the more interesting.

I liked how everything ended and have to say that I'm glad I was able to grab this story.  Especially since, I had read one other story about Blaze and I was glad that this story didn't disappoint me either!

 

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

(Through Netgalley) 

***Book Review- Vanessa Jared's Got a Man (A Novel ) by LaQuette

 

Multicultural Interest, Romance 

 Vanessa Jared, a 40-something divorcee, decided that the best way to pull herself out of their post-divorce slump was to form The Savvy, Sexy, Singles Club and start the "Do Me" portion of her and her friends' lives.

But on the two year anniversary, a sexy sheriff shows up on Vanessa's doorstep wanting her to help him keep his little sister from marrying her no-good ex. Vanessa is not down for this at all. She wants nothing to do with her ex...until she spots a photo of her ex's new fiancee wearing her grandmother's ring--which he clearly stole from her. So now it's on. Vanessa is ready to take this trifling (fill-in-the-blank) down. What she does not expect is to fall in love along the way.

 AMAZON LINK

5 STARS

I just flew through this book.  And no, it wasn't because I  just wanted to get it over with.  But yes, I was surprised with how much I liked it and with how quickly I did.  I loved me some Vanessa. What a woman she was and what she had survived! 

Vanessa's two besties, Janae and  Cree carried their weight when it came to their developing friendships.  "Savvy, Sexy and Single" was the mantra that they came up for the small group they made.  I kept thinking "SSS" would have been a good way to refer to themselves as well.  But maybe not, because they needed to say the 3 words to remind themselves of who they were.  Some of their conversations were hilarious! So I can put humor on the list of why I loved this story.

Vanessa and Michael each sharing their point of view was another point in this book's favor. 

 Michael, now that sheriff was unlike any man that Vanessa has ever encountered before.  And he's coming across as a really good guy.  It only causes Vanessa to question that.  She battles with questioning if he's really as caring as he seems.  Of course they are both fighting the intense attraction.  To their way of thinking it couldn't happen at the worst time.

Speaking of the worst timing...the confrontation with Vanessa's ex was jaw dropping.  But also so well done !  I would have so liked Vanessa's ex to go to jail for theft though !! Other than that I liked how the story ended and would like to get Janae and Cree's stories too!

On a final note:  I got so much enjoyment out of the Queen talk.  If you looked in my book you would see many of those sentences highlighted! If that confuses you, it had to do with the women recognizing that they had value and deserved to be treated well.  I liked that didn't mean that they were arrogant or acting like they were entitled.  Just valued, in spunky style! 

 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

  

(through NetGalley)

 

BOOK REVIEW- Last of the Talons (Talon #1) by Sophie Kim

   

Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA

Description

“Last of the Talons is a stunning blend of dark romance and Korean mythology. Sophie Kim writes enemies to lovers with heart-pounding intensity, blurring the line between love and hate. Bloodthirsty, addictive, and searingly romantic.” —Axie Oh, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

After the destruction of her entire Talon gang, eighteen-year-old Shin Lina—the Reaper of Sunpo—is forced to become a living, breathing weapon for the kingdom’s most-feared crime lord. All that keeps her from turning on her ruthless master is the life of her beloved little sister hanging in the balance. But the order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites not only the wrath of a legendary immortal, but the beginning of an unwinnable game…

Suddenly Lina finds herself in the dreamlike realm of the Dokkaebi, her fate in the hands of its cruel and captivating emperor. But she can win her life—if she kills him first.

 Now a terrible game of life and death has begun, and even Lina's swift, precise blade is no match for the magnetic Haneul Rui. Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister...all before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass.

Because one way or another, she'll take Rui's heart.

Even if it means giving up her own.

 AMAZON LINK

4.5 STARS

What a fantasy this was! So superb in it's world building that sometimes I almost got lost; especially in the mythology. The other thing that caught me a bit off guard was the flashbacks. Although well written it sometimes seemed to happen so suddenly, that it kind of jarred the reading of the story for me.  Although even with that said, it still had depth that added to the story.  I finally found my footing though and just sat back and enjoyed the story. 

 Oh my Lina was one tough cookie although she had to be didn't she?  To not only survive but also to protect her young sister so that not only will Eunbi live safely but not have to follow in Lina's footsteps as a thief and assassin.  She is one fierce warrior with so many regrets about the loss of her family of friends.  Not only does she have grief but also a sense of guilt about their deaths.  I didn't take long to want her to win against all odds although it became tougher and tougher to see how that would happen.  Good one author!

  Haneul Rui (the Emperor of that strange magical realm) had me scratching my head more than once.  Good guy?  Bad guy? Is he just bored and floating between those two options? Yes well, that will be something that will have to be answered.  Rui's friends are also a part of his inner court of counselors and they sure do add more emotion and personality. The conversations between Lina and Rui kept things interesting and often funny! 

The dangers that Lina goes through even in this magical kingdom does keep the reader on the edge of their seat. But even in pain, Lina just keeps getting back up. After all, she is reminded that she is Shin Lina—the Reaper of Sunpo, the Last of the Talons, someone who shows no fear or quit.  The other motivator to put one foot in front of the other is of course, Eunbi.  She would do anything for her.

OUTSTANDING, twists erupt towards the end of the book with a surprise Ending..for now.  I sense there can be another book from what happened here.  Worked for me. 

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

 

(Through Netgalley)