Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2016 Goals

If you wish to participate, you can sign up HERE.

These are the books I still have to read. I won't be getting as many in 2016 because I really do want to make in-roads on my prior years lists. My goal is the Silver tier (25 books).

Don't forget you can check out all my Netgalley reviews here.

Status of lists

Year	Total Requests	Completed	Still to read
2013	51	13	38
2014	57	5	52
2015	39	4	35

TBR 2013
A Shimmer of Angels - Lisa M. Basso
Broken Forest - Eliza Tilton
Compliance - Maureen McGowan
Defy
Dragonwitch - Ann Elisabeth Stengl
Dream Girl
Echo Prophecy
Elfin
Endless
Escaping Reality
External Forces
Forbidden to Love - D.A. Wills
Hereafter
Hero's Lot, The - Patrick W. Carr
King Hall
Mage Fire - C. Aubrey Hall
Mistress of the Solstice
Night Creatures
Rebels Divided
Rival
Safe in His Arms
Scrap - Emory Sharplin
Sekret
Shadow Allegiance
She Is Not Invisible
Spirit - Brigid Kemmerer
Stargazing from Nowhere
The Bane - Keary Taylor
The Dominant - Tara Sue Me
The Naturals
The Silver Chain
The Trials of the Core
The Waking Dreamer
Tin Star
Turned
Unspoken
Will in Scarlet - Matthew Cody
Winds of Purgatory

TBR 2014
A Curse Unbroken
Alex + Ada volume 1
A Secret Colton Baby
Black Rook
Blind Faith
Blood Assassin
Blood Orange Soda
Catch Me When I Fall
Clipped Wings
Dark Hope
Darkness
Dark Wolf Returning
Danny Dirks
Delucca's Marriage Contract
Desired
Divided
Don't Judge a Lizard by His Scales
Dragon Defender
Fire Heart
Forbidden
Freed
Iskida of the Land of Nurak
Jhanmar World Travellers
Lingering Echoes
Longing
Love's Paradox
One is Enough
On Her Watch
Outshine
Raytara - Judgement of the Stars
Seed
Shadow Heart
Since You've Been Gone
Star Trek: Khan
Stitching Snow
Stones of Power
Street Fighter Origins: Akuma
Tales from OZ
Tamed
The Amulet of Sleep
The Boy a Thousand Years Wide
The Circle
The Fifth Vertex
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The One
Sentinels
The Thirteenth Tower
Thirty Days to Win His Wife
Transformers Primacy
Waking up Pregnant
We are the Goldens
Worth the Fall
Wrecked

TBR 2015
Arivaca
Bound by Sin
Bound in Darkness
Commanded
Eden Vol 1
Emissary
Everywhere It's You
Imperfect Love
In Ark
In Search of Lost Dragons
King of the World
Monster Squad: The Iron Golem
Of Flame and Promise
On the Hunt
Rocco's Wings
Seeker Arwen (Elys Dayton)
Sentinels
Sneak Peek Soundless
Sneak Peek: Dove Arising
Sorcerer to the Crown
Tamed
The Battle for Darracia
The Golden Wizard
The Phantom of the Earth
The World of Evendaar Book Two
This Is Where It Ends
Witches Be Burned
Zack

Kishaz Reading Corner: Alienated by Melissa Landers

About the Book

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L'eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she'll have inside information about the mysterious L'eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara's blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn't sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L'eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn't seem more alien. She's certain about one thing though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn't just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life-not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

I think a miracle has occurred. I'm giving out another 5-star rating. Good sci-fi is hard to find and when it comes in the YA market, it's even more remarkable.

Aelyx and Cara are in my top five couples on my reading list this year. Cara's spunky, fire and passion are everything you want to see in a lead. Aelyx, are visiting alien, was a perfect foil to Cara.

Fireworks are the least of the couple's problems when you have xenophobia, hatred and lies thrown into the mix. This is the first in a series and I've already snagged the short story (currently free on Amazon. You can grab it here) and will be heading to my local library for the sequel.


Would I recommend this? Yes and I would also recommend this one for guys, too.

Kishaz Reading Corner: A Companion to Wolves by Sarah Monette & Elizabeth Bear

About the Book

A Companion to Wolves is the story of a young nobleman, Isolfr, who is chosen to become a wolfcarl -- a warrior who is bonded to a fighting wolf. Isolfr is deeply drawn to the wolves, and though as his father's heir he can refuse the call, he chooses to go.

The people of this wintry land depend on the wolfcarls to protect them from the threat of trolls and wyverns, though the supernatural creatures have not come in force for many years. Men are growing too confident. The wolfhealls are small, and the lords give them less respect than in former years. But the winter of Isolfr's bonding, the trolls come down from the north in far greater numbers than before, and the holding's complaisance gives way to terror in the dark.

Isolfr, now bonded to a queen wolf, Viradechtis, must learn where his honor lies, and discover the lengths to which he will to go when it, and love for his wolf, drive him.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

I want to first say that this book was nothing like what I thought it was going to be and then turned out to be more in some areas.

I know, I'm talking in circles but this book threw me for loops at every turn. I do want to say up front that if you are against m/m pairings or anything related to m/m romantic elements, you might not like this book.

With that being said, the writing by both authors was a work of art. Once I started reading, I very reluctantly put it down (and that's only because I need to sleep) but quickly resumed reading the next day.

Watching Isolfr grow up and navigate his new life as well as the adventure/battle aspect of the plot was worthwhile. I can't really say more because I'm afraid of giving out spoilers.

I will be reading the next book in this series because I'm interested in the world that these two authors have created.


Would I recommend this? Only for those not squeamish about certain topics.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Touched by Corrine Jackson

About the Book

Time may not heal all wounds--but she can.

You'd think being able to heal people with a touch would be a blessing. But to 17-year-old Remy O'Malley, it's more like a curse.

Every injury Remy heals becomes her own. She lives in fear of the day she's forced to mend a wound from which she can't recover--and she's desperate to keep her amazing ability a secret.

Enter Asher Blackwell, a scarred eighteen-year-old with dangerous powers of his own. Asher seems to know more about Remy's abilities than she does--and maybe more than he's letting on. If she opens up to him, she might find out what it truly means to be a Healer. But she'll also expose herself to capture by an old and very determined enemy. And if they catch her, they won't just injure her.

They'll kill her.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library/Overdrive and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

I'm very stingy when it comes to giving a 5-star rating. I have to feel that a book was exceptional and that it would be something that I'd by and keep and re-reading every year.

Touched by Ms. Jackson is such a book. From the concept, to the plot, to the characters and everything in between, this book had it all.

The characters were truly believable and I found myself laughing at the humor, crying at their hurts, raging when things went wrong and shouting encouragement when they were down. Yep, I was completely and utterly invested in this book.

Remy and Asher are a dynamic duo whose journey I want to experience again and again and see where it goes.


Would I recommend this? Yes and I plan on reading the next book in the series.

#NaNoWriMo2015 - Week #4 Final Update

My NaNoWriMo 2015 has drawn to a close.

This year was definitely different from last year where I felt out of sorts and scatterbrained the whole month I tried to write. I feel that this year was better; much better.

I had to bust a move this last week and trust me, it wasn't easy. That's alright, I chose to prevail and prevail I did. Tenacity is such a great thing to have in reserve when you need it.

I've said it every week but I will say it again. My greatest thanks goes to my best friend, Angela Markham. I think we motivated and pushed each other and benefited from it.

Thanks to Lyn Ehley, my favorite editor, and also Allan Baker (another of my editors) who were game enough to work on editing Jewels 2 in "real time" as I wrote it.

Jewels #2 will be released in January 2016 so stay tuned for news on that front.

NaNoWrimo 2015 Final Stats Wrap-up

Words written week #4: 25,399

NaNo final grand total: 50,416

Kishaz Reading Corner: Blood Assassin by Alexandra Ivy

About the Book

They are the outcasts of humanity. Blessed with power. Cursed by fate. Driven by passion. The Sentinels have returned. . .

Out Of The Shadows

At six-foot-three and two-hundred-fifty pounds, Fane is a natural born guardian. A flawless mix of muscled perfection and steely precision, he has devoted years of his life to protecting a beautiful necromancer. But after she found love in the arms of another, Fane has been a warrior adrift. He swears allegiance only to the Sentinels. And no woman will ever rule his heart again. . .

Into The Fire

Not only a powerful psychic, Serra is that rare telepath who can connect to minds through objects. When the daughter of a high-blood businessman is kidnapped, Serra agrees to help. But when she stumbles onto a conspiracy involving secrets sects and ancient relics, her life is in mortal danger--and Fane is her only hope. Is the warrior willing to risk his body, his soul, and his heart, for Serra? Or will one last betrayal destroy them both?

Buy the Book

AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

It's getting hot in here and yes clothes definitely were coming off. But I regress.

First I want to say that I like the main characters' names - Serra and Fane.

The fact that they both knew how to take care of business and handle themselves in a fight was great. The romance and heat between the pair has been building for a while now and when we get to read their story in this book, let's just say fireworks have nothing on the sparks and inferno of this pairing.

The strengths of both complement and help fill the weaknesses in each other. I read this book in one sitting and would do so again, any time.


Would I recommend this? Yes! Tall, dark, smoldering and a warrior....checklist complete.

#NaNoWriMo2015 - Week #3 Update

My third week (Nov 16-22) of writing is drawing to a close and I feel frustrated.

I've continued to write consecutively (Nov, 6-22) but my productivity level has slowed. Mainly due to a teenager who wants to rebel over ever little thing and other related stressors that zap all creativity out of me. Also my word warring partner had a crazy week, too. I think this week was meant to aggravate the living daylights out of me.

Strength comes from knowledge. I know I can win. Eight days to go. Like Salt-N-Pepa said, "it's time to push it!"

Words written this week: 8,321

NaNo grand total at the end of  week 3: 25,017

Words left to go: 24,983

Words needed per day to hit goal: 3,124

One more week and a day to go!

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Star King by Susan Grant

About the Book

Lair of the Lion is a  dark-edged and enthralling take on the beloved “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale. It is the breathtaking story of a beautiful, penniless aristocrat who promises herself to the handsome, powerful, mysterious, and not wholly human Don Nicolai DeMarco in order to free her imprisoned brother—even though legend has it that the Don will destroy any woman he weds.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

So, I've been doing mostly paranormal reads and thought it prudent to vary up my reading diet with other types of romances.

I've not found that many good science fiction romances, but I'd heard that Ms. Grant was really good at the genre so I picked up this title and decided to give her a shot.

I'm glad that I did. This book started with a literal bang and maintained a nice balance between action, adventure and romance. Plucky heroine with a hero that really has a heart of gold but tries to hide it because it's led to heartache for him.

The worldbuilding was pretty awesome and I could really picture each planet that was visited.


Would I recommend this? Yes. Give yourself the treat of this out-of-this world experience.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan

About the Book

Lair of the Lion is a  dark-edged and enthralling take on the beloved “Beauty and the Beast” fairy tale. It is the breathtaking story of a beautiful, penniless aristocrat who promises herself to the handsome, powerful, mysterious, and not wholly human Don Nicolai DeMarco in order to free her imprisoned brother—even though legend has it that the Don will destroy any woman he weds.

Buy the Book

AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

My paranormal romance reads so far this last half of the year have not been disappointing. See, browsing a library can bring good things your way.

This is not one of her more recent works (Lair of the Lion was published in 2010) but it still has all the hallmarks of Feehan's style that I enjoy.

The heroine in this story is not shrinking violet which was fun to watch as she pitted her will against the hero/antihero, Don Nicolai DeMarco's "cursed" existence. The characters were complex and pretty well developed so that I didn't feel like I was reading about "token fodder" for the sake of the plot.

There were a few twists that I honestly didn't see coming and can't list because they would spoil the book.

Would I recommend this? Yes, especially for those who love saucy heroines.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge November 2015 - Cursed by Ice by Jacquelyn Frank

About the Book

As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter’s physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest—only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until, like his older brother Dethan, he is offered a reprieve from a goddess—in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.

Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on—a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle, who commands a mythic beast through a mysterious and powerful bond. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation—or lead them both to greater destruction?

Buy the Book

AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author, Netgalley or the publisher for this honest review.

This is the second book in this series. You can read my review of the first one here.

This story focuses on Garreth, the warrior cursed to freeze at night. He tries to have icy control over his heart and emotions but all that gets disrupted by innocent and vulnerable Sarielle whose heart is just as chilled and guarded as his.

The mix of jaded warrior (Garreth) versus innocent, yet stubborn protector (Sarielle) made the story a decent read. This one took me longer to read than the first one and I can't quite pinpoint why. Overall, so far, this series is pretty good.

Would I recommend this? This sequel keeps the pace set by the first. If you like to finish a series then yes, go for it.

Don't forget to get the first book in this series

For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope—until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment—if he’ll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods.

Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda—heir to the throne of Hexis—and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed—and her body—with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all—even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict—for a chance to make Selinda his forever.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

#NaNoWriMo2015 - Week #2 Update

My second week (Nov 9-15) of writing is drawing to a close and I feel like I'm slowing. But I won't. I will maintain and increase my activities next week.

I've continued to write consecutively (Nov, 6-15) and my productivity along with the word wars with Angela Markham and other fellow writers has helped me to stay motivated as I chug along.

I think I can, I think I can. It's not that I think, I know I can.

Words written this week: 9,865

NaNo grand total at the end of  week 2: 16,696

Words left to go: 33,304

Words needed per day to hit goal: 2,250

Bring it on Week 3!

#NaNoWriMo2015 - Week #1 Update

I've been doing NaNoWriMo since 2008. Some years I've been more successful than others. Last year was a struggle but I made it. This year I wasn't sure if it work since I've been on a bit of a major writing dry spell for a year and a half.

I am happy to say that as my first week (Nov 1-8) draws to a close, I've managed to not only write consecutively (Nov, 6-8) but I've been productive, too. I managed at least 1,000 words or more each time that I've written.

My grand total for week 1 is 6,831.

That means I only have 43,169 to go.

Time to make it happen!

Werelove Series Updates

I promised to give a Werelove series update and here I go.

1. The outline for book #4 Dawn Metamorphosis is in the process of being completed. So far there are about 40 chapters outlined and I'm not in halfway through everything that needs to happen in this book.
2. Re-editing for the first three books is in the process of being completed. I'm glad I went back and re-read them because small mistakes and some dangling, unresolved issues were brought before me and are now being integrated into books 4's & 5's storylines. The updated books 1-3 (ebook formats first) will be out by the end of December 2015. The paperbacks should be completed by the end of February 2016.
3. I know some readers over the years have asked when will hardcovers be available for my books. I'm hoping to get that going in 2016.

For those of you who have to have your Werelove fix, I started an online short story/novella-like series called the Werelove Journals. I began it back in 2014 on Tumblr as a secret treat for those who had signed up for the Werelove Series newsletter (which if you'd like, you can sign-up here.). I then added syndication to Wattpad (which runs 4 journal entries behind Tumblr). Journal entries are posted bi-weekly according to a day of the week picked for that character. Usually 2 characters' journals are going at once.

The Werelove Journals take various characters from the Werelove universe and gives you a first-person look into moments of their lives that are not covered in the books. Below is the list of what is available to be read. Feel free to read either on Tumblr or Wattpad and leave feedback if you feel like it.

Tumblr (follow me) and Wattpad (follow me).

Completed stories:
Britta -  Tumblr   |  Wattpad
Donil -  Tumblr  |  Wattpad (ends November 17)

In-progress stories:
Stefan -  Tumblr   |  Wattpad

Started October 2015:
Drayden -  Tumblr   |  Wattpad (begins December 24)

2016 stories:
Zina -  Tumblr (begins February 2016)   |  Wattpad (begins April 2016)

Possible future Journals
Miguel
Yon
Naiya
Mya
Isabella

If you have character not mentioned that you would like to see given a journal run, leave the name in the comments.

Knocking Down Writer's Block

I've had writer's block before but it doesn't mean I like it. This is by no means the longest drought of creativity as far as novel writing is concerned.

I'm still writing, mainly short stories set in the Werelove universe (more about that in a later post) and sporadic writing down of scenes from my various series.

The biggest problem is getting my mind set to write a novel. I've got notes, outlines and my usual tricks for putting pen to paper but I keep coming up empty. I know the biggest reason for the drought is the mental stress I've been under these last two years. I don't normally through stuff out like this but I think this time I should, if only to help myself put things in perspective.

I've had the following major life changes & issues and all of them, have in some fashion or form, influenced my lack of writing.

• Got married and relocated to a new county.
• Family health issues – hubby being hospitalized for pneumonia and an emergency room visit for me that has lead to ongoing test to discover what exactly is going crazy with my body.
• Having my youngest being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome & ADHD back in September 2014 and all the subsequent doctor visits which are still ongoing. Also the struggles in school for my youngest and the tutoring to bring the reading level up to grade level. My youngest is still in therapy and also on medication that has brought an improvement in attention which has led to a happier child and teachers.
• Having my oldest be diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety disorder and ADHD as well as having my oldest be Baker Acted twice this year for suicide ideation. This also has lead to doctor's visits. Medication as well as treatment plan to help my oldest seems to be helping
• My biological father trying to re-enter my life after he has been absent from it since the age of 5. He wants a relationship. I'm thinking, I'm in my 30s now, so how about....No!
• Work-related stress because of my hubby's job that he had given much of himself and drive to, turned sour and brought financial instability into our lives. Happily this stressor has been removed because  he left the old job and has a new job that he enjoys.
• The relationships of both my children with their fathers. My oldest's father has no relationship with my oldest. My youngest's father fights/butts head with my youngest, while having his own set of mental health issues. Both of my kids love their stepfather (my hubby) but at the same time they do want relationships with their fathers and trying to get the biological fathers to understand that and do something about it has been exhausting.

At the end of the day, I'm so drained I can't get into my writing and when I do sit down to try to accomplish something, some emergency or situation always arises to destroy my "happy place" that I need to write.

I will figure it out and I'm going to use NaNoWriMo to again put me back on track and in the driver seat of my writing life.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2015 - Fall Updates

If you wish to participate, you can sign up HERE.

These are the books I still have to read. My 2015 list has gotten slightly bigger. Don't forget you can check out all my Netgalley reviews here.

Status of lists

Year	Total Requests	Completed	Still to read
2013	51	13	38
2014	57	5	52
2015	29 (as of October 2015)	4	25

TBR 2013
A Shimmer of Angels - Lisa M. Basso
Broken Forest - Eliza Tilton
Compliance - Maureen McGowan
Defy
Dragonwitch - Ann Elisabeth Stengl
Dream Girl
Echo Prophecy
Elfin
Endless
Escaping Reality
External Forces
Forbidden to Love - D.A. Wills
Hereafter
Hero's Lot, The - Patrick W. Carr
King Hall
Mage Fire - C. Aubrey Hall
Mistress of the Solstice
Night Creatures
Rebels Divided
Rival
Safe in His Arms
Scrap - Emory Sharplin
Sekret
Shadow Allegiance
She Is Not Invisible
Spirit - Brigid Kemmerer
Stargazing from Nowhere
The Bane - Keary Taylor
The Dominant - Tara Sue Me
The Naturals
The Silver Chain
The Trials of the Core
The Waking Dreamer
Tin Star
Turned
Unspoken
Will in Scarlet - Matthew Cody
Winds of Purgatory

TBR 2014
A Curse Unbroken
Alex + Ada volume 1
A Secret Colton Baby
Black Rook
Blind Faith
Blood Assassin
Blood Orange Soda
Catch Me When I Fall
Clipped Wings
Dark Hope
Darkness
Dark Wolf Returning
Danny Dirks
Delucca's Marriage Contract
Desired
Divided
Don't Judge a Lizard by His Scales
Dragon Defender
Fire Heart
Forbidden
Freed
Iskida of the Land of Nurak
Jhanmar World Travellers
Lingering Echoes
Longing
Love's Paradox
One is Enough
On Her Watch
Outshine
Raytara - Judgement of the Stars
Seed
Shadow Heart
Since You've Been Gone
Star Trek: Khan
Stitching Snow
Stones of Power
Street Fighter Origins: Akuma
Tales from OZ
Tamed
The Amulet of Sleep
The Boy a Thousand Years Wide
The Circle
The Fifth Vertex
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The One
Sentinels
The Thirteenth Tower
Thirty Days to Win His Wife
Transformers Primacy
Waking up Pregnant
We are the Goldens
Worth the Fall
Wrecked

TBR 2015 (so far)
Arivaca
Bound by Sin
Bound in Darkness
Commanded
Cursed by Ice
Eden Vol 1
Emissary
Everywhere It's You
Imperfect Love
In Ark
In Search of Lost Dragons
King of the World
Monster Squad: The Iron Golem
Of Flame and Promise
On the Hunt
Rocco's Wings
Seeker Arwen (Elys Dayton)
Sentinels
Sneak Peek Soundless
Sneak Peek: Dove Arising
Sorcerer to the Crown
Tamed
The Battle for Darracia
The Golden Wizard
The Phantom of the Earth
The World of Evendaar Book Two
This Is Where It Ends
Witches Be Burned
Zack

Return of My Vlog Series - Kishaz Talks

It's been a couple of years since my last vlog. I used to do them regularly but as my personal life (marriage, health problems, children problems, and other life problems) became increasing more hectic, crazy and sometimes depressing, I lost my drive to write and to make my vlogs.

In an effort to jumpstart my writing back into high gear, I recorded my long overdue vlog for my novel, "The Melody." Feel free to watch it and to watch any other of my Kishaz Talks Vlogs.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

About the Book

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful - and passionate - of the Elder Races. As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in one another.

Buy the Book

AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I got this book from the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

I couldn't put this one down and read it in one sitting. I was hooked from the opening sentence and stayed on the wild ride with Pia as she took me on an urban fantasy journey that had me laughing, shouting in frustration, and cheering the characters on.

The relationship & romance with Dragos was intense as much as it was a roller coaster ride as two people who are not very good at relationships have to make one work.

The twists that were there did not feel contrived or unnecessary. Overall, a really good read.

Would I recommend this? Based on reading this one, I'd be willing to pick up others in this series.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2015 - October #2 This Book Will Change Your Life

About the Book

Take a chance and change your life...

College is where Hannah Gregory plans to follow in her dad's footsteps as a chemistry prodigy-except she bombs her first test. And now her future isn't so certain. Worse, she's not sure she wants it anymore. Salvation comes from an unlikely place-a used bookstore and the sexy Ben Fisher, the passionate college senior who works there.

Ben is trapped in a life mapped out for him. Trapped in a future career as a lawyer to make his father happy. Trapped pursuing a girl he doesn't even like because she fits into a world he doesn't want but can't escape. But then he meets the beautiful and quirky Hannah. And for the first time, he knows what it means to truly want something.

So he gives in to being her friend. Then to wanting her. Then to kissing her. But freedom comes with a cost, and it isn't long before their carefully planned lives begin to fall apart...

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AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author, Netgalley or the publisher for this honest review.

This one was really close to a 5-star for me but I felt some of the angst about telling the parents about their true career desires was a bit much.

Other than that, the romance which was well written kept me captivated as I watched a young woman blossom and a young man finally believe in his own worth.

The familial relationships were intricate but realistic and you couldn't help but sympathize with both characters as they tried to find the correct path they needed to take.

Would I recommend this? Yeppers! I'd even read a sequel.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2015 - October #1 Under His Skin

About the Book

Earth girls are never easy. But they're worth it.

Bakery owner Annabelle Sparks' business is booming ever since she won reality TV's Cupcake Wars. The one thing deflating her happy soufflé? The extremely sexy Kaden Chance only sees her as a best friend-and Annabelle wants so much more. After waiting a year for him recognize their chemistry, she's giving up and dating other people.

What she doesn't know is Kaden's heart doesn't actually beat. He's not human. Heck, he's not even from Earth. To retain his intergalactic immunity, no one can ever know he is an extraterrestrial. But when Annabelle starts dating, something strange happens to Kaden's unmoved heart: it begins to beat. Now he faces an impossible choice-tell Annabelle the truth and be deported-or lose his last chance at love.

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AMAZON | ARE

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author, Netgalley or the publisher for this honest review.

This book took me a couple of days to read because of family distractions but, I'm sure if I had not been interrupted, I would have finished it in one sitting.

I've read some of Ms. O'Neale's other works and it was nice to see a science fiction romance one in the mix.

I like her treatment of female leads. They are not way over the top strong nor are they overly weak. Annabelle was a nice blend of strength and vulnerability. She knew when to stand her ground and when to bend.

My feelings toward Kaden were a little bit more ambivalent. There were moments that I liked him and moments when he irritated me to no end.

Overall the two leads played off each other well and the secondary characters contributed yet did not detract from the storyline.

Would I recommend this? Yes, I think this book is a good start for this series.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Caged Warrior by Lindsey Piper

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

The first installment in this fierce and sensual new paranormal romance series features demonic gladiators, ruthless mafia villains, and a proud race on the brink of extinction.

Ten years ago, Audrey MacLaren chose to marry her human lover, making her an exile from the Dragon Kings, an ancient race of demons once worshiped as earthly gods. Audrey and her husband managed to conceive, and their son is the first natural-born Dragon King in a generation—which makes him irresistible to the sadistic scientist whose mafia-funded technology allows demon procreation. In the year since her husband was murdered, Audrey and her little boy have endured hideous experiments.

Shackled with a collar and bound for life, Leto Garnis is a Cage warrior. Only through combat can Dragon Kings earn the privilege of conceiving children. Leto uses his superhuman speed and reflexes to secure the right for his two sisters to start families. After torture reveals Audrey’s astonishing pyrokenesis, she is sent to fight in the Cages. If she survives a year, she will be reunited with her son. Leto is charged with her training. Initially, he has no sympathy for her plight. But if natural conception is possible, what has he been fighting for? As enemies, sparring partners, lovers, and eventual allies, Leto and Audrey learn that in a violent underground world, love is the only prize worth winning.

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Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

This book was a "stumble upon" one for me at the local library. Our library has a romance section so I decided to start with "A" last names and work my way forward.

The cover caught my eye as did the blurb. I'm glad I picked this one up because, for me, from the very first chapter to the action-packed ending, I was invested.

Audrey and Leto were an amazing pair and watching the byplay between them as well as the heat and intensity of attraction kept me riveted.

Audrey's backstory, her brutal honesty and her reason for fighting just made me want to see the two of them succeed even more. Leto was no slouch and was just as interesting a character as Audrey.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Dead Ice by Laurell K. Hamilton

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Anita Blake has the highest kill count of any vampire executioner in the country. She’s a U.S. Marshal who can raise zombies with the best of them. But ever since she and master vampire Jean-Claude went public with their engagement, all she is to anyone and everyone is Jean-Claude’s fiancée.

It’s wreaking havoc with her reputation as a hard ass—to some extent. Luckily, in professional circles, she’s still the go-to expert for zombie issues. And right now, the FBI is having one hell of a zombie issue.

Someone is producing zombie porn. Anita has seen her share of freaky undead fetishes, so this shouldn’t bother her. But the women being victimized aren’t just mindless, rotting corpses. Their souls are trapped behind their eyes, signaling voodoo of the blackest kind.

It’s the sort of case that can leave a mark on a person. And Anita’s own soul may not survive unscathed . . .

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ARE (All Romance)  |  Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Over the last three books, Ms. Hamilton has slowly restored my faith in the Anita Blake series. For a long time it felt like the story had derailed and devolved into too much gratuitous sex and not enough plot or character development.

We are finally getting back to plot and character development and it is nice seeing Anita finally tackle the difficult things in her personal life as well as the changes that are happening in her professional life. Anita has always been more than a pretty face and getting to see her back in action and in her element has made me a happy reader.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. Ms. Hamilton has come back to the Anita we know and love.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Claimed by Evangeline Anderson

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Brides of the Kindred Book One—Claimed

Olivia Waterhouse has just graduated from nursing school and has her whole life ahead of her—until she gets drafted. Problem is, she isn’t being forced into the Army, she’s been chosen as a Kindred bride.

The Kindred are huge alien warriors—a race of genetic traders whose population is ninety-five percent male. After saving Earth from the threat of invasion they demand a reward—the right to find brides among the population. The chances of being chosen are about the same as those of winning the lottery—guess it’s just Liv’s lucky day.

Baird is a Beast Kindred who recently escaped imprisonment and torture at the hands of the malevolent Scourge. Through the torment and pain only one thing kept him sane—the thought of finding and claiming his bride—Olivia. His need to possess her is a burning intensity that threatens to consume them both.

Angry at having her future and her family taken away from her, Liv vows to fight back the only way she can—by resisting. She has one month on the Kindred Mothership with Baird—their claiming period. If she can keep from having bonding sex with him during that time, she can go home and get on with her life on Earth.

But Baird isn’t going to make it easy for her. Every week he is allowed to touch Liv more and more intimately and according to the contract she signed, she has to let him. She’s determined to resist him but his touch sets her on fire. And just as she thinks she knows what she wants, a twist of fate and an attack by the faceless Scourge AllFather changes everything…

More about the Brides of the Kindred series
A race of Genetic Traders from beyond the stars
Three very different types of men
All looking for one thing…their brides

Beast Kindred—Savage in battle these dark, brooding warriors from Rageron bring their passion and intensity to the bedroom. They possess a very special endowment that ensures every sexual experience is a tantric one.

Blood Kindred—Cold as ice to their enemies, these tall, blond warriors from Tranq Prime warm up when they find the right woman. But be careful…they bite.

Twin Kindred—Muscular and rugged, these warriors from Twin Moons always come in pairs and cannot be separated. They experience physical pain when parted from each other…or the one woman they both choose to love.

And then there is the enemy…

The Scourge—A genetic trade gone wrong, these menacing outsiders have twisted desires and sexual needs fierce enough to frighten away even the most adventurous. Their need to dominate and possess their women completely has led to a strange prophesy that they must fulfill…or die trying.

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ARE (All Romance)  | Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

I like the premise of this first novel in the Brides of the Kindred series. The different types of Kindred and their specific needs in "brides" is interesting. However, there were a couple of things that irritated me about the story.

One of the things that drove me nuts was Olivia's constant denial of her situation and her whiny behavior at being selected as a bride for the Beast Kindred, Baird. Also her unwillingness to even try to get to know him better as well as her rule breaking were hard things to handle. And her quick change of behavior to a "save me, save me" mentality whenever her poor decisions landed her in hot water had me yelling at Baird to get rid of her and find someone better.

I like Baird. He had infinite patience and he bent over backwards to try to accommodate his unwilling and annoying bride to be. His attempts to move ahead with his life after suffering horribly at the hands of the enemy made me want to get to know him better.

The flow of the story was fine as was the overall writing of this story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, but be prepared for the overflow of the whiny cup.

Kishaz Reading Corner: One Night With the Sheikh by Penny Jordan

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

The searing attraction between Sheikh Xavier Al Agir and Mariella Sutton was instant and all consuming.When a storm left Mariella stranded at Xavier's desert home, passion soon took over…. It was a night she would never forget!

But having always yearned for a child of her own, Mariella planned just one more night with the sheikh—to conceive his baby….

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ARE (All Romance) | Amazon

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3.5 stars

Here's why:

Must be something about the desert, sand, and men so hot they raise the temperature up several degrees.

I understand that when a woman's biological clock starts ticking we do crazy things but I'm not sure I liked how Mariella went about scratching her urge. Xavier was very arrogant but also vulnerable. Mariella had her share of issues, too. The pairing was decent.

I didn't have a problem with the story overall. It was a solid read.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Kiss that Launched 1000 Gifs by Sheralyn Pratt

This is a repost of my review which originally published on July 21, 2015 on my Indie Author How-to Blog.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Each weekday from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Grace and Ashton cohost Battle of the Sexes, a radio program arguing the he-said/she-said issues of the day. Their fiery debates often have listeners wondering if there’s more to their relationship than just talk, even though Grace has been dating Phillip, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Perfect, since long before she ever met Ashton Miller.

Yet when news comes that Battle of the Sexes is on the bubble for cancellation, Grace and Ashton need to step up their efforts to engage their audience to keep the show alive. When a charity organization approaches them and proposes that the two of them kiss for a fund raiser, Grace and Ash agree to kiss for a good cause. A kiss is just a kiss, right?

Or can one kiss really change everything?

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 5 stars

Here's why:

I have so many words I want to use to describe this book: amazing, hilarious, touching, captivating. And even then, these four don't do it justice.

Ashton and Grace are my new favorite main characters. The humor, the emotions, the banter, it was everything you'd like to see in a romantic story. Neither character overpowered or outdid the other. They truly complemented one another.

I ranted, cheered, cried, and did a happy dance as I devoured this book in one sitting. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good, funny and relationship centered story.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Yes! Yes! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2015 - Summer Updates

If you wish to participate, you can sign up HERE.

These are the books I still have to read. My 2015 list is definitely smaller. Don't forget you can check out all my Netgalley reviews here.

Status of lists

Year	Total TBR	Completed	Still to read
2013	51	13	38
2014	60	6	54
2015	21 (as of July 2015)	1	20

TBR 2013
A Shimmer of Angels - Lisa M. Basso
Broken Forest - Eliza Tilton
Compliance - Maureen McGowan
Defy
Dragonwitch - Ann Elisabeth Stengl
Dream Girl
Echo Prophecy
Elfin
Endless
Escaping Reality
External Forces
Forbidden to Love - D.A. Wills
Hereafter
Hero's Lot, The - Patrick W. Carr
King Hall
Mage Fire - C. Aubrey Hall
Mistress of the Solstice
Night Creatures
Rebels Divided
Rival
Safe in His Arms
Scrap - Emory Sharplin
Sekret
Shadow Allegiance
She Is Not Invisible
Spirit - Brigid Kemmerer
Stargazing from Nowhere
The Bane - Keary Taylor
The Dominant - Tara Sue Me
The Naturals
The Silver Chain
The Trials of the Core
The Waking Dreamer
Tin Star
Turned
Unspoken
Will in Scarlet - Matthew Cody
Winds of Purgatory

TBR 2014
A Curse Unbroken
A Secret Colton Baby
Alex + Ada volume 1
Black Rook
Blind Faith
Blood Assassin
Blood Orange Soda
Catch Me When I Fall
Clipped Wings
Danny Dirks and the Heir of Pendragon
Dark Hope
Dark Wolf Returning
Darkness
Delucca's Marriage Contract
Desired
Divided
Don't Judge a Lizard by His Scales
Dragon Defender
Fire Heart
Forbidden
Freed
Iskida of the Land of Nurak
Jhanmar World Travellers
Lingering Echoes
Longing
Love's Paradox
Luminae Vol 1
On Her Watch
One is Enough
Outshine
Raytara - Judgement of the Stars
Seed
Sentinels
Shadow Heart
Since You've Been Gone
Star Trek: Khan
Stitching Snow
Stones of Power
Street Fighter Origins: Akuma
Tales from OZ
Tamed
The Amulet of Sleep
The Boy a Thousand Years Wide
The Circle
The Fifth Vertex
The Mark of the Dragonfly
The One
The Thirteenth Tower
Thirty Days to Win His Wife
Transformers Primacy
Waking up Pregnant
We are the Goldens
Worth the Fall
Wrecked

TBR 2015 (so far)
Arivaca
Commanded
Cursed by Ice
Eden Vol 1
Emissary
Everywhere It's You
In Search of Lost Dragons
King of the World
Mine
Monster Squad: The Iron Golem
Rocco's Wings
Seeker Arwen (Elys Dayton)
Sentinels
Stones of Power
Tamed
Thirty Days to Win His Wife
Transformers Primacy
Witches Be Burned
Zack

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2015: July

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author, Netgalley or the publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Join Blue Ocean Bob on his journey to protect all life in the Sea of Kerchoo
Blue Ocean Bob loves the sea and wants to dedicate his life to protecting it. He begins a new job as assistant to Mary Marine, the Island of Roses's leading marine biologist, and with his hummingbird guardian, Xena, by his side, works hard to carry out his duties to the sea creatures both on and off the shore.

When the challenges mount, Bob seeks advice from Doc the turtle, Earl the clam, and Wallace the walrus, who each help him to develop the positive attitude he needs to succeed.

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Challenging Job is the second installment in this colorful and inspiring early chapter book series that provides young readers with an introduction to timeless principles of achievement.

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

The illustrations in this book were stunning. I got this one to read with my science-obsessed youngster who loved it. It also was easy to read and kept my child engaged for the entire length of the story.

Would I recommend this? Yes. It is a good book for children.

Free ebooks Review: Death Wish by Megan Tatye

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Book #1 in The Ceruleans series

IN SEARCH OF THE MEANING OF DEATH, SHE’LL FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE. 

The Ceruleans: mere mortals infused with power over life and death. Five books; one question: If the might of the heavens were in your hands, would you be sinner or saint?

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Blake is haunted by death. Her estranged sister has made the ultimate dramatic exit. Running away from school, joining a surfing fraternity, partying hard: that sounds like Sienna. But suicide? It makes no sense.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Scarlett comes to an isolated English cove with grand plans to uncover the truth. Alone. But she hasn’t reckoned on meeting two boys who are determined to help her. Luke: the blue-eyed surfer who’ll see the real Scarlett, who’ll challenge her, who’ll save her. And Jude: the elusive drifter with a knack for turning up whenever Scarlett’s in need.

As Scarlett’s quest for the truth unravels, so too does her grip on reality as she’s always known it. Because there’s something strange going on in this little cove. A dead magpie circles the skies. A dead deer watches from the undergrowth. Hands glow with light. Warmth. Power.

What transpires is a summer of discovery. Of what it means to conquer fear. To fall in love. To choose life. To choose death.

To believe the impossible. 

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 2.5 stars

Here's why:

The reason I chose this read was because of the blurb. It looked like it would be a good paranormal read while addressing the issue of suicide. I made it to chapter 6 (around 10% according to my Kindle) and then I stopped. I tried to get into this one, I really did, but I couldn't get behind the main character.

She drove me crazy and not in a good way. I know that everyone grieves differently when a loved one dies. But if you're trying to solve the why, you don't go and do the same things half-baked and expect to get answers.

This story is also first-person point-of-view which I always have a love/hate relationship when it comes to stories written in that fashion. You either get it right, halfway right or it goes wrong. I felt that this one was a halfway type of reading. Yes, I was initially interested in her thoughts and feelings but it quickly went downhill and I lost interest in her inner turmoil.

Would I recommend this book? I'm on the fence. I personally didn't like it. Doesn't mean you won't. Choose at your own risk.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Sheikh's Proposal by Barbara McMahon

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Marriage by royal command!

Sara Kinsale is stunned to be thrown together with a prince of the desert, and even more so to find herself unbelievably attracted to the elusive Sheikh Kahrun bak Samin... Especially as she's indebted to the sheikh and it's only a matter of time before he demands to be repaid!

Kahrun soon names his price -- marriage! He needs a trophy wife, and Sara is already living under his roof. But will she be the sheikh's bride in name only -- or will her marriage duties be a little more intimate....?

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Sara is a woman trying to prove herself and Kahrun is a king with a problem. When two very determined individuals have a run-in, an explosion of feelings was inevitable.

Kahrun really was a man in command while Sara was still trying to figure herself out and suffers from some major insecurity issues when it comes to herself and her family.

Watching the two of them learn about the other and about love was a sweet and sometimes funny journey.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Secret-Agent Sheik by Linda Winstead Jones

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

The future of his people rested on secondborn son Sheik Hassan Kamal's mission: infiltrate Rahman Oil and confirm that the company was a front for the terrorist group suspected of kidnapping the crown prince of Montebello. But his contacts had left out one important fact. The company CEO was a woman—the stunningly beautiful, seemingly innocent Elena Rahman. Courting Elena was the safest way to learn corporate secrets. But as passion between them raged, instant and hot, Hassan fought a losing battle against falling for the daughter of his country's deadly enemy....

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

Elena is one of my favorite characters in this book. Not just because she is the main character, but because of her spunk, grit and determination to succeed in a man's world and because she took charge of her love life. She didn't let it lead her around.

She was powerful, intelligent yet knew when to let her inner woman out for a stroll. It was fun watching Sheik Hassan be confused, intrigued, and finally accepting Elena, flaws and all.

Would I recommend this book? Yes especially for those that like strong female heroines and the men who love them.

Kishaz Reading Corner: The Sheik & The Virgin Princess by Susan Mallery

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

When prim professor Zara Paxton ventures to distant Bahania, she wants only to find the father she'd never known. But her father turns out to be King Hassan of Bahania. The desert king promptly put his "princess" under the protection of a muscular, mesmerizing Sheik, who sets Zara's sense aflame, yet he refuses to quench the fire!

Steely security liaison Rafe Stryker scorns lasting love. But before he knows it, the bespectacled brunette sneaks into his heart, making him throb with the urge to taste her sweetness. Clearly, innocent Princess Zara wanted to be his woman, but taking her was tantamount to treason. Rafe knows the consequences, but even he can stand so much temptation.

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance)

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

Okay when I said I like it hot, I guess that included a certain desire to read desert-based stories. Handsome, rich sheiks anyone?

I went on a search at my local library for books with "sheik" and found several. Plus, my Kindle is about to have a nervous breakdown because of the books I've been snatching of late that have sheiks, billionaires and millionaires in them.

This was one of the ones I found at the local library (thank you so much for having it!) and I enjoyed it tremendously.

Rafe has closed off his heart and any desire to settle down in favor of his job and freedom. Zara is a nerd (yes!) who learns some unexpected truths about her parentage. When the two met it is anything but ideal but what emerges from the chance encounter is something spectacular.

Both characters were well-written and developed as were all the secondary characters who made this story come alive.

Would I recommend this book? Yes.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Dominic Corisi knew instantly that Abigail Dartley was just the distraction he was looking for, especially since having her took a bit more persuading than he was used to. So when business forces him to fly to China, he decides to take her with him, but on his terms. No promises. No complications. Just sex.

Abby has always been the responsible one. She doesn’t believe in taking risks; especially when it comes to men - until she meets Dominic. He’s both infuriating and intoxicating, a heady combination. Their trip to China revives a long forgotten side of Abby, but also reveals a threat to bring down Dominic’s company. With no time to explain her actions, Abby must either influence the outcome of his latest venture and save his company or accept her role as his mistress and leave his fate to chance. Does she love him enough to risk losing him for good?

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AMAZON | ARE (All Romance) | SMASHWORDS

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here's why:

I've been feeling romantic lately and grabbed this book from one of my TBR lists. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed it so much that I've re-read it two more times since the first round.

Abby is my kind of girl who is spunky, responsible and family oriented. She cares deeply for others and tries to do the best for her younger sibling. Most times this means sacrificing the things she wants to provide stability for her sister and her niece.

Dominic, on the other hand, is an emotional black hole and tornado all rolled into one very chaotic and miserable package. When he meets Abby sparks fly and they are off to the races in a very intense, yet emotionally revealing, character-driven storyline that kept me riveted.

Would I recommend this book? Yes!

DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES