Review of Wilde in Love by Eloisa James

by April | Nov 13, 2017 | Book Reviews

Wilde in Love

by Eloisa James
ISBN: 9780062389480
Published by HarperCollins on October 31st 2017
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Regency, General
Pages: 416
Buy on Amazon//Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

One of Cosmopolitan's Best Books of 2017!

Lord Alaric Wilde, son of the Duke of Lindow, is the most celebrated man in England, revered for his dangerous adventures and rakish good looks. Arriving home from years abroad, he has no idea of his own celebrity until his boat is met by mobs of screaming ladies. Alaric escapes to his father’s castle, but just as he grasps that he’s not only famous but notorious, he encounters the very private, very witty, Miss Willa Ffynche.

Willa presents the façade of a serene young lady to the world. Her love of books and bawdy jokes is purely for the delight of her intimate friends. She wants nothing to do with a man whose private life is splashed over every newspaper.

Alaric has never met a woman he wanted for his own . . . until he meets Willa. He’s never lost a battle.

But a spirited woman like Willa isn’t going to make it easy. . . .

The first book in Eloisa James’s dazzling new series set in the Georgian period glows with her trademark wit and sexy charm—and introduces a large, eccentric family. Readers will love the Wildes of Lindow Castle!

Wilde in Love Review

Wilde in Love is the first book in The Wildes of Lindow Castle series by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James. After exploring and adventuring abroad, Lord Alaric Wilde returns home to England to discover that he has become quite the celebrity. The novels he penned about his journey managed to draw the attention of a vast majority of the female populace. Unfortunately, the one woman to draw his undivided and appreciative attention does not look upon him kindly. On the contrary, Willa Ffynche has little interest in Lord Alaric Wilde or his novels. She makes this abundantly clear frequently throughout the story, which only manages to deepen Alaric’s interest in her.

The story is set in the late 18^th century on Alaric’s family’s country estate known as Lindow Castle, which sits close to a bog that claimed the life of his older brother. Willa, along with her close friend Lavinia, attend a house party on the estate for about a fortnight. This offers ample opportunity for both Alaric and Willa to exchange inappropriate puns, witty remarks, and to discover that there is a great deal of chemistry to be acknowledged between them.

I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of 18^th century fashion and the comical dialogue between the numerous different house guests. Willa’s friend Lavinia added a lot of humor to the story, especially with her ongoing feud with Alaric’s close friend Parth. I found myself chuckling a few different times at the antics of these two (I’m keeping my fingers crossed that their dislike of one another will change into something a bit more pleasant in a later novel).

The addition of the deranged character Prudence, a missionary’s daughter, added a great deal of drama and suspense to the story. The strained relationship between Alaric’s brother North and his fiancé also added a bit of intrigue. With such an interesting mix of characters, a perfect setting, an ominous bog, humor, and strong chemistry between Alaric and Willa, I would say that Wilde in Love is a new favorite historical romance of mine. I cannot wait to see what stories unfold within the Wilde family and I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.

And thanks to Willa Ffynche…I now want a pet skunk named Sweetpea. Lovely.

Be sure to check out my other reviews here!

Check out “Wilde in Love” on Amazon below!

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Lake St. George Brewing Company Review

by April | Nov 11, 2017 | Adventures in New England

Lake St. George Brewing Company — Liberty, Maine

Lake St. George Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery located in Liberty, Maine. To say my visit to this locale was a pleasant one would be an understatement. In fact, I can easily say that it will be “the place” to go when I’m looking for a cozy atmosphere and a delicious craft brew. The building itself is reminiscent of a large, renovated barn- which I find particularly appealing. Inside are high vaulted ceilings and wooden beams. A scattering of both low and high-top tables and chairs provide ample seating room for those wishing to relax, sip brews, and chat with friends and family. There is also a cozy loft with both tables and chairs, as well as cushioned lounge chairs.

Lake St. George Brewing Company “The Beer”

Now for the best part- the beer. Lake St. George Brewing Company offers a generous selection of their signature craft brews. You have the Diver Pale Ale which is smooth and just slightly hoppy (a personal favorite of mine), Danny’s Oatmeal Stout which is a darker and heartier craft beer, and Pinnacle Double IPA which is hoppy and bold! In addition to these delicious brews, there’s the Kerplunk! Blueberry Sour-a tart and slightly sweet beer that will appeal to those that like more unique, fruity beers- and the Davistown Brown. My taste buds also had the privilege of acquainting themselves with the brew titled “One Off 2.0 Cran-apple”- Delicious!

Lake St. George Brewing Company Events

Not only can you seat yourself comfortably in this establishment and enjoy a tasty beverage, but you can also do so while listening to live local bands and playing a game or two of trivia during their Trivia Nights. What better way to do all of this than with a fresh slice of pizza? Mmm.

Overall

I would say my only “complaint” is this…I wish they were open just a wee bit longer than 8:00PM. As this establishment is still new, there is always the possibility that this may change. Fingers-crossed!

So, if you find yourself searching for a new, trendy brewery to enjoy a delicious craft brew, make sure to look for the loon logo of Lake St. George Brewing Company on Route 3 in Liberty, Maine!

Lake St George Brewing Company

Also, Check out my review of Two Gramps Brewing located in Gardiner, Maine!

Two Gramps Brewing Review

by April | Nov 6, 2017 | Adventures in New England

Two Gramps Brewing
Gardiner, Maine

Two Gramps Brewing – Gardiner, Maine

Two Gramps Brewing is a microbrewery located in Gardiner, ME that features eight of their brews on tap. The craft brews range from double IPA’s, German pilsners, and Scottish ales to pale ales and cider-like ales. For those looking for a dark, smoky brew- Two Gramps’s “Beam Me Up Scotty” is perfect. For those like myself who prefer a light, somewhat fruity brew- Two Gramps’s “Beane’s Tonic” apple ale is the beverage to try. The more dense and hoppy brews would be the 104 Stars (a double IPA) and Even Steven. These will routinely be switched out with new brews so that a new selection can be trialed at different visits. If you happen to find a brew you enjoy, you have the option of purchasing it in a growler or the smaller growlette so that you may enjoy it from the comfort of your home.

Craft brews aren’t the only items to indulge in while at Two Gramps Brewing. Their food menu is another delightful treasure that your mouth and stomach will thank you for. The Tater Tot Poutine and Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Rosemary Focaccia were positively bursting with flavor. For the main course, I tried their deluxe veggie burger and my family sampled the rest of their hamburgers. I can honestly say it was one of the best veggie burgers I have ever tried. And I will also say this- everything at the microbrewery is perfectly priced! In addition to great tasting food, satisfying and refreshing brews, a homey and trendy locale, and warm and inviting atmosphere- the staff were amazing as well! A restaurant, pub, brewery, or organization can offer a fantastic product, but without a welcoming and friendly team then it doesn’t appeal to me.

Luckily for Two Gramps Brewing they have all that and more! I look forward to seeing how this new, trendy microbrewery does in downtown Gardiner. I suspect it will last for many years to come as it is the perfect addition to a lively and growing community.

Stop by Two Gramps Brewing and try their refreshing home brews and satisfying burgers today!

Also, Check out my review of Lake St. George Brewing Company in Liberty, Maine!

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Lake St. George Brewing Company Review

Review of “Inside Phoenix” by Roni O’Connell

by April | Nov 6, 2017 | Blog Tours, Book Reviews

Inside Phoenix

by Roni O'Connell
ISBN: 197568821X
Published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform on October 18th 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Romance
Pages: 300
Buy on Amazon//Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

A standalone, full length, paranormal thriller filled with steamy wolf shifter romance.

When tragedy strikes, Phoenix Reynolds abandons her high fashion modeling career to open Brown Burro Coffee in a tiny mountain town. NFL wide receiver and wolf alpha, Ian Brody, comes to town to investigate the killings of college-aged shifters but finds his soulmate in Phoenix. Will Phoenix embrace her inner wolf and become Ian’s mate or remain a virgin in denial of her heritage? Or will the killer find her first?

Content Warning: Contains strong sexual themes/language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Inside Phoenix by Roni O’Connell

Review of Inside Phoenix by Roni O’Connell

Review by: April Hughes

Inside Phoenix is a paranormal thriller and romance by Roni O’Connell. The story features Phoenix Reynolds, a young woman healing in a mountain town after experiencing a tragedy during her glamorous, modeling career, and Ian Brody- an alpha wolf using a coaching gig at a school to investigate a series of chilling murders among college-aged shifters. Phoenix is a very dynamic character struggling with her fear of unleashing the wolf within her. This fear is what compels her to avoid losing her virginity- as losing this status will trigger the release of her wolf. This fear is understandable considering she witnessed, at such a young age, the violence that these animals can inflict. Phoenix also struggles with a strained relationship with her mother. The fact that she calls her mother by her given name throughout the story, rather than the normal title and endearment, demonstrates a lack of warmth between the characters. I did enjoy Phoenix’s close relationship with her sister, Shannon. Their interactions are warm, engaging, and positively entertaining.

Ian Brody is the epitome of an alpha wolf. His staggering height and physique, coupled with his confidence and take-charge personality are a perfect challenge for Phoenix, who is equally strong in character. Ian takes an instant liking to Phoenix, and from there the story sizzles. Ian’s interactions with Phoenix incites chemistry and anticipation. I found myself eagerly devouring scene-after-scene, desperate to see the explosion between these two dominant characters when Phoenix finally barrels past her fears and uncertainties and gives into Ian’s magnetism and strength. I mean, how could she not? This is Ian freaking Brody, after all. And Ian’s younger brother Ryder isn’t too bad himself.

Finally, the threatening texts and events happening to Phoenix, coupled with the continuous murder of young wolf shifters, adds a chilling factor to the story. Amidst all the explosive chemistry and heated encounters between Phoenix and Ian, there is an element of danger. I enjoy a good mystery and will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the shocking revelation at the end of the story. Inside Phoenix ended strong and heartfelt- which is nothing less than what I would suspect after reading Phoenix’s journey. Pick up a copy on Amazon here!

See more of my reviews here!

Also, Follow the Inside Phoenix Book Tour!

Review of “Uninvited” by Sophie Jordan

by April | Nov 1, 2017 | Book Reviews

Uninvited

by Sophie Jordan
ISBN: 9780062233646
Published by HarperCollins on January 27th 2015
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, General, Romance, Action & Adventure
Pages: 400
Buy on Amazon//Barnes & Noble
Goodreads

From New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan, Uninvited is a chilling and suspenseful story about a girl whose DNA brands her a killer, perfect for fans of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and Confessions of a Murder Suspect.

Davy had everything—a terrific boyfriend, the homecoming crown, a bright future at Juilliard—but when her genetic tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, she loses it all. Uninvited from her prestigious school, avoided by her friends and family, she is placed in a special class with other "carriers" who are treated like the murderers they someday might become.

Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life and tells her that she alone controls her actions—not the code embedded into her DNA. But even if she can learn to trust him, can Davy trust herself?

Review of Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Review by: April Hughes

Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

Uninvited is the first novel in the Uninvited series by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan. The story follows Davy, a musical prodigy from a wealthy and respected family. Her life starts off perfect in the novel- the perfect boyfriend, perfect family, perfect school, and perfect friends. Davy herself is beyond reproach. Unfortunately, her ideal life comes crumbling down around her when she is discovered to be genetically flawed.

This story takes place in the not-so-distant future when the “kill” gene is discovered. This gene is found in almost all people with homicidal tendencies. As crime rates climb to staggering numbers, Davy finds herself the victim of judgmental, ignorant, and presumptuous individuals. Everyone diagnosed with the kill gene is treated like lesser beings. I would say the only “positive” outcome of this discovered gene is that Davy meets Sean- another kill gene carrier. Sean basically shows her that just because you’re labeled a certain way by society does not mean you’re necessarily what they claim you are.

I enjoyed the characters- I loved seeing the different dynamic between those who are carriers and those who are considered “normal”. I enjoyed the different locations utilized by the author- the public school with its “cage”, Mount Haven, and the cabin in the woods. Each location brought a new element of intensity and surprise.

The story was fast-paced, action-filled, suspenseful, and provided enough chemistry between Davy and Sean to satisfy the romantic in me. Uninvited ended perfectly! I cannot wait to see how they get themselves out of the situation they are currently in. When the whole world thinks you’re dangerous and wants you eliminated and there’s nowhere truly safe to go- what do you do?

Pick up your copy today on Amazon!

I can’t wait to find out what happens in the sequel titled “Unleashed”.

See my other book reviews here~

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Hi there!

I discovered my love of reading at an early age and spent a great deal of my time devouring novels from mysteries like Nancy Drew, whimsical fantasies like Harry Potter, and eventually the turbulent and passionate stories in the romance genre, I found myself engrossed in a completely different world than this one. I believe it is through my experiences and the books I read, that I have developed a keen interest in a myriad of things. For that reason, The Vagaries of Us represents multiple areas of interest

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