Review: Atlantis Vortex by Sultry Summers

Atlantis Vortex by Sultry Summers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Archaeologist Jessica Carter stumbles upon an ancient Egyptian pyramid in an unexpected location: Lake Okeechobee, Florida. As she delves into the excavation, Jessica faces life-threatening incidents and encounters a mysterious figure who appears and disappears at will. Little does she know that Xerxes, the High Lord of Atlantis, has been secretly watching over her since he saved her and her family years ago. With the discovery of the pyramid, Xerxes must protect the secrecy of his underwater realm, leading to drastic measures and the burial of the excavation site. Jessica, resigned to losing her discovery, finds herself recalled to active duty in the Navy. However, she receives a clue that could unravel the enigma she has uncovered, and she embarks on a pursuit while counting on Xerxes to guide her. As memories of her past with Xerxes resurface, Jessica realizes her love for him. But their happiness is threatened by a traitor within Xerxes' council, endangering Atlantis and Jessica's life. Xerxes must decide between securing his kingdom or saving his wife, with the help of his brother and an off-world ambassador. Will Xerxes be able to save both his underwater kingdom and the woman he loves from the treacherous plot?

I love a good Atlantis story! I would recommend it to fans of sci-fi romance who appreciate a blend of adventure and mythology. The writing style was very detailed at some points, however, the intricate details were essential for following the numerous plot twists. The book, while being slow at some points was en enjoyable read.

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Review: Promise Me Forever by Janelle Taylor

Promise Me Forever by Janelle Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel McCandless, widowed multiple times before the age of twenty-two, finds herself burdened by the reputation of being a "Black Widow." In her latest marriage, she is determined to uncover the truth about her husband's life. Amidst this challenge, she must also navigate her complicated relationship with Daniel Slade, her husband's estranged brother.

Despite enjoying this book, I found it to be a lengthy and meandering story. However, I was intrigued to witness how the protagonist resolved her numerous challenges, embraced love, and opened her heart to someone new. The overall storyline held my interest, but I felt that a significant portion of the book was filled with unnecessary content that didn't advance the plot. Rachel's character evoked sympathy.

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ARC Review: Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz

Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group via NetGalley.

If an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, be sure your eye is taken last.

To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy Morales and her close friend Kassidy, along with five others, embark on a 1920s-themed getaway at the lavish Ashwood Manor. Amidst vintage dresses and opulent diamonds, their festivities take a dark turn when Kassidy's boyfriend is discovered dead.

Declared a murder by investigators, the atmosphere at the manor becomes tense as every guest becomes a potential suspect. Among them, the profoundly enamored girlfriend, the desolate acquaintance, the melancholic old friend, the distressed newcomer, and the enigmatic presence, all fall under suspicion. And then, there's Izzy—the one who brought the knife!

In the midst of the looming suspicion, a grueling interrogation ensues as they remain confined within the estate. As innocence becomes the most valuable currency, the journey to unmask the murderer unfolds against the backdrop of this luxurious yet treacherous setting.

I'm quite fond of intriguing mystery novels, especially those that unfold in the midst of an ancient mansion nestled on a remote island. Izzy's character struck me as quite amusing; her demeanor resonated with a journalist's curiosity. The beauty of this situation is that every individual seems to possess a compelling reason, and the camaraderie within the group might not be as solid as it appears to the investigating authorities.

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ARC Review: Beneath the Surface by Kaira Rouda

Beneath the Surface by Kaira Rouda
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.

A wealthy family gathers on Catalina Island following an invitation from billionaire CEO Richard Kingsley. The purpose is to secure their futures and gain control over a real estate empire, leading to a succession battle among his sons and their wives. Sibley, Richard's estranged daughter, adds a surprising twist to the event. As the contest for the Kingsley legacy intensifies, the idyllic atmosphere of the island contrasts with the escalating tensions and deceptions within the family. With money, lies, and deception at play, the weekend unfolds as a high-stakes game where one member stands to gain while another risks losing everything. Amidst a brewing storm, the family's plans could easily go awry.

In this novel, imagine a dysfunctional family saga set against the backdrop of a luxurious yacht. The initial half of the book brims with captivating family dynamics, adding a generous dash of tension and intrigue. However, as the story progresses, the family drama takes on a life of its own, verging into the realm of overwhelming.

By the time the conclusion approached, the narrative took an unexpected turn, delving into territories that stretched the bounds of believability. While the story's outset was engaging, the culmination seemed to take a detour into the realms of the implausible and downright outrageous.

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Review: The Courtship Dance (The Matchmaker #4) by Candace Camp

The Courtship Dance by Candace Camp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lady Francesca Haughston, an experienced matchmaker, reluctantly agrees to help Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, find a suitable wife after realizing she was deceived into breaking off their own engagement years ago. Convinced that any lingering passion between them has faded, Francesca believes her role is purely platonic. However, as Sinclair's lessons in love become more intimate, Francesca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him, even though she fears the consequences of their forbidden connection. Their journey through lessons in love is filled with scandal, temptation, and the potential for their lives to be forever changed.

I have a soft spot for recurring characters in a series, so I was excited to delve into the story of Francesca and Sinclair in the Matchmakers series. While it may not be the strongest installment, my fondness for Francesca's character enhanced my overall enjoyment.  Francesca's character underwent a love-hate journey for me throughout the story. She showcased strength and independence in her efforts to be self-reliant, which I admired given her past experiences. However, her lack of faith in Sinclair, especially after repeating past mistakes, left me wanting to shake some sense into her. The communication issues between Francesca and Sinclair were some of the most frustrating I've encountered between a hero and heroine. Their misunderstandings stemmed from their inability to effectively communicate, resulting in them interpreting situations differently and growing apart.

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Review: Return to Bloodstone House by Jane Toombs

Return to Bloodstone House by Jane Toombs
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Valora Rolland returns to her family's ancestral manor and confronts the dark secrets of the past. She must face Luis Redhawk, a man with ancient and modern powers who has both drawn her and terrified her. As Valora delves into the mysteries of the Black Mountain and the evil that has been awakened, she discovers the connection between Luis and the dark force that threatens to unleash its power once more on Mount Sangre.

I enjoyed the balanced mix of romance and intrigue in this book. While it delivered on the romance aspect, I wish there had been more depth and exploration of the historical elements. However, one downside was the lack of subtlety in identifying the villain, which made it frustrating to see the heroine interacting with him despite the obvious warning signs.

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Review: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cinder, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation. Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future.

This story was an imaginative take on the classic Cinderella story. I like how the author was also able to weave in some other aspects of different fairy tales. I felt so bad for Cinder. There were definitely some heart wrenching parts.

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