Friday, June 29, 2012

Favorite Recent Reads

Just a look at three of my favorite recent reads:


The first is The Redemption of Lord Rawlings by Rachel Van Dyken. The hero in this story was a villain in the first two in the series, and the way the author made him not only salvageable, but also a hero you could really admire and root for, is amazing. Not too many authors can pull that off.

COVER BLURB:


Phillip Crawford, the eighth Earl of Rawlings and notorious rake of the ton, has come to the end of his rope. Out of money, out of favor, and out of luck, he wanders the streets of London in the rain, hoping to be hit by inspiration...or a runaway carriage. Something has to give. It is his father's final cruel trick to hold his inheritance just out of reach, requiring him to marry by his next birthday in order to claim his full rights as earl. His step-mother refuses to offer him any more support. With no money, no prospects and no other place to turn, he has only two options:

Marriage or debtor's prison.

The better choice seems clear enough, but with his name and reputation being attacked daily in the society papers, there's not a proper lady in all of London desperate enough to accept him. It isn't going to be easy, even if the reports of his exploits and rakish lifestyle are greatly exaggerated.

On the other hand, debtor's prison does start to look much more appealing when the only friends he has left decide to help him in his search for the perfect bride. Matters become much more complicated when the only woman who shows an interest in him just happens to be the young sister-in-law of the Duke of Tempest; the same man who, just months ago, had been tempted to kill him.

One thing is for certain, as the Season draws to an end, Lord Rawlings will have to decide once and for all, if his wicked ways are enough to bring him contentment in life, or if a leopard really can change his spots. Or in Phillip's case—can a devil truly be redeemed?

BUY LINKS: Amazon       Barnes&Noble     Astraea Press

The Fairy Godmother Files: Cinderella Complex by Rebekah L. Purdy became an instant favorite. Incredible voice. Great dialogue. Fun characters. Can't wait for the next installment!

COVER BLURB:

The Fairy Godmother Files by Rebekah L. PurdySixteen-year-old Maggie Winters can’t think of anything more exciting than junior year. There’s her first prom to look forward to, she can drive, and most important Connor Prince has finally noticed her. But unfortunately so has the school snob, Katrina Melville, who goes out of her way to make Maggie’s life a living hell. If that’s not enough, Maggie’s grandma has decided to retire, which doesn’t seem like such a big deal. That is until she finds out her grandma is a Fairy Godmother, and not just any Fairy Godmother. The Fairy Godmother, as in Cinderella, pumpkins, and mice. And she has informed Maggie that she’s next in line to become the new Fairy Godmother.


At first Maggie is excited, the whole getting wings, flying (or rather trying not to crash), and a wand that lets her grant wishes. It’s like being a superhero, without all the action, explosions, and spandex. Then she gets her first assignment, Katrina Melville, her nemesis. And if that doesn’t make her want to poof herself into oblivion, she finds out that part of Katrina’s happily-ever-after is Connor Prince. Life is so unfair. Even worse, she can’t tell her two best friends about any of it and they’re getting sick of her disappearing acts. Then there are the dangerous creatures, called Grimms who will stop at nothing to keep the happy endings from being fulfilled, even if it means destroying the Fairy Godmother responsible. With time running out, Maggie has to make this wish come true or it will ruin the fates of everyone involved, and open the world to darkness beyond imagination. Maggie will soon find out what it truly means to be a Fairy Godmother—and it isn’t all about princes, gowns, and wings, but something much more.

BUY LINKS:    Amazon     Barnes&Noble     Astraea Press


The third is Saphyre Snow by Marcia Lynn McClure. Love the way the friendships develop between Saphyre Snow and each of the men of the keep.

COVER BLURB:
Saphyre SnowDescended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom--once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet, a strange madness had poisoned great minds--a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own--and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.

Thus, Saphyre fled--forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her--for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?

Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death--but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love--a secreted love--a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself--even held secret--that would again summon Lord Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow.

BUY LINKS:        Amazon      Distractions Ink     Barnes&Noble


2 comments:

  1. I'm really curious about The Redemption of Lord Rawlins. I haven't seen that book anywhere but I think I'm going to have to add it to my wish list.

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    Replies
    1. It's so good! One of my favorites by Rachel Van Dyken!

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