Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie

Rating: 3.5 stars

Book 1 of a trilogy

Keeping secrets can be hazardous to your health. That is one of many harsh realities that main character Ettian must learn during his journey of self-discovery and love. Set against the backdrop of space and two clashing empires, this book is a great start to the trilogy. The characters both main and secondary are fully fleshed out and capture the reader's attention and heart strings.

The very real struggle of duty versus love pulls you in and keeps you there as you're torn between routing for Ettian and wanting to shake some sense into him.

Kishaz Reading Corner: Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

3.5stars
Library Book

I love a nerdy character, especially when it's one who has to figure out the real world and what it means to live life outside of books/science, etc. Miranda understands science but when it comes to love, social life, and understanding people, she is very lost.


There were two love interests Leo & TJ. TJ comes from a rich family and is shallow. Leo comes from "Fisherman's Village" and has no money but is sweet and sincere.


secondary characters were minimal and were fleshed out enough not to be totally 2D but didn't really (except for her mother) add much to the overall story as Miranda goes on her personal journey of growing up.


This book was also made into a movie. 

Vengeful Prince (Territorial Mates, #1) by Mary E. Twomey

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

About the Book

Lilya must choose between redeeming her broken world…or saving her life. 

When the three princes of the battling territories set out to redeem the land their parents have ruined, Destino rules that the only way to unite the people is for him to marry a woman from one of the enemy territories—the land of the fae. 

Lilya is thrust into the limelight, stepping into a world where she knows no one and stands out as a target, like any fae would in a land of vampires. Having all eyes on her brings her worst fear to light: that the secret of her deadly magic will be found out, and she’ll be hunted down for her many crimes. 

The princes and Lilya soon realize that their push for peace is turning into an act of war between the vampires, shifters, and fae. Defending their choices is one thing, but defending their lives sets them on a perilous path from which they cannot turn back.

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4 stars

Here's why:

Couldn’t put it down! I received the book as an ARC copy and enjoyed it so much that I bought it! The characters are fully developed and distinct in their own way. The pacing of the story, with the romance building as it went along. I truly look forward to the other books in the series.

Would I recommend this book: Yes

Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise (Mountain Men of Liberty #8) by K.C. Crowne

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

About the Book

"I'm ready for my private striptease." 

My bestie's bachelorette had to be amazing. Luckily the stripper I hired blew everyone's socks off. Later that night he gave me a private show I'll never forget. Now, no one can know our secret - because the life of our baby depends on it. 

After returning home my father gave me life shattering news. How the h*ll could he sell me off to the mob?? With no other choice but to run... The mountains would be my new home. Safe. And zero souls who could recognize me. Except, that last part is a lie. Because the stripper who knocked me up... 

Turns out to be anything but a stripper. And now that he knows my whereabouts he's ready to show everyone just what the h*ll he's really made of.

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4 stars

Here's why:

Graham and Emmy are not your conventional hero and damsel. I really liked Graham, secrets and all. Emmy, I liked in the beginning but then she got on my nerves at certain parts. I know family is important but come on, get a clue already. Other than that, the pacing of this story was on point. I want to read more books in this series.

Would I recommend this book: Yes, it's a nice read

Sucker Punch by Laurell K. Hamilton

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

About the Book

A brutal murder, a suspect in jail, and an execution planned—but what if the wrong person is about to be killed? 

When a fellow U.S. Marshal asks Anita Blake to fly to a tiny community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on an emergency consult, she knows time is running short. When she arrives, there is plenty of proof that a young wereleopard killed his uncle in the most gruesome and bloody way possible. As the mounting evidence points to him, a warrant of execution is already under way. 

But something seems off about the murder, and Anita has been asked for her expert opinion on the crime scene. Despite escalating pressure from local cops and the family’s cries for justice for their dead patriarch, Anita quickly realizes that the evidence doesn’t quite add up. 

Time is against Anita, as the tight-knit community is up in arms and its fear of supernaturals is growing. She races to uncover the truth and determine whether the Marshals have caught the killer or are about to execute an innocent man—all in the name of justice.

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AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

4.5 stars

Here's why:

She's back! The Anita that has been missing for several books has returned and is doing what she does best--kicking butt and taking names. The sex finally took a backseat (no puns intended!) to the story and it's awesome to enjoy. There is nothing wrong with romance and sex but this is the first time in a long while that a balance was struck between the two. Kudos to Ms. Hamilton for that.

The ethics that are posed in this story have a parallel to things going on in today's events which made it an even more gripping read.

Would I recommend this book: YES, YES, YES!