Thought provoking heartfelt YA romance

Finding Y by Kari Rimbey introduces readers to Ava Roberts, a newcomer to the small town of Colfax, where she finds herself drawn to Timothy Gray, a senior basketball player with a hidden struggle. Initially concerned about Timothy's well-being, Ava's journey intertwines with Timothy's through tutoring sessions that evolve into a complex relationship.

 

Ava emerges as an open and straightforward character, while Timothy carries a weight of personal tragedy and guilt, making their interactions both compelling and nuanced. As their relationship unfolds, they navigate through grief, depression, PTSD, and an eating disorder, presenting a refreshingly realistic portrayal of overcoming adversity and the complexities of human emotions.

Rimbey's narrative focuses on the development of Ava and Timothy's relationship, offering a sweet and inspirational romance that delves beneath the surface to explore deeper psychological and emotional elements. The give-and-take dynamic between the characters is both quirky and engaging, drawing readers into their journey of self-discovery and healing.

While the storyline initially raised doubts about whether or not this story was for me, it quickly captivated me with its depth and complexity. However, there are moments where Ava's insights may feel slightly contrived, briefly detracting from the realism of the narrative. Despite this minor flaw, I recommend Finding Y for readers seeking character-driven stories with depth and complexity, particularly those interested in themes of mental health struggles and the complexities of relationships.

Book Review: Finding Y

Overall, Finding Y offers a compelling narrative that transcends clichés, providing a thought-provoking exploration of human emotions and experiences. With its nuanced portrayal of personal challenges and heartfelt romance, this book earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars and is worth a read for anyone seeking a romance that resonates on a deeper level.

 

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from BookTasters and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it.

 

Enigmatic fantasy unfurls into an epic quest

G. F. Allen's A Kingsguard Tale: Road to Celestia carries readers on a captivating fantasy journey brimming with intricately woven themes and dynamic character relationships set against a vividly crafted world. Reminiscent of the epic scale of Lord of the Rings intertwined with the gritty allure of The Traitor's Son: Path of the Ranger Book 1, this narrative introduces a sprawling cast ensemble. 

At its core lies a mystery that beckons readers to uncover the secrets lurking within its depths. As the story unfurls, the mystery seamlessly transitions into a grand quest, propelling the characters into a whirlwind of challenges and discoveries. From the enigmatic kings and mages, to the ancient Celestial, and the malevolent sorcerer Drakar and his Elite Infernals, each character adds layers to the main narrative, blurring the lines between friend and foe in the overarching struggle of good versus evil. 

 

At the heart of the tale lies Dart Horowitz, whose journey is steeped in duty and living up to the legacy of his grandfather, Connor Horowitz, a prominent figure within the Kingsguard. Dart's internal conflicts, which stem from his lack of confidence despite his inherent gifts, add attributes of realism to his character as he navigates the challenges ahead.

A Kingsguard Tale unfolds across multiple layers and dimensions, blending elements of quest, epic war, and coming-of-age growth and self-discovery. Themes of loneliness, enlightenment, and the loss of identity are masterfully woven into the narrative tapestry. As the characters confront insurmountable odds, forged friendships and the mastery of Kreg energy become essential tools in their battle against the Infernal forces. One of my favorite aspects of this story is how individuals grow into a united force.

 

Allen employs well-placed flashbacks and multiple subplots to enrich the storytelling experience, offering glimpses into the characters' pasts while building suspense for the future. Despite its creative energy, the narrative occasionally succumbs to overly descriptive or redundant passages, suggesting room for editorial refinement.

Nevertheless, A Kingsguard Tale stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of grand-scale fantasy. With its complex characters, intersecting storylines, and richly imagined world, A Kingsguard Tale is sure to captivate fans of high fantasy and epic quests alike. I’m happy to give it 4 out 5 stars and recommend it to readers seeking a sprawling plot brimming with special powers, dark forces, intrigue, and timeless themes. If this is you, this book will make a worthy addition to your bookshelves.

Fireson Bay delivers a mind twisting crime mystery

Fireson Bay: Resurrection (volume 2 in the series) follows Detective Fireson Bay as he moves on with life following an assassination attempt by the woman he once loved. While hunting for her, he gets involved in a case with a new string of baffling deaths across multiple states. For this case, he teams up with North Carolina SBI Agent Rose Clayton and Lt. George Bird of the Cherokee Indian Police Department who advises some locals think the killer could be a Raven Mocker from Cherokee folklore. Could supernatural powers be responsible for these deaths? The clues they come across suggest he might be right.

 

Stoke’s well-developed, complex characters come across as genuine. Detective Bay is a flawed, good-guy sleuth and one you’ll find yourself rooting for in love and life, even when he bends the rules. In terms of the setting, the attention to detail is spot on, and in my opinion, Stokes makes masterful use of setting to help create a mood of mystery that adds to the intrigue. I'm always happy to find an unpredictable plot and Fireson Bay: Resurrection did not disappoint. The suspense and tension are palpable and kept me on the edge of my seat. 

I had the pleasure of reading book 1 in this series Fireson Bay, and recommend reading it before book two, but Resurrection can stand on its own as a captivating detective crime suspense novel. I’m happy to give this book five out of five stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy noir, crime mysteries, and gumshoe/Private Detective crime mysteries like But Not Forgotten: A Clint Wolf Novel. If you are looking to solve a mind twisting murder mystery, this one is for you.  

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I received a review copy of this book from the author and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

Gemma's Bookshelf: March 2024 Wrap Up

Gemma's Bookshelf: March 2024 Wrap Up: Hello! This blog post is all about what I was reading in March! I read 8 books this month from some 5* stunners to some that were just OK. T...