Merry Christmas! Welcome to EARTH DRAGON REVIEWS! Here you will find reviews for books I have read and reviewed. These books are Advanced Reader Copies and all reviews are my own opinion. Feel free to contact me if you have a questions or want me to read one of your books. Please post to my blog and/or subscribe. I love hearing from you! Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come! May God bless and keep you this year!
These two characters have chemistry, only Isabella doesn't want to be sold the hottest rake in the ton. The story is a little over the top at times and I guess it's meant to be funny, but it's not. The story is well written and the characters are compelling. It's an enjoyable story.
This story is a little bit whimsy, and these two never meet each other til the wedding. As they work through their marriage, they learn to love each other, Of course, there is a third party that interferes with their marriage, makes for a little bit of suspense. This is fun story and the writing is creative.
This story starts out sad with a woman desperate for her family. She marries the mayor's son, and things start to get strange. This story has some very dark moments, but the action will keep you interested in what the mayor is doing and why all the ranches in the area are in desperate straits. The best part is when love gives the mayor's son a backbone.
This story started off really well, but quickly deteriorated as I continued to read. The plot was a good idea, but not designed very well. There are too many holes, and why wouldn't the Bryce claim their was a prior understanding. The villain is allowed to get away with their evil ways, even though we got a happily ever after. This story is very disappointing.
This story starts out different as Nora and Mary come to Cripple Creek to start life over with their friend, Jessamine. Mary falls in love with the town doctor, Tobias. He is overseeing her pregnancy while she settles into Cripple Creek. This story is about gossip and assumptions. Mary should be grateful that Tobias is a wonderful forgiving Christian, because what she subjects that man to could hurt his reputation as a doctor. The story is okay, but there is not any real great writing, but it's a nice short story to pass the time.
This is a strange little story about selfishness, determination, and how to ruin yourself. The story really centers around the villain instead of the main characters. It's about how jealousy turns into vindictiveness and how when love triumph's, you can be exposed for all the evil things that you instigated. Diana and Oliver are not hard to love, because they have the music which binds two souls together. The story had an unexpected turn at the end, because the aristocracy never acts like Oliver did, but desperation and anger can make one act outside of ourselves. As Helen learned, blackmail and vindictiveness never pay.
This has got to be the worst who-dun-it. It's a case of evil step-mother and evil step-sister. Nothing makes sense in this story until her suitor decides to investigate Mariah's illness. The action begins there and concludes with the supposedly stunning confession. I was not surprised at all. The murderers flee and are let go. If anything, the ending is horrible and justice is not served, and our couple live happily ever after in relative ignorance and joy.
This story very whimsical and characters are over the top. If it was meant to be funny, the story might have been a lot better. The game, they played was dangerous and if Arthur hadn't fallen in love with Sarah; it could have ended disastrously. The characters were all written with a 2D personality, having no depth to their characters. Although the author tried to show depth of feeling, she failed, especially between our main characters. It was an excellent plot, but if the characters had more depth, it would have been more plausible and less whimsical.
This story reads like a Lifetime movie. It starts in the present and returns to the past. When you are done, you've lived a lifetime of love and memories. Life is not always perfect, but marriage takes work. This is what the Woolworth's lunch counter was to Susan and Frank. A place to continue to take time for themselves and work to move their marriage forward. I remember the Woolworth's Lunch Counter and their $2.95 meal special. The story brought back a wonderful time for me, and days long gone. The characters are well written and their life is written in a compelling manner. I was left with a sense of peace and a life well loved.
I'm not sure about a miracle. Just a good hearted man hopelessly in love with a woman who needs serious wooing. There is a lot of weird stuff going on and a father who tries to control his son. There's not a lot of real action, but a lot of kindness and love. The story for me is just average and is not a page turner.
This story is hilarious right from the very beginning. The characters are sometimes over the top, especially our bride. Even the first encounter between our main characters is funny. The story is light-hearted and filled with a sort of joy about marriage, love and what makes one happy. This is an inspirational romance and how two souls make things work with God's help.
This story is every Happily Ever After's nightmare. This is an affair born of sin and ends the same way. It's a nightmare for the one left behind and all parties bear the blame. I wish I could at least say it was well written, but the truth is it was not well thought out. This story could have ended badly, but there is no way this story could have ended right. The characters were well written, but bad behavior for bad behavior doesn't make anything right.
This is a quaint little who-dun-it with a reputation and love at risk. Mr. Frierson must find out who is sullying his name, and attempting to make him out a thief. His romantic interest in Darcy's daughter, Sophia, is at risk. She believes him and wants to help him, but cannot have an association with him, if he is branded a thief. The story is fun and figuring the thief out was easy. Things are not always what they seem, especially those closest to us.
This story starts off with being jilted at the altar. It then proceeds with a distraught bride driving away in a snowstorm. Meet Chad, Rachel's best friend's brother, who hiding away in the same cabin. Sparks fly, but these two become a team for survival as the snowstorm grows worse. It just goes to show that our hearts know better, than what is expected of us, and what we think our parents want for is actually what we want for ourselves, happiness.
This story deals with some very criminal elements, and a woman traumatized by her father and brothers that she has lost her voice. Laird Greyson Foster has migraines from a head injury he received during a battle and wants a quiet wife. Unfortunately, his kindness gives her voice back. Her father realizes he didn't get enough for Rhea and decides to try and get her back. The story has it moments, but our hero sometimes borders on stupidity, until his sister and Rhea knock some sense into him. Really! he has a severe headaches and says he tried everything, but Rhea makes him a tonic that actually helps. Something that lessens the pain is better than nothing, but sometimes I think men like to dwell in self pity, and then try to hide it. The story has well thought out plot, and carries itself well to the end with a few hiccups along the way.
Captivated by a Rakish Duke - Rating ⭐⭐⭐
When two firebrands meet, it's bound that things will explode. Unfortunately, in the middle of a ball is not the right place. There's a lot of emotions to overcome for them to make their marriage work, and a man with a lot of past to appear in his future. The story is well written. It's the characters that gave me pause. Two very immature people trying to make a go of what society has forced on them. Personally, it's a recipe for disaster.
Enthralled by a Lustful Viscount - Rating ⭐⭐⭐
The author did not exaggerate when she said Hannah was naive. The worse part is after being warned about the Viscount, she runs head long into the Viscount's arms. The only saving grace in this story is Grace, the Viscount's sister. Still the ending is very exaggerated and has it's own twisted surprise. Some of the action felt forced, which is rare for this author, but it didn't feel natural with these characters.
An Earl's Flaming Journal - Rating ⭐⭐⭐
The author really missed the boat on this story. This story could have been a wonderful romantic comedy centered around that erotic journal. It ended up being more of a drama with a bunch of stupid middle class people trying to force their daughter out of their house. Jemina's family was disgusting and nonredeemable in the story. If it hadn't been for the Earl's redeemable behavior this story would have been a total disaster.
I loved this story. Morgan and Logan clicked and both were open to what was happening between them. How they dealt with their problems and issues was a bit messy until they became open and honest with each other. Cody’s father was an issue I didn’t think well of and we never really got back to the issue of why he wanted back in their lives. The story is well worth reading and you are left with a sense of happiness.
I wish this was as passionate as the description of the book. The chemistry between Isabel and Richard, was about as passionate as her relationship with the Duke. The story was well written, although I wouldn't describe Isabelle fiery, more like distracted. The relationship started as friendship and grew into one of attraction. The Duke didn't stand a chance when friendship turns to love. It's why the Duke got ugly which is understandable in the situation that Richard and Isabelle put the Duke in. I wish the author spent more time on Richard and Isabelle's relationship before she got sent off to London, and would have packed more punch when she did.
This story is very well written, and sign language is easy to learn, especially when you are deaf and it is an important method of communication for the deaf. I'm not sure about all the white people in town approving of her marriage to the Lakota, but for someone in her condition in this time period; a culture that has sign language as part of their language is perfect Jennifer. As for mixing the cultures, that has been going on as long as races have been mixing.
This is a new author to me and this review was requested by the author himself. Yes, Casey Swan is a male romance author. The plot unfolded in this story is very good, and the character development of Kauri Bay is excellent. Each character was developed with personality and background making them realistic in a small town on the bay of New Zealand. The fact that the town gets together to insure businesses are started in Kauri Bay is generous and also smart. The drawback to the story is the dialog the main characters Adam and Polly. It felt very stiff and Polly's responses to Adam very confusing. Why would a man pursue a woman so cold to him? The only time she seemed to be warm him was when he stole kisses. Attraction is one thing, but mental barriers are not so simple to break down. Also the fact that she never consulted a doctor on whether she had this genetic disease is beyond reason in this day and age. It's men who do stupid things like that not women, because a man's ego prevents him from wanting to know. Adam was only sensible, because he is a veterinarian and understands cause and effect as a doctor. Polly just assuming she had the genetic disease and could never marry shows an unreasonable mind. He made Polly into someone with no sense and Adam with all the sensibility. This is typically a man's attitude toward women.
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This started out as a beautiful and romantic story. The developing relationship between Helen and Jon is very well developed. Both Helen and Jon are very naive and can't see past their nose or why anyone would want to hurt Helen. Helen suspects the correct person but can't imagining them doing such a thing. The story is well written up to the climax, but the ending is too fairy tale and the villain does not get justice for their bad behavior and I felt a little let down.
This is a very romantic story. Friendship stars prominently in this relationship. It's what makes this story romantic. They both desire what is best for the other and are willing to do anything for the betterment of the other. Fortunately, their friends inside the League see what is going on and act so these two don't make the worse mistake of the their lives.
In the case of Sarah, it's watching innocence bloom that causes the Marquess to open his heart. The twists in this story are unexpected, but I think some people listen to too much gossip. Sarah and Andrew are wonderful characters and engage you in their lives. The climax could have been more exciting, but the story is worth reading.
This story starts out great and Caroline and Jack are great together. It's the lies which will get you every time. Marriage is about being one and you can't be one if you fail to tell someone that they may be in danger. This story has everything and is actually very action-packed, and the climax has an interesting ending, taking Jack out of the hero business. This one has the same plot as most mail-order brides but there are twists and turns that are not in the other ones.
This story has a little bit of gothic to it with the death of the Marquess' wife and the creepy Earl who keeps coming to visit. The climax starts out thrilling but fizzles out with the rescue. It could have been more intense. The story is well written and builds with intensity with the epilogue finishing the story well. The intensity of attraction is developed as the story progresses and it is felt intensely on both sides. The Marquess
The story takes on the wives of Lamech, the first bigamist in the Bible. It centers around the 2nd wife, Zyla, who is much older than her sister. Lamech is the worst sort of man and uses women to further himself without actually doing any work. Personally, I found Zyla to be selfish and self-centered. All she wanted was to be loved for her gift to see the future, only Lamech tempts Zyla by promises of being a great seer in the city. She steals Lamech's affections and marries him with her sister, all for the promise of a seer's chair. It takes many years for her to see all the damage she has done, and returns to her people on the mountain for forgiveness. The writing is strong, but the story loses all momentum quickly after the climax. It's a story of redemption and happiness is not found in our dreams and expectations, but in what God desires for us to become.
Talk about being ostracized in your own community, it is no wonder Logan and Eve get together. The only people in the town not calling each other names. Our evil villain deserves everything he gets and when it comes to light that he is the problem. Both Logan and Eve are great characters, but everyone else in this town have a horrible moral compass, especially Eve's parents. Like everything else in life, the only thing that guides most people is money.
Risking It All for the Sinful Earl
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This story starts out horribly which is full of selfish pride and blackmail. This story could have turned out a lot better if the Duke just courted her. Men like this have to use their power to manipulate people to do their will. After forcing her into marrying him, he can't even make love to her due to the guilt of the way he forced her to marry him. The writing becomes stilted at times, and the dialog lacks especially in some of the most important moments like the author wasn't sure how to proceed in the situation. The only thing well done was the physical chemistry between our heroine and villain.
Forbidden Passion of a Governess
Rating: ⭐⭐
This story a is typical rake and the good girl. The dialog is engaging and the chemistry is strong between these two characters. It helps that they were childhood friends. Hugh learns why he does the things he does and Katherine starts to see the person that she loved as a child. This story has a great villain and Hugh sometimes is his own worst enemy. There are some stale lines used, but on the whole. The story is charming.
Enticing the Fiery Lady
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
The characters are wonderful and Evelynn's parents are over the top. Especially, after Evelynn bets with Robert at a game of cards. Now the whole ton is saying that she sold her body for a dance. Now that rumor is also well over the top. The only true secret if it gets out will destroy both Robert's family and their relationship. The story is shaky and the plot not well thought out. The dialog between the main characters is good along with the chemistry between the two. Unfortunately, the story falls apart in the climax of the story, and the author tries to write herself out of a hole during the epilogue.
The characters are wonderful and Evelynn's parents are over the top. Especially, after Evelynn bets with Robert at a game of cards. Now the whole ton is saying that she sold her body for a dance. Now that rumor is also well over the top. The only true secret if it gets out will destroy both Robert's family and their relationship. The story is shaky and the plot not well thought out. The dialog between the main characters is good along with the chemistry between the two. Unfortunately, the story falls apart in the climax of the story, and the author tries to write herself out of a hole during the epilogue.
This story a is typical rake and the good girl. The dialog is engaging and the chemistry is strong between these two characters. It helps that they were childhood friends. Hugh learns why he does the things he does and Katherine starts to see the person that she loved as a child. This story has a great villain and Hugh sometimes is his own worst enemy. There are some stale lines used, but on the whole. The story is charming.
This story starts out horribly which is full of selfish pride and blackmail. This story could have turned out a lot better if the Duke just courted her. Men like this have to use their power to manipulate people to do their will. After forcing her into marrying him, he can't even make love to her due to the guilt of the way he forced her to marry him. The writing becomes stilted at times, and the dialog lacks especially in some of the most important moments like the author wasn't sure how to proceed in the situation. The only thing well done was the physical chemistry between our heroine and villain.
This story is action-packed and has a great climax. What this story doesn't have is characters. Both our heroine and hero are selfish and don't even initially make a try at marriage. I'm not even sure how Penny could have developed feelings for a man who treated her the way he did. The story is okay with the characters we have, but could have been better with more compassionate and less self serving people.
Let's start with this book is under Christian Fantasy and is a novel. The story that Jean has created expands on Genesis, and some things taken from the "Book of Jubilee" and the "Book of Enoch" which are known as "The Apocrypha and Pseudeprgrapha of the Old Testament. They are basically an expansion of the Book of Genesis and are not consider part of the Bible. Whether the facts in these books are fact or fiction is not up for me to decide.
However Jean brings Adam's lineage to life instead of just names in a genealogy tree. This story brings the story of Baraqua and Jared to life. How we are deceived and confused about what and who we are. How misguided are own dreams can be when God has a different plan for us. Jean brings the angels or "Watchers" to life as heaven fights the fallen ones against the line of the "Anointed One". She also gives us peek of what possibly life was like before "The Flood" and why God would want to destroy man.
The story starts out slowly as it introduces our characters to us and where they fit in the Sethite line. I must admit, I had to stop and actually read the Book of Jubilee and Enoch to actually understand some of the verses that she uses from these books. It builds as the angels fall to earth and the sin and destruction they blaze the earth into. The climax of the story made me hold my breath as the Sethites take on the fallen ones and their children. Although this story is fiction, the strength of the writing is excellent and seriously made me think about what that time was actually like back then.
This story starts out slow, but really takes off as we slowly get to know Theo & Zoe. The action is every bit as intense as the other books in this series. The narrator gives another great performance, and the author writes Theo as someone who is working towards improving himself. I love the surprise twist at the end.
As always, schemes and plans go awry when setting out to deceive people. Another story about two people who fake courting only to fall in love. This story differs in the fact the dialog is well written and light-hearted on occasion. In the end, Hugh does the one thing I wish most men would do with interfering mothers. Let's face it, being happy is better than status.
I loved this story. Even Mylas' love life is a mystery. As Mylas and his father join to solve a five year old mystery. Mylas and Wendy try to move their relationship forward only Mylas is unsure if Wendy wants to continue their relationship. The narrator does an excellent job of moving the story along. It's amazing that it's the small things that are overlooked.
This is an enemies to lover's story. The banter is excellent between these two, but gets tiresome after awhile. While the Earl is forcing Leonore into marriage, she all of a sudden realizes she loves him. I can't figure out how she comes to that conclusion. The Earl desires her and loves her stubborn haughtiness. Personally, these two deserve all the unhappiness their marriage is going to cause them. Vengeance has a way of making every thing worse.
Talk about a kidnapping gone wrong, Benedict sweet talks his way to freedom by seducing and falling in love with his female captor, Marie. The story is far fetched, but brought a smile to my face. It's a nice fairy tale with the dream every poor little girl dreams; for Prince Charming to fall in love with them and take them away. This story doesn't end this way, but still dreams can come true.
This story has the advantage of two character who really mesh. They get each other even when they don't want to. The dialog between the characters is really good and the narrators bring that together. The only thing I disliked is that they spent more time in bed than was spent on the story. Let's say the ending need a little work, and Evan is an idiot.
Sabrina does something that is very brave or very stupid. She answers an ad for a mail-order bride with a letter and photo of herself with her arrival only a few days behind. Gus is exactly as the ad describes. Sabrina decides to not tell Gus that she is a widow which comes back to bite her later on in the story. The stupidity of the lie is that you can't build the kind of life you want with lies. The characters are wonderful, even our villain is just a man trying to get ahead by assassinating his competition. The plot is well written except for the ending which is a little flimsy. The story is quite entertaining considering all the lying going on.
This story is okay. The action is good and crazy as usual for a Harry Starke story. The plot line was good, but the story failed to follow through. Some items in the story are over the top, and unbelievable. As for that, I believe some Harry Starke fans expect that as this series as gone from mystery to action adventure. The epilogue at the end I could have done without. I'm hoping when I start the Genesis series, Harry Starke will get back to mystery.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
This story is about the daughter of a Duke who was sold by her cousin to save the Duchy. As Emily learns to navigate the middle class; her husband is arrested for murder on circumstantial evidence. Emily lives her life, not showing her emotions.She does try to save her marriage and her husband from the noose. I'm not sure if this is from duty or love. It's really hard to tell. At the end of the story, I'm unsure if Andrew and Emily are actually in love or just enjoy the marriage bed and their wealth.