‘Tis the Season – Wednesday

Tags

5 stars, Amanda Bouchet, Book Review, Darynda Jones, fantasy, Glynnis Campbell, Grace Draven, historical romance, ice, Jeffe Kennedy, Laurin Wittig, Linnea Sinclair, Nita Round, romance, snow, Steampunk, Tanya Anne Crosby, Tiffany Roberts, winter

This week I am featuring books that reflect the season. Christmas or winter (for those in the northern hemisphere). Books with these themes abound! Are there any seasonal favorites you want so share?  I invite you to share your favorite seasonal stories in the comments.

Today, I am sharing reviews of books that have a cold, wintery or icy setting. Brrr! Newly read this year is the midwinter holiday fantasy romance anthology Fire of the Frost.

Review of Fire of the Frost

5 stars

I’m going to start with Darynda Jones, who is really the reason I wanted to read this book.  I think of her as the queen of urban/paranormal fantasy.  She is one of my favorite laugh-out-loud authors.  In A Winter Fyre, the classic fantasy setting means coffee quips are absent.  But that does not mean that Winter and Gareth don’t exchange the familiar snarky banter!  Or is it flirting.  Either way, it is fun to read!  As the couple get to know each other, they plot to take down an evil queen.  A marvelous tale!

Amanda Bouchet’s Of Fate and Fire features Piers, the bad boy from her Kingmaker Chronicles.  This time the setting is modern-day, holiday time, New York City where he meets Sophie who is in possession of a powerful artifact.  Keeping it way from the bad guys and getting it to the good guys leads to an adventure.  And a romance!  Is Piers about to get his happy ending?!  If you have read Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles, you will have a deeper understanding of Piers and his past.  But it is not necessary to know the back story in to find this story delightful.

Grace Daven is one of my favorite fantasy romance writers.  In The King of Hel, the cursed king, reigns over a country frozen in cold and ice. He is obligated to marry for politics but loves a woman who could never be queen.  Star-crossed lovers at the beginning, Castil and Doranis pine over each other but sad circumstance will bring them together again.   In the author’s note, she writes that the story is based on real-life historical figures of Louis XIV of France and Francoise d’Aubigné, marquise de Maintenon – which makes the story even more moving.

The collection ends with Jeffe Kennedy’s Familiar Winter Magic.  It takes place in a school of magic where familiars are winnowed from wizards.  Kids start out as friends and become adversarial when the oracle head categorizes them.  Bullying begins and friendships are destroyed.  Okay, there is more to the story than that, but that is what I got out of it.  School/academy settings are among my least appreciated tropes, which made this story my least favorite of the four.  However, Jeffe is a fantastic storyteller and I have a feeling that readers of Jeffe’s Bonds of Magic Trilogy are going to enjoy this one.

In Fire of the Frost, you will find four tales, told by exceptional storytellers.  Enjoy with a warm beverage and a comfy seat!

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About Fire of the Frost by Darynda Jones, Amanda Bouchet, Grace Draven, and Jeffe Kennedy

A Winter Fyre by Darynda Jones

From Darynda Jones, a standalone novella set in a world where vampyres are hunted for sport. The only thing standing between them and total annihilation is Winter, a warrior bred to save them from extinction. Forbidden to fall in love, Winter cares only about her oaths… until she meets the devilish prince of the underworld.

Of Fate and Fire by Amanda Bouchet

The Kingmaker Chronicles meets modern-day New York City! Piers, an exiled warrior from Thalyria, finds himself in the Big Apple just before the holidays. The world and everything in it might be utterly foreign to him, but that won’t stop Piers from helping to complete a vital mission for Athena and protect Sophie, a French teacher from Connecticut who’s suddenly knee-deep in inexplicable phenomena, danger, and henchmen after an Olympian treasure that should never have ended up in her hands—or remained on Earth after the Greek gods abandoned it.

The King of Hel by Grace Draven

A novella-length expansion of a stand-alone short story in which a cursed mage-king from a frozen kingdom is obligated to marry a woman of high-ranking nobility but meets his soulmate in a lowly scribe.

Familiar Winter Magic by Jeffe Kennedy

It’s holiday time at Convocation Academy, but best friends Han and Iliana are finding it hard to celebrate. As a familiar, Iliana is facing her assignment to a life of servitude to a wizard, very soon. And Han… despite being tested by the oracle daily, he is still uncategorized. As Iliana and Han face being separated forever, they at last find the courage—or desperation—to break the rules and acknowledge their deeper feelings for each other. But it will take more than true love to save them from the laws of the Convocation…

Links

Add Fire of the Frost to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Fire of the Frost:

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In the past, I have reviewed other books with a wintery theme. Here, I will share all or part of my original review. Some of these I purchased for myself and some were provided to me by the author or publisher. All of my reviews are my honest option. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please click on the book cover or other link to go to Amazon. Note: Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated.

Wintertide by Linnea Sinclair

Khamsin’s story is a wonderful magical tale of adventure and realization. The child, Khamsin, was born during a dark magical storm and claimed by the powerful Sorcerer. She was raised by the wise old healer, lovingly called Tante Bronya. Bronya would devote herself to preparing Khamsin to face her destiny, though Khamsin has no idea what that will be.

Wintertide is the ages-past prequel to the SciFi romance An Accidental Goddess. Each stands alone, but it fun to read both in order appreciate the evolution of this mythology from its very beginnings in Wintertide to its futuristic representation in An Accidental Goddess. These are two very different stories and both are recommended.

If you are expecting typical Linnea Sinclair military SciFi romance when you read Wintertide, you will be disappointed. If you are open to historical fantasy romance, you will be pleased. And if you also like cats and/or horses you will really like Wintertide! Wintertide is a fairy-tale complete with a quest, danger, adventure, magic and a happily ever after.

The Winter Stone by Tanya Anne Crosby, Glynnis Campbell, and Laurin Wittig

This is a lovely collection of stories from three different authors and one central theme. The Winter Stone is an ancient relic with magical properties. The magic in this stone brings people together, whether they like it nor not, so they can fulfill their destiny. I enjoyed all three stories. Each was unique and beguiling. I recommend any of the stories to warm your heart – regardless of the season! The anthology is out of print, but all three stories are available individually: Once Upon a Highland Legend by Tanya Anne Crosby, Macalister’s Hope by Lauren Wittig, and The Outcast by Glynnis Campbell

Ice Bound by Tiffany Roberts

A blizzard brings a stranger to Anna’s door. After having lived a solitary life, Anna listens to his compelling tales. And his heated kisses have Anna fearing she hasn’t only opened her home to him, but also her heart.

You can absolutely feel the cold wind whipping through the air as you read Ice Bound. Luckily, there is more to the short story than weather. I also enjoyed the tension filled romance between Anna and the stranger. The bonus story, The Winter King, is a storyteller’s continuation of the story of Ice Bound’s heroine and hero — plus a little more. At only 45 pages, Ice Bound perfect way to relax on a winter afternoon.

A Touch of Ice by Nita Round

With A Touch of Ice, we travel to Magda’s frozen homeland and learn about her past and her amazing future.  Previous books have hinted at Magda’s unusual talents and her past.  I was pleased to get this glimpse into the world that Magda was pushed out of.  As with any character that you have come to love, any detail about what makes them tick is soaked up.

In the far north, Magda must defend her honor and birth right.  The fate of Raven, Fire, and Ice depends on Magda, so failure is unthinkable. More of the Trinity, more danger, more intrigue and more reasons to read this series!

‘Tis the Season – Tuesday

Tags

Christmas, Erica Ridley, fairy tales, fantasy, historical romance, Jodi Taylor, Melanie Karsak, romance, scifi, Steampunk, time travel

This week I am featuring books that reflect the season. Christmas or winter (for those in the northern hemisphere) themes in books are easy to find. Yesterday’s post was about books I have reviewed. Today I will share a list of books I have read, but did not review. I enjoyed every one of them, so I guess that is my recommendation for you.  Are there any seasonal favorites you want so share? Let me know in the comments.

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I’ve included the Amazon link for each book here – click on the book cover. Note: Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated.

Peppermint and Pentacles by Melanie Karsak

Up on the housetop werewolves howl
Out jumps good old Agent Louvel
Down through the chimney chasing monsters quick
Feeling far less jolly than Old Saint Nick

Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is used to chasing werewolves across London. But when she’s reassigned to a special case just days before Christmas, she learns that she’ll need more than a silver bullet to keep everyone on the nice list.

Peppermint and Pentacles is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling steampunk universe. This Christmas-themed tale can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as book 3 in the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series. The story is also a part of Frostbitten Fairy Tales which is a great collection including several Melanie Karsak seasonal stories.

12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley

The 12 Dukes of Christmas is a series of heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke! I have read 3 of the books in the series and have a couple more on my Kindle to read at my first opportunity. Erica Ridley can always be counted on for a heartwarming story filled with charming characters, humor and romance.

The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Alternately titled The Viscount’s Tempting Minx. Another Christmas story from Erica Ridley that is just as charming as the 12 Dukes of Christmas.

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn’t time for silly soirees. He doesn’t need time—he needs her!

When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family’s annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia’s guerrilla tactics, he’s up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s Christmas Shorts – by Jodi Taylor

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s is one of my all-time favorite series. In between the most of the annual additions to this series, the author has put out a short tale that typically takes place around Christmas. If you are a fan of this series, I’m sure you will love these shorter tales of the time travelling disaster magnet crew from St. Mary’s. What could possibly go wrong? If you have not read the series, one of these shorter (and less pricey) stories might be a great way to jump in. Hidden among these stories is the only St. Mary’s adventure that took place off-world.

This year the author is turning to her latest time travel series The Time Police to enhance with a Christmas story. Santa Grint will be released on Christmas day.

‘Tis the Season – Monday

Tags

5 stars, aliens, Anne Renwick, Book Review, Cecilia Dominic, fairy tales, fantasy, Genie Davis, Grace Draven, historical romance, Melanie Karsak, Mimi Matthews, Pauline Baird Jones, romance, scifi, Steampunk, Victoria Alexander

‘Tis the season. Christmas is almost here.  If, like me, you reside in the northern hemisphere, you are likely experiencing cold weather and maybe even snow.  The stories I am featuring this week are about this season.  When looking for books to feature this week, I found that Christmas and holiday miracles or winter and snow-bound settings can be found in so many books.  And while I have read many of those books, there are so many more to read.  I invite you to share your favorite seasonal stories in the comments.

Today, I am sharing reviews of books that have a setting that takes place on or around Christmas. Newly read this year is Grace Draven’s Sunday’s Child.

Review of Sunday’s Child

5 stars

This is a lovely story about a woman who’s life revolves around two things: her autistic son and her job.  With little or no social life, Claire is stepping out of her comfort zone when she goes to lunch with Andor, the charming, attractive co-worker.  Andor is actually an elf in exile who met Claire when she was a child and Andor was assisting St. Nick’s make his rounds one Christmas evening.  Sunday’s Child is all romance with just a little bit of Will They Be Able to Get Together?  The presence of St. Nick and the timing of the story add the Christmas element that make this the perfect short novella to read this time of year.

Note: this story was also published as part of the duology All the Stars Look Down by Grace Draven and Elizabeth Hunter.

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About Sunday’s Child by by Grace Draven

The holiday season has arrived, and museum archivist Claire Summerlad envisions a lonely Christmas for herself and her autistic son… until she meets a mysterious new co-worker who seems strangely familiar

The memory of a Christmas past is brought back to life when Andor Hjalmarson is introduced to the woman he once called Sunday’s Child.  A thousand years of exile has made Andor a nomadic wanderer, but is a future with Claire possible with a centuries-old punishment hanging over his head?

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Links

Add Sunday’s Child to your Goodreads shelf:

Purchase Sunday’s Child:

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In past years, I have reviewed other books with a Christmas theme. I am sharing all or part of my original review. Some of these I purchased for myself and some were provided to me by the author or publisher. All of my reviews are my honest option. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please click on the book cover to go to Amazon. Note: Use of these links supports this blog and is very much appreciated.

Hauntings and Humbug by Melanie Karsak

Melanie Karsak has put her own twist on one of my all time favorite stories: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  The original story’s paranormal and time-travel elements are tweaked with steam, automatons and considerable charm in Hauntings and Bumbug.

This time the main characters are female and though the old grouch is not exactly evident, Ebony Scrooge is not a happy woman.  Enter the spirits.  We all know the story.  So, no surprises here.  But as someone who has read the original over and over again, I truly appreciated Ms. Karsak’s thoughtful deference to the classic tale while introducing the feminine perception.

Goblins and Snowflakes by Melanie Karsak

Goblins and Snowflakes is the part charming, part creepy retelling of The Elves and the Shoemaker. The charming part is the actual fairy tale retelling. The creepy part pertains to the goblins who provide the magic to make the fairy tale. The novella length story is perfect for a couple hours of escape to the quaint village of Twickenham for a little adventure and a little romance. Every time I read another of Ms. Karsak’s steampunk fairy tales, I want to read more. Within Goblins and Snowflakes are some ties to other characters in Karsak’s steampunk stories, notably for me, the beginning of the Red Cape Society of the Steampunk Red Riding Hood series. Despite those ties, Goblins and Snowflakes is a standalone and can be enjoyed in all types of weather.

A Snowflake at Midnight by Anne Renwick

We start with a librarian.  That gets my attentions.  Add a botanist (gardener).  Yep, I like the sound of that.  Then add a cold, snowy holiday setting, a warm, lush greenhouse, a little danger and a lot of romance.  What a lovely story that is perfect for this time of year.

Like other books in Anne Renwick’s steampunk stories, the elements of science, technology and the Queen’s agent Mr. Black are all present in A Snowflake at Midnight.  An intelligent woman competing with men in academia along with a man who appreciates her intelligence are also common traits in the steampunk stories.  This is one of my favorite series!

I love this addition to Renwick’s Elemental Steampunk Tales!

Mission Nutcracker by Cecilia Dominic

The opening chapter at the Tinkerer’s Ball, where we first see Fiona and Devon attempting an awkward conversation, also introduces the life-sized creepy nutcrackers abducting the attendees at the ball. The tone was set: weird, sweet, frightening, promising and fantastical.

Mission: Nutcracker is not particularly festive. While it does take place around Christmas, it really is creepy, detracting from the holiday spirit. But the theme reminds us of a beloved favorite holiday tale. So why not take a break from the holiday madness to read this book. On the other hand, Mission: Nutcracker can also be described as Holiday Madness!

A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews

This fun tale begins with the heroine and hero deciding to break off their courtship. Apparently they just don’t suit. The unusual beginning to the story had me from the first page. When Sophie Appersett, in a very unlady-like action, talks Edward Sharpe into a second go round, the real romance begins. I was delighted by the earnest efforts of the unconventional Sophie as she made an effort to get to know Edward. I smiled at Edward’s surprised reactions to Sophie. As they became friends, and then more, against the background of the family drama the entertainment factor just kept going up.

Fa la la la la!

If you want to brighten your holiday season, deck your bookshelf with this charming Christmas romance by Mimi Matthews. This little novella will warm your heart and bring a smile to even the Scroogiest of humbuggers.

Same Time, Next Christmas by Victoria Alexander

At first, I did not like Portia, Lady Redwell. She seemed to have an annoying case of that upper class superiority thing going on. When Fletcher Jamison came into the picture, even Portia – and I – relaxed a bit.

Portia and Fletcher are entertaining characters. They play well off of each other, arguing and agreeing, fighting and apologizing. Neither has been quite truthful with the other, but they have decided to treat this as a getaway. What happens in Italy, stays in Italy. They relax and enjoy each other’s company even though there is no indication that the relationship will ever continue.

But it must, because ‘Next Christmas‘ is part of the title.

Same Time, Next Christmas is enjoyable, light reading with a heartfelt story line that will make you smile.

Open with Care by Pauline Baird Jones and Genie Davis

This duology includes Scifi Christmas stories by two authors. Other than Christmas, there are several things that two stories have in common. The first is that both are set in Wyoming in the winter. Their descriptions of Wyoming weather in December had me feeling the chill as I was reading.

Both books have aliens. Aliens that are visiting Earth and have made contact. An unusual gift is the third commonality. I really can’t tell you more. Except to say they are the gifts are miraculous! Also, both books are about time travel of a sort.

And finally, both stories are magical, and full of holiday spirit and Christmas miracles!