Continuing my list of the best books of 2018. Ten more to round out my top 20 reads.
Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery
What a wonderful twisted spin on Cinderella. All of the books in this series are a modern twist on the old fairy tale. But this one, goodness what a twist! Lots of darkness brewing in this one along with some suspense. So many layers to unravel. It had me captivated from the first chapter. There is a remote farm and stars and a coon hound and a broody prince Julian who is a glass blower..... Gah! I loved this one to pieces. Love on many levels and sprinkled throughout the book. But the bottom line is the story is about what we would do for love. <3 Read this one!
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Of Sunlight and Stardust by Riley Hart and Christina Lee
I never go into stories with too much expectation. I like to experience the book as is. Other than being a big fan of these two authors, I had no idea how this story would unfold. What is laid out here is a story that crosses time but yet remains at its very soul, the story of love.
Tanner and Cole meet when they each are at perhaps their lowest point in life. What starts out as an agreement to help out Tanner as he learns to live without his wife, turns into a quiet friendship between the two men and then a step further into a deep emotional bond.
You always walk away from books by these two authors a better person. More informed. More aware of diversity. This book speaks to the changing times. What was life 70 years ago for the LGBTQ community in a way still remains but there is hope for better. If it can happen in small town America, it can happen anywhere. I am happy with the positive spin the story took. I am glowing with the love and romance that is shared between Tanner and Cole. And without giving much more away, I highly recommend the book. Enjoy!
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Dane's Storm by Mia Sheridan
Oh my! I know we are all waiting for the Archer's Voice movie, but if ever there was another book of Mia Sheridan's to be made into a movie, this one may be it. Gripping action, heart wrenching decisions, undying love. Holy crap! I'd walk out of that theater with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.
This is a second chance love story but it is so much more. Loved the undertones of help from the spirit world. Someone always watching over us. It killed me that it took something horrific to get over the horror that life had dealt to Dane and Audra. Conversations long over due help to mend their broken hearts.
Snow, rugged terrain, Native American lore, grays and vibrant color, soul mates. Just a fabulous read. Experience this one. Let it soak in. <3
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Transcend Duet by Jewel E. Ann
I feel like I start every review by this author the same way. Just read the damn book! I can't give you details. I can't take apart the plot. I can tell you it feels a little familiar---time travel romance-ish. But it really isn't that either.
Swayze knows things about Nate that happened before she was born. Now that she works for him, the memories continue to flood her brain. The book pushes the envelope on what we believe or want to believe about the soul. About life and death. You will read this and find yourself questioning the possibility of more. Are there soul mates? Are there people who just "get" you and there seems to be no explanation? There is a familiarity, a deja vu, like we have met somewhere before?
TRANSCEND brings it all out on the table. I couldn't put it down, because I couldn't get my head to accept what was happening. I needed more. I wanted to understand and accept the possibilities that unfolded in the story.
Regardless of how you feel about reincarnation, soul mates, forever love--Through the exquisite writing of this author, you will feel the anguish that is tearing Swayze apart as she tries to sort out all of the aspects of her life. Tears! I cried actual tears over the heartache this woman is going through. Not enough stars to give this epic tale! Beyond grateful for the words this author bring to the page. Read this duet today!
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Love at Last by Claudia Connor
Oh my.....just big satisfied sighs about this one. Claudia Connor has written some of my all time favorite books and this one will rank right up there. I was hooked with the idea of a single dad of twins but the book delivers so much more yummy goodness. Totally sweet romantic read.
Wonderful surprise twists. Great supporting characters. Adorable M & M make the story worth the read right there. And as always, an HEA to make you fall in love all over again with this couple. Fantastic epilogue! Perfect frame for the story. Nothing constructive to say about this one. Well written and worth a second read anytime.
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The Dandelion by Michelle Leighton
What a beautifully written story about the life journey of two strong women. Sara is dying and makes her husband Sam promise to find love again. Abi is running--again-- and plans to spend her summer chilling at the lake near her home town. Sam is the man that has loved both of these women in his life.
Even with this little bit of information about the story, you know your heart is just going to get crushed. It's a slow burn about second chances, and wishes, and dreams. It's about first love and forever love. It's about hope. Everything wrapped up in this amazing story will make your heart weep but at the same time, make it sing for the promise of the new day.
Take a chance on the story. Abi and Sara are two wonderful characters and deserve your time. And Sam will be the pillar of strength to help you get through it all. Fantastic story!
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Valentina by MJ Fields
Valentina continues the Men of Steel series. It jumps 9 years in the future and continues the story of Dominic's sister Valentina. Our hearts were ripped apart at the end of Terzetto. This novella is the perfect epilogue to that story.
So wonderfully perfect I don't want to ruin it my telling you any more. We get not only Valentina but also catch up with all of Mama Joe's boys and their families. Obviously you will need to read the previous books in the Ties of Steel series. But every Steel book this author puts out is worth the read, so grab them all while your at it!
AMAZON
Amour Battu by MJ Fields
The story might be one you are familiar with. A hero who is not worthy. Young, first love. Frequent readers of romance will not have experienced the story quite like this author brings us. If I say nothing else about this book, know this, the author has written an epic tale with so much restraint and finesse, it almost doesn't matter what the outcome of the story is. There is no rush to the finish with Oliver and Natasha. No.... what we get instead is the unveiling of two souls....two people who need to fully come into their own before they can ever hope to be loved and love fully anyone outside of their family.
You will cheer and hope that things will resolve every chapter that passes. Only to find more layers that need to be undone, more of the story to be told. Honestly, both Natasha and Ollie are so very broken but strong at the same time. Your heart will ache for these two. I could not have imagined a better HEA.
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Up in Smoke by TM Fraizer
9
This book is listed as King series #8. It can easily be read as a stand alone but, my God! If you haven't read the King series yet---WHY??
Up in Smoke continues on the vein of the rest of the series. Dark, lots of action, super hot, explosive sex, some humor and along the way, a couple of hearts get caught up on a tangled mess. That about sums up a TM Frazier book.
Always expect the unexpected---always--with this author. You never know all that you think you know. Big twists along with the action. Perfect read.
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What Are You Afraid Of? by Alexandra Ivy
I adore this author. I am a total wuss for suspense books, but I put myself through it because I know this author will bring it all to the table. So amid my starts and stops and pacing---I finished. So worth the read!!
The premise alone should set you on edge. Carmen is an author and has published a book about real life serial killers. I mean....why??? Someone is sending her photos of copycat kills and she turns to the only person she knows that might help. WE met computer geek Griffen in the first book of this series.
They have a history but Carmen is determined. Hold on to your seats because what follows is a laundry list of who dunit? So many possibilities. The twisted path to get to the ending left me glued to my kindle for the last third of the story.
We have some romance along the way between Carmen and Griffen but ultimately this is a suspense novel. Grab it. Read it. It's worth your time.
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