I’ve been reading – well, listening – as usual (just finished book #80 – sshh don’t tell my Goodreads account that I never keep current). I like most of the books I read, though in the past few months I’ve had several I couldn’t finish — an extremely unusual event — however, the last few have been so good, I just had to tell you all about them. After all, faithful blog readers like you deserve some perks to let you know how much I value you. More on that tac later…

I’m sharing two recently released fantasy novels, a romcom, and a romantic adventure suspense series in this post, so there’s something for many tastes. Each story brings something different to the reading experience, so strap in and let’s go.

Fantasy – Winter’s Maiden by Morgan L. Busse

Book 1 of The Nordic Wars duology published by Enclave Publishing, this novel features a young Nordic girl named Brighid who must fight to survive from the moment she is born, and Kaeden, a man from the ancient Eldaran race whose power became dormant after the death of his parents. At the heart of the conflict is a war between rival people – those of the North and those of the South.

But as is usually the case, things aren’t always as they seem, and in this case, there is something dark lurking within the upper echelon of Nordic leaders that Kaeden fears may spell the death of both sides unless he and perhaps Brighid can stop it before it destroys them all.

What I liked: The characters. The world. The conflict.

The world is deep and well-imagined with history and rival factions, lore and legend, old and new gods, deep prejudice, and new fears.

The characters are also filled with past trauma that effects the present and personal stakes that prove as solid motivators. I enjoyed Brighid’s struggle to discover “what kind of hands she has” and the various people who influence her along the way. She is driven with a gritty kind of persistence that overcomes and survives. Kaeden tends to run, but when he’s pressed, he finds the backbone to accept responsibility for acting rightly under the mantel of power.

The conflict is solid and based on both the past and current realities of the world. It will bring together all the rival factions and require a concerted effort to resolve.

What I disliked: The cliffhanger.

While I knew going in this was only the first book, where it ended left me wishing for a bit more. The story starts slowly – though this doesn’t bother me as I enjoyed the meandering path and believe it to be necessary for a satisfactory series end – I wanted a bit more on the romantic front. (Probably because I really like romantic threads in my stories.) And, I’m salivating for more info on the antagonists backgrounds.

Still, I loved this book and its beautiful cover as well as the themes of the intrinsic value of each person versus the perceived value of those in positions of power and the idea of belonging as opposed to being an outsider. 4 1/2 stars.

Fantasy – Ignite by Kara Swanson

Book 1 of The Phoenix Flame duology published by Enclave Publishing. This story is about Mara, a phoenix with more fire in her blood than she can handle. Her father teaches her to explode on command and helps her control her flame, filling her with horror stories about the humans who hunt phoenixes for their life-giving blood.

But when Mara meets Eli she discovers not all humans are the monsters she believes them to be, and that her flock isn’t the only flock of phoenixes on the planet.

In the end, all Mara thought she knew is turned on its head in a spectacular twist I didn’t see coming, though I should have been more prepared.

What I liked: Everything!

This is a 5 star read. Swanson is adept at stringing the reader along with only the knowledge needed at that moment, revealing mind-shattering turns at critical junctures and then racing ahead on a new trajectory only to swerve again and flip everything we thought we understood on its head once more. Bravo!

If you haven’t read this and you like fantasy with uniqueness and depth, this is your kind of story. Don’t wait! Read or listen today.

Romcom – Love in Tandem by Becca Kinser

This sophomore offering from Becca Kinser contains her trademark small town with its collection of unique characters and stars two almost siblings-in-law who are night and day different in their preferences and tastes.

The hilarity ensues when they pretend to be dating at the wedding of their former betrotheds — to each other. When parents get involved the farce grows to epic proportions until the promise of $125 thousand dollars joins them in a tandem bicycle challenge that will test their abilities to endure both each other and the course.

What I liked: The characters and the push/pull of their relationship as it grows and morphs. I also enjoyed the subplot in this story, and of course, the quirky characters and ridiculous situations throughout the novel.

What I disliked: Um, not having enough places to drive so I could keep listening?

Need something light and laughter-inducing yet with a bit of meat on its bones? This one is for you.

Chasing Fire: Montana 6 book series

This binge-worthy series is set in the beauty of the Kootenai forest of Montana with a gorgeous backdrop of mountains, old mining areas, and small towns. There’s even an abandoned town made over into a movie set.

Fans of Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips will find many old friends lurking within the fantastic covers. They’ll also find a mystery that ties all the books together and epic adventure and romance along with the dangers of fighting wildland fires. Arson, greed, stolen nuclear weapons, spies, undercover agents, Russian sympathizers, S and R dogs, horses, and five romances that will have you gulping ice water (all closed door and clean, but not lacking sizzle).

What I liked: The continuing story line connecting the series, and the connections that grew between each of the romantic pairs. I also enjoyed the life truths spoken into the character’s lives and the encouragement and hope that rose from despair and destruction in each story.

What I disliked: If another fire shelter had been deployed to save someone, I’d have thrown my phone. Luckily, new and innovative methods arrived to save me from an expensive display of annoyance.

The podcast/YouTube Channel I cohost with Rebecca Yauger called Rebecca and Rebecca will be reviewing this series in October if you’d like more info. Click for links or find us wherever you get your podcasts. We’ll review Ignite in January also, though I wouldn’t recommend waiting that long to read it!

Thanks for reading! I appreciate your trust in allowing me into your inbox. Comment about which of these fabulous novels you’ve read or plan to read. I’d love to hear your thoughts. And please share this post with anyone who might enjoy it. Have a joyful, story-filled week.