Viking Fire by Andrea R. Cooper

  I was very intrigued to start Andrea R. Cooper's Viking Fire. I think mostly because I had just finished The Garnet Dagger and was curious to see how the stories differed from each other. I was pleasantly surprised! Not only was Viking Fire different from The Garnet Dagger in its own, unique way, it only added to my infatuation with Andrea R. Cooper's writing.
  We start Viking Fire in 856 CE Ireland, where we meet Kaireen- our heroine. Kaireen has just learned that it's been arranged for her to marry Bram, an infuriating yet charming and lovable Lochlann viking. And she's not happy. Kaireen is a bit of a skeptic when it comes to love (in my opinion, a situation created by her sisters' misfortune with love) and no handsome, strong and brave viking is going to change her mind...
  ...At least that's what she thinks.
  But even Kaireen can't deny the heat between herself and Bram.
  Although love is not the only obstacle for Kaireen, there are potential life-threatening problems for her entire kingdom. There's word around the kingdom of a Liannon spy in their midst...and they're feeling blood thirsty. When a mischievous plan goes into action, a horrible death triggers war between the clan Liannon, and the clan O'Neill. And all heck breaks loose.
  Traitors, war, love, lust and emotion fill the pages of Viking Fire to no end.
  I truly enjoyed this book! It kept me entertained and guessing throughout the entire story. And once I got to the end, well, I couldn't stop.
  After I got to about 55 percent, I was finished. No socializing for me- no, thank you! I had a date with Kaireen and Bram. At one point I got emotionally distraught because of a character's pain and was close to tears.
  Now that I've finished Viking Fire, I can say that I've read two books by Andrea R. Cooper and I have thoroughly enjoyed them both. Among the many things I enjoy about Andrea's story telling, is the lack of overly romantic and mushy-gushy love scenes. I cannot thank her enough for avoiding those long, drawn out situations.
  I would consider Viking Fire to be a Historical Romance, and I know this genre may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it and I'll read more of her work.

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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

  In 1937, John Steinbeck published "Of Mice and Men," a classic that unexpectedly became one of the most talked about books of all time. (Both positive and negative.) Two workers named George and Lennie hope to find work and succeed in their dream of owning their own land during The Great Depression.

  A while ago I had read The Grapes of Wrath- also written by John Steinbeck- and loved it. With its timelessness of family closeness and hope, it's obvious to the every day reader why this classic is told and retold throughout time. The common denominator between Steinbeck's two novels that I noticed (besides the obvious; plot and time period) was the character's burning passion for hope. Hope was a huge factor back then and in such dire times, I found it incredibly astute of Steinbeck to include that in his stories. 

  After I had finished The Grapes of Wrath, my mom insisted that I try Of Mice and Men, a favorite of hers. Even a friend of mine (who isn't a reader whatsoever) told me that it was his favorite novel. 

  After learning that, I HAD to read it. 

  I picked up a copy at the local bookstore, sat down one afternoon in a comfy chair and read it. 

  I rarely sob until my eyes are red and puffy when it comes to books (that's a lie), but oh boy did I let it out at the end of  Of Mice and Men. 

  I had no idea about this classic's iconic ending. Before reading it, I had no idea whatsoever what was going to happen, even though I'm sure I've heard quotes from it before. (i.e. "Tell me about the rabbits. George!") 

  Throughout the chapters I would ask my mom if it had a happy ending. If everything would be okay. And of course, she told me nothing. I had to finish this book unsure of what was going to happen. I didn't think that a classic such as Of Mice and Men could emotionally affect me to the point of swollen eyes and tear streaked cheeks. But it did, and under 120 pages nonetheless! 

  A part of me wishes it was longer. The story was so amazing, I wanted more. But another part of me thinks that any more pages would ruin the tragic beauty of it.  

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The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

  With The Lucky One being my first Nicholas Sparks novel, I have to tell you that I was delightfully surprised. You always hear the worst about his books, that they're too cheesy, romantic and unrealistic. Now, his novels ARE romantic and (according to some love skeptics) they can be construed as unrealistic, but I think what people are really criticizing are the movies and the fact that they're considered "Chick Flicks." Although I did enjoy the movie for The Lucky One, the book is (of course) MUCH better. (Even though it was an amazing adaptation.) The book is incredibly full of depth and emotion.
  Nicholas Sparks had the remarkable ability to make me feel sympathy for the villain/bad guy of the novel. Come on, Nicholas Sparks, that was NOT fair.
  I absolutely fell head over heels in love with this book. Not only this book, I fell for Thibault (the hero of The Lucky One), Beth (our heroine), the story, the author's writing and the romance... (sighs)
  Logan Thibault, a U.S. Marine in Iraq, finds a half buried photograph of a smiling woman and it saves his life in miraculous ways. He devotes his return home to finding the girl who's responsible.
  I know this type of romance novel is not everyone's cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the romance, plot, his strong characters who aren't willing to give up easily- no matter how tough it gets, his humor, his characters' humor and most of all, how realistic they were.
  I think that his characters and their situations are completely believable!
  I rarely like female leads in books, but I actually enjoyed reading Beth's parts. (That's rare for me.) I felt for her, I didn't think she was whiny or annoying and I loved the romantic pairing of her and Logan.
  Since I've finished The Lucky One, I've been collecting more and more of Nicholas Sparks' books and I plan to read and enjoy them all.

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The Garnet Dagger by Andrea R. Cooper

  Brock, an Elvin citizen of Tamlon and our main character/hero, starts Andrea R. Cooper's The Garnet Dagger being attacked by a Vampyre and is now turning into a dangerous hybrid of Elf and Vampyre. With being Elvin, honoring trees and local wildlife, he's not adjusting well to the violent acts of vampyrism.
  After returning to his homeland, Brock commits a serious, shocking and horrible crime that could mean a deathly punishment for his family, the Elvin population and himself. In order to be forgiven for his crime, he must fulfill a prophecy by venturing into the human world, finding a non- blooded witch (who, because she is young, has not yet developed her full powers), piercing her heart and spilling her blood.
  Along the way there's action, love, intrigue and fights that involve creatures you've only heard about in stories.
  As I expand my reading palate, I've come to realize that the more fantasy-esque books I read, the more I enjoy them. Long journeys, action, problems that leave you no hope, villains, mythical creatures, sword/dagger fighting, etc.! I really enjoyed Andrea R. Cooper's story about Brock, his world, and the witch (who you'll learn more about when you read The Garnet Dagger).
  Andrea's writing is unique in a way that suits the story line perfectly. (Readers who may not be used to this style of writing may have to have an adjustment period.) Even now, as I'm reading another book by her, I find that her writing has shifted in a way to where it accentuates the characters and plot very well. At points I found myself sitting and occupying myself (while on vacation) and thinking "I wonder what Brock is doing right now. Is it possible he's in danger?" That may seem odd to the average person, but to fellows readers- like yourselves- I'm sure you all can relate!

  I very much look forward to Andrea R. Cooper's other work (once I finish Viking Fire, a stand alone book) and I hope she continues writing.

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Trusting Again by Peggy Bird

 Cynthia Blaine is a normal, every day woman who happens to be in the right place at the right time, and runs into the most gorgeous man on earth, Marius Hernandez.
  Although the run in appears meant to be, Cynthia soon realizes that Marius is not only purchasing a piece of Cynthia's jewelry, but he's doing it for a "friend" of his...a woman.
  Crushed and losing hope of finding him again, Cynthia returns to her normal, mundane life.
  Fast forward to present day, Cynthia has once again run into the same charming and dashing Marius Hernandez and this time they make a close and seductive connection.
  Cynthia and Marius spend so many steamy nights together, you'll be fanning yourself repeatedly and cooling your warm cheeks. Their chemistry together is irresistible.
  But with every perfect couple, there are plot turning problems that'll threaten to take away whatever "Happily Ever After" you've imagined in your mind. Peggy Bird's writing is fun and easy, but her characters will torture you with their emotional turmoil. Trusting Again is the fourth installment in the Second Chances series, but even without reading previous works of Peggy Bird, I had no trouble whatsoever with keeping track of the plot and characters. (And believe me, I get confused VERY easily.)

  Trusting Again is a sensual and steamy read that'll keep you turning (or clicking, in an ebook's case) the next page.                     

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Passionfruit and Poetry by Téa Cooper

  Passionfruit and Poetry by Téa Cooper is the very definition of a "feel good book." It is short and sweet, but don't let that fool you, it's also packed full of love, lust and betrayal. I absolutely ADORED this book.
  Jeanie Baker (the main character of Passionfruit and Poetry) was incredibly strong, relatable and lovable.
  Jeanie hates having her picture taken. So when a hoard of professional photographers and camera crews comes to her grandmother's café to do a promotional shoot, it's no exception. But Jeanie catches the eye of a handsome, charming and famous photographer and he proposes that she enter her seductive, fingernail-biting, café picture in a magazine cover girl contest...and he falls in love with her.
  She doesn't find anything spectacular about herself, especially with her overly curvy hips, track record with love and traumatizing past, but Xander Fitzgerald (the photographer and Jeanie's love interest) thinks she's the most gorgeous creature on earth...and he falls in love with her.
  I loved this book. I would (and will) read anything written by Téa Cooper now because I've fallen in love with her writing and stories.
  It's a perfect summer read with it being light, sweet, sentimental and romantic.
  Jeanie struggles with self confidence, but in Passionfruit and Poetry, she learns to love herself for who she is...and that's just another reason why I love this story: The characters' personal growth and progression.
  For women, this book is wonderful for teaching you that there's always someone who will only find the perfect things about you and love you despite your faults. Téa Cooper's writing and story is inspirational for women everywhere.
                                                             
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Dragon Fate by J.D. Hallowell

  As an avid reader, I try all sorts of genres to see what I enjoy reading about, what piques my interest and what is popular at the time. That being said, I have not read many books like J.D. Hallowell's Dragon Fate. I do not normally pick up books about war, dragons, action, or those (I'm ashamed to say) I typically stereotype. But Dragon Fate was different.
  Dragons, action and adventure are not my typical forte. But readers, I cannot even begin to tell you what I would have missed out on if I had decided not to read this book.
  Delno, the hero of Dragon Fate, comes across an enormous dragon at the beginning of the novel and finds that she's dying due to the loss of her rider...and she's carrying a dragon egg.
  After Delno helps the dragon expel the egg, he becomes bonded with the offspring and builds a connection that only a dragon and her rider can share.
  This book absolutely had me entranced right away. At one point during my captivated reading, I was forced to put the book down and watch television with my family, but then soon found myself continuing on to the next chapter, nonstop, AS my family was watching TV.
  I loved every single thing about this book: Delno, his dragon (which I wont tell you the name of because you have to read it and find out for yourselves!), the action, everything in between and especially the author's writing. J.D. Hallowell's story telling is magnificent. He had a way of describing scenery, characteristics and personalities of the characters, and most of all explaining and teaching his readers about the mechanics and details of something that's made up (that we know of) such as a dragon. It was absolutely incredible.
  I will NOT compare Dragon Fate to any dragon related books or other books that are in its genre because I don't think that would be fair to the authors.
  Dragon Fate is unique and an exciting and adventurous read. It teaches love, loyalty, honor and friendship and I anxiously await starting the sequel to Dragon Fate, Dragon Blade, and reuniting with J.D. Hallowell's dragons and their heroic riders!

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