Author: fabulousreader4ever

Hello Book Lovers! I'm Yaritza from NY. I'm an avid reader who loves books and traveling to book events to meet authors. I find reading a great escape from reality and a way to expand my mind. Books mean so much to me that I will forever have an unlimited TBR list. Eight years ago, I opened a Facebook group where I could share my love of books with other readers, and I have made wonderful friends for life. The book community is so loving, charming, and caring. Books are a huge part of our lives and have a profound impact on each of us. My favorite genres are Mystery, Thriller, Romance, and Young Adult. My mission is to spread the love of books to all ages. ​Let's turn the page together!

Review: The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

Goodreads Blurb

A summer house party turns into a whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious villains, meets a sudden and suspicious end in this mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. The unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I was excited to read this novel because it was based on Jane Austen’s characters. Unfortunately, the story was slow, and it took me long to stay with it. The one part I did enjoy was that the murder mystery was being solved by two teenagers: Jonathan Darcy, the son of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and Juliet Tilney, the daughter of Catherine and Henry. The story made me think about who might be the killer of the evil Mr. Wickham. He deserved what he got for being such a terrible human. I think the storyline with the number of characters was a little confusing to keep up with the number of characters involved.

Author Biography

Claudia Gray is not my real name. I didn’t choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn’t), because I’d always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven’t) or even because I’m hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.

I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I’ve been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.

Review: Taming Blaze by Sabrina Paige

Goodreads Blurb

A chance encounter would ignite a spark. Fate would fan the flame.

Dani doesn’t believe in love. She knows that love only leads to heartache, like the murder of her mother when she was just fourteen. Besides, dating is tough when your dad is one of the most powerful crime bosses on the West Coast.

So instead of relationships, Dani believes in one night stands. But when a casual fling goes frighteningly wrong, she runs home to the only person she knows will protect her – her father.

She doesn’t make it. Dani’s stranded on the side of the road with no one to help her. Except Blaze.

Blaze has been through hell and back. Raised by his junkie mom, the Inferno MC is the only real family he’s ever known. As their jaded Vice President, he’d do anything to protect the club.

When fate throws them together, sparks fly.Their attraction is undeniable, but can this jaded and broken pair find happiness? Or will Dani’s family secrets tear everything down, including the MC?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This book was sexy hot. Didn’t expect the characters to speak so freely. Didn’t know what to expect when I started to listen to this audio book. I was frustrated at the beginning with Dani and her college boyfriend, who harmed her even though she asked him to stop. I was furious that he went ahead with his action. Blaze is a sexy hot biker who has lived a tough life. He encountered Dani because she almost drove him off the road. He was furious and was going to show her a lesson until he found her crying and vomitting at the side of the road, and her car ran out of gas. At first sight, both thought to themselves that the other was sexy hot and sparks exploded, and tension surged. They were meant to be with each other. Dani was able to tame the tough biker. Unfortunately, Dani’s father wasn’t who she thought he was. He would have done anything at any cost to get money. She finds out that he killed her mother, which I couldn’t believe the evil in this man. Was happy that she found out the truth and was able to vengeance her mothers death and save what was left of her family. I’m glad that they both got married on their own terms and not let others decide what type of wedding they should have.

Review: Playing Doctor by Kate Allure

Goodreads Blurb

The doctor will see you now…

Three sizzling-hot erotic romance stories to stoke your mood…

In The Intern, the temperature of Dr. Lauren Marks’ office quickly rises when her new medical intern, Courtney, turns out to be a passionate and sexy young man.

Valerie realizes all of her fantasies when her sexy surgeon and her loving husband team up to offer her some extra-special treatment in My Doctor, My Husband, and Me.

Nikki gets more than she bargained for in Seize the Doctor when the hot guy she recently met at a bar walks into her exam room wearing a white coat. Good thing she wore her sexiest lingerie.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A well-deserved five for such a spicy read. All three stories had women being the leading sexual object. Love it when women take charge. The intern was just perfect. Dr. Lauren gets the hots for an intern that comes to her office for the summer. She is self-conscious since she is around her 30s, and the intern is in his early 20s. The love connection for that summer was a summer, not to be forgotten. My Doctor, My Husband, and Me was very unexpected. Would have never thought that her husband would allow her to have some sexual fun with another man. But hey, it worked out for all three at the end. Seize the doctor was my favorite. I would have freaked out if he were the doctor I encountered in the gynecologist. After that crazy drama in the club, it was a totally awkward moment. Was so happy that Nikki felt like she needed a change and that she was going to grab the bull by the horns. Totally risky anniversary night. I would have been so nervous to have someone walk in. These three sexy reads can keep any reader in attention, if you get what I mean.

Author Biography

Kate Allure writes erotic romances that celebrate sensuality, sexual exploration and, of course, true love. Writing for Entangled Publishing and Sourcebooks, her books feature real women meeting handsome professional, working men as they go about their everyday lives—and the fun they have behind closed doors! Her work is “Escapism of the richest, most decadent variety, 4 stars” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling and sensual. Intense chemistry, great characterization, and a kinky page-singeing ending will have readers clamoring for more,” (Publishers Weekly). Kate’s non-fiction writing includes the Romance Readers Guide to Historic London under the name Sonja Rouillard. Beyond writing, Kate’s passions include traveling and exploring all things sensual with her loving husband.

Review: The Bride Prize: Allan’s Miscellany 1839 by Sandra Schwab

Goodreads Blurb

It’s 1839, and Lord Eglinton’s tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: he and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old.

Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might.

Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is.

But when Flo and Robbie meet at Eglinton Park, they’ll soon learn that a dash of romance can make the greatest differences look rather small and that true love might find you in the most unlikely place.

If only Robbie wasn’t working for that scandalous new magazine Allan’s Miscellany! If only Flo’s father didn’t detest the periodical press!

And if only they had remembered to bring an umbrella!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such a sweet little book. I enjoyed the romance in this novel. There is so much chivalry that has been mostly gone in our current century. Truly enjoyed how two characters from different backgrounds were able to fall in love in just one day. My heart melted when Miss Florence saw her picture painted in the magazine. Mr. Robert drew her with such delicacy and grandeur. She couldn’t believe she made such an impression. I enjoy Mr. Robert, when he was trying to keep her dry from the rain and puddles. Truly, a man doesn’t need a title to be loving and caring.

Author Biography

Sandra Schwab has been delighting readers with her unusual historical romances since 2005. She particularly likes the quirky bits of history, so in her books, you’ll find Roman pet eels, Regency gentlemen with green hair, and medieval tournaments in Victorian Britain. She writes both m/m and m/f historicals – happy endings always guaranteed!

She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.

Review: Hopscotch Homicide by Kathi Daley

Goodreads Blurb

When Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady on the hopscotch course the week before the new school year, she is pulled into a mystery that will find her volunteering as soccer mom, classroom mom, and PTA board member. It’s funny, it’s family, it’s a Zak and Zoe murder investigation.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Another amazing addition to the series. It just keeps on getting better. So many suspects were in this story. I just could not figure out who the killer was. The story about Mrs. Brown made me very sad that she ended up losing a child and went obsessing over other children in the community. So many people had great motivation to get rid of her. Horrible cook with not much liking. Was happy to see Zoe and Zack have more time to themselves. I’m glad that they are enjoying life with their extended family.

Author Biography

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn’t writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she’s not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Review: Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins

Goodreads Blurb

Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird’s daughter.

Pragmatic and clever, Mairi MacKenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father’s absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he’s not who he pretends to be—and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It’s certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!

After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Mairi agrees to help Nik—for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Mairi and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I loved that this book started off with letters back and forth with Prince Nikolai and Lady Ailsa. It was great to see how annoyed they were with each other without them meeting in person. I loved that Lady Ailsa was a character who was strong-willed, determined, and a fighter. I’m not sure that in this time period, a woman can run a castle, especially without being wed. The story was charming. Loved that I got to see a happily ever after since the story brought betrayal even from within a trusted protector.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible.

Cover Reveal: Remedy by Emily Bridget Taylor

Remedy by Emily Bridget Taylor

Cover Reveal: 3rd April

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 134

Blurb

Fallen from the heights of love

to the depths of madness,

she flees to the endless,

wailing moor.

There is nothing here but shadows,

a lantern – her white dress flickering in the wind.

There is nothing here but shadows,

a lantern – and you.

In your hands are her confessions.

Between your fingers, a book of prayers.

Drink the shadows with her –

and you will taste the fullness of light.

Remedy is a collection of poetry for those who refuse to be extinguished. It is a story told in four parts, each part mending a different kind of pain. Remedy will take you by the hand through the falling, severing, healing, and resurrecting – giving you the courage to begin again.

“Taylor’s voice soars to new heights. Remedy is soul-food,

scars and all” – Scott-Patrick Mitchell, author of Clean

Author bio


Emily Bridget Taylor is a poet, artist and performer. Her words and imagery are inspired by honey-filled days of light and love, and the dark hours between – the duality that is Life’s gift. In the wake of the pandemic, Emily began sharing her poetry online. What followed was a surprising, magical journey in which her words and images resonated around the world. Her poetry collection Remedy, art series Remedy for Walls and performance poetry touch on themes of love, trauma, self-care and healing. Her artistic calling is to dissolve shame in all its forms. Follow her journey at www.emilybridgettaylor.com and @emilybridgettaylor on socials.

Cover Reveal: The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel by Jeffrey Ashkin

The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel by Jeffrey Ashkin

Cover Reveal 2nd April

Genre: Thriller / Mystery

Publisher: Ink Smith Publishing

Blurb

Best-selling author, Jonthan Sendel has been murdered. Now, his clone must solve the mystery.

In the near future when someone is murdered, a clone of the victim can be commissioned to help police solve the crime. This process is costly, tedious and not always successful. Memory lapses, mental implosions, and rouge clones are not uncommon. It’s risky, but Jonathan has the money, the fans, and the means, and so his clone must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of secrets to reclaim the life stolen from him and put his murderer behind bars.

Before his untimely death, Jonathan was stuck in a rut. His marriage was failing, writer’s block had his Jim Starlight series at a deadend, and his affair with a college student was about to go public. When his charred remains are found inside his remote cabin it’s clear that the murderer is someone in his inner circle.

His clone only has a matter of days to unravel the mystery before he loses the vast fortune he spent his entire life, the first one, building. As he uncovers his previous life’s transgressions, the people he trusted most may have some unsavory opinions about clones. Jonathan must take his investigation into his own hands to have a chance at life.

The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel is a twist-filled murder mystery, that examines the life of a beloved celebrity tarnished by scandal and the painful process of coming to terms with one’s own demons.

Review: Daniel E. Greene: Studios and Subways by Daniel E. Greene and Maureen Bloomfield

Goodreads Blurb

Celebrating the Life and Art of an American Master!

“Here is a picture that demonstrates classical mastery and offers allusions to the history of art, all the while acknowledging the art and issues of its time.” -p66

From one of America’s most accomplished artists and a pioneer of figurative realism, this unprecedented collection celebrates a body of work spanning six prolific decades. A brilliant collaboration between the artist and art critic Maureen Bloomfield, this impressive monograph features more than 200 of Daniel E. Greene’s best oil paintings and pastels–from the underworlds of pool halls, carnivals, and New York subways, to classically posed nudes and the elite culture of auction houses. Also included are his still lifes, self-portraits, and commissioned portraits of such illustrious subjects as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ayn Rand, and astronaut Walter Schirra Jr.

Essays offer an intimate look at the techniques, ideas, and influences–contemporary and historical–behind these provocative paintings. Equally fascinating is Greene’s personal starting with his early days in Cincinnati and drawing quick-portraits of tourists on Miami Beach…to his time at the Art Students League in New York, his stint in the Army, and his distinguished teaching career at the League and the National Academy of Design. Reflecting a lifetime of dedication and originality, Daniel E. Studios and Subways is the definitive study of this legendary artist, full of insight and inspiration for artists and art-lovers alike.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Mr. Greene knows how to view what he sees and bring the beauty out. This wonderful book filled with many of his portraits from his early days in painting until recently really focuses on simplicity, beauty, and humans at their best moments. He did such amazing paintings that would focus on the person or the backdrops. He did self-portraits of himself, famous people, and his students. He loved to paint about carnivals, auction houses, pools, and loved just stopping at any location to create what he saw. His paintings were vivid with bright colors, at times dark and even nude. He loved to replicate what he imagined and things from the past brought back to this century. Art comes in different forms, and Mr. Greene knows how to create an image for all to admire and love.