Sunday, May 30, 2021

Review of Never Miss by Melissa Koslin


About the Book ~

She saved his life. Now they're in a race to stop a deadly attack.

Former CIA sniper Kadance Tolle possesses a special set of skills and a rare pedigree. She comes from a family of assassins, and by saving Lyndon Vaile's life she risks being found by them. Despite the danger, Kadance feels compelled to help Lyndon discover who is after him and his incendiary research, which indicates that the Ebola virus is man-made and about to be weaponized.

With shadowy figures pursuing them and a mastermind watching their every move, Kadance and Lyndon scramble to stop an impending bioattack at the State of the Union address. When their warnings fall on deaf ears, it becomes increasingly clear that there's no one they can trust--except perhaps each other.

Strap in for a breakneck story that will have you up all night, hurtling toward the last page as the clock ticks and time runs out.

For more information about Melissa Koslin and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you never want to miss an intriguing and mysterious story that's equal parts suspense and romance, then check out Never Miss by Melissa Koslin!

Intriguing, mysterious, and unique are the words that come to mind after reading Never Miss. The setting, the characters' pasts, the pacing, the conflict -- all of this fell just outside of the normal tropes found in romantic suspense, and these unique differences drew me into this fast paced story! Additionally, I found the plot centering around Ebola to be relatable to the recent struggles the world has faced, and I applaud the author's unique take on a relatable struggle.

While there was instant attraction and connection (due to their similar quirks and the ways their respective minds processed the world around them), Kadence and Lyndon didn't fall prey to the trope of being instantly in-love, and trust and love for one another built over the course of their journey. However, some of the lingering emphasis on the physical attraction was a little difficult. The spiritual storyline subtly worked through their respective trust issues, satisfyingly concluding with Kadence realizing the truth that God had been by her side all along. 

Three Stars ~ Never Miss by Melissa Koslin is a gripping romantic suspense! Never Miss is a standalone, but I'm interested to see what the author will write next!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!


Friday, May 28, 2021

Review of Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson

 


About the Book ~

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

For more information about Melanie Dickerson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is the Ugly Duckling retelling your bookish heart has been longing to discover! 

In Castle of Refuge, the author pulls you into the setting and era, writing about it with such ease that one has to wonder if the author travels to the Medieval Era on a regular basis... Alas and alack, the only way I can travel to the Medieval Era is through wonderful books such as Castle of Refuge. Additionally, the writing style is smooth, flowing without a plethora of unfamiliar phrases and words that have bemused my contemporary sensibilities from time to time.

Through Edwin and Audrey's scars -- both literally and figuratively -- the author explores themes like being "ugly" on the outside versus on the inside, living an unforgettable life of value, and what it means to love and be loved. While Edwin and Audrey certainly experience a number of harrowing experiences, the gentle exploration of these spiritual themes is like a soothing balm -- beautifully portraying exactly what God's love and truths do for a battered heart! 

Four Stars ~ Castle of Refuge by Melanie Dickerson is a lovely and romantic Ugly Duckling retelling that will soothe your heart! Castle of Refuge is the second book in the author's Dericott Tales, but it can be read as a standalone.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!