Book Review: Hotsuka’s Story

Book Title: Hotsuka’s Story

Book Author: J. F. Mehentee

Source: Bought on Amazon

Rating: 5 Dragon Paws 5-paws

book blurb

I had three visitors during that awful time of helplessness: the first was my enemy, the second a goddess with child and, finally, my only friend, a Djinni.

No longer a celestial, Hotsuka must quickly adapt to life as a human if he’s to save his newborn son. Things go from bad to worse when he learns that he’s at the centre of a cosmic plan to change the universe forever. Not everyone, however, wants change…

Hotsuka’s Story is the first of six novellas in the epic fantasy Dragon Pearl series. Set in a world that borrows from Asian and Middle Eastern mythologies, and where gods and humans exist alongside one another, each novella describes the events that culminate in the Takeo Sura Pearl novels: Tamuda Rising and The Four-Day War.

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book review

Earlier this year, I mentioned one book to be in my top ten for the year. I don’t think that I mentioned another in the top category until this one. This one falls in my top ten for sure.

It was a great surprise.

First of all, I love the cover. It’s a professional looking cover with a dragon on it. I mean seriously, who can say no to a book if there’s a dragon on the cover?

Second of all, I’m really impressed with the story telling. At first, I was a bit confused at what Hotsuka did to get his punishment and the author did a great job bringing up what happened. I do have to say that for a long time, I thought Hotsuka to be a jackass, but then as the story moves forward and years fly by, one can start to understand him and why did what he did though, it still doesn’t excuse his actions.

Oh, of course, what I liked about Hotsuka is that he made mistakes and a lot of them! It’s been a long time for me reading about flawed characters. It was good to see that he learned from his mistakes and I believe that one of my favorite lessons that he learned is about forgiveness.

Many of us need to learn that lesson.

Hey! Here’s the best part. When you reach the end, you get to subscribe to the author’s newsletter. Maybe, not your cup of tea, but you do get book 2 in the series!!! I already have it on my kindle and will find time to read because frankly speaking…my TBR list is growing.

I highly recommend this book to those who like fiction with mythology take. This one takes on Asian and Middle Eastern methodologies and intervenes them pretty well into the story line. There’s infatuation, confusion, interest, fear, anger, and many more emotions. Take a chance on this fantastic author and read his work!

Thursday Writing Tip #27

Novella Review: Promised to a Dragon

Book Title: Promised to Dragon

Book Author: Darlene Kuncytes

Source: K.U.

Rating: 4 Dragon Paws

This paranormal romance is cute, hot, and sexy. Yes, what a mix! There’s a lot going on in this novella and for a novella it’s impressive. There are alluring fae, drunk dragons, and sexy ones. There are different relationships – father/child, loathing, romantic, mysterious, and complicated. We also get a chance to enter most of the characters minds and learn about their feelings towards the situations that they land themselves in. Very good transitions, I may add. ^_^ I would have loved to see longer scenes at a couple of places which would have added to the story. At some places, it felt rush, but the story can be read in one sitting so that’s good.

I recommend this novella to those who love to read about dragons, arranged marriages, and fae.

Thursday Writing Tip #26

23 days until release of Follow the Snowflakes- Post # 3 (see pinned post for contest rules) #swag #bookswag #contest #prereleaseparty @kernerangelina

Rules

The story happens someplace unnamed close to Chicago, Illinois. Why it is left unnamed? Easy. Because, a story like this can happen anywhere…well as long as there’s snow. ^_^

I live in California, but I have friends living in Chicago. Over the years, we had road trips and or Amtrak trips to see them. I have never been there during winter, only summer, but I really liked my experiences there. Our friends showed us many places and actually one of my first malls in United States was in Illinois.

My life in United States started there, for the first two weeks, we lived with our friends until we moved to California. Well, my father left ahead to get settled while we enjoyed the greenery and a big trampoline at their house. So, Chicago will always be close to my heart.

One of my favorite places is Millennium Park. Check it out here: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html

Have you been to Illinois? Where did you visit?

Follow the Snowflakes: A Christmas Novella (Release Date: December 15, 2017)

At 28, it’s bad to be single. After four years of relationship struggles, Cat is ready to try anything.

That’s when her friend tells her about her class’ Dear Santa letters. One little boy asked for a new mommy, and she suggests Cat meets the kid’s dad, just to see where things go. Cat figures it can’t hurt…until she meets a stranger in the midst of a car accident. The man is handsome with a sad look in his eyes. He still wears a wedding band and she’s not sure his heart’s available, even if he makes her heart race. But, maybe he’s a widower? Cat wonders if she should resign herself to being an old maid, or whether she could possibly be the answer to a little boy’s Christmas wish, unless there’s a third option – a future with the stranger.

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ANGELINA KERNER is a self-published author of paranormal and lighthearted romance. She’s the wife of a photographer/physicist, and the mother of a cute little toddler, but she’s also been a dancer, a psychologist, an anthropologist, a geographer, a dreamer, and an adventurer. She does her best writing while being bothered by her cats, taking care of her son, in dressing rooms while waiting for family to try on clothing, and at home in sunny California. Angelina loves to play goddess-dragon matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where young goddesses have lovable flaws, the Fates plan to dethrone, the universe is endless and untamed, and dragons roam free! She also loves to write carefree romance where one can finish reading with a smile.

Angelina Kerner | Facebook | Twitter

Where Dragons Reside (Blog) | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Kobo

Thank you!

PS: You can still answer first trivia question at 25 days until release of Follow the Snowflakes – Post # 1 (see pinned post for contest rules)

and

24 days until release of Follow the Snowflakes- Post # 2 (see pinned post for contest rules)

Rules

My main character Catherine (Cat) works as a manager at a bank. She deals with customer relations and event planning. Since the story starts on December 16th, 2017, she’s all about event planning and not customer relations.

Anyway, I’m getting off topic. When one walks into a branch (at least in California), it’s all about the look. The tellers, the bankers, the managers are dressed in suits…you can forget to see casual. But, have you noticed the shoes? I believe that shoes is a way for the workers to speak their individuality and I like it… though Cat doesn’t understand that and hates high heels!

Here’s a pair that I would love to have:

source

They don’t have it in my size!!! But I so would love that pair. I wouldn’t be able to wear them to work!

What is your dream pair? Would be able to wear it to your workplace?

Follow the Snowflakes: A Christmas Novella (Release Date: December 15, 2017)

At 28, it’s bad to be single. After four years of relationship struggles, Cat is ready to try anything.

Add to Goodreads

Angelina Kerner | Facebook | Twitter

Where Dragons Reside (Blog) | Pinterest | Goodreads

Amazon

Kobo

Thank you!

PS: You can still answer first trivia question at 25 days until release of Follow the Snowflakes – Post # 1 (see pinned post for contest rules)

25 days until release of Follow the Snowflakes – Post # 1 (see pinned post for contest rules)

Rules

I just love the holidays and one of my favorite holiday drinks is not eggnog, it’s Glintwein. It’s a mulled wine drink for adults. The idea goes back all the way to ancient Rome!

Glintwein is a Russian name for it, and other cultures call it Glühwein (Germany), Glögg, gløgg, glögi (Nordic countries), vinho quente (Brazil), greyano vino (Bulgaria), and karštas vynas (Lithuania) to name a few.

Here’s a German/Australian recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20538/gluehwein/

Have you ever tried mulled wine? What did you think? What’s your favorite holiday drink?

Follow the Snowflakes: A Christmas Novella (Release Date: December 15, 2017)

At 28, it’s bad to be single. After four years of relationship struggles, Cat is ready to try anything.

Add to Goodreads

Angelina Kerner | Facebook | Twitter

Where Dragons Reside (Blog) | Pinterest | Goodreads

Amazon

Kobo

Thank you!

25 days of Follow the Snowflakes Trivia starts today 10 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Hi There!

Rules

It’s a party! For 25 days.

Don’t miss the Trivia posts in my Blog!

From November 20th to December 14th, I’ll be celebrating Follow the Snowflakes with trivia!

Comment, like, or share the day’s post for entries to win swag!

The more you participate, the better chance you have at winning! Participate for a chance to win puzzles, magnets, signed copies, and other items.

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Thank you!

25 days of Follow the Snowflakes Trivia starts tomorrow

It’s a party! For 25 days.

Don’t miss the Trivia posts in my Blog!

From November 20th to December 14th, I’ll be celebrating Follow the Snowflakes with trivia!

Comment, like, or share the day’s post for entries to win swag!

The more you participate, the better chance you have at winning! Participate for a chance to win puzzles, magnets, signed copies, and other items.

Rules:

1. Each post has a question at the end. To quality for a ‘comment’ you need to answer the question or tell us a short memory/story.

2. You need to ‘like’ the blog post to get an entry. Liking a tweet or a shared link doesn’t work unless you mention my handle @KernerAngelina (on twitter), angelinakerner (on Instagram), otherwise I may not catch it. Please like it on WordPress, twitter and or on Facebook. My Facebook group is at AngelinaKernerFiction If you guys don’t mention the link or me then I may not catch it and it won’t be counted. Thanks!

3. You need to comment on the blog post with info on where you shared the post to or mention me or the link when you share. That way, I’ll be able to track your shares. ^_^ I will be able to track if you share it on WordPress, Twitter or Facebook. If you guys don’t mention the link or me then I may not catch it and it won’t be counted.

The person with the most comments will receive a 252 piece puzzle of Gardenia from Deity’s Soulmate. I would be excited to receive a pic of the finished puzzle. 😉

Also will receive a signed printed copy of Follow the Snowflakes!

The person with the most likes will win 2 magnets! One is of Chanel from Seven Hours: Challenge Accepted and one of Follow the Snowflakes! The magnet of Follow the Snowflakes shows the painting that is on the cover and previous to illustrations that are at the end of the Christmas Novella. Also will receive a signed printed copy of Follow the Snowflakes!

The person with the most confirmed shares will receive a signed printed copy of Follow the Snowflakes! And a signed copy of Deity’s Soulmate or Seven Hours: Challenge Accepted.

Book Review: Hearts Are Like Balloons @literarydust

Book Title: Hearts Are Like Balloons

Book Author: Candace Robinson

Source: K.U.

Rating: 4.5 Dragon Paws

Warning: Emotional triggers- woman who are pregnant, new mothers/fathers, and those who have lost a loved one be aware that there are some scenes that are hard to swallow.

First of all, I love the cover. I get a feeling that the balloons will any minute fly away. Second of all, I’m really impressed with the story telling. It has the right tone and conveys May’s feelings perfectly. The reason behind deducting a .5 is because there were a couple of missing quotation marks and it was a bit confusing to read.

Back to talking about this amazing piece of work. I’m very happy that I finally got a chance to read May’s story. It was a pleasure seeing her grow, especially after so much tragedy. When it comes to stories of the heart, the emotions are key and Candace nailed it. Sure, there was a couple of scenes that made me really depressed, but as May was able to pull through it, so was I.

I highly recommend this book to those who understand what hard times are and know that there is always something to look forward to.