Review: Angelbound Tales Volume 1

Angelbound Tales Volume 1 by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am one of those readers who LOVE everything to do with Myla Lewis.  She is quirky, funny, and is a kiss a$$ protagonist!  This collection of five short stories had everything I love and did not disappoint.  Two stories take place before the series began and the other three are interspersed throughout the many volumes.  Because of the various locations within the series, I believe readers should NOT read this unless they have read most of the original stories.  Walker’s Love Connection (before Angelbound Book One), Sharkie and Snickerdoodles (before Angelbound Book One), Wedding Bells (after Angelbound Book One), Herbie and Baby Hotdogs (after Scala), and Saving Mrs. Pomplemousse (after Acca).  I hope this information helps future readers.

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Review: Four Letter Word

Four Letter Word by Gretchen McNeil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Izzy’s mom has planned for her to study abroad in Italy and Izzy has looked forward to leaving her boring life behind.  When Alberto, an Italian foreign exchange student, moves in with them, she realizes that her life isn’t as boring as she thought.  Izzy is also a true crime fan and has been following a case of a serial killer in San Francisco.  When the murderer seems to have traveled north, Izzy wonders if Alberto is who he says he is.

Four Letter Word is a predictable mystery that was still enjoyable to read.  McNeil was able to put in a few unexpected twists and turns, but the trajectory of the story followed the usual path.  I was satisfied with the ending, but I only recommend this for those who need a simple escape and not a heart-pounding mystery.

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Review: The New Couple in 5B

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chad and Rosie helped take care of Chad’s uncle in his last months of life.  When they find out that he unexpectantly leaves them his expensive apartment, they were floored.  Everyone was welcoming and they tried their best to adjust to their new place.  Rosie soon learns that there are mysteries contained within Windermere and not all of them are in its past.  Will Rosie discover the truth about Windermere before it is too late?

The New Couple in 5B is a stand-alone mystery that was one-part suspenseful and one-part history.  Readers will wonder how many of the issues are personal and which parts may be supernatural, yet Unger did a superb job blending all elements into a cohesive storyline.  I was a little disappointed in the ending, but the build up made the entire experience a pleasure.

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Review: The Encanto's Daughter

The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MJ and her mother are always moving.  They have been on the run because MJ is the only child of King Vivencio of the Sirena Court.  After her father dies, she is tasked with returning to his realm and taking her place as the heir.  Unfortunately, she is half human and many do not feel she has the right to become ruler and she only has one month to get ready for the throne.  Will she discover her magic in time to demonstrate her power?  Will she be able to survive the numerous attempts on her life?

The Encanto’s Daughter is the first book in the series with the same title.  This fantasy novel is nothing like de la Cruz’s other books, yet this fast-paced book was a wonderful distraction.  Readers will quickly find characters they love and hate as the story develops and climaxes.  The Encanto’s Daughter would be a great introduction to the fantasy genre.  

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