Author: Kassa

Review: Draconian Measures

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Draconian Measures (Gaven, #3)Draconian Measures by J.C. Owens
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Draconian Measures is the third book in the Gaven series (I assume the last too) but is actually a prequel to the other two books. It can be read easily as a stand alone or in any combination with the two Gavin books. It tells the story of Vlar’s parents –really Vlar’s father and his partner- and their oft mentioned difficult courtship. It’s a cute book with a lot of humor but ultimately the book feels too introspective and repetitive to totally satisfy. It’s a nice easy read though and a welcome change from the usual dark overtones this author usually offers. Continue reading →

Review: House of Mirrors

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House of MirrorsHouse of Mirrors by Bonnie Dee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

House of Mirrors is in line with other offerings from these authors and I think fans especially will enjoy this. It’s an easy to read and likable historical with a lot of rich detail and angst to sink your teeth into. The story offers numerous memorable and vivid characters, rounding out a cast full of gritty life and heartbreak. The main romance suffers only from lack of time together but the detailed sex scenes should help readers when the two do eek out a few moments together. The ending is a bit over the top and an easy fix to some considerable problems but by then I doubt any readers will care. This isn’t a story I’d read again but it’s enjoyable and likely to hit with historical fans. Continue reading →

Review: The Legend of the Mountain Ash

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The Legend of the Mountain AshThe Legend of the Mountain Ash by Ruth Sims
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

The Legend of Mountain Ash is a wonderful story. I’ve read it before and remembered the story as soon as I read the first lines. It’s one that sticks with you, pulling emotion that you don’t want to fear and wonder at the magic offered. It’s not an easy story but Sims rarely offers that. Instead it’s sad, painful, uplifting, and offers happiness but not before the sacrifice. The writing is beautiful and perhaps some of the author’s best so if you haven’t read it, you should for that reason alone.

Ethan and Davy return to the America after World War II and eventually find themselves living in an isolated cabin in the woods after an aborted attempt to live in a small town. Together they build a life. It’s hard and marked by back breaking work but they’re happy and in love. They etch out a home, plant crops, raise animals, and love each other. Years later a stranger enters their life, heralding loss and pain but perhaps eventually magic and salvation but only at the end of the journey.

The story is deceptively simple. It’s a tale of magic, love, pain, sacrifice, and happiness. The language is beautiful and powerful with no words wasted. Each description brings the vivid colors and hardships to life while tears and laughter ring out and leap off the page. Sims’ prose is enchanting as it draws you in from the very beginning and never lets you go. There is a sense of wonder and bittersweet foreshadowing. The characters are accepting even as they ache for more.

The Legend of Mountain Ash is a fairytale and a love story wrapped together in a moving tribute to love and sacrifice. The depth of emotion this short story draws is a real testament to the author’s skill. It’s not an easy journey but one you’ll be glad to take. The ending of course will have you smiling through the tears.

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Review: Le Jazz Hot

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Le Jazz HotLe Jazz Hot by Clancy Nacht
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I found Le Jazz Hot to be in line with other offerings from these authors. The writing is ok and fast to read but depends on exaggerated characters, unrealistic situations, and a good deal of suspended disbelief for the story to work. It’s meant as a fantasy, a light hearted story to make readers laugh and enjoy then promptly forget entirely. If you’re looking for an easy fluff story that you’ll forget perhaps even while reading then this may work for you. You can’t take the story seriously though because it’s too ridiculous for that. Continue reading →

Review: Witches’ Blood

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Witches' Blood (Rifter #4)Witches’ Blood by Ginn Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Witches’ Blood is the fourth installment of the Rifter series and oh it’s good. The usual disclaimer applies in that you shouldn’t try to pick this story up mid-series but start at the beginning. You should be reading anyway because it’s an epic fantasy story and seriously one of the better ones I’ve read, easily standing with mainstream fantasy stories. The difference is that the Rifter series is pared down to two important storylines and two main characters that presumably have a happy ending. So it’s even better! Continue reading →

Away!

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I’m off on a staycation. While I’m not going anywhere I’ve got a bunch of friends coming into town as well as a new boy that’s been a whirlwind in my recent life. So for the next week or more I’m away! Try not to make it too difficult to catch up and I’m sure only my three readers will notice so I’ll try to sneak some good porn in to amuse you while I’m off.

Continue to check out the author fan letter blog crawl as it’s pretty impressive so far. You don’t want to miss it!  You can pick up today’s crawl at Katiedom with her letter to Nalini Singh

 

 

Review: Between Sinners and Saints

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Between Sinners and Saints Between Sinners and Saints by Marie Sexton
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Between Saints and Sinners shines in many ways; the skillful handling of abuse and PTSD, the inclusion of a very sticky subject in religion and theology, difficult and absentee families, and a complicated relationship. This book could have gone horribly wrong but Sexton is a great writer and kept the subjects complicated yet not overwhelming. None of the characters are perfect or evil but show various shades of grey. They have intolerance yet also an ability to learn and change. Although not wholly successful for me, I think the story is an excellent example of complex issues and characters that never verge into extremes yet remain fascinating. Continue reading →

Review: Paper Planes

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Paper PlanesPaper Planes by M. Jules Aedin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Paper Planes is a lovely romance and one I quite enjoyed for 2/3rds of the book. Once the two are together and in love the final 50 pages are slice of life details as the two figures out where they will live and the various details of their life together. It’s sweet and romantic yet I was missing that sense of purpose and need to read, which had my interest in the story petering out. If I’d ended the book once the two got together I don’t feel like I would have missed something important. At the same time however these two men are warm, charming, and mature with an easy, uncomplicated and drama free romance that will appeal to fans who want something light and satisfying.

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