Ink by Melanie Karsak

Ink by Melanie Karsak

I have to start by saying this is not my genre. Still, I really enjoyed this story. This is a novella, yet I felt the story was developed and not rushed. I liked Ink's strong character, the vivid descriptions of the mer world. Ink, our protagonist, is thrust into a very difficult situation, but tries to work as fairly as she can to save her people while constantly dealing with betrayal. I particularly loved the scene where Ink transforms from a mermaid to a "dry walker". The authors description of what Ink went through was as believable as anyone could imagine. Very creative.
The story is told from Ink's point of view, and we feel all of her strength, angst, and heart as she maneuvers through the treacherous world she's been thrust into. Vivid characters, engaging story, and wonderfully realistic world. Readers in this genre should totally enjoy this story, as well as those who don't normally read this genre.
**** 4 Stars
Reviewed by Marla Josephs
                                                      http://www.marlajosephs.com/
                                                      https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/30020805?shelf=read

My Wicked Marquess

My Wicked Marquess by Gaelen Foley

I was twice surprised by this book from Gaelen Foley. I originally thought it was a new release, but found it was an older book newly released in audio that I hadn't heard about, so it was new to me. Having read Ms. Foley before, I was also surprised by how different it felt than her other work I have read. This is a series in which it's not just the story of one couple and then continues on with a story about another character from a previous book, which I also love. But, this is a true serial, in which part of the story is completed, but more remains to be revealed. In this story we are treated to Max and Daphne. Max is quite likable from the beginning. Daphne tends to be unreasonable at times which makes for some humorous situations for the reader and frustrating ones for Max. She's so determined not to attach herself to a man that can't open himself completely to her, that she often has Max feeling more frustrated and confused than resistant. We follow their story from their meeting to their happily ever after. However, we are introduced to the inferno club, and all of its secrets are not revealed. It left me wanting to know more about the inferno club and glad book 2 is already available.
The narrator, Annette Chown, did a wonderful job. I was left with a question about Drake's mother. At times it sounded as though his mother spoke with a Jamaican lilt. It did not detract. It just made me wonder if she'd grown up, or spent some time their. It was interesting to hear. I don't yet know Drake's story. Ms. Chown did a great job bringing these characters to life and expressing the story itself.
***** 4 Stars
Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Marlajosephsauthor?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7701220.Marla_Josephs

Reluctant

                                      Reluctant by Marla Josephs

First and foremost, I must say that I absolutely loved this book. It’s a wonderfully well written contemporary romance. I have to say at first when I began reading it started out a little sad, but then it quickly picked up and took the story to new heights. I fell in love with Marla Josephs characters, Fallon and Reid. The title Reluctant fits the book so well. As in the story I felt as though Fallon could be reluctant at times, and then as well with Reid. Although Reid, at first, didn’t seem very reluctant. Actually, at first he seemed the opposite and I had him pegged for an egotistical womanizer, but my mind was quickly changed. It left the saying “appearance aren’t always as they seem” as the real deal.

As a reader and reviewer I have to recommend this book. I would be crazy if I didn’t and I’m not crazy. The story flowed well and left no gaps, or questions to be asked. Everything was covered and covered well. Marla Josephs is a wordsmith that will have you eating out of her hand as she leads through the book.

If I had to choose one thing I didn’t like about this book it would be that I hated it to end. The characters are realistic and the story completely down to earth. It was as though I was following the characters through their events of every day life. If your a romantic at heart you have to get your copy of this book.

 

***** 5 stars

Reviewed by Kristin Hinkle 

https://afterdarkreadingnook.wordpress.com/

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Cut and Run

Cut And Run by Amy Elizabeth

This was a very interesting book. If I had to classify it, I would say it was a coming of age story by so much more. Our main character, Rebecca, flees her less than desirable home life for the summer before heading off to college in the fall. This didn't feel completely fictitious, but more like watching the events unfold for a few months in this young woman's life as she tries to find her way. In some instances, it seemed unbelievable, yet not unrealistic in my opinion, the freedoms that this young woman had at such a young age. However, having known individuals with less than desirable backgrounds, I have seen them have many more freedoms than is normal for others there age who have someone looking out for them. At times, she made what could be called "dumb decisions" yet they were what could be expected from someone so young. However, the interesting part was watching her recognize and struggle with those decisions and try to make things right as she tried to navigate and make her way. The danger and other bits of obvious fiction with the light mystery part of the book made things interesting and entertaining. I found overall that I liked the main character and all of the others as well.
The narrator added nicely to this book. She captured the essence of each character and did a great job of bringing them to life. Overall, an enjoyable read.

*** 3 Star Rating (See rating meanings)
Reviewed by Marla Josephs
http://www.marlajosephs.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Marlajosephsauthor?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

https://www.goodreads.com/