Red Cicada by Gregg Luke - blog tour/giveaway

 

Red Cicada

Author: Gregg Luke

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: May 1st, 2022

290 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ebook from the publisher, all views and opinions are my own.

Summary

Twenty-eight-year-old Lana Baker knows the signs: the intense flashes of light and building pressure in her head herald yet another migraine. But this time, the unavoidable pain lands her in the hospital, where her unusual past raises more questions than answers. Her medical history is a complete mystery. Stranger still, her battery of tests reveals a shocking secret: Lana has a metal disk embedded in her skull—but she has no idea how it got there. Even more disturbing is the fact that the disk is etched with words—in Russian.

Lieutenant Lance Kipling has been tracking down information on a former marine he believes may have had ties to Cold War biological weapons. So when that man’s daughter turns up in a hospital with a metal disk in her skull, it does not go unnoticed. But Lance has competition for the information stored in Lana’s head—dangerous individuals with Soviet ties. 

Together, Lance and Lana follow a trail of clues her father left, bits of information that reveal Lana’s past and paint a deadly picture of a weapon that has the potential to wreak havoc on the planet’s entire population.

My review

Red Cicada is an exciting thrill-ride! The author does a fantastic job of keeping me needing/wanting to turn those pages quickly. I loved the premise of this book and the mystery surrounding the disk in Lana's head was an adventure to read. Lance was a great hero. I loved every scene he was in. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the disk and Lana's past. There are many great twists and a really icky bad guy. 4 out of 5 stars.  Purchase links Kindle / Paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book Author links Goodreads

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Lily of the Valley by Sarah M Eden - blog tour/giveaway

 

Lily of the Valley

Author: Sarah M Eden

Publisher: Covenant

Published: April 10th, 2022

Paperback/ebook: 256 pages

FTC FYI: I was given an ebook for review purposes only and a review was not required. 

Book summary

Cumberland, 1786

Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting―until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly façade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.

My review

I am reading this book now and it, as expected, a shear delight. I love how Sarah Eden writes. Her words flow so gracefully and they take you to magical places. I appreciate the character development and the author's attention to detail. So far I am loving this book. 

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author links

Amazon author page / Website

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Before the Fortress Falls by AL Sowards - blog tour/giveaway

 

Before the Fortress Falls

Author: A. L. Sowards

Release Day: April 1, 2022

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Formats: Print, ebook, audio

Genres: Christian Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, War Fiction

Summary

Their fight for survival would change the course of history.

When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.

Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside. 

My review

Inspiring, beautifully written. AL Sowards does it again with her descriptions. I can always, always count on this author for an amazing read. There is a lot in this book to love, with unforgettable characters and their incredible journeys of growth, struggles, and never giving up. Plus a well written romance, loyalty, and love. 5 out of 5 stars Purchase links Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book Author links Amazon author page / Goodreads / BookBub

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Royal Captive by Heather Frost - blog tour

 

Royal Captive

Author:  Heather Frost

Published: March 18th, 2022

680 pages

FTC FYI: I received an eARC. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Summary

A DECOY trapped in a dangerous lie
A SERJAH searching for the truth
A PRINCE caught in a deadly game
A WORLD choked by secrets

Abducted during a devastating ambush, Clare is now the captive of ruthless mercenaries. Dragged through the wilderness while grieving heart-rending loss, she must maintain the illusion that she is the princess. Because if she lets the mask slip, even for a moment, the Mortisians will have no reason to keep her alive.

After arresting traitors close to the crown, Desfan fights to rebuild his court, knowing that the imminent arrival of the Devendran princess will further upset the precarious balance in Mortise. But Desfan’s world is rocked when he discovers a rumor that rewrites the most devastating event in his life. He will stop at nothing to find the truth–no matter where it leads.

As Grayson struggles to find his footing in Mortise, he discovers new friends and enemies. His life is further complicated by the tenuous alliance with his spymaster brother. With secrets deepening around him, Grayson must decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through it all, his heart remains in Ryden with Mia. Unfortunately, his love for her is no secret, and the Black Hand is a coveted weapon . . .

Eyrinthia holds its breath as allies and enemies collide. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. Nothing will be the same.

My review

Royal Captive is another heart pounding, nail biting thrill ride. The story flows as you read what happens to these beloved characters. The bad guys are still horrifyingly well written. Whenever see certain character’s names on the page, grip my kindle a little tighter to hold on to something. The good guys are doing their best with all that comes their way. There are twists and turns and secrets revealed that left my head spinning. And of course the author left me wanting more with the turn of events on the last page.

Content warning: violence, battle scenes

5 out of 5 stars. I would highly recommend reading this series in order. 

Are you new to this series? ROYAL DECOY is FREE on Kindle this week! Grab your copy here.

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback

Author links

Heather's Amazon author page / Goodreads / BookBub

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks

 

Beyond the Lavender Fields

Author: Arlem Hawks

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: January 30th, 2022

Book Description: 1792, France Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Etienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory.

A bourgeoise and royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles's efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that perhaps they have more in common than she thought.
As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family's safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie-Caroline wonder if a revolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together or if they must live in a world that forces people to choose sides.

Purchase links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble

Author links

Amazon / Goodreads

Royal Captive by Heather Frost - cover reveal

I am so excited to be part of this cover reveal. I have loved the other books in this series!

Coming March 18, 2022!

ROYAL CAPTIVE

A DECOY trapped in a dangerous lie

A SERJAH searching for the truth

A PRINCE caught in a deadly game

A WORLD choked by secrets

Abducted during a devastating ambush, Clare is now the captive of ruthless mercenaries. Dragged through the wilderness while grieving heart-rending loss, she must maintain the illusion that she is the princess. Because if she lets the mask slip, even for a moment, the Mortisians will have no reason to keep her alive.

After arresting traitors close to the crown, Desfan fights to rebuild his court, knowing that the imminent arrival of the Devendran princess will further upset the precarious balance in Mortise. But Desfan’s world is rocked when he discovers a rumor that rewrites the most devastating event in his life. He will stop at nothing to find the truth–no matter where it leads.

As Grayson struggles to find his footing in Mortise, he discovers new friends and enemies. His life is further complicated by the tenuous alliance with his spymaster brother. With secrets deepening around him, Grayson must decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through it all, his heart remains in Ryden with Mia. Unfortunately, his love for her is no secret, and the Black Hand is a coveted weapon . . .

Eyrinthia holds its breath as allies and enemies collide. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. Nothing will be the same.

Here it is...

PRE-ORDER INFO COMING SOON!

Fire & Ash by Heather Frost - spotlight

 

Fire & Ash

Author: Heather Frost

Novella: 252 pages

Summary

First the flames . . .

When Desfan Cassian, the future ruler of Mortise, skips his fifteenth birthday celebration so he can gamble in the slums, he knows his father won't be pleased. Then again, the serjan hasn’t been happy with him in years. And while Desfan anticipates a reprimand for his latest transgression, he doesn’t expect to be thrown out of the palace and exiled onto a patrol ship for the next year.

Then from the ashes . . .

Furious to be trapped on the same sea that stole his family four years ago, Desfan is fully prepared to hate his new life. After all, the Phoenix is run by a strict captain, and Desfan's annoying new bodyguard, Karim, is his constant shadow. But when Desfan learns that a group of dangerous pirates may have been behind the deaths of his mother and sisters, he's suddenly committed to hunting down the truth—no matter the risk.

He will rise.

***Fire & Ash is a novella set in the world of the Royal Decoy series. While it is a prequel story and can be read as a standalone, it is best enjoyed after reading Royal Spy.***

Purchase links

This ebook is FREE on Kindle Unlimited / Paperback

Author links

Amazon author page / Website / Goodreads / BookBub

REVIEW TO COME!