Here are the amazing books I read in August that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
The story continues for Gabri, Eilo, and their dragons. They are still fighting the Shadow, while back home, Gabri’s family continues to search for her. The point of view switches between the two worlds, showing the love of family and a newly created family. A fight is coming, and the Dragon Guild is preparing for it by recruiting, scouting, and training. I love the developing relationship between Eilo and Gabri, but I think my favorite parts are the dragons and their riders, along with Ting. The pull between Gabri’s past and Donny, as well as her current life and Eilo, adds another layer that had me rooting for her to make the right decision. The settings bring this world both beauty and the ugly side of it to life. A hard story to put down, as I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I can’t wait to dive into the next book and can highly recommend “Aerie.”
The Dance of Discord: A Short Story: Gilded Age Intrigue
A quick but exciting read that takes the readers to 1900s Washington, DC. Secret Service agent Milo Quick and his sidekick Duchess Felina Gattone skillfully maneuver the world of political intrigue. Told through the Duchess’s perspective, there is never a dull moment. I knew there would be a twist coming and tried more than once to guess what it was, but in the end, I was completely surprised. The settings, language, and characters pulled me deep into the story. I loved all the international implications of learning who to trust. A fast-paced story that was hard to put down. I hope there is more to come featuring Milo and the Duchess!
Cade’s Quest: (Book 1 Sweet Western Romance)
By Linda Broday
Cade’s family was torn apart after outlaws killed his parents. His siblings were separated and sent to live with new families. Now, as an adult, he has returned home looking for his family and to reunite with them, including his older brother, who he had been told was riding with a gang. On his quest, Cade is attacked and ends up being treated by a local doctor. It’s here he finds his sister, Summer, but loses his freedom when the out-of-control sheriff decides he is a criminal too. Forced to flee, he finds the perfect hideout and a young woman and child who are also hiding out. Although townspeople remember him and his family and want to help him, the sheriff won’t give up and pursues him at any cost. I love the relationship that develops between him and Rain and her nephew. They are both searching for their place in the world, with someone determined to end that quest. Cade is loyal and complex, and Summer and Rain are strong, determined women. The history and setting pulled me right into their world. Although questions were answered, some weren’t. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next to this family. I can highly recommend “Cade’s Quest!”
A Bold Bargain (The Bargainer Series Book 3)
by Jan Sikes
“A Bold Bargain” is the third book in the Bargainer Series. I loved the first two books and was eager to read this one. Jack, who was a minor character in book two, had a tough childhood. Now grown up, he is working to protect animals, but his dream is to go to college. His past did not break him but made him into a kind, caring man whose first instinct is to rescue those who need help, whether a human or an animal. His first save is a dog drowning in the river, which ends up staying with Jack. Named Wolf after his mixed breed, this character becomes one of my favorites. What Wolf brought home touched my heart. When Jack finds an older woman who needs his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He finds not only her dog but also a friend. Their developing relationship is not only sweet, but what she offers him becomes the bargain. Although being the person he was without the bargain, he would have helped out. In this mix were a gold miner and his granddaughter, who added another layer that I fully enjoyed. The human connections and setting were amazing, but there was a dark side too, that included dangerous mink trappers, illness, and an abusive ex in the mix. Another great addition to the series that might be my favorite one. I can highly recommend this!
The Prince’s Man (The Five Kingdoms #1)
By Deborah Jay
“The Prince’s Man” is an exciting fantasy with settings and characters that pulled me right into it. It starts with a young girl, Risada, who watches her parents being brutally killed as she protects her little brother. Years later, this grown-up Lady Risada, the court’s secret assassin, teams up with Rustam, the court seducer and clandestine spy, to save their kingdom from a hostile takeover. While magic has been banned and feared in their realm, they rescue a tortured elf, Elwaes, from a cruel doctor. They have to survive the trek through the mountains with a sick elf to seek crucial support on the other side. The journey forces them to deal with magical beings, including trolls, a water seducer, and a werecat. Although there is an attraction between Risada and Rustam, there is also a lack of trust and borderline hatred from Risada. Their relationship is fascinating as it progresses, but I love how Rustam and the elf, Elwaes connect. A story I found hard to put down, and I look forward to seeing what happens next in the Five Kingdoms Series. I can highly recommend this!
King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry
By Lauren Scott
“King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry” is a beautiful tribute that deeply touched my heart. The words brought back memories I had of losing our sweet dog a couple of years back and of remembering the joy she brought us too. Our pets are such a gift, and this collection not only shows that but also offers comfort to all of us who have known the loss of a beloved pet. Here is an example of the depth of emotions: “A dog barks in the distance causing me to pause,/it sounds like Copper’s wild imagination longing for one more moment”—One More Moment. I can highly recommend this for all those who have loved and lost a pet family member.
NOTE: Don’t miss Thursday’s post from Jan and Linda 🙂 Next week is the 9th Creative Perspective Challenge!
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn (Denise)
All super reads. Some I’ve read and others are on my TBR list. Thanks for the great reviews.
Thank you, Darlene! They really are and you have some good reading ahead 🙂
Fantastic reviews, Denise! I wish I had more time to read, but I did get to read Aerie in its entirety and loved every minute of it. Thanks for sharing your reviews with us.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 it was sure good to sit and read Aerie and enjoy such a great story! Never enough time to do all the things we want, is there? Xo
Great reviews, Denise! You’ve got some good ones in here. Several are on my Kindle.
Thank you, Dan:) You definitely have some good reading ahead!
It’s always good when you have people like you pointing out the gems.
Always enjoy these posts and appreciate the variety you always cover.
Thank you, Craig 🙂 I love the variety our community offers!
Thanks for these book recs and sharing your thoughts, Denise. I recently read Cade’s Quest and A Bold Bargain. I enjoyed both of them!
Both great reads, Priscilla, and so much fun by sisters. Happy to share 🙂
Dear Denise, thanks very much for reviewing Dance of Discord. I’m happy to know that I kept you guessing.
Dragons?! Yes! Must check out that one. You’ve made all these diverse stories sound terrific. Congrats to everyone. Hugs all around. 💐
You really did keep me guessing, Teagan, I had all sorts of theories but none right…lol. I never say no to dragons either and can’t go wrong with any of them, yours included. Hugs back Xo
Lovely reviews all, Denise, and now I have more books to add to my TBR list. Tottering, tottering…
Thank you, Noelle 🙂 My reading pile is tottering too! So much to look forward with that pile. xo
You had a great reading month! Love this list.
I really did, Jacqui! Enjoyed every moment of reading.
A great range of good books! Sharing to help spread the word.
It really was, Liz 🙂 Thank you for spreading the word!
You’re welcome, Denise!
Great reviews, Denise! Quite an accomplishment to me.
Thank you, Timothy 🙂 I am always happy to be buried in a good story!
So many good books to read! Thanks for all your reviews, Denise, and I especially appreciate your review of AERIE. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to reading these others.
Blessings!
Patty
I agree, Patty 🙂 I enjoyed the world you created and was sad to leave it. You have some good reading ahead with this group. Xo
Terrific reviews, Denise. Congratulations to, Lauren, Jan, Linda, Deborah, Teagan, and Patty
Thank you, John 🙂 All good ones!
What a great selection, Denise, and I’m honored that you included King Copper! I’ve read a few of these, but my TBR thanks you for the other recommendations. I have classics to read, but I am down to the last one from blogging friends.
Congrats and hugs to you and to all the authors! ❤️
It was a great selection including King Copper, which deeply touched me. Always fun to find new reads. Enjoy those classics too. Xo
Fabulous reviews, Denise. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Balroop 🙂 Always happy to share the good books I’m reading!
Thanks for the recommendations, Denise. I’ve only read Teagan’s story and I totally agree with you. ♥
Olga, your support is appreciated more than I can say. Big hugs.
Thanks for the great reviews for Lauren, Jan, Linda, Deborah, Teagan, and Patty, Denise! All great authors. All the best to them. 💕
Happy to share them Cindy 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them.
That’s awesome Denise and so much appreciated!! I saw your review of my book which tickled me so. Thanks a bunch!! 🩷
Many thanks, Cindy. Hugs.
🤗🤗🤗
Great reviews!
Thank you, Dawn 🙂 xo
I am so honored to see your review for “A Bold Bargain!” I am happy you enjoyed Jack’s story. Thank you for taking the time to read and review it! I am in some stellar company here! Congratulations to all the authors! 💕
It waa a great read, Jan 🙂 So happy to be able to share that here xo
As usual, we have many of the same books on our shelves, Denise. Wonderful reviews! I’ve read three of these (which were fabulous), have two in my Kindle, and you introduced me to a new-to-me fantasy author. That’s exciting. Thanks for the reviews and congrats to all the authors.
We do seem to read many of the same books. I get several from your recommendations. Always fun to find a new writer! X9
Fab reviews Denise, thank you!
I’m just about to read “King Copper”. I can hardly wait. I adore Lauren’s poetry.
I haven’t read “Dance of Discord” yet. It sounds terrific, and Teagan is one of my fave writers.
The best times can be found in books~
Thanks for your kind words, Resa. Oh yes, well said. The best times can be found in books. Hugs!
Hugs!
Congratulations to all of these authors for publishing their books and getting these wonderful reviews. Your reviews are so uplifting, Denise.
Fabulous reviews, Denise. I have a few of these books on my TBR.
You have some good reading ahead, Robbie. Xo
😊
Teagan also caught me by surprise with that ending, Denise, and then I couldn’t believe I didn’t pick up on the clues. Loved Jan’s book, and Wolf stole my heart.
I didn’t pick up on the clues either, Teri. Wolf was an amazing character xo
Thanks so much for your lovely review of The Prince’s Man, Denise. I tried to leave a comment ages ago but it didn’t show up – I always like to return to be sure, and I’m glad I did!
Looks like I will be adding another book for two to my YBR list too, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
It was a great read, Deborah 🙂 I found this comment tucked away in spam. Sorry for the delay finding it. I’m always finding new reads from reviews. You have some good reading ahead.
Phew! I’m glad you found it! I tried twice and it just vanished into the ether. Such is the unpredictability of blog servers 🙁