Review by @LaurieKozlowski of “Immortal Ever After” by Lynsay Sands #BookEscapeReviews #Amreading

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

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Review of Immortal Ever After 

A Dark and Sexy Book

Being pulled into a Lynsay Sands book means I will always satisfy my craving for the paranormal world of vampires, dangerous villains, great suspense, and the right amount of “thriller.”

“Immortal Ever After” is one book of several from the Aragenau series. In this novel, I was pleased to meet the hunky and heroic Anders as he protected mortal Valerie. The best thing about Anders was his dominance in the story (alpha all the way), without having a “heavy-handed” attitude. It allowed for his intelligence and scars to show without being caught up in ego too much. He had a great sense of humor, also. Which I LOVE in an alpha hero!

Valerie had a tragic beginning in the story. It was honestly spooky to read, but the good part is that soon Anders and the good vamps soon step in to serve justice to the rouges. I love how Valerie and Leigh (a pregnant vamp) work together to get out of a dangerous situation toward the end. What Valerie does to the bad guy is…well, I won’t ruin it for you, but I’ll just say this–who knew duct tape and good bludgeon could be so hilarious?!

And there is the beauty of the Lynsay Sands story. Always well balanced with just the right amount of alpha in a hero and independent heroine. Usually comic relief at the strangest time possible. Then you leave a book wondering…when can I read the next one? Beautiful.

FIVE STARS * * * * *

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski — Also posted to Goodreads. Like this review? “Friend” Laurie on Goodreads! 🙂

****New Releases By Lynsay Sands****

About The Author

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.

 

 

Review by @LaurieKozlowski of “The Grimm Legacy” by Polly Shulman #yabooks #amreading #fiction

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library – a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales; seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.

When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime or captured by the thief.

Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.

Repository Series, Book One

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REVIEW

An Adorable, Magical Story

A book of friendship, young love, and magical adventure reeled me into an exciting story with memorable characters I couldn’t put down for hours.

I most enjoyed the world of the repository, a library of magical objects from older fairy tales, and the dangerous fantasy world. It was brilliant how the objects worked. For instance, a mermaid’s comb would send a young man to his doom if used around busy traffic or near water. There were plenty of villainous suspects to grant The Grimm Legacy a great mystery in juvenile fiction, also.

Wonderful characters! Elizabeth and Aaron had a cute rapport, making them a magnetic set from the start. Marc, Anjali, and Jaya were remarkable in their bonds of friendship and sibling rivalry. Even Marc’s little brother, Andre, made me want to hug him as I envisioned a chubby faced and wobbly little toddler following his big ‘butter’ around.

I’m challenging myself to read a broad range genres and different age group novels to expand my knowledge of what works for certain age groups and audiences and what doesn’t. I can honestly say “The Grimm Legacy” is a fun book most any age reader will enjoy.

FIVE STARS * * * * *

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski * Also posted to Goodreads * Love this review? “Friend” Laurie on Goodreads! 🙂

Recent Books by Polly Shulman 

The Repository Series Book Two *  Read the excerpt HERE.

“Winsome and witty,… Enthusiasm has the makings of an instant classic.” — Time Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About The Author  http://pollyshulman.com

Polly Shulman has edited and written articles about books, infinity, edible jellyfish, planets, circuses, and many other subjects for the New York Times, Science, Salon, and many other publications. She is an alumna of Yale, where she majored in math. She puts cayenne pepper in her chocolate cookies and reads forgotten books with frontispieces. In high school she worked as a page at the New York Public Library’s main branch, where the librarians trusted her with the key to the special materials storage cage. She lives in New York City with her husband.

Book Escape Review of The Greatest Gift by Michael John Sullivan #amreading #inspirational #timetravel #fiction

Is there one more miracle left?
Teenager Elizabeth Stewart has been given the gift of life once more and uses it to risk everything for a close friend – even though it means leaving behind her father, Michael.
Distraught, Michael poses as a Roman soldier, takes a sea journey with an Apostle, and is asked to help write part of the Gospel in his quest to safely bring his daughter home to the twenty-first century.
In present time, Hewitt Paul, an embittered FBI special agent, seeks solutions to the mysteries surrounding Elizabeth and Michael’s disappearance.
As faith collides with cynicism and compassion faces off against cruelty, these three people will encounter the unimaginable in ways that alter their lives forever.
Thrilling, illuminating, and ultimately resounding, THE GREATEST GIFT concludes the trilogy begun in NECESSARY HEARTBREAK and EVERYBODY’S DAUGHTER in awe-inspiring fashion.

*** The Greatest Gift can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble ***

Book Review of The Greatest Gift

Five Stars * * * * *

Excellent Ending To A Great Series

I’ve been following the When Time Forgets series for a while now and each book has had the unique aspect of being inspirational without having religious overtones. This aspect has kept me reading the series, but also, I have enjoyed reading what Jerusalem and the depictions of people from the Bible, from Mr. Sullivan’s point of view.  In The Greatest Gift, I found myself connected with some characters more than others, but essentially the story was of the same excellent quality of the books before. It included mystery, action, inspiration, and was vividly drawn with words, as the story became increasingly more interesting.

What made The Greatest Gift stand out, to me, was finding out more about Hewitt Paul–a minor character from the series. Though he was not one of my favorite characters, I liked how his vulnerability showed toward the end. My favorite characters, aside from Michael and Elizabeth, would have to be Connie and Susan. I loved Connie’s no-filter approach toward Hewitt…and well, anyone. Susan was lovable in a practical way and was a good friend. Dennis was another great character.

There are two endings to this book. The author lets the reader choose. I’ve never been one to discriminate happy endings, so I chose them both! Great ending to the When Time Forgets series.

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski–also posted to Amazon and Goodreads.

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Laurie Kozlowski on Goodreads

~ More Works By This Author ~

Necessary Heartbreak, Book One in When Time Forgets Trilogy

Everybody’s Daughter, Book Two in When Time Forgets Trilogy

An Angel Comes Home, Prequel to Everybody’s Daughter, part of the When Time Forgets Trilogy

ABOUT MICHAEL JOHN SULLIVAN

Michael John Sullivan graduated with a communications degree and a promising future in the field of journalism after working for the official school paper the previous two years. Six months later, he found himself washing his hair in a toilet at the same university as he prepared for a job interview.

Sullivan was homeless at the age of 23 after first watching his mother — his protector in a dysfunctional family — die from cancer. A year later his father asked him to leave. Riding a New York City subway train at night, his only companion was a green plastic bag of belongings. During these bleak days he began writing his most reflective and emotional childhood and adult memories now featured in two of his novels.

On a bitterly cold New Year’s Eve that year, Sullivan intentionally hid under a pew in the back of a church to stay warm for the night. After the doors were locked, he lay near a makeshift manger, writing and talking to the baby Jesus. It was a cathartic experience, one that would continue to resonate with him years later.

He was rescued off the train by an aunt and uncle.

After spending much of the past two decades raising their daughters while working at home, Sullivan returned to his notes in 2007 and began writing Necessary Heartbreak: A Novel of Faith and Forgiveness. It was published by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books imprint in April 2010. The Library Journal named Necessary Heartbreak as one of the year’s best in Christian fiction for 2010. He recently finished the sequel, Everybody’s Daughter, featuring more memories from his young adult life, including the day he walked to Forest Park as he contemplated taking his own life. Only the strains of a song prevented him from doing the unthinkable.

Sullivan lives with his family in New York. He is a board member for the Long Island Coalition of the Homeless.

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Book Escape Review of ‘Between’ by Kerry Schafer #amreading #fantasy

Review of ‘Between’ by Kerry Schafer

Mesmerizing Mixture of Horror, Magic, and Romance

Five Stars * * * * *

I’ve always loved paranormal romance, but this book cannot be contained into just one category. Between is a terrific book. Vivian, the main character, but not the least of all the interesting characters throughout this book, resists her bloodline as sorceress and dragon. Her mother, Isobel, is constantly traveling in between worlds to get to her true love, Landon. The evil sorceress, Johanna, was a great villain-lethal and unmerciful. Of course, the highlight for me, was the side-romance of Vivian and Zee. He is introduced as a bookstore owner and artist, but Oh Wow!–How ‘more than meets the eye’ is revealed, easy going Zee proclaims his right as Warlord. He is scared from head to toe, and absolutely bad-ass and charming. And what woman wouldn’t want a flawed and tortured man with a heart of gold to slay a dragon for her! Oh, but Vivian can handle a dragon on her own…and that is all I’ll say. One of my favorite side-characters was Poe the penguin-he was so cute, and very protective of Vivian. I loved this book.

For the sake of readers who have a queasy stomach when it comes to gore, I will put this disclaimer: this story does include some graphic gore–but I felt it was weaved in a way that enhanced the story, overall. Also, if you are a survivor of rape, this book may contain ‘triggers’–the attempted rape scene in this book, is in a dream, and be assured the man attempting the heinous ‘dream act’ does not get away with it. Those things being said, I certainly do not discourage anyone from giving this book a chance. The world the author built was amazing, dark, and effective. The characters were always revealing layers of themselves, throughout the story. It was a wonderful fantasy fiction novel, overall.

Check out BETWEEN at most major retailers:

Barnes and Noble * Amazon * Books A Million * Indie Bound

Reviewed by Laurie Kozlowski–also posted to Goodreads.

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Laurie Kozlowski on Goodreads

ABOUT KERRY SCHAFER

Kerry Schafer is licensed both as a Mental Health Professional and an RN, and spends most of her daylight hours helping people–usually even with a smile. When she’s writing, she gets to blow stuff up and play around with dragons, exploding slime toads, and the other denizens of her imagination. She lives with her Viking in Colville, Washington, in a little house surrounded by rocks, trees, and gangs of deer and wild turkeys.

Kerry is the author of the Books of the Between (Between, 1/29/13; Wakeworld 1/28/14) and the Dream Wars Series (Dream Runner, Dream Thief, Dream Wars).

Second book of the BETWEEN series:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Books A Million * Indie Bound

Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.

Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent’™s death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.

Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.

Kerry Schafer’s Website

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