Showing posts with label prince. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prince. Show all posts

Monday, July 20, 2015

The Treasure of Isian by Serena Clarke

The Treasure of Isian

Author: Serena Clarke

Published: September 2012

ISBN13: 9781477540107

Paperback: 216 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him.

Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom.

Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life.

Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Become lost in the adventure, love, loyalty, and mystery of The Treasure of Isian!

My Review

The Treasure of Isian is great story with intriguing characters.  At times I thought the pacing was off, but I was still enjoying the story.  Elani is a fabulous character with lots of heart and she had many adventures.  Garin too was enjoyable and I really liked the turnaround he made from the beginning of the story.  He at first was a spoiled prince who didn't care much for anything or anyone but himself.  I also enjoyed how Garin started seeing Elani through different eyes.  Serena did a great job with the supporting characters too.  Ander and Jared were great surprises.

4 out of 5 stars.  Book 2, The Alliance of Isian, is also out and I plan on reading it soon.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Sheik's Ruby by Jennifer Moore -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

The Sheik's Ruby
sheiksThe Sheik’s Ruby by Whitney Award Winning Author Jennifer Moore
Shelby wants to break away from the mold of her small town and make a name for herself in the big-city journalism world. While skiing, she meets mysterious stranger Hakim who is actually the prince of the Middle Eastern kingdom of Khali-dar. When his enemies learn of Hakim’s connection to an American girl, they target Shelby. Fleeing to the safety of Khali-dar, Shelby falls deeper in love not only with the prince, but with his country. As she struggles to survive terrorist attacks, withstand the Sheik’s prejudice, and find her place in a world she doesn’t understand, she must choose which life she is willing to sacrifice—the comfortable one she has worked so hard to create, or the one with the man she loves.
My Review
Oh my goodness, this book is so much fun.  This was the first book that Jennifer wrote, and it is up there as one of my favorites of hers.  She is such a talented author and has such a wonderful variety of style in her writing.  I loved Shelby instantly.  She is a remarkable character.  I loved how we knew Hakim's secret early on as we witnessed his inner struggle with it.  Hakim is a fabulous character too.  I enjoyed how Jennifer took care in writing her main characters so well, and also her supporting characters.  Nasir, Hakim's bodyguard, was a silent but strong character, and Shelby's mother was a doll.  I loved the jump from Culver Springs (which reminded me of my husband's hometown) to Khali-dar and the development of Shelby and Hakim's relationship.  Shelby was such a strong character and won the heart of everyone she came in contact with.  I love the story behind the title too and how it all ties together at the end.

4 out of 5 stars.  Another strong book from Jennifer.  I will read anything this lady writes.
Excerpt

“Does your father know you’re asking me?”
Hakim gazed over her shoulder and took a deep breath. “He knows.”
“But he doesn’t want me to come, right?”
“I will bring a companion of my choice tomorrow.” He locked his gaze onto Shelby’s and leaned toward her. “You are my choice. Will you please come?”
The Sheik apparently doesn’t buy into the whole “guests are gifts from Allah” idea. “Of course, I would love to come.” She smiled, but knew it didn’t appear convincing. She hated feeling like she was the source of their discord.
“You are nervous. Please do not feel uncomfortable.”
“I’m worried I’ll say or do something stupid.” She winced. “I’m not exactly a refined debutante who knows how to act in formal situations. I don’t want to embarrass you, Hakim.”
“I do not want you to be a refined debutante. I have spent enough time with those people to know they are not what I want.”Hakim maneuvered his horse until he faced Shelby and their legs were nearly touching. He leaned closer, his gaze earnest. “What I want is you, Shelby Jo.” He cupped her cheek in his hand.
Shelby felt her heart flutter and her nerve endings tingle as she lost herself in the deep brown pools of his eyes.
His thumb stroked her skin, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. He slid his hand into her hair and drew her closer, his lips covering hers.
When she drew away, Shelby inhaled deeply and grinned. “Hearing you put it that way, how could I possibly refuse?”
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Praise for Sheik’s Ruby
“What a fun read! THE SHEIK’S RUBY is a fabulous Cinderella story with both ancient and modern tones you don’t want to miss.”
~Josi Kilpack
~*~
“THE SHEIK’S RUBY is a perfect blend of romance and adventure, set in locales both familiar and exotic. When I finished, I wanted to start over and enjoy it again.
~Nancy Allen

Jennifer
Author Jennifer Moore
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that is anything but romantic. She suffers from an unhealthy addiction to 18th and 19th century military history and literature. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was on board a frigate during the Age of Sail.

Also by Jennifer Moore: Becoming Lady Lockwood (2014 Whitney Award Winner), Lady Emma’s Campaign & Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince.

25_Amazon_Paypal
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/17/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Selection & The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: April 2012

ISBN13: 978006059932

Hardcover: 327 pages

FTC FYI: Bought a kindle copy.

Goodreads Summary

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Review

 4 1/2 stars.  I've had my eye on this book for awhile and finally stole some time to read it.  I am so glad I did.  I loved it.  I thought it was very well written, and the characters were very likable.  I loved America.  I loved Maxon.   I didn't think I would like him, actually.  Is Marlee too good to be true?  Is Celeste really that awful?   The plot is fabulous, and I also liked the mystery of rebel attacks.  I loved the world that the author created.  

Everyone lives under a caste system, and being a five, America didn't think she will stand a chance to catch Prince Maxon's eye.  When they first meet, America yells at him (which I loved), and then they strike up a deal.  They will be friends, and America will give Maxon advice throughout the selection.  What America doesn't expect is her feelings for Maxon, and does she have the strength to make it through herself?  I was glad The Elite was waiting for me when I finished...


The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: April 23, 2013

ISBN13: 9780062059936

Hardcover: 323 pages

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the library

Goodreads Summary

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.


My Review

I really liked this sequel.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  America is now faced with her ex-boyfriend Aspen being a guard at the castle.  Her feelings for Maxon get mixed up when something happens to one of the girls (sorry you will have to find out yourself :).  The rebels are still attacking and America's stay at the castle is getting more confusing, and dangerous.

In the past few days, I've really enjoyed reading these books.  Now I feel the agony of waiting for The One (Book 3) until next year.  Lots of surprises throughout, along with a great ending.  

4 out of 5 stars.  There was a bit of indecision from America, which is to be expected.  I can't say what, but something huge happens and I won't tell who it was with, but it was a surprise and well done.  

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble