Favorite Books I've Been Sent For Review
Since becoming a book reviewer a little over a year ago I've had a few books sent to me for review. Some are from tours, some are from the author directly. What I wanted to do with this particular post is to showcase my absolute favorite books that I've been sent for review so far. All but two of these books have less than 100 ratings on goodreads so I wanted to give a little bit of extra love to these amazing authors and their wonderful books. Each book in this post is one that I've loved for one reason or another and I genuinely recommend them all.
So without further delay, let's get to it.
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: The Magmars rose in rebellion against the rule of Titans and casting them into forgotten legends and myths. Then the lies began, and just as they rebelled, another gave them a taste of their own medicine when he waged war on them. He was called the Red Hand.
The Red Hand was branded a traitor and an outcast, yet within his grasp lays a deadly sword that is said to rival the power of Titans.
The Crown grew frustrated as they tried all of their tricks to stop history repeating itself, and in process revived a secret so grand it could spell the end itself.
Demons and mythical beasts roam the lands, as everyone tries to make sense of the needless war that continues to this day.
My Thoughts: This is one fantasy series I'm so glad I didn't miss. The characters are loveable and the story will carry you away to a place you've never been before. With vivid descriptions and a talent for story telling Darwish takes you on an adventure you won't forget, or be able to put down. *While I didn't include the information for the second book in this series I did love it. The second book Titanlord: A Thousand Ashes continues this engaging story and is absolutely as good the first book.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
A century later in 2017, medical student Louisa Casson has just lost her beloved grandmother – her only family. Heartbroken, she drowns her sorrows in alcohol on the South Downs cliffs – only to fall accidentally part-way down. Doctors fear she may have attempted suicide, and Louisa finds herself involuntarily admitted to Coldbrook Hall – now a psychiatric hospital, an unfriendly and chaotic place.
Then one day, while secretly exploring the old Victorian hospital’s ruined, abandoned wing, Louisa hears a voice calling for help, and stumbles across a dark, old-fashioned hospital room. Inside, lying on the floor, is a mysterious, sightless young man, who tells her he was hurt at the Battle of the Somme, a WW1 battle a century ago. And that his name is Lieutenant Robert Lovett…
So without further delay, let's get to it.
Titanlord: of Death and Sacrifice
by M.G. Darwish
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: The Magmars rose in rebellion against the rule of Titans and casting them into forgotten legends and myths. Then the lies began, and just as they rebelled, another gave them a taste of their own medicine when he waged war on them. He was called the Red Hand.
The Red Hand was branded a traitor and an outcast, yet within his grasp lays a deadly sword that is said to rival the power of Titans.
The Crown grew frustrated as they tried all of their tricks to stop history repeating itself, and in process revived a secret so grand it could spell the end itself.
Demons and mythical beasts roam the lands, as everyone tries to make sense of the needless war that continues to this day.
My Thoughts: This is one fantasy series I'm so glad I didn't miss. The characters are loveable and the story will carry you away to a place you've never been before. With vivid descriptions and a talent for story telling Darwish takes you on an adventure you won't forget, or be able to put down. *While I didn't include the information for the second book in this series I did love it. The second book Titanlord: A Thousand Ashes continues this engaging story and is absolutely as good the first book.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Purchase Link: https://mgdarwish.com/product/titanlord-of-death-sacrifice/
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: In ancient India, tragedy strikes a young elephant trainer. Forced into a slave caravan that takes him through perilous lands and into a world at war, Ashoka befriends a special elephant. He and that elephant, Four Nails, together lead Hannibal's army over the Alps and down the back of Rome. Though a time of constant danger and uncertainty, Ashoka finds beauty and kindness while helping others enslaved for the pleasure of ruthless rulers. To survive this remarkable journey, the elephant trainer calls upon his unique ways with the great greys and a strength known only to those with nothing left to lose.
My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book! Every time I think back on this story I can't help but smile. The story of Asoka and Four Nails is an emotional ride from start to finish. Beautifully written and excellently detailed, this is a story I highly recommend for those who like ancient historical fiction.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Four Nails
by G.J. Berger
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: In ancient India, tragedy strikes a young elephant trainer. Forced into a slave caravan that takes him through perilous lands and into a world at war, Ashoka befriends a special elephant. He and that elephant, Four Nails, together lead Hannibal's army over the Alps and down the back of Rome. Though a time of constant danger and uncertainty, Ashoka finds beauty and kindness while helping others enslaved for the pleasure of ruthless rulers. To survive this remarkable journey, the elephant trainer calls upon his unique ways with the great greys and a strength known only to those with nothing left to lose.
My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book! Every time I think back on this story I can't help but smile. The story of Asoka and Four Nails is an emotional ride from start to finish. Beautifully written and excellently detailed, this is a story I highly recommend for those who like ancient historical fiction.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Nails-G-J-Berger/dp/0988398230
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance / Sci-Fi
Synopsis: In 1916 1st Lieutenant Robert Lovett is a patient at Coldbrook Hall military hospital in Sussex, England. A gifted artist, he’s been wounded fighting in the Great War. Shell shocked and suffering from hysterical blindness he can no longer see his own face, let alone paint, and life seems increasingly hopeless.
Beyond The Moon
by Catherine Taylor
Synopsis: In 1916 1st Lieutenant Robert Lovett is a patient at Coldbrook Hall military hospital in Sussex, England. A gifted artist, he’s been wounded fighting in the Great War. Shell shocked and suffering from hysterical blindness he can no longer see his own face, let alone paint, and life seems increasingly hopeless.
A century later in 2017, medical student Louisa Casson has just lost her beloved grandmother – her only family. Heartbroken, she drowns her sorrows in alcohol on the South Downs cliffs – only to fall accidentally part-way down. Doctors fear she may have attempted suicide, and Louisa finds herself involuntarily admitted to Coldbrook Hall – now a psychiatric hospital, an unfriendly and chaotic place.
Then one day, while secretly exploring the old Victorian hospital’s ruined, abandoned wing, Louisa hears a voice calling for help, and stumbles across a dark, old-fashioned hospital room. Inside, lying on the floor, is a mysterious, sightless young man, who tells her he was hurt at the Battle of the Somme, a WW1 battle a century ago. And that his name is Lieutenant Robert Lovett…
My Thoughts: There's not much to say really, it's on this list so clearly I loved it. This is actually the book that made me fall in love with romance. I thought it was well told with interesting characters. I was able to go back and forth in time seamlessly with the characters.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
The Escape to Candyland
by Yong Takahashi
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis: What is the message hidden behind a polite smile? In Yong Takahashi’s Atlanta, the immigrants, preacher’s wives, strippers, and shopkeepers who pass each other on the street all have a secret story to tell. Caught between generations of family, regrets from their pasts, conflicting cultures, and even countries, each character has a reason to fiercely guard their secret lives, even as they learn that the truth must escape. Takahashi’s characters chase their American dreams down back alleys and campaign trails, stumbling under the weight of the gifts their families have given them. A box of Boraxo hand soap. Change for the vending machine. A stranger’s driver’s license. A mother’s love. The smallest exchange could prove kill or cure when you walk the streets of Candyland.
My Thoughts: How do I even begin... This one was dark and gripping from the very beginning. I originally sat down to just read the first chapter before doing other things I needed to get done that day, however, I ended up continuing to read until I had to cook and then as soon as I was done I finished the book. The way all the short stories weaved together was brilliant. If you're looking for something short and dark grab this one.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
May
by Kelli Green
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Marianna spent a lot of time doing her own thing on her own time, but when she turned 16, her parents gave her a surprise that would change the course of her life forever. Refusing to let her parents choose her destiny, she launched herself into the real world. Young, opinionated, naive, and strong-willed, Mariana makes friends, enemies, and quick decisions that set the stage for her life. One thing is certain. When Marianna chose to step out of her parents’ home, she stepped into her role as a woman; ready or not.
This fictional story is the first full-length novel in the Green Ivy Series, a series of short stories and novels written by, Kelli Green. If you've read, Elizabeth: A Short Story by Kelli Green, then you already know a few of the characters. This story takes place around the same timeline of, Elizabeth; but not to worry, reading Elizabeth only gave you a small peek into the world.
My Thoughts: This one broke my heart over and over! I thought this book was well told and beautifully written. I was completely captivated by Green's writing and devoured this book right into my soul.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.ca/May-Novel-1-Green-Ivy/dp/B085HM89LY/
Forbidden Trouble
by Travis Casey
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Synopsis: **This is a re-release of Forbidden Trouble published in 2013. FT 18+ is for those who enjoy a Racy Read! Sexually Explicit**
*Their love cannot be governed by regulations, but the consequences can.*
When Tyler Chambers first lays eyes on Darcy there is an immediate attraction. There is also an instant violation of Navy policy if they have anything other than a professional relationship. Tyler must confine any lust he has for his lady boss to the corners of his mind.
Darcy Novak is an ambitious, cultured woman trying to make it in a man's world. She's determined to prove she can cut it as an officer in charge of repairing nuclear submarines, despite some colleagues' negative attitude and wanting her to fail. What she needs is an ally.
Tyler's efforts to fly under the radar catch Darcy's attention and wind up impressing her. When she asks for his help, he's seduced by her position of power and can't refuse, becoming her unlikely collaborator. While they strive to keep their relationship professional, the chemistry between them is too magical to ignore.
Clandestine meetings become sordid and life gets more complicated, forcing Tyler into a web of lies. His quick thinking leads him to outsmarting himself, destroying everything he had—and Darcy's career. But Tyler has one more trick up his sleeve—will it be enough?
My Thoughts: I laughed so hard during this book. Granted, the humor will definitely not be for everyone but if you are a fan of movies like American Pie, I think you may enjoy this book. This story is fun and it's great if you're looking for something light with just a little bit of sexy.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Empire's Daughter
by Marian L. Thorpe
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Lena’s world is about to change forever. Harried from north and south by two different enemies, both wanting this last remnant of a greater Empire’s land, and with invasion imminent, the military leaders see no choice but to ask the unthinkable: that women learn to fight.
In accepting the challenge, Lena is separated from her lover, who chooses banishment rather than break with generations of tradition. Promoted to leadership, drawn into the intrigues of power, Lena must make difficult choices, for herself, for her village, and for her country: a young woman at the heart of the violence and diplomacy that will begin her epic journey to save her land. Evoking Europe after the decline of Rome, the imagined world of Empire’s Daughter and its sequels is brought to vivid, believable life by the precise and powerful writing of Marian L Thorpe.
My Thoughts: There is so much to love about this book, the whole trilogy actually. The writing is engaging and draws you into the story from the beginning. The main character, Lena, is still one of my favorite main characters ever. The growth you see in her character is simply great. She never becomes perfect or stops being afraid or anything like that. She remains human and strong and just perfect. Another thing I love about these books is that Lena, a lot of other characters, are bisexual but the story is told in a way that is so natural. Sexuality isn't even a side note in this book, they just love who they love and do what they want with who they want and it's written in the same way you would be told the sky is blue. I thought it was so natural and beautiful. I loved it. If you want an LGBTQ+ read with a strong but human female lead tied in with adventure and intrigue I would recommend this one.
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
If you've made it this far I'm so happy you've stuck around! So tell me... What are some of your favorite underrated books you wish more people would read?
Thank you so much for checking out my latest post! I'll be back soon with more bookish content!
See you on the moon! XO
